Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 33,600	$ (7,722)	$ 72,232	$ (36,066)
Currency translation adjustments	16,165	10,551	(9,296)	(44,200)
Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans	397	213	1,689	17,170
Current period change in fair value of derivatives	452	(111)	1,014	(4,092)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	279	1,608	(2,746)	(103)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	17,293	12,261	(9,339)	(31,225)
Comprehensive income (loss)	50,893	4,539	62,893	(67,291)
Less: (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(38)	(14)	(53)	81
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 50,855	$ 4,525	$ 62,840	$ (67,210)