Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 03, 2021	Jun. 26, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000891014
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-11430
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	25-1190717
Entity Address, Address Line One	622 THIRD AVENUE
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10017-6707
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	878-1800
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.10 par value
Trading Symbol	MTX
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1.3
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,847,751