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Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]    
Percentage of LIFO inventories on total inventories 15.00%us-gaap_PercentageOfLIFOInventory 21.00%us-gaap_PercentageOfLIFOInventory
Reduced cost of sales $ 2.1msa_EffectOfLifoLiquidationOnCostOfSales  
Increase in income due to effect of liquidations $ 1.4us-gaap_EffectOfLIFOInventoryLiquidationOnIncome