Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 17, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000066570
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	MSA
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,212,881
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1.4