Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 58,583	$ 179,630	$ 21,788
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 6)	21,682	(19,453)	(25,354)
Pension and post-retirement plan actuarial gains, net of tax (Note 6)	7,683	6,961	58,256
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities (Note 6)	2	3	(4)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income (Note 6)	101	2,912	267
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	29,468	(9,577)	33,165
Comprehensive income	88,051	170,053	54,953
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	(356)
Comprehensive income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$ 88,051	$ 170,053	$ 54,597