Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 97,355	$ 96,265
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,314 and $7,306	200,634	200,364
Inventories	145,217	136,837
Deferred tax assets	20,136	22,458
Prepaid income taxes	9,580	9,181
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,394	35,861
Total current assets	501,316	500,966
Property, plant and equipment	152,377	152,755
Prepaid pension cost	130,414	121,054
Deferred tax assets	16,523	14,996
Goodwill	255,049	260,134
Intangible assets	31,909	35,029
Other noncurrent assets	172,717	149,336
Total assets	1,260,305	1,234,270
Current liabilities
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	6,671	7,500
Accounts payable	67,253	66,902
Employees’ compensation	42,520	38,164
Insurance and product liability	14,339	14,251
Taxes liabilities	4,582	3,662
Other current liabilities	58,965	61,085
Total current liabilities	194,330	191,564
Long-term debt	270,667	260,667
Pensions and other employee benefits	146,344	152,084
Deferred tax liabilities	48,365	49,621
Other noncurrent liabilities	10,941	7,987
Total liabilities	670,647	661,923
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, 4 1/2% cumulative, $50 par value	3,569	3,569
Common stock, no par value	146,808	132,055
Stock compensation trust	0	(1,585)
Treasury shares, at cost	(286,461)	(281,524)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(93,596)	(78,269)
Retained earnings	813,982	792,206
Total MSA Safety Incorporated shareholders' equity	584,302	566,452
Noncontrolling interests	5,356	5,895
Total shareholders’ equity	589,658	572,347
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 1,260,305	$ 1,234,270