Earnings Per Share - Diluted (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)	(252)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 39,510	$ 31,532	$ 59,221
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	17,719,792	15,126,928	13,268,047
Effect of Dilutive Securities	31,087	36,243	36,685
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	17,750,879	15,163,171	13,304,732
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 2.22	$ 2.08	$ 4.45