Consolidated Statement Of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statement Of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,173,227	$ 976,631	$ 909,991
Other income	5,381	6,037	5,860
Total revenues	1,178,608	982,668	915,851
Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold	702,991	606,532	573,266
Selling, general and administrative	306,367	262,940	230,894
Research and development	39,245	32,784	28,781
Restructuring and other charges	8,559	14,121	11,378
Interest expense	14,117	8,707	7,080
Currency exchange losses (gains)	2,511	235	(888)
Total costs and expenses	1,073,790	925,319	850,511
Income before income taxes	104,818	57,349	65,340
Provision for income taxes	34,773	18,290	22,003
Net income	70,045	39,059	43,337
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(193)	(955)	(42)
Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company	$ 69,852	$ 38,104	$ 43,295
Earnings per share attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company common shareholders
Basic	$ 1.91	$ 1.06	$ 1.21
Diluted	$ 1.87	$ 1.05	$ 1.21