Earnings Per Share - Basic (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 39,658	$ 31,622	$ 59,473
Less: Income Allocated to Participating Securities	(148)	(90)	(253)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 39,510	$ 31,532	$ 59,220
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	17,719,792	15,126,928	13,268,047
Basic earnings per common share	$ 2.23	$ 2.08	$ 4.46