Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 47,693	$ 25,448	$ 83,235	$ 62,084
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 6)	(31,606)	6,018	(25,714)	(4,205)
Pension and post-retirement plan actuarial gains, net of tax (Note 6)	2,330	3,657	4,594	7,369
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities (Note 6)	(9)	1	(18)	(4)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(29,285)	9,676	(21,138)	3,160
Comprehensive income	18,408	35,124	62,097	65,244
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(135)	0	(356)
Comprehensive income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$ 18,408	$ 34,989	$ 62,097	$ 64,888