Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Note 6—Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, after the deduction of preferred stock dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive share equivalents outstanding not classified as participating securities. Participating securities are defined as unvested stock-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends.

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2011			2010			2009
Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company	$	69,852		$	38,104		$	43,295
Preferred stock dividends		(42	)		(42	)		(42	)
Income available to common equity		69,810			38,062			43,253
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(755	)		(365	)		(327	)
Income available to common shareholders		69,055			37,697			42,926
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.91		$	1.06		$	1.21
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.87		$	1.05		$	1.21
Basic shares outstanding		36,221			35,880			35,668
Stock options and other stock compensation		610			542			211
Diluted shares outstanding		36,831			36,422			35,879
Antidilutive stock options		894			760			749