Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 67,944	$ 87,927	$ 88,049
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(49,067)	(40,568)	(7,281)
Pension and post-retirement plan actuarial gains (losses), net of tax	6,181	(48,490)	54,951
Comprehensive net income (loss)	25,058	(1,131)	135,719
Comprehensive net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,280	1,176	1,331
Comprehensive net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$ 29,338	$ 45	$ 137,050