CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 03, 2011	Jul. 04, 2010	Jul. 03, 2011	Jul. 04, 2010
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 268,399	$ 255,770	$ 530,919	$ 509,227
Cost of goods sold	214,725	200,725	424,303	402,814
Production margin	53,674	55,045	106,616	106,413
Marketing and administrative expenses	23,710	22,592	46,839	44,932
Research and development expenses	4,897	4,928	9,766	10,052
Restructuring and other costs	0	13	230	865
Income from operations	25,067	27,512	49,781	50,564
Non-operating income (deductions), net	(799)	535	(1,636)	486
Income from continuing operations before provision for taxes	24,268	28,047	48,145	51,050
Provision for taxes on income	7,112	8,414	14,299	15,315
Consolidated net income	17,156	19,633	33,846	35,735
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	743	674	1,652	1,407
Net income attribute to Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTI)	$ 16,413	$ 18,959	$ 32,194	$ 34,328
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 0.90	$ 1.01	$ 1.77	$ 1.83
Diluted	$ 0.90	$ 1.01	$ 1.75	$ 1.83
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic	18,177	18,700	18,227	18,734
Diluted	18,290	18,749	18,353	18,793