Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 12,073	$ 9,450
Foreign currency translation adjustments	13,948	(24,050)
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $1,044 and $1,417	1,892	2,529
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	15,840	(21,521)
Comprehensive income (loss)	27,913	(12,071)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2	490
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$ 27,915	$ (11,581)