Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 27,342	$ (12,981)	$ (8,724)	$ 16,568
Currency translation adjustments	33,618	(28,305)	(10,582)	(29,256)
Defined benefit retirement plans	(257)	1,126	16,913	2,354
Current period change in fair value of derivatives	354	0	(3,738)	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	556	(81)	453	1,499
Other comprehensive income (loss)	34,271	(27,260)	3,046	(25,403)
Comprehensive income (loss)	61,613	(40,241)	(5,678)	(8,835)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(56)	22	25	(115)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 61,557	$ (40,219)	$ (5,653)	$ (8,950)