Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 31,073	$ 27,342	$ 103,305	$ (8,724)
Currency translation adjustments	(19,905)	33,618	(29,201)	(10,582)
Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans	904	(257)	2,593	16,913
Current period change in fair value of derivatives	436	354	1,450	(3,738)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	(215)	556	(2,961)	453
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(18,780)	34,271	(28,119)	3,046
Comprehensive income (loss)	12,293	61,613	75,186	(5,678)
Less: (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(15)	(56)	(68)	25
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 12,278	$ 61,557	$ 75,118	$ (5,653)