MSA Safety (MSA) 10-Q 23 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 17, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'MSA	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MSA Safety Incorporated	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000066570	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	37,347,067

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net sales	$265,045	$269,886
Other income (loss), net	356	-137
Revenues, Total	265,401	269,749
Costs and expenses	'	'
Cost of products sold	143,230	148,182
Selling, general and administrative	85,241	81,608
Research and development	11,241	10,584
Restructuring charges	1,900	0
Interest expense	2,530	2,660
Currency exchange losses, net	352	1,252
Costs and Expenses, Total	244,494	244,286
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	20,907	25,463
Provision for income taxes	7,604	6,920
Income from continuing operations	13,303	18,543
Income from discontinued operations	614	852
Net income	13,917	19,395
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	109	-109
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	14,026	19,286
Amounts attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders:	'	'
Income from continuing operations	13,522	18,627
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	504	659
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$14,026	$19,286
Basic	'	'
Income from continuing operations, basic (dollars per share)	$0.37	$0.50
Income from discontinued operations, basic (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.02
Net Income,basic (dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.52
Diluted	'	'
Income from continuing operations, diluted (dollars per share)	$0.36	$0.49
Income from discontinued operations, diluted (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.02
Net Income, diluted (dollars per share)	$0.37	$0.51

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$13,917	$19,395
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-958	-5,588
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $805 and $1,278	1,418	2,107
Total other comprehensive income net of tax	460	-3,481
Comprehensive income	14,377	15,914
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	251	439
Comprehensive income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$14,628	$16,353

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$102,212	$96,265
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,162 and $7,306	204,730	200,364
Inventories	146,995	136,837
Deferred tax assets	19,742	22,458
Prepaid income taxes	7,760	9,181
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	35,110	35,861
Total current assets	516,549	500,966
Property, plant and equipment	153,204	152,755
Prepaid pension cost	123,179	121,054
Deferred tax assets	16,827	14,996
Goodwill	260,188	260,134
Intangible assets	34,107	35,029
Other noncurrent assets	170,431	149,336
Total assets	1,274,485	1,234,270
Current liabilities	'	'
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	6,796	7,500
Accounts payable	72,433	66,902
Employees’ compensation	35,072	38,164
Insurance and product liability	35,618	14,251
Taxes on income	3,034	3,662
Other current liabilities	53,479	61,085
Total current liabilities	206,432	191,564
Long-term debt	276,667	260,667
Pensions and other employee benefits	153,202	152,084
Deferred tax liabilities	49,614	49,621
Other noncurrent liabilities	7,682	7,987
Total liabilities	693,597	661,923
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Mine Safety Appliances Company shareholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, 4 1/2% cumulative, $50 par value	3,569	3,569
Common stock, no par value	141,006	132,055
Stock compensation trust	-337	-1,585
Treasury shares, at cost	-286,421	-281,524
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-77,667	-78,269
Retained earnings	795,051	792,206
Total MSA Safety Incorporated shareholders' equity	575,201	566,452
Noncontrolling interests	5,687	5,895
Total shareholders’ equity	580,888	572,347
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$1,274,485	$1,234,270

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$7,162	$7,306
Common stock, par value	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, 4 1/2% Cumulative	'	'
Percentage of cumulative preferred stock	4.50%	4.50%
Preferred stock, par value	$50	$50

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$13,917	$19,395
Depreciation and amortization	7,459	7,845
Pensions	1,402	2,880
Net gain from investing activities-disposal of assets	0	32
Stock-based compensation	5,165	5,195
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	-344	24
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities	-21,774	-20,870
Currency exchange losses, net	345	1,119
Excess tax benefit related to stock plans	-1,769	-650
Other, net	408	-1,061
Operating cash flow before changes in certain working capital items	4,809	13,909
(Increase) in trade receivables	-4,754	-17,895
(Increase) decrease in inventories	-10,409	-1,873
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	17,971	10,061
Decrease in income taxes receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,780	1,854
Decrease (increase) in certain working capital items	4,588	-7,853
Cash Flow From Operating Activities	9,397	6,056
Investing Activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-7,204	-7,452
Property disposals and other investing	0	47
Cash Flow From Investing Activities	-7,204	-7,405
Financing Activities	'	'
(Payments on) proceeds from short-term debt, net	-703	1,182
Proceeds from long-term debt	219,000	104,100
Payments on long-term debt	-203,000	-98,100
Restricted cash	317	0
Cash dividends paid	-11,181	-10,372
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	-275
Company stock purchases	-4,897	-4,033
Exercise of stock options	3,265	2,916
Excess tax benefit related to stock plans	1,769	650
Cash Flow From Financing Activities	4,570	-3,932
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-816	-644
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,947	-5,925
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	96,265	82,718
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$102,212	$76,793

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	$572,347	'
Net income	13,917	19,395
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $805 and $1,278	1,418	2,107
Ending balance	580,888	'
Retained Earnings	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	792,206	747,953
Net income	13,917	19,395
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $805 and $1,278	0	0
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	109	-109
Common dividends	-11,171	-10,362
Preferred dividends	-10	-10
Ending balance	795,051	756,867
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	-78,269	-127,072
Net income	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-958	-5,588
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $805 and $1,278	1,418	2,107
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	142	548
Common dividends	0	0
Preferred dividends	0	0
Ending balance	($77,667)	($130,005)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan1

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss), USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)	'	'
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, tax	$805	$1,278

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of MSA Safety Incorporated and its subsidiaries ("MSA" or the "Company") are unaudited. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary by management to fairly state the Company's results. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The results reported in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. The 2013 year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This Form 10-Q report should be read in conjunction with MSA's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which includes all disclosures required by GAAP.
	Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Refer to Note 8 for further information regarding MSA's sales allocation methodology and Note 18 for further information regarding Discontinued Operations.

Recently_Adopted_and_Recently_

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This ASU requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The adoption of this ASU on January 1, 2014 did not have a material effect on our consolidated statements.
	In March 2013, FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. This ASU 2013-05 addresses the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity. The guidance outlines the events when cumulative translation adjustments should be released into net income. This ASU was adopted on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this ASU may have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, in the event that we were to divest of a foreign affiliate.
	In April 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of an Entity. This ASU 2014-08 amends the definition of a discontinued operation to include a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2015. The adoption of this ASU may have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements in the event that we were to divest of a component that meets the definition of a discontinued operation.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Finished products	$	80,240	$	74,466
	Work in process	9,156		8,108
	Raw materials and supplies	57,599		54,263
	Total inventories	146,995		136,837

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge

Restructuring and Other Charges Restructuring and Other Charges (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Other Charges	'
	Restructuring and Other Charges
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded restructuring charges of $1.9 million ($1.2 million after tax). European segment charges for the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $1.5 million related primarily to severance from staff reductions in Germany and Italy and reorganization costs in Germany. International segment charges for the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $0.4 million were related to severance from staff reductions in Australia.
	We did not incur any restructuring charges during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	Activity and reserve balances for restructuring charges by segment were as follows:
	(in millions)	North America			Europe			International			Total
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2012	$	0.3		$	2.5		$	0.2		$	3
	Cash payments	(0.3		)	(3.8		)	(2.5		)	(6.6		)
	Restructuring charges	—			3			2.3			5.3
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2013	$	—		$	1.7		$	—		$	1.7
	Cash payments	—			(1.1		)	(0.2		)	(1.3		)
	Restructuring charges	—			1.5			0.4			1.9
	Reserve balances at March 31, 2014	$	—		$	2.1		$	0.2		$	2.3

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
		March 31,			December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	3,795		$	3,835
	Buildings	111,436			110,534
	Machinery and equipment	351,647			349,667
	Construction in progress	20,400			16,364
	Total	487,278			480,400
	Less accumulated depreciation	(334,074		)	(327,645		)
	Net property	153,204			152,755

Reclassifications_Out_of_Accum

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by component were as follows:
		MSA Safety Incorporated						Noncontrolling Interests
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension and other postretirement benefits
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(77,080	)	$	(132,031	)	$	—		$	—
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Amortization of prior service cost	(63		)	(80		)	—			—
	Recognized net actuarial losses	2,286			3,465			—			—
	Tax benefit	(805		)	(1,278		)	—			—
	Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	1,418			2,107			—			—
	Balance at end of period	$	(75,662	)	$	(129,924	)	$	—		$	—
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(1,189	)	$	4,959		$	(1,602	)	$	(469	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(816		)	(5,040		)	(142		)	(548		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(2,005	)	$	(81	)	$	(1,744	)	$	(1,017	)
	The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other post-retirement benefit costs (see Note 14—Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits).

Capital_Stock_Notes

Capital Stock (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Capital Stock Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Capital Stock	'
	Capital Stock
	Preferred Stock - The Company has authorized 100,000 shares of $50 par value 4.5% cumulative preferred nonvoting stock which is callable at $52.50. There are 71,373 shares issued and 52,878 shares held in treasury at March 31, 2014. There were no treasury purchases of preferred stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The Company has also authorized 1,000,000 shares of $10 par value second cumulative preferred voting stock. No shares have been issued as of March 31, 2014.
	Common Stock - The Company has authorized 180,000,000 shares of no par value common stock. There were 37,347,653 and 37,202,099 shares outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Stock Compensation Trust - The MSA Safety Incorporated Stock Compensation Trust was established to provide shares for certain benefit plans, including the management equity incentive plan. Shares held by the Stock Compensation Trust and the corresponding cost of those shares, are reported as a reduction of common shares issued. Differences between the cost of the shares held by the Stock Compensation Trust and the market value of shares released for stock-related benefits are reflected in common stock issued. There were 64,642 and 303,668 shares available at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Treasury Shares - In November 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $100.0 million of MSA common stock either through private transactions or open market transactions. The share purchase program has no expiration date. The maximum shares that may be purchased is calculated based on the dollars remaining under the program and the respective month-end closing share price. We do not have any other share purchase programs. There were 24,669,096 and 24,575,624 Treasury Shares at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	We are organized into nine geographic operating segments based on management responsibilities. The operating segments have been aggregated (based on economic similarities, the nature of their products, end-user markets and methods of distribution) into three reportable segments: North America, Europe, and International.
	MSA’s sales are allocated to each country based primarily on the destination of the end-customer. Effective January 1, 2014, the General Monitors business has been fully integrated into MSA. As such, sales made by General Monitors companies now follow a similar allocation methodology by which sales are allocated to each country based on the destination of the end-customer and based on the value added to that order. In prior years, sales made by General Monitors companies were reported as domestic sales based on the country from which the product was shipped. The 2013 results presented below have been restated to reflect this change in allocation methodology.
	Reportable segment information is presented in the following table:
	(In thousands)	North		Europe		International		Reconciling			Consolidated
		America						Items			Totals
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Sales to external customers	$	129,521	$	74,938	$	60,586	$	—		$	265,045
	Intercompany sales	27,897		28,858		3,849		(60,604		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	12,480		4,117		3,859		(6,934		)	13,522
	Discontinued operations	—		—		504		—			504
	(In thousands)	North		Europe		International		Reconciling			Consolidated
		America						Items			Totals
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Sales to external customers	$	128,936	$	73,123	$	67,827	$	—		$	269,886
	Intercompany sales	28,545		25,236		4,877		(58,658		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	12,605		5,383		7,796		(7,157		)	18,627
	Discontinued operations	—		—		659		—			659
	Reconciling items consist primarily of intercompany eliminations and items reported at the corporate level.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	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.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013
	Net income attributable to continuing operations	$	13,522		$	18,627
	Preferred stock dividends	(10		)	(10		)
	Income from continuing operations available to common equity	13,512			18,617
	Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(90		)	(165		)
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	13,422			18,452
	Net income attributable to discontinued operations	$	504		$	659
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—
	Income from discontinued operations available to common equity	504			659
	Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(4		)	(6		)
	Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	500			653
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	37,015			36,734
	Stock options and other stock compensation	602			635
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	37,617			37,369
	Antidilutive stock options	—			173
	Earnings per share attributable to continuing operations:
	Basic	$	0.37		$	0.5
	Diluted	$	0.36		$	0.49
	Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations:
	Basic	$	0.01		$	0.02
	Diluted	$	0.01		$	0.02

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 was 36.4% and 27.2%, respectively. The rate for the first quarter of 2014 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to unrecognized tax benefits on operating losses in foreign affiliates. The rate for the first quarter of 2013 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the one-time benefit from the recognition of the 2012 research and development tax credit as well as tax benefits of earning income in low tax foreign jurisdictions.
	At March 31, 2014, we had a gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $5.9 million. We have recognized tax benefits associated with these liabilities of $5.1 million at March 31, 2014. These balances are unchanged since December 31, 2013. We do not expect that the total amount of the unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of the reporting date.
	We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. Our liability for accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $0.7 million at March 31, 2014.

Stock_Plans

Stock Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Plans	'
	Stock Plans
	The 2008 Management Equity Incentive Plan provides for various forms of stock-based compensation for eligible employees through May 2018. Management stock-based compensation includes stock options, restricted stock, and performance stock units. The 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan provides for grants of stock options and restricted stock to non-employee directors through May 2018. Stock options are granted at market value option prices and expire after ten years. Stock options are exercisable beginning three years after the grant date. Restricted stock is granted without payment to the company and generally vests three years after the grant date. Restricted stock is valued at the market value of the stock on the grant date. Performance stock units with a market condition are valued at an estimated fair value using a Monte Carlo model. The final number of shares to be issued for performance stock units may range from zero to 200% of the target award based on achieving the specified performance targets over the performance period. We issue Stock Compensation Trust shares or new shares for stock option exercises, restricted stock grants, and performance stock unit grants.
	Stock compensation expense is as follows:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2014			2013
	Stock compensation expense		$	5,165		$	5,195
	Income tax benefit		1,890			1,922
	Stock compensation expense, net of income tax benefit		3,275			3,273
	Stock option expense is based on the fair value of stock option grants estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions for options granted in 2014.
		2014
	Fair value per option	$	17.26
	Risk-free interest rate	2.06		%
	Expected dividend yield	2.41		%
	Expected volatility	40.5		%
	Expected life (years)	6.6
	The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity rates as of the grant date converted into an implied spot rate yield curve. Expected dividend yield is based on the most recent annualized dividend divided by the 1 year average closing share price. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility using daily stock prices. Expected life is based on historical stock option exercise data.
	A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 follows:
			Shares		Weighted
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1		1,695,380		$	34.55
	Granted		138,519		51.69
	Exercised		(92,311	)	35.37
	Forfeited		(18,651	)	37.99
	Outstanding at March 31		1,722,937		35.84
	Exercisable at March 31		1,229,401		32.01
	A summary of restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 follows:
			Shares		Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1		303,419		$	39.79
	Granted		68,807		51.69
	Vested		(93,766	)	34.01
	Forfeited		(1,189	)	39.76
	Unvested at March 31		277,271		44.7
	A summary of performance stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 follows:
			Shares		Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1		149,389		$	46.32
	Granted		46,242		57.42
	Performance adjustments		41,428		39.42
	Vested		(88,996	)	39.11
	Unvested at March 31		148,063		52.2
	The final number of shares issued for the 2011 Management Performance Units were 200% of the target award based on Total Shareholder Return during the three year performance period.

LongTerm_Debt_Notes

Long-Term Debt (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	The Company completed a legal Reorganization on March 7, 2014. The Company's existing debt agreements, including its senior revolving credit facility and note purchase agreements were revised to reflect the changes in the Company's legal structure.
	In connection with the legal Reorganization, the Company amended its unsecured senior revolving credit facility and extended the term of the facility until March 2019. The senior revolving facility provides for borrowings up to $300.0 million, with sub-limits for the issuance of letters of credit, swingline borrowings and foreign currency denominated borrowings; and may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, permitted acquisitions, capital expenditures and repayment of existing indebtedness. The credit agreement also allows the Company to request increases in the aggregate commitments of the lenders of up to an additional $150.0 million. Loans under the revolving facility will bear interest, at a variable rate based on LIBOR or the federal funds rate, at the Company's option. At March 31, 2014, $167.6 million of the $300.0 million senior revolving credit facility was unused including letters of credit.
	The Company also entered into a $175.0 million senior unsecured shelf facility with a bank. Under this agreement, the Company may request the bank to purchase additional senior notes from time to time prior to March 7, 2017. The Company would be required to pay the bank an issuance fee in addition to fees defined in the note purchase agreement upon issuance of additional senior notes.
	The amended revolving credit facility and amended note purchase agreements require the Company to comply with specified financial covenants. In addition, the credit facility and the note purchase agreements contain negative covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into specified transactions. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2014.
	The Company had outstanding bank guarantees and standby letters of credit with banks as of March 31, 2014 totaling $6.2 million, of which $2.4 million relate to the senior revolving credit facility. The letters of credit serve to cover customer requirements in connection with certain sales orders and insurance companies. No amounts were drawn on these arrangements at March 31, 2014. The Company is also required to provide cash collateral in connection with certain arrangements. At March 31, 2014, the Company has $2.3 million of restricted cash in support of these arrangements. At March 31, 2014, the Company also has a $4.1 million guarantee relating to voluntary retirement payments for its unionized workers in Germany.
	The Company redeemed $4.0 million of Industrial development debt in February 2014.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Changes in goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Goodwill
	Balance at January 1	$	260,134
	Currency translation	54
	Balance at March 31	260,188
	At March 31, 2014, goodwill of $196.5 million, $61.4 million, and $2.3 million related to the North American, European, and International reportable segments, respectively.
	Changes in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Intangible
		Assets
	Net balance at January 1	$	35,029
	Amortization expense	(928		)
	Currency translation	6
	Net balance at March 31	34,107

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	'
	Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
	Components of net periodic benefit cost consisted of the following:
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	Service cost	$	2,481		$	2,784		$	156		$	172
	Interest cost	4,891			4,468			299			262
	Expected return on plan assets	(8,251		)	(7,725		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost	21			26			(84		)	(106		)
	Recognized net actuarial losses	2,203			3,327			83			138
	Settlement / Curtailment loss	57			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	1,402			2,880			454			466
	We made contributions of $1.1 million to our pension plans during the three months ended March 31, 2014. We expect to make total contributions of approximately $4.5 million to our pension plans in 2014.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	As part of our currency exchange rate risk management strategy, we may enter into certain derivative foreign currency forward contracts that do not meet the U.S. GAAP criteria for hedge accounting, but which have the impact of partially offsetting certain foreign currency exposures. We account for these forward contracts at fair value and report the related gains or losses in currency exchange gains or losses. The notional amount of open forward contracts was $65.4 million and $46.7 million, with an unrealized gain on these contracts of $0.6 million and an unrealized loss of $0.7 million at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value of assets associated with derivative financial instruments:
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts: Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	552			$	1,308
	The following table presents the income statement location and impact of derivative financial instruments:
				Loss
				Recognized in Income
				Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	Income Statement		2014				2013
		Location
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Currency exchange losses, net		$	805			$	1,257

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
	•	Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	•	Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
	•	Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
	The valuation methodologies we used to measure financial assets and liabilities were limited to the derivative financial instruments described in Note 15. We estimate the fair value of the derivative financial instruments, consisting of foreign currency forward contracts, based upon valuation models with inputs that generally can be verified by observable market conditions and do not involve significant management judgment. Accordingly, the fair values of the derivative financial instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	With the exception of fixed rate long-term debt, we believe that the reported carrying amounts of our financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values. The reported carrying amount of our fixed rate long-term debt (including the current portion) was $153.3 million and $160.0 million at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of this debt was $160.1 million and $170.4 million at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of our long-term debt was determined using cash flow valuation models to estimate the market value of similar transactions as of the respective balance sheet dates. The fair value of this debt was determined using Level 2 inputs as described above.

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	We categorize the product liability losses that we experience into two main categories; single incident and cumulative trauma. Single incident product liability claims are discrete incidents that are typically known to us when they occur and involve observable injuries and, therefore, more quantifiable damages. Therefore, we maintain a reserve for single incident product liability claims based on expected settlement costs for pending claims and an estimate of costs for unreported claims derived from experience, sales volumes and other relevant information. Our reserve for single incident product liability claims was $4.3 million at March 31, 2014 and $4.0 million at December 31, 2013. Single incident product liability expense during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was not significant. We evaluate our single incident product liability exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the reserve as new information becomes available.
	Cumulative trauma product liability claims involve exposures to harmful substances (e.g., silica, asbestos and coal dust) that occurred many years ago and may have developed over long periods of time into diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. We are presently named as a defendant in 2,901 lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege to have contracted certain cumulative trauma diseases related to exposure to silica, asbestos, and/or coal dust. These lawsuits mainly involve respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. We are unable to estimate total damages sought in these lawsuits as they generally do not specify the injuries alleged or the amount of damages sought, and potentially involve multiple defendants.
	We regularly assess opportunities to mitigate product liability risk.
	Cumulative trauma product liability litigation is difficult to predict. In our experience, until late in a lawsuit, we cannot reasonably determine whether it is probable that any given cumulative trauma lawsuit will ultimately result in a liability. This uncertainty is caused by many factors, including the following: cumulative trauma complaints generally do not provide information sufficient to determine if a loss is probable; cumulative trauma litigation is inherently unpredictable and information is often insufficient to determine if a lawsuit will develop into an actively litigated case; and even when a case is actively litigated, it is often difficult to determine if the lawsuit will be dismissed or otherwise resolved until late in the lawsuit. Moreover, even once it is probable that such a lawsuit will result in a loss, it is difficult to reasonably estimate the amount of actual loss that will be incurred. These amounts are highly variable and turn on a case-by-case analysis of the relevant facts, which are often not learned until late in the lawsuit.
	Because of these factors, we cannot reliably determine our potential liability for such claims until late in the lawsuit. We, therefore, do not record cumulative trauma product liability losses when a lawsuit is filed, but rather, when we learn sufficient information to determine that it is probable that we will incur a loss and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We record expenses for defense costs associated with open cumulative trauma product liability lawsuits as incurred.
	We cannot estimate any amount or range of possible losses related to resolving pending and future cumulative trauma product liability claims that we may face because of the factors described above. As new information about cumulative trauma product liability cases and future developments becomes available, we reassess our potential exposures.
	A summary of cumulative trauma product liability lawsuit activity follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Open lawsuits, beginning of period	2,840		2,609
	New lawsuits	123		489
	Settled and dismissed lawsuits	(62	)	(258	)
	Open lawsuits, end of period	2,901		2,840
	Nearly half of the open lawsuits at March 31, 2014 have had a de minimus level of activity over the last 5 years. It is possible that these cases could become active again at any point due to changes in circumstances.
	With some common contract exclusions, we maintain insurance for cumulative trauma product liability claims. We have purchased insurance policies for the policy years from 1952-1986 from over 20 different insurance carriers that provide coverage for cumulative trauma product liability losses, and in many instances, related defense costs (the "Occurrence-Based Policies"). In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and for related defense costs. We record receivables for the amounts that are covered by insurance. Since December 31, 2013, the insurance receivable increased by $20.0 million as a result of these settlements and defense costs.
	The available limits of these policies are many times our recorded insurance receivable balance.
	Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of our insurance receivables, including the outcome of negotiations with insurers, legal proceedings with respect to product liability insurance coverage and the extent to which insurers may become insolvent in the future.
	Our insurance receivables at March 31, 2014 totaled $144.8 million, of which $2.0 million is reported in other current assets and $142.8 million in other non-current assets. Our insurance receivables at December 31, 2013 totaled $124.8 million, all of which is reported in other non-current assets.
	A summary of insurance receivable balances and activity related to cumulative trauma product liability losses follows:
	(In millions)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Balance beginning of period	$	124.8		$	130
	Additions	20			34
	Collections and settlements	—			(39.2		)
	Balance end of period	144.8			124.8
	Additions to insurance receivables in the above table represent insured cumulative trauma product liability losses and related defense costs. Uninsured cumulative trauma product liability losses during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $2.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Collections primarily represent agreements with insurance companies to pay amounts due that are applicable to cumulative trauma claims. In cases where the payment stream covers multiple years, the present value of the payments is recorded as a note receivable (current and long term) in the balance sheet within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other noncurrent assets.
	Our aggregate cumulative trauma product liability losses and administrative and defense costs for the three years ended December 31, 2013, totaled approximately $104.2 million, substantially all of which was insured.
	We believe that the increase in the insurance receivable balance that we have experienced since 2005 is primarily due to disagreements among our insurance carriers, and consequently with us, as to when their individual obligations to pay us are triggered and the amount of each insurer’s obligation, as compared to other insurers. We believe that our insurers do not contest that they have issued policies to us or that these policies cover cumulative trauma product liability claims. We believe that our ability to successfully resolve our insurance litigation with various insurance carriers in recent years demonstrates that we have strong legal positions concerning our rights to coverage.
	We regularly evaluate the collectability of the insurance receivables and record the amounts that we conclude are probable of collection. Our conclusions are based on our analysis of the terms of the underlying insurance policies, our experience in successfully recovering cumulative trauma product liability claims from our insurers under other policies, the financial ability of our insurance carriers to pay the claims, our understanding and interpretation of the relevant facts and applicable law and the advice of legal counsel, who believe that our insurers are required to provide coverage based on the terms of the policies.
	Although the outcome of cumulative trauma product liability matters cannot be predicted with certainty and unfavorable resolutions could materially affect our results of operations on a quarter-to-quarter basis, based on information currently available and the amounts of insurance coverage available to us, we believe that the disposition of cumulative trauma product liability lawsuits that are pending against us will not have a materially adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.
	We are currently involved in insurance coverage litigations with a number of our insurance carriers regarding the Occurrence-Based Policies.
	In 2009, we sued The North River Insurance Company (North River) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging that North River breached one of its insurance policies by failing to pay amounts owed to us and that it engaged in bad-faith claims handling. We believe that North River’s refusal to indemnify us under the policy for product liability losses and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all due amounts. Motions for summary judgment on certain issues will be submitted to the court at the earliest possible date. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
	In 2010, North River sued us in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania seeking a declaratory judgment concerning their responsibilities under three additional policies. We asserted claims against North River for breaches of contract for failures to pay amounts owed to us. We also allege that North River engaged in bad-faith claims handling. We believe that North River’s refusal to indemnify us under these policies for product liability losses and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all due amounts. Summary judgment on certain issues is pending with the court. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
	In July 2010, we filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware seeking declaratory and other relief from the majority of our excess insurance carriers concerning the future rights and obligations of MSA and our excess insurance carriers under various insurance policies. The reason for this insurance coverage action is to secure a comprehensive resolution of our rights under the insurance policies issued by our insurers. The case is currently in discovery.
	We have resolved our claims against certain of our insurance carriers on some of their policies, including the Occurrence-Based Policies through negotiated settlements. When a settlement is reached, we dismiss the settling carrier from relevant above noted lawsuit(s). Assuming satisfactory resolution, once disputes are resolved with each of the remaining carriers responsible for the the Occurrence-Based Policies, the Company anticipates having commitments to provide future payment streams which should be sufficient to satisfy its receivables due from insurance carriers. In addition, we likely will retain some coverage through coverage-in-place agreements, although that coverage may not be immediately accessible. When these insurance coverage matters are fully resolved, the Company (and its coverage-in-place carriers, where applicable) will be responsible for expenses related to cumulative trauma product liability claims.

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Assets Held for Sale	'
	Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
	Assets Held for Sale - In September 2013, we entered into an agreement to sell the detector tube assets. The transaction closed in January, 2014. In addition to the asset sale agreement, we entered into transitional manufacturing and sales agreements with the buyer. Under the terms of the transitional agreements, we will continue to manufacture and sell detector tubes on behalf of the buyer until mid-2014. The gain on the transaction of approximately $2.9 million will be recognized in 2014, at the conclusion of the transitional manufacturing period.
	Certain assets related to detector tube manufacturing are classified as held for sale at March 31, 2014. These assets are reported in the following balance sheet lines:
	(In millions)	31-Mar-14
	Inventory	$	1.9
	Property, net of depreciation	0.2
	Total assets	2.1
	Discontinued Operations - The Company is actively negotiating the sale of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its South African personal protective equipment distribution business and its Zambian operations. Management has deemed it probable that the sale of these assets and liabilities will close within the next twelve months. The operations of this business qualify as a component of an entity under FASB ASC 205-20 "Presentation of Financial Statements - Discontinued Operations", and thus the operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations and prior periods have been reclassified to conform to this presentation. Management does not believe the assets associated with the South African distribution business or the Zambian operations are impaired at March 31, 2014.
	Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Discontinued Operations
	Net sales	$	10,060		$	13,353
	Other income, net	14			17
	Cost and expenses:
	Cost of products sold	7,697			10,275
	Selling, general and administrative	1,554			1,979
	Interest expense	—			—
	Currency exchange losses, net	(7		)	(133		)
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	830			1,249
	Provision for income taxes	216			397
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	614			852
	Certain balance sheet items are related to the Company's South African personal protective equipment distribution business and its Zambian operations are reported as discontinued operations. These items are reported in the following balance sheet lines:
		March 31,			December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Discontinued Operations assets and liabilities
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,308		$	2,980
	Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	7,179			7,452
	Inventories	11,783			11,359
	Net property	315			317
	Other assets	1,019			1,326
	Total assets	21,604			23,434
	Accounts payable	3,172			5,447
	Accrued and other liabilities	1,166			930
	Total liabilities	4,338			6,377
	Net assets	17,266			17,057
	The following summary provides financial information for discontinued operations related to net loss (income) related to noncontrolling interests:
		Three months ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014				2013
	Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
	Loss from continuing operations	$	219			$	84
	(Income) from discontinued operations	(110		)		(193		)
	Net loss (income)	109				(109		)

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventories	'
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Finished products	$	80,240	$	74,466
	Work in process	9,156		8,108
	Raw materials and supplies	57,599		54,263
	Total inventories	146,995		136,837

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge1

Restructuring and Other Charges Restructuring and Related Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Costs	'
	Activity and reserve balances for restructuring charges by segment were as follows:
	(in millions)	North America			Europe			International			Total
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2012	$	0.3		$	2.5		$	0.2		$	3
	Cash payments	(0.3		)	(3.8		)	(2.5		)	(6.6		)
	Restructuring charges	—			3			2.3			5.3
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2013	$	—		$	1.7		$	—		$	1.7
	Cash payments	—			(1.1		)	(0.2		)	(1.3		)
	Restructuring charges	—			1.5			0.4			1.9
	Reserve balances at March 31, 2014	$	—		$	2.1		$	0.2		$	2.3

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
		March 31,			December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	3,795		$	3,835
	Buildings	111,436			110,534
	Machinery and equipment	351,647			349,667
	Construction in progress	20,400			16,364
	Total	487,278			480,400
	Less accumulated depreciation	(334,074		)	(327,645		)
	Net property	153,204			152,755

Reclassifications_Out_of_Accum1

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Reclassification of Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
		MSA Safety Incorporated						Noncontrolling Interests
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension and other postretirement benefits
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(77,080	)	$	(132,031	)	$	—		$	—
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Amortization of prior service cost	(63		)	(80		)	—			—
	Recognized net actuarial losses	2,286			3,465			—			—
	Tax benefit	(805		)	(1,278		)	—			—
	Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	1,418			2,107			—			—
	Balance at end of period	$	(75,662	)	$	(129,924	)	$	—		$	—
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(1,189	)	$	4,959		$	(1,602	)	$	(469	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(816		)	(5,040		)	(142		)	(548		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(2,005	)	$	(81	)	$	(1,744	)	$	(1,017	)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Reportable Segment Information	'
	(In thousands)	North		Europe		International		Reconciling			Consolidated
		America						Items			Totals
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Sales to external customers	$	129,521	$	74,938	$	60,586	$	—		$	265,045
	Intercompany sales	27,897		28,858		3,849		(60,604		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	12,480		4,117		3,859		(6,934		)	13,522
	Discontinued operations	—		—		504		—			504
	(In thousands)	North		Europe		International		Reconciling			Consolidated
		America						Items			Totals
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Sales to external customers	$	128,936	$	73,123	$	67,827	$	—		$	269,886
	Intercompany sales	28,545		25,236		4,877		(58,658		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	12,605		5,383		7,796		(7,157		)	18,627
	Discontinued operations	—		—		659		—			659

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	'
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013
	Net income attributable to continuing operations	$	13,522		$	18,627
	Preferred stock dividends	(10		)	(10		)
	Income from continuing operations available to common equity	13,512			18,617
	Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(90		)	(165		)
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	13,422			18,452
	Net income attributable to discontinued operations	$	504		$	659
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—
	Income from discontinued operations available to common equity	504			659
	Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(4		)	(6		)
	Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	500			653
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	37,015			36,734
	Stock options and other stock compensation	602			635
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	37,617			37,369
	Antidilutive stock options	—			173
	Earnings per share attributable to continuing operations:
	Basic	$	0.37		$	0.5
	Diluted	$	0.36		$	0.49
	Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations:
	Basic	$	0.01		$	0.02
	Diluted	$	0.01		$	0.02

Stock_Plans_Tables

Stock Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock Compensation Expense	'
	Stock compensation expense is as follows:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2014			2013
	Stock compensation expense		$	5,165		$	5,195
	Income tax benefit		1,890			1,922
	Stock compensation expense, net of income tax benefit		3,275			3,273
Schedule of Valuation Assumptions	'
	Stock option expense is based on the fair value of stock option grants estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions for options granted in 2014.
		2014
	Fair value per option	$	17.26
	Risk-free interest rate	2.06		%
	Expected dividend yield	2.41		%
	Expected volatility	40.5		%
	Expected life (years)	6.6
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 follows:
			Shares		Weighted
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1		1,695,380		$	34.55
	Granted		138,519		51.69
	Exercised		(92,311	)	35.37
	Forfeited		(18,651	)	37.99
	Outstanding at March 31		1,722,937		35.84
	Exercisable at March 31		1,229,401		32.01
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity	'
	A summary of restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 follows:
			Shares		Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1		303,419		$	39.79
	Granted		68,807		51.69
	Vested		(93,766	)	34.01
	Forfeited		(1,189	)	39.76
	Unvested at March 31		277,271		44.7
Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity	'
	A summary of performance stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 follows:
			Shares		Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1		149,389		$	46.32
	Granted		46,242		57.42
	Performance adjustments		41,428		39.42
	Vested		(88,996	)	39.11
	Unvested at March 31		148,063		52.2

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Goodwill	'
	Changes in goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Goodwill
	Balance at January 1	$	260,134
	Currency translation	54
	Balance at March 31	260,188
Changes in Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization	'
	three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Intangible
		Assets
	Net balance at January 1	$	35,029
	Amortization expense	(928		)
	Currency translation	6
	Net balance at March 31	34,107

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	Service cost	$	2,481		$	2,784		$	156		$	172
	Interest cost	4,891			4,468			299			262
	Expected return on plan assets	(8,251		)	(7,725		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost	21			26			(84		)	(106		)
	Recognized net actuarial losses	2,203			3,327			83			138
	Settlement / Curtailment loss	57			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	1,402			2,880			454			466

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Balance Sheet Location and Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value of assets associated with derivative financial instruments:
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts: Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	552			$	1,308
Income Statement Location and Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	The following table presents the income statement location and impact of derivative financial instruments:
				Loss
				Recognized in Income
				Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	Income Statement		2014				2013
		Location
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Currency exchange losses, net		$	805			$	1,257

Contingencies_Tables

Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Claims Activity	'
	A summary of cumulative trauma product liability lawsuit activity follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Open lawsuits, beginning of period	2,840		2,609
	New lawsuits	123		489
	Settled and dismissed lawsuits	(62	)	(258	)
	Open lawsuits, end of period	2,901		2,840
Summary of Insurance Receivable Balances and Activity Related to Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Losses	'
	A summary of insurance receivable balances and activity related to cumulative trauma product liability losses follows:
	(In millions)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Balance beginning of period	$	124.8		$	130
	Additions	20			34
	Collections and settlements	—			(39.2		)
	Balance end of period	144.8			124.8

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco1

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets Held for Sale	'
	Certain assets related to detector tube manufacturing are classified as held for sale at March 31, 2014. These assets are reported in the following balance sheet lines:
	(In millions)	31-Mar-14
	Inventory	$	1.9
	Property, net of depreciation	0.2
	Total assets	2.1
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	'
	Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Discontinued Operations
	Net sales	$	10,060		$	13,353
	Other income, net	14			17
	Cost and expenses:
	Cost of products sold	7,697			10,275
	Selling, general and administrative	1,554			1,979
	Interest expense	—			—
	Currency exchange losses, net	(7		)	(133		)
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	830			1,249
	Provision for income taxes	216			397
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	614			852
	Certain balance sheet items are related to the Company's South African personal protective equipment distribution business and its Zambian operations are reported as discontinued operations. These items are reported in the following balance sheet lines:
		March 31,			December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Discontinued Operations assets and liabilities
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,308		$	2,980
	Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	7,179			7,452
	Inventories	11,783			11,359
	Net property	315			317
	Other assets	1,019			1,326
	Total assets	21,604			23,434
	Accounts payable	3,172			5,447
	Accrued and other liabilities	1,166			930
	Total liabilities	4,338			6,377
	Net assets	17,266			17,057
	The following summary provides financial information for discontinued operations related to net loss (income) related to noncontrolling interests:
		Three months ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014				2013
	Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
	Loss from continuing operations	$	219			$	84
	(Income) from discontinued operations	(110		)		(193		)
	Net loss (income)	109				(109		)

Schedule_of_Inventories_Detail

Schedule of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished products	$80,240	$74,466
Work in process	9,156	8,108
Raw materials and supplies	57,599	54,263
Total inventories	$146,995	$136,837

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge2

Restructuring and Other Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges, net of tax	$1,200,000	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance	1,700,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
Cash payments	-1,300,000	'	-6,600,000
Restructuring charges	1,900,000	0	5,300,000
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	2,300,000	'	1,700,000
North America	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance	0	300,000	300,000
Cash payments	0	'	-300,000
Restructuring charges	0	'	0
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	0	'	0
Europe	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Severance costs	1,500,000	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance	1,700,000	2,500,000	2,500,000
Cash payments	-1,100,000	'	-3,800,000
Restructuring charges	1,500,000	'	3,000,000
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	2,100,000	'	1,700,000
International	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Severance costs	400,000	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance	0	200,000	200,000
Cash payments	-200,000	'	-2,500,000
Restructuring charges	400,000	'	2,300,000
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	$200,000	'	$0

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$487,278	$480,400
Less accumulated depreciation	-334,074	-327,645
Net property	153,204	152,755
Land	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,795	3,835
Building	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	111,436	110,534
Machinery and Equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	351,647	349,667
Construction in Progress	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$20,400	$16,364

Reclassification_of_Pension_an

Reclassification of Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plan Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Parent [Member]	Parent [Member]	Parent [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	'	'	($77,080)	($132,031)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service cost	'	'	-63	-80	'	'	'	'	'	'
Recognized net actuarial losses	'	'	2,286	3,465	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit	'	'	-805	-1,278	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification from AOCI, current period, net of tax	'	'	1,418	2,107	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at end of period	'	'	-75,662	-129,924	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-1,189	4,959	-2,005	-81	-1,602	-469	-1,744	-1,017
Foreign currency translation adjustments, parent	'	'	-816	-5,040	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	-142	-548	'	'
Ending balance	($77,667)	($78,269)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Capital_Stock_Details

Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2005
			4 1/2% Cumulative Preferred Nonvoting Stock	Second Cumulative Preferred Voting Stock	Board of Directors
Capital Unit [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	'	100,000	1,000,000	'
Preferred stock, par value	'	'	$50	$10	'
Percentage of cumulative preferred stock	'	'	4.50%	'	'
Preferred stock, callable price per share	'	'	$52.50	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'	71,373	0	'
Treasury share, number of shares held	'	'	52,878	'	'
Purchase of treasury shares	'	'	$0	'	'
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	180,000,000	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0	$0	'	'	'
Common stock, shares, outstanding	37,347,653	37,202,099	'	'	'
Common stock, shares, issued	64,642	303,668	'	'	'
Common stock, value, issued	'	'	'	'	$100,000,000
Treasury stock, shares	24,669,096	24,575,624	'	'	'

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of geographic operating segments	9
Number of reportable segments	3

Schedule_of_Reportable_Segment

Schedule of Reportable Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Sales to external customers	$265,045	$269,886
Intercompany sales	0	0
Net income:	'	'
Continuing operations	13,522	18,627
Discontinued operations	504	659
North America	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Sales to external customers	129,521	128,936
Intercompany sales	27,897	28,545
Net income:	'	'
Continuing operations	12,480	12,605
Discontinued operations	0	0
Europe	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Sales to external customers	74,938	73,123
Intercompany sales	28,858	25,236
Net income:	'	'
Continuing operations	4,117	5,383
Discontinued operations	0	0
International	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Sales to external customers	60,586	67,827
Intercompany sales	3,849	4,877
Net income:	'	'
Continuing operations	3,859	7,796
Discontinued operations	504	659
Reconciling Items	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Sales to external customers	0	0
Intercompany sales	-60,604	-58,658
Net income:	'	'
Continuing operations	-6,934	-7,157
Discontinued operations	$0	$0

Schedule_of_Earnings_Per_Share

Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings per share attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders:	'	'
Net income attributable to continuing operations	$13,522	$18,627
Preferred stock dividends	-10	-10
Income from continuing operations available to common equity	13,512	18,617
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	-90	-165
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	13,422	18,452
Net income attributable to discontinued operations	504	659
Preferred stock dividends	0	0
Income from discontinued operations available to common equity	504	659
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	-4	-6
Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	$500	$653
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	37,015	36,734
Stock options and other stock compensation	602	635
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	37,617	37,369
Antidilutive stock options	0	173
Earnings per share attributable to continuing operations:	'	'
Income from continuing operations, basic (dollars per share)	$0.37	$0.50
Income from continuing operations, diluted (dollars per share)	$0.36	$0.49
Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations:	'	'
Income from discontinued operations, basic (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.02
Income from discontinued operations, diluted (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.02

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Effective income tax rate	36.40%	27.20%
U.S. federal income tax rate	35.00%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$5.90	'
Recognized tax benefits	5.1	'
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$0.70	'

Stock_Plans_Additional_Informa

Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock options expiration period	'10 years
Stock options exercisable period after grant date	'3 years
Minimum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentage of target award based on achieving specified performance targets	0.00%
Maximum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Percentage of target award based on achieving specified performance targets	200.00%
Restricted Stock	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Vest period	'3 years

Schedule_of_Stock_Compensation

Schedule of Stock Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Stock compensation expense	$5,165	$5,195
Income tax benefit	1,890	1,922
Stock compensation expense, net of income tax benefit	$3,275	$3,273

Stock_Plans_Weighted_Average_R

Stock Plans Weighted Average Risk Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Fair value per option	$17.26
Risk-free interest rate	2.06%
Expected dividend yield	2.41%
Expected volatility	40.50%
Expected life (years)	'6 years 7 months 6 days

Summary_of_Stock_Option_Activi

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding Beginning balance,Shares	1,695,380
Granted, Shares	138,519
Exercised, Shares	-92,311
Forfeited, Shares	-18,651
Outstanding Ending balance,Shares	1,722,937
Exercisable Ending balance,Shares	1,229,401
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Outstanding Beginning balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$34.55
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$51.69
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$35.37
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$37.99
Outstanding Ending balance,Weighted Average Exercise Price	$35.84
Exercisable Ending balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.01

Summary_of_Restricted_Stock_Ac

Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock Activity, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Activity	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Unvested Shares, Beginning Balance	303,419
Granted, Shares	68,807
Vested, Shares	-93,766
Forfeited, Shares	-1,189
Unvested Shares, Ending Balance	277,271
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Beginning Balance	$39.79
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$51.69
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$34.01
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$39.76
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Ending Balance	$44.70

Summary_of_Performance_Stock_U

Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (Performance Stock Unit Activity, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Performance Stock Unit Activity	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Unvested Shares, Beginning Balance	149,389
Granted, Shares	46,242
Performance adjustments, Shares	41,428
Vested, Shares	-88,996
Unvested Shares, Ending Balance	148,063
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Beginning Balance	$46.32
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$57.42
Performance adjustments, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$39.42
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$39.11
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Ending Balance	$52.20

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Unsecured senior revolving credit facility	$300
Increase in the senior credit facility	150
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	167.6
Letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding, amount	6.2
Voluntary retirement payments guaranteed	4.1
Industrial Development Debt Payable Through 2022, 0.30%	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Extinguishment of debt, amount	4
Revolving Credit Facility	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	2.4
Unspecified Arrangement	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	2.3
Senior Notes	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, potential face amount	$175

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$260,188	$260,134
North America	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	196,500	'
Europe	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	61,400	'
International	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$2,300	'

Changes_in_Goodwill_Detail

Changes in Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at January 1	$260,134
Currency translation	54
Balance at March 31	$260,188

Changes_in_Intangible_Assets_N

Changes in Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'
Net balance at January 1	$35,029
Amortization expense	-928
Currency translation	6
Net balance at March 31	$34,107

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension plans contributions	$1.10
Total pension plans contributions for the period	$4.50

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Ben

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$2,481	$2,784
Interest cost	4,891	4,468
Expected return on plan assets	-8,251	-7,725
Amortization of prior service cost	21	26
Recognized net actuarial losses	2,203	3,327
Settlement / Curtailment loss	57	0
Net periodic benefit cost	1,402	2,880
Other Benefits	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	156	172
Interest cost	299	262
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	-84	-106
Recognized net actuarial losses	83	138
Settlement / Curtailment loss	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$454	$466

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (Foreign exchange contract, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Foreign exchange contract	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount of open forward contracts	$65.40	$46.70
Unrealized gain (loss) on contract	$0.60	($0.70)

Balance_Sheet_Location_and_Fai

Balance Sheet Location and Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (Foreign exchange contract, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Foreign exchange contract	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange contracts: Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$552	$1,308

Income_Statement_Location_and_

Income Statement Location and Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Foreign exchange contract, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contract	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Currency exchange losses, net	$805	$1,257

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Carrying amount of fixed rate long-term debt	$153.30	$160
Fair value of long-term debt	$160.10	$170.40

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		36 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Vendor	LegalMatter	LegalMatter	Single Incident	Single Incident	Uninsured Cumulative Trauma	Uninsured Cumulative Trauma	Cumulative Trauma
	LegalMatter
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reserves for product liability claims	'	'	'	$4.30	$4	'	'	'
Number of lawsuits	2,901	2,840	2,609	'	'	'	'	'
Number of insurance carriers	20	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Insurance receivables	144.8	124.8	130	'	'	'	'	'
Insurance receivables, current	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Insurance receivables, noncurrent	142.8	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Product liability expense	'	'	'	'	'	$2.10	$0.20	$104.20

Summary_of_Cumulative_Trauma_P

Summary of Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Claims Activity (Detail)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	LegalMatter	LegalMatter
Loss Contingency, Quantities [Roll Forward]	'	'
Open claims, beginning of period	2,840	2,609
New claims	123	489
Settled and dismissed claims	-62	-258
Open claims, end of period	2,901	2,840

Summary_of_Insurance_Receivabl

Summary of Insurance Receivable Balances and Activity Related to Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Losses (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Loss Contingency Receivable, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance beginning of period	$124.80	$130
Additions	20	34
Collections and settlements	0	-39.2
Balance end of period	$144.80	$124.80

Schedule_of_Assets_Held_for_Sa

Schedule of Assets Held for Sale (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Inventory	$1.90
Property, net of depreciation	0.2
Total assets	$2.10

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco2

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$10,060	$13,353
Other income (loss), net	14	17
Cost of products sold	7,697	10,275
Selling, general and administrative	1,554	1,979
Interest expense	0	0
Currency exchange losses, net	-7	-133
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	830	1,249
Provision for income taxes	216	397
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$614	$852

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco3

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,308	$2,980
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	7,179	7,452
Inventories	11,783	11,359
Net property	315	317
Other assets	1,019	1,326
Total assets	21,604	23,434
Accounts payable	3,172	5,447
Accrued and other liabilities	1,166	930
Total liabilities	4,338	6,377
Net assets	$17,266	$17,057

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco4

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, Discontinued Operations Related to Net Loss (Income) Related to Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	$219	$84
(Income) from discontinued operations	-110	-193
Net loss (income)	$109	($109)