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Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 7,821us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent $ 7,306us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent
Percentage of cumulative preferred stock 4.50%msa_PercentageOfCumulativePreferredStock 4.50%msa_PercentageOfCumulativePreferredStock
Preferred stock, par value $ 50us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare $ 50us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare
Common stock, par value $ 0us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue $ 0us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue