Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,112,058		$ 1,110,443		$ 1,112,814
Other (loss) income, net	(175)		10,876		5,458
Sales	1,111,883		1,121,319		1,118,272
Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold	615,213		620,895		654,447
Selling, general and administrative	309,206		312,858		297,779
Research and development	45,858		40,900		39,245
Restructuring and other charges	5,344		2,787		8,559
Interest expense	10,677		11,344		14,116
Currency exchange losses, net	5,452		3,192		3,051
Costs and Expenses, Total	991,750		991,976		1,017,197
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	120,133	[1]	129,343	[1]	101,075	[1]
Provision for income taxes	35,145	[1]	41,401	[1]	33,807	[1]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Income from continuing operations	84,988		87,942		67,268
Income from discontinued operations	3,061		3,819		2,777
Net income	88,049		91,761		70,045
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	198		(1,124)		(193)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Income from continuing operations	85,858		87,557		67,518
Income from discontinued operations	2,389		3,080		2,334
Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company	$ 88,247		$ 90,637		$ 69,852
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Income from continuing operations, Basic (dollars per share)	$ 2.31	[2]	$ 2.37	[2]	$ 1.85
Income from discontinued operations, Basic (dollars per share)	$ 0.06	[2]	$ 0.08	[2]	$ 0.06
Basic	$ 2.37		$ 2.45		$ 1.91
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Income from continuing operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	$ 2.28	[2]	$ 2.34	[2]	$ 1.81
Income from discontinued operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	$ 0.06	[2]	$ 0.08	[2]	$ 0.06
Diluted	$ 2.34		$ 2.42		$ 1.87

[1] The components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes relate to continuing operations.

[2] Per share amounts are calculated independently for each period presented; therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the per share amounts for the year.