Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,133,885		$ 1,112,058		$ 1,110,443
Other income (loss), net	2,765		(175)		10,876
Sales	1,136,650		1,111,883		1,121,319
Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold	618,536		615,213		620,895
Selling, general and administrative	322,797		309,206		312,858
Research and development	48,247		45,858		40,900
Restructuring and other charges	8,515		5,344		2,787
Interest expense	9,851		10,677		11,344
Currency exchange losses, net	1,509		5,452		3,192
Costs and Expenses, Total	1,009,455		991,750		991,976
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	127,195	[1]	120,133	[1]	129,343	[1]
Provision for income taxes	41,044	[1]	35,145	[1]	41,401	[1]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Income from continuing operations	86,151		84,988		87,942
Income from discontinued operations	1,776		3,061		3,819
Net income	87,927		88,049		91,761
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	579		198		(1,124)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Income from continuing operations	87,447		85,858		87,557
Income from discontinued operations	1,059		2,389		3,080
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$ 88,506		$ 88,247		$ 90,637
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Income from continuing operations, Basic (dollars per share)	$ 2.34	[2]	$ 2.31	[2]	$ 2.37
Income from discontinued operations, Basic (dollars per share)	$ 0.03	[2]	$ 0.06	[2]	$ 0.08
Basic	$ 2.37		$ 2.37		$ 2.45
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Income from continuing operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	$ 2.30	[2]	$ 2.28	[2]	$ 2.34
Income from discontinued operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	$ 0.03	[2]	$ 0.06	[2]	$ 0.08
Diluted	$ 2.33		$ 2.34		$ 2.42

[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.