Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 31,931	$ 23,845	$ 44,004	$ 33,295
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15,056)	3,891	(1,108)	(20,159)
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) into earnings	2,022	0	4,125	0
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax	1,894	2,623	3,786	5,152
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(11,140)	6,514	6,803	(15,007)
Comprehensive income	20,791	30,359	50,807	18,288
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,252)	649	(2,250)	1,139
Comprehensive income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$ 18,539	$ 31,008	$ 48,557	$ 19,427