Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule Of Earnings Per Share

(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