Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 179,630	$ 21,788	$ 125,138
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 6)	(19,453)	(25,354)	22,260
Pension and post-retirement plan actuarial gains, net of tax (Note 6)	6,961	58,256	9,296
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities (Note 6)	3	(4)	(7)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income (Note 6)	2,912	267	216
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(9,577)	33,165	31,765
Comprehensive income	170,053	54,953	156,903
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(356)	(1,220)
Comprehensive income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$ 170,053	$ 54,597	$ 155,683