Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 102,212	$ 96,265
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,162 and $7,306	204,730	200,364
Inventories	146,995	136,837
Deferred tax assets	19,742	22,458
Prepaid income taxes	7,760	9,181
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	35,110	35,861
Total current assets	516,549	500,966
Property, plant and equipment	153,204	152,755
Prepaid pension cost	123,179	121,054
Deferred tax assets	16,827	14,996
Goodwill	260,188	260,134
Intangible assets	34,107	35,029
Other noncurrent assets	170,431	149,336
Total assets	1,274,485	1,234,270
Current liabilities
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	6,796	7,500
Accounts payable	72,433	66,902
Employees’ compensation	35,072	38,164
Insurance and product liability	35,618	14,251
Taxes on income	3,034	3,662
Other current liabilities	53,479	61,085
Total current liabilities	206,432	191,564
Long-term debt	276,667	260,667
Pensions and other employee benefits	153,202	152,084
Deferred tax liabilities	49,614	49,621
Other noncurrent liabilities	7,682	7,987
Total liabilities	693,597	661,923
Commitments and contingencies
Mine Safety Appliances Company shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, 4 1/2% cumulative, $50 par value	3,569	3,569
Common stock, no par value	141,006	132,055
Stock compensation trust	(337)	(1,585)
Treasury shares, at cost	(286,421)	(281,524)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(77,667)	(78,269)
Retained earnings	795,051	792,206
Total MSA Safety Incorporated shareholders' equity	575,201	566,452
Noncontrolling interests	5,687	5,895
Total shareholders’ equity	580,888	572,347
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 1,274,485	$ 1,234,270