MSA Safety (MSA) 10-K 25 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 19, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
Entity Central Index Key	66570
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	MSA
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,451,901
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$1.80

Consolidated_Statement_of_Inco

Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$1,133,885		$1,112,058		$1,110,443
Other income (loss), net	2,765		-175		10,876
Sales	1,136,650		1,111,883		1,121,319
Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold	618,536		615,213		620,895
Selling, general and administrative	322,797		309,206		312,858
Research and development	48,247		45,858		40,900
Restructuring and other charges	8,515		5,344		2,787
Interest expense	9,851		10,677		11,344
Currency exchange losses, net	1,509		5,452		3,192
Costs and Expenses, Total	1,009,455		991,750		991,976
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	127,195	[1]	120,133	[1]	129,343	[1]
Provision for income taxes	41,044	[1]	35,145	[1]	41,401	[1]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Income from continuing operations	86,151		84,988		87,942
Income from discontinued operations	1,776		3,061		3,819
Net income	87,927		88,049		91,761
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	579		198		-1,124
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Income from continuing operations	87,447		85,858		87,557
Income from discontinued operations	1,059		2,389		3,080
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$88,506		$88,247		$90,637
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Income from continuing operations, Basic (dollars per share)	$2.34	[2]	$2.31	[2]	$2.37
Income from discontinued operations, Basic (dollars per share)	$0.03	[2]	$0.06	[2]	$0.08
Basic	$2.37		$2.37		$2.45
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Income from continuing operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	$2.30	[2]	$2.28	[2]	$2.34
Income from discontinued operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	$0.03	[2]	$0.06	[2]	$0.08
Diluted	$2.33		$2.34		$2.42
[1]	The components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes relate to continuing operations.
[2]	Per share amounts are calculated independently for each period presented; therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the per share amounts for the year.

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$87,927	$88,049	$91,761
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-40,568	-7,281	3,846
Pension and post-retirement plan actuarial (losses) and gains	-48,490	54,951	-28,018
Comprehensive (loss) income	-1,131	135,719	67,589
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,176	1,331	-840
Comprehensive income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$45	$137,050	$66,749

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$105,998	$96,265
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,821 and $7,306	211,440	200,364
Inventories	122,954	136,837
Deferred tax assets	23,830	22,458
Income taxes receivable	2,876	9,181
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	30,771	35,861
Total current assets	497,869	500,966
Property, plant, and equipment	151,352	152,755
Prepaid pension cost	75,017	121,054
Deferred tax assets	20,227	14,996
Goodwill	252,520	260,134
Intangible assets	31,323	35,029
Other noncurrent assets	236,484	149,336
Total assets	1,264,792	1,234,270
Current Liabilities
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	6,700	7,500
Accounts payable	70,210	66,902
Employees’ compensation	40,249	38,164
Insurance and product liability	47,456	14,251
Taxes on income	5,545	3,662
Other current liabilities	63,897	61,085
Total current liabilities	234,057	191,564
Long-Term Debt	245,000	260,667
Other Liabilities
Pensions and other employee benefits	174,598	152,084
Deferred tax liabilities	26,306	49,621
Other noncurrent liabilities	46,198	7,987
Total liabilities	726,159	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	148,401	132,055
Stock compensation trust	0	-1,585
Treasury shares, at cost	-286,557	-281,524
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-166,730	-78,269
Retained earnings	835,126	792,206
Total shareholders’ equity	533,809	566,452
Noncontrolling interests	4,824	5,895
Total shareholders’ equity	538,633	572,347
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$1,264,792	$1,234,270

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$7,821	$7,306
Percentage of cumulative preferred stock	4.50%	4.50%
Preferred stock, par value	$50	$50
Common stock, par value	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Activities
Net income	$87,927	$88,049	$91,761
Depreciation and amortization	29,921	30,764	31,702
Pension expense	4,836	12,268	3,673
Net gain from investing activities—asset disposals	-2,094	-436	-8,396
Stock-based compensation	9,053	10,337	10,010
Deferred income tax provision	-5,388	-3,234	213
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities	-53,482	-18,162	-14,104
Currency exchange losses, net	1,393	5,127	3,151
Excess tax benefit related to stock plans	-2,573	-2,246	-2,799
Other, net	-5,168	4,386	1,103
Operating cash flow before changes in certain working capital items	64,425	126,853	116,314
(Increase) decrease in trade receivables	-23,480	-13,171	2,346
(Increase) decrease in inventories	-600	-6,296	2,677
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	56,988	10,732	17,776
Decrease (increase) in income taxes receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,698	-7,337	11,363
Decrease (increase) in certain working capital items	42,606	-16,072	34,162
Cash Flow From Operating Activities	107,031	110,781	150,476
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	-33,583	-36,517	-32,209
Property disposals	3,385	1,360	20,193
Other investing	-500	0	-5,269
Cash Flow From Investing Activities	-30,698	-35,157	-17,285
Financing Activities
(Payments on) proceeds from short-term debt, net	-796	662	-128
Payments on long-term debt	-421,667	-306,766	-246,500
Proceeds from long-term debt	406,000	295,100	183,500
Restricted cash	86	-2,790	0
Cash dividends paid	-45,586	-43,994	-50,990
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	-556	0
Company stock purchases	-5,654	-11,785	-3,508
Exercise of stock options	6,926	9,643	4,306
Excess tax benefit related to stock plans	2,573	2,246	2,799
Cash Flow From Financing Activities	-58,118	-58,240	-110,521
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-8,482	-3,837	110
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	9,733	13,547	22,780
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	96,265	82,718	59,938
Ending cash and cash equivalents	105,998	96,265	82,718
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest payments	9,663	10,884	10,772
Income tax payments	$31,679	$36,242	$29,807

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$572,347
Net income	87,927	88,049	91,761
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax ($26,840, $30,849 and $11,364, )	-48,490	54,951	-28,018
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-1,176	-1,331	840
Ending Balance	538,633	572,347
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	792,206	747,953	708,306
Net income	87,927	88,049	91,761
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	579	198	-1,124
Common dividends	-45,544	-43,952	-50,948
Preferred dividends	-42	-42	-42
Ending Balance	835,126	792,206	747,953
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	-78,269	-127,072	-103,184
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-40,568	-7,281	3,846
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax ($26,840, $30,849 and $11,364, )	-48,490	54,951	-28,018
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	597	1,133	284
Ending Balance	($166,730)	($78,269)	($127,072)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan1

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, tax	$26,840	$30,849	$11,364

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation—The Consolidated Financial Statements of MSA Safety Incorporated are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and require management to make certain judgments, estimates, and assumptions. These may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. They also may affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters.
	Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
	Noncontrolling Interests—Noncontrolling interests reflect noncontrolling shareholders’ investments in certain consolidated subsidiaries and their proportionate share of the income and accumulated other comprehensive income of those subsidiaries.
	Currency Translation—The functional currency of all significant non-U.S. subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated at year-end exchange rates. Income statement accounts are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period. Translation adjustments for these companies are reported as a component of shareholders’ equity and are not included in income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income for the reporting period.
	Cash Equivalents—Cash equivalents include temporary deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
	Restricted Cash—Restricted cash, which is designated for use other than current operations is included in the prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Restricted cash balances were $2.7 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These balances were used to support letter of credit balances.
	Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Most U.S. inventories are valued on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method. Other inventories are valued on the average cost method or at standard costs which approximate actual costs.
	Property and Depreciation—Property is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally as follows: buildings 20 to 40 years and machinery and equipment 3 to 10 years. Expenditures for significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses on property dispositions are included in other income and the cost and related depreciation are removed from the accounts. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $26.2 million, $27.1 million and $27.5 million, respectively. Properties, plants, and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is determined by comparing the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations related to the assets to their carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated undiscounted net cash flows. The amount of the impairment loss to be recorded is calculated as the excess of the carrying value of the assets over their fair value, with fair value determined using the best information available, which generally is a discounted cash flow model.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever circumstances change such that the recorded value of the asset may not be recoverable. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment write-down tests. We test the goodwill of each of our reporting units for impairment at least annually. The annual goodwill impairment tests are performed as of September 30 each year. All goodwill is assigned to reporting units. For this purpose, we consider our operating segments to be our reporting units. We test goodwill for impairment by either performing a qualitative evaluation or a two-step quantitative test. The qualitative evaluation is an assessment of various factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill.
	Factors considered as part of the qualitative assessment include entity-specific industry, market and general economic conditions. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for some or all of our reporting units and perform a two-step quantitative test. Quantitative testing involves estimating a reporting unit’s fair value. We estimate reporting unit fair value using discounted cash flow and market approach methodologies. There has been no impairment of our goodwill as of December 31, 2014.
	Revenue Recognition—Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when title, ownership and the risk of loss have transferred to the customer, which generally occurs either when product is shipped to the customer or, in the case of most U.S. distributor customers, when product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site. We establish our shipping terms according to local practice and market characteristics. We do not ship product unless we have an order or other documentation authorizing shipment to our customers. We make appropriate provisions for uncollectible accounts receivable and product returns, both of which have historically been insignificant in relation to our net sales. Certain distributor customers receive price rebates based on their level of purchases and other performance criteria that are documented in established distributor programs. These rebates are accrued as a reduction of net sales as they are earned by the customer.
	Shipping and Handling—Shipping and handling expenses for products sold to customers are charged to cost of products sold as incurred. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.
	Product Warranties—Estimated expenses related to product warranties and additional service actions are charged to cost of products sold in the period in which the related revenue is recognized or when significant product quality issues are identified.
	Research and Development—Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
	Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. We record tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return when such benefits meet a more likely than not threshold. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. No provision is made for possible U.S. taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.
	Stock-Based Compensation—We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the FASB guidance on share-based payment, which requires that we recognize compensation expense for employee and non-employee director stock-based compensation based on the grant date fair value. Except for retirement-eligible participants, for whom there is no requisite service period, this expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service periods following the date of grant. For retirement-eligible participants, this expense is recognized at the grant date.
	Derivative Instruments—We may use derivative instruments to minimize the effects of changes in currency exchange rates. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and do not hold derivative instruments for trading purposes. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges are recorded in the balance sheet as adjustments to the underlying hedged asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recognized in the income statement as currency exchange (income) loss in the current period.
	Commitments and Contingencies—For asserted claims and assessments, liabilities are recorded when an unfavorable outcome of a matter is deemed to be probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Management determines the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome based on many factors such as the nature of the matter, available defenses and case strategy, progress of the matter, views and opinions of legal counsel and other advisors, applicability and success of appeals processes, and the outcome of similar historical matters, among others. Once an unfavorable outcome is deemed probable, management weighs the probability of estimated losses, and the most reasonable loss estimate is recorded. If an unfavorable outcome of a matter is deemed to be reasonably possible, then the matter is disclosed and no liability is recorded. With respect to unasserted claims or assessments, management must first determine that the probability that an assertion will be made is likely, then, a determination as to the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to reasonably estimate the potential loss is made. Legal matters are reviewed on a continuous basis to determine if there has been a change in management’s judgment regarding the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the estimate of a potential loss.
	Discontinued Operations and Assets Held For Sale—For those businesses where management has committed to a plan to divest, each business is valued at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. Fair value is estimated using accepted valuation techniques such as a discounted cash flow model, valuations performed by third parties, earnings multiples, or indicative bids, when available. A number of significant estimates and assumptions are involved in the application of these techniques, including the forecasting of markets and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs and expenses, and multiple other factors. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the estimates are made; however, the fair value that is ultimately realized upon the divestiture of a business may differ from the estimated fair value reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Depreciation and amortization expense is not recorded on assets of a business to be divested once they are classified as held for sale.
	For businesses classified as discontinued operations, the results of operations are reclassified from their historical presentation to discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Income, for all periods presented. The gains or losses associated with these divested businesses are recorded in discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Additionally, segment information does not include the operating results of businesses classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Management does not expect any continuing involvement with these businesses following their divestiture, and these businesses are expected to be disposed of within one year.
	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of an Entity. This ASU 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.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue with Contracts from Customers. This ASU clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue such that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This ASU clarifies the accounting treatment for share based payment awards that contain performance targets. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2016. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern. This ASU clarifies management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is a substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and provides guidance for related footnote disclosures. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2016. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items. This ASU eliminates the requirement to separately present and disclose extraordinary and unusual items in the financial statements. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2016. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge

Restructuring and Other Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Charges	Restructuring and Other Charges
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded restructuring charges of $8.5 million, $5.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively. These charges were primarily related to reorganization activities.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, European segment charges of $4.8 million were primarily related to severance from staff reductions in Central and Southern Europe as well as reorganization costs in Central Europe. International segment charges of $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 were primarily related to staff reductions in South Africa, Australia, and Brazil and asset disposals in Australia and South Africa, as the Company continues to focus manufacturing efforts in line with our core products and respond to changing economic conditions.
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, European segment charges of $3.0 million were primarily related to staff reductions in Germany and Netherlands. International segment charges of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 were primarily related to staff reductions in Australia and South Africa.
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, North America, Europe and International segment charges of $1.5 million, $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively were primarily related to severance costs associated with staff reductions.
	Activity and reserve balances for restructuring charges by segment were as follows:
	(in millions)	North America			Europe			International			Total
	Reserve balances at January 1, 2012	$	—		$	4.3		$	—		$	4.3
	Restructuring charges	1.5			1.1			0.2			2.8
	Cash payments	(1.2		)	(2.9		)	—			(4.1		)
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2012	$	0.3		$	2.5		$	0.2		$	3
	Restructuring charges	—			3			2.3			5.3
	Cash payments	(0.3		)	(3.8		)	(2.5		)	(6.6		)
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2013	$	—		$	1.7		$	—		$	1.7
	Restructuring charges	—			4.8			3.7			8.5
	Asset disposals	—			(0.4		)	(1.7		)	(2.1		)
	Cash payments	—			(3.5		)	(1.8		)	(5.3		)
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2014	$	—		$	2.6		$	0.2		$	2.8

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	The following table sets forth the components of inventory:
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Finished products	$	67,713	$	74,466
	Work in process	8,942		8,108
	Raw materials and supplies	46,299		54,263
	Total inventories	122,954		136,837
	Excess of FIFO costs over LIFO costs	44,468		44,670
	Total FIFO inventories	167,422		181,507
	Inventories stated on the LIFO basis represent 21% and 15% of total inventories at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Reductions in certain inventory quantities during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventories carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years. The effect of LIFO liquidations during 2014 were inconsequential to changes in cost of sales or net income. The effect of LIFO liquidations during 2013 reduced cost of sales by $2.1 million and increased net income by $1.4 million.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant, and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	The following table sets forth the components of property, plant and equipment:
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	3,573		$	3,835
	Buildings	110,144			110,534
	Machinery and equipment	335,318			349,667
	Construction in progress	17,327			16,364
	Total	466,362			480,400
	Less accumulated depreciation	(315,010		)	(327,645		)
	Net property	151,352			152,755

Reclassifications_out_of_Accum

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
		MSA Safety Incorporated									Noncontrolling Interests
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Pension and other post-retirement benefits
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(77,080	)	$	(132,031	)	$	(104,013	)	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Unrecognized net actuarial (losses) gains	(84,495		)	72,008			(45,793		)	—			—			—
	Unrecognized prior service credit	302			239			—			—			—			—
	Tax benefit (expense)	29,832			(25,783		)	13,833			—			—			—
	Total other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	(54,361		)	46,464			(31,960		)	—			—			—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Amortization of prior service cost	(251		)	(322		)	(353		)	—			—			—
	Recognized net actuarial losses	9,114			13,875			6,764			—			—			—
	Tax benefit	(2,992		)	(5,066		)	(2,469		)	—			—			—
	Total amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	5,871			8,487			3,942			—			—			—
	Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(48,490		)	54,951			(28,018		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(125,570	)	$	(77,080	)	$	(132,031	)	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Foreign currency translation
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(1,189	)	$	4,959		$	829		$	(1,602	)	$	(469	)	$	(185	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(39,971		)	(6,148		)	4,130			(597		)	(1,133		)	(284		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(41,160	)	$	(1,189	)	$	4,959		$	(2,199	)	$	(1,602	)	$	(469	)
	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 13—Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits).

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 December 31, 2014. There were no treasury purchases of preferred stock during the three years ended December 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 December 31, 2014.
	Common Stock - The Company has authorized 180,000,000 shares of no par value common stock. There were 37,448,310 and 37,202,099 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Common stock activity is summarized as follows:
		Shares					Dollars
	(Dollars in thousands)	Issued	Stock		Treasury		Common			Stock			Treasury
			Compensation				Stock			Compensation			Cost
			Trust							Trust
	Balances January 1, 2012	62,081,391	(1,162,784	)	(24,226,017	)	$	97,276		$	(6,070	)	$	(264,479	)
	Restricted stock awards	—	136,295		—		(711		)	711			—
	Restricted stock expense	—	—		—		4,891			—			—
	Restricted stock forfeitures	—	—		(10,815	)	(147		)	—			—
	Stock options exercised	—	223,022		—		3,141			1,165			—
	Stock option expense	—	—		—		2,435			—			—
	Performance stock issued	—	58,037		—		(303		)	303			—
	Performance stock expense	—	—		—		2,831			—			—
	Tax benefit related to stock plans	—	—		—		2,799			—			—
	Treasury shares purchased	—	—		(91,330	)	—			—			(3,508		)
	Other, net	—	—		—		(77		)	—			—
	Balances December 31, 2012	62,081,391	(745,430	)	(24,328,162	)	112,135			(3,891		)	(267,987		)
	Restricted stock awards	—	96,686		—		(505		)	505			—
	Restricted stock expense	—	—		—		4,244			—			—
	Restricted stock forfeitures	—	—		(7,365	)	(115		)	—			—
	Stock options exercised	—	277,687		—		8,194			1,449			—
	Stock option expense	—	—		—		2,825			—			—
	Performance stock issued	—	67,389		—		(352		)	352			—
	Performance stock expense	—	—		—		3,383			—			—
	Tax benefit related to stock plans	—	—		—		2,246			—			—
	Treasury shares purchased	—	—		(240,097	)	—			—			(11,785		)
	Balances December 31, 2013	62,081,391	(303,668	)	(24,575,624	)	132,055			(1,585		)	(279,772		)
	Restricted stock awards	—	72,291		13,936		(538		)	377			161
	Restricted stock expense	—	—		—		4,372			—			—
	Restricted stock forfeitures	—	—		(4,078	)	(346		)	—			—
	Stock options exercised	—	150,962		39,781		5,678			788			460
	Stock option expense	—	—		—		2,355			—			—
	Performance stock issued	—	80,415				(420		)	420			—
	Performance stock expense	—	—		—		2,705			—			—
	Performance stock forfeitures	—	—		—		(33		)	—			—
	Tax benefit related to stock plans	—	—		—		2,573			—			—
	Treasury shares purchased	—	—		(107,096	)	—			—			(5,654		)
	Balances December 31, 2014	62,081,391	—		(24,633,081	)	148,401			—			(284,805		)
	The Mine Safety Appliances Company Stock Compensation Trust was established to provide shares for certain benefit plans, including the management and non-employee directors’ equity incentive plans. 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. The Company began issuing Treasury Shares for all Board of Director share based benefit plans in April 2014. The Company subsequently began issuing Treasury Shares for all share based benefit plans when the stock compensation trust was depleted in September 2014. Shares are issued from Treasury at the average Treasury Share cost on the date of the transaction.
	The Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to $100 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 yet 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. The above treasury share purchases are related to stock compensation transactions.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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.
	The Company'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 and 2012 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 America				Europe				International			Reconciling Items			Consolidated Totals
	2014
	Sales to external customers	$	547,739			$	321,618			$	264,528		$	—		$	1,133,885
	Intercompany sales	116,795				113,914				18,449			(249,158		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	73,874				22,187				15,234			(23,848		)	87,447
	Discontinued operations	—				—				1,059			—			1,059
	Total assets	996,116				390,328				220,004			(341,656		)	1,264,792
	Interest income	995				111				711			5			1,822
	Interest expense	30				104				16			9,701			9,851
	Noncash items:
	Depreciation and amortization	18,635				6,357				4,929			—			29,921
	Pension income (expense)	1,977				(6,234		)		(579		)	—			(4,836		)
	Income tax provision	38,911				9,195				6,529			(13,591		)	41,044
	Capital expenditures	18,377				10,859				4,347			—			33,583
	Net property	86,718				32,892				31,741			1			151,352
	2013
	Sales to external customers	533,161				293,092				285,805			—			1,112,058
	Intercompany sales	120,952				98,491				22,136			(241,579		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	62,835				20,204				27,206			(24,387		)	85,858
	Discontinued operations	—				—				2,389			—			2,389
	Total assets	828,413				394,463				209,578			(198,184		)	1,234,270
	Interest income	243				90				809			—			1,142
	Interest expense	52				175				2			10,448			10,677
	Noncash items:
	Depreciation and amortization	19,639				5,357				5,768			—			30,764
	Pension expense	(4,765		)		(6,328		)		(1,268		)	—			(12,361		)
	Income tax provision	31,654				6,735				9,069			(12,313		)	35,145
	Capital expenditures	17,887				11,833				6,797			—			36,517
	Net property	84,104				33,162				35,488			1			152,755
	2012
	Sales to external customers	532,213				290,382				287,848			—			1,110,443
	Intercompany sales	112,964				98,096				20,031			(231,091		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	58,376				21,553				24,819			(17,191		)	87,557
	Discontinued operations	—				—				3,080			—			3,080
	Total assets	718,545				352,601				209,979			(169,379		)	1,111,746
	Interest income	364				147				886			14			1,411
	Interest expense	106				350				78			10,810			11,344
	Noncash items:
	Depreciation and amortization	21,382				5,354				4,966			—			31,702
	Pension income (expense)	2,138				(4,700		)		(1,111		)	—			(3,673		)
	Income tax provision	35,537				7,771				10,450			(12,357		)	41,401
	Capital expenditures	20,119				5,106				6,984			—			32,209
	Net property	84,923				25,460				37,081			1			147,465
	Reconciling items consist primarily of intercompany eliminations and items reported at the corporate level.
	Geographic information on sales to external customers, based on country of origin:
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	United States	$	530,845			$	528,178			$	527,550
	Germany	74,677				71,139				74,557
	Other	528,363				512,741				508,336
	Total	1,133,885				1,112,058				1,110,443
	Geographic information on net property, based on country of origin:
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	United States	$	85,247			$	82,274			$	82,820
	Germany	17,654				16,882				8,781
	China	15,128				16,010				14,780
	Other	33,323				37,589				41,084
	Total	151,352				152,755				147,465
The percentage of total sales by product group were as follows:
	2014			2013			2012
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection	23	%		22	%		20	%
Breathing Apparatus	19	%		21	%		20	%
Portable Gas Detection	15	%		14	%		13	%
Head Protection	13	%		13	%		11	%
Fall Protection	4	%		4	%		4	%
Other	26	%		26	%		32	%

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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.
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to continuing operations	$	87,447		$	85,858		$	87,557
	Preferred stock dividends	(41		)	(41		)	(41		)
	Income from continuing operations available to common equity	87,406			85,817			87,516
	Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(546		)	(643		)	(836		)
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	86,860			85,174			86,680
	Net income attributable to discontinued operations	$	1,059		$	2,389		$	3,080
	Preferred stock dividends	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
	Income from discontinued operations available to common equity	1,058			2,388			3,079
	Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(7		)	(18		)	(29		)
	Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	1,051			2,370			3,050
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	37,138			36,868			36,564
	Stock options and other stock compensation	590			582			478
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	37,728			37,450			37,042
	Antidilutive stock options	—			15			744
	Earnings per share attributable to continuing operations:
	Basic	$2.34			$2.31			$2.37
	Diluted	$2.30			$2.28			$2.34
	Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations:
	Basic	$0.03			$0.06			$0.08
	Diluted	$0.03			$0.06			$0.08

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Components of income before income taxes*
	U.S. income	$	58,209			$	48,621			$	67,043
	Non-U.S. income	68,986				71,512				62,300
	Income before income taxes	127,195				120,133				129,343
	Provision for income taxes*
	Current
	Federal	$	23,659			$	18,656			$	18,774
	State	1,349				1,492				2,556
	Non-U.S.	21,101				18,453				19,438
	Total current provision	46,109				38,601				40,768
	Deferred
	Federal	(3,650		)		(3,582		)		(518		)
	State	317				(483		)		(125		)
	Non-U.S.	(1,732		)		609				1,276
	Total deferred provision	(5,065		)		(3,456		)		633
	Provision for income taxes	41,044				35,145				41,401
	*The components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes relate to continuing operations.
	Included in discontinued operations is tax expense of $0.6 million in 2014, $1.4 million in 2013 and $1.1 million in 2012.
	Cash flows from operations in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows include a deferred income tax (benefit) provision from discontinued operations of $(0.3) million, $0.2 million and $(0.4) million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Reconciliation of the U.S. federal income tax rates to our effective tax rate:
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes—U.S.	0.8			0.6			1.2
	Taxes on non-U.S. income	(2.2	)		(4.5	)		(1.0	)
	Research and development credit	(0.7	)		(1.5	)		—
	Manufacturing deduction credit	(1.0	)		(1.1	)		(2.0	)
	Valuation allowances	(0.6	)		0.5			(0.2	)
	Other	1			0.3			(1.0	)
	Effective income tax rate	32.3	%		29.3	%		32	%
	Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities:
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Book expenses capitalized for tax	$	6,336			$	7,204
	Post-retirement benefits	23,335				18,027
	Inventory reserves	3,147				5,550
	Vacation allowances	932				1,036
	Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards	7,479				6,711
	Post employment benefits	2,382				757
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	11,231				2,227
	Stock options	10,157				10,185
	Liability insurance	3,918				3,686
	Basis of capital assets	1,009				891
	Warranties	3,210				3,049
	Reserve for doubtful accounts	1,948				1,569
	Accrued payroll	4,319				2,475
	Other	5,801				6,838
	Total deferred tax assets	85,204				70,205
	Valuation allowances	(3,763		)		(4,938		)
	Net deferred tax assets	81,441				65,267
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant and equipment	(9,269		)		(8,935		)
	Pension	(22,195		)		(40,833		)
	Intangibles	(30,180		)		(25,212		)
	Other	(2,045		)		(2,455		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(63,689		)		(77,435		)
	Net deferred taxes	17,752				(12,168		)
	At December 31, 2014, we had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $28.4 million, all of which are in non-U.S. tax jurisdictions. Net operating loss carryforwards of $1.6 million will expire in 2016, which are offset by valuation allowances. The remainder either have a valuation allowance or may be carried forward for a period of at least seven years.
	No deferred U.S. income taxes have been provided on undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which amounted to $334.7 million as of December 31, 2014. These earnings are considered to be reinvested for an indefinite period of time. Because we currently do not have any plans to repatriate these funds, we cannot determine the impact of local taxes, withholding taxes and foreign tax credits associated with the future repatriation of such earnings and, therefore, cannot reasonably estimate the associated tax liability. In cases where we intend to repatriate a portion of the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, we provide U.S. income taxes on such earnings.
	A reconciliation of the change in the tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014				2013
	Beginning balance	$	5,888			$	9,520
Adjustments for tax positions related to the current year	4,072				(3,628		)
Adjustments for tax positions related to prior years	3				97
Statute expiration	(106		)		(101		)
Ending balance	9,857				5,888
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce our future effective tax rate. We have recognized tax benefits associated with these liabilities in the amount of $5.2 million and $5.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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 $0.5 million at December 31, 2013. During 2014, we increased interest related to uncertain tax positions by $0.3 million. Our liability for accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $0.8 million at December 31, 2014.
We file a U.S. federal income tax return along with various state and foreign income tax returns. Examinations of our U.S. federal returns have been completed through 2010, with the 2010 tax year closed by statute. Various state and foreign income tax returns may be subject to tax audits for periods after 2008.

Stock_Plans

Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 key 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 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 the 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. In general, unvested stock options, restricted stock and performance stock units are forfeited if the participant’s employment with the company terminates for any reason other than retirement, death or disability. We issue Treasury shares for stock option exercises and grants of restricted stock and performance stock. Please refer to Note 6 for further information regarding stock compensation share issuance. As of December 31, 2014, there were 1,441,276 and 170,766 shares, respectively, reserved for future grants under the management and non-employee directors’ equity incentive plans.
	Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Restricted stock	$	4,026			$	4,129			$	4,744
	Stock options	2,355				2,825				2,435
	Performance stock	2,672				3,383				2,831
	Total compensation expense before income taxes	9,053				10,337				10,010
	Income tax benefit	3,293				3,810				3,700
	Total compensation expense, net of income tax benefit	5,760				6,527				6,310
	We did not capitalize any stock-based compensation expense in 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	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, 2013 and 2012.
		2014				2013				2012
	Fair value per option	$	17.26			$	14.17			$	10.77
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1		%		1.2		%		1.2		%
	Expected dividend yield	2.4		%		2.8		%		3.1		%
	Expected volatility	41		%		39		%		41		%
	Expected life (years)	6.6				6.1				6.1
	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 ten year historical volatility using daily stock prices. Expected life is based on historical stock option exercise data.
	A summary of option activity follows:
		Shares			Weighted				Exercisable at
					Average				Year-end
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding January 1, 2012	1,818,640			$	30.94
	Granted	196,469			37.33
	Exercised	(223,022	)		18.93
	Expired	(5,093	)		43.33
	Forfeited	(2,334	)		36.69
	Outstanding December 31, 2012	1,784,660			33.05				1,100,300
	Granted	188,407			49.03
	Exercised	(277,687	)		34.72
	Outstanding December 31, 2013	1,695,380			34.55				1,178,657
	Granted	138,519			51.69
	Exercised	(190,743	)		36.31
	Expired	(1,071	)		45.68
	Forfeited	(23,524	)		38.82
	Outstanding December 31, 2014	1,618,561			35.74				1,147,712
	For various exercise price ranges, characteristics of outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Stock Options Outstanding
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Weighted-Average
					Exercise Price				Remaining Life
	$17.83 – $29.33	541,669			$	21.71			4.6 years
	$33.55 – $40.88	507,688			37.14				4.7
	$41.26 – $51.69	569,204			47.83				6.1
	$17.83 – $51.69	1,618,561			35.74				5.2
		Stock Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Weighted-Average
					Exercise Price				Remaining Life
	$17.83 – $29.33	541,669			$	21.71			4.6 years
	$33.55 – $40.88	360,801			37.33				3.7
	$41.26 – $48.95	245,242			45.17				3
	$17.83 – $48.95	1,147,712			31.63				4
	Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $6.9 million, $9.6 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The tax benefit we realized from these exercises was $1.0 million, $0.5 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable at December 31, 2014 was $25.0 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of all stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014 was $28.1 million.
	A summary of restricted stock activity follows:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2012	512,254			$	25.66
	Granted	130,985			37.61
	Vested	(209,897	)		20.44
	Forfeited	(15,499	)		28.37
	Unvested at December 31, 2012	417,843			31.92
	Granted	92,448			48.98
Vested	(197,465	)		27.42
Forfeited	(9,407	)		40.23
Unvested at December 31, 2013	303,419			39.79
Granted	83,543			51.91
Vested	(108,245	)		34.94
Forfeited	(9,974	)		44.42
Unvested at December 31, 2014	268,743			45.34
A summary of performance stock unit activity follows:
	Shares			Weighted Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2012	125,443			$	25.27
Granted	54,928			41.33
Vested	(47,706	)		18.23
Performance adjustments	5,679			26.39
Forfeited	(672	)		41.45
Unvested at December 31, 2012	137,672			35.85
Granted	53,357			57.58
Vested	(45,809	)		26.08
Performance adjustments	4,169			25.84
Unvested at December 31, 2013	149,389			46.32
Granted	46,242			57.42
Vested	(91,696	)		39.19
Performance adjustments	41,428			39.42
Forfeited	(1,402	)		48.85
Unvested at December 31, 2014	143,961			52.42
The 2014 performance adjustments above relate to the final number of shares issued for the 2011 Management Performance Units, which were 200% of the target award based on Total Shareholder Return during the three year performance period, and vested in the first quarter of 2014.
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (the difference between the market price on the date of exercise and the option price paid to exercise the option) was $3.7 million, $4.0 million and $4.4 million, respectively. The fair values of restricted stock vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $5.8 million, $9.7 million and $8.0 million, respectively. The fair value of performance stock units vested during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $4.7 million.
On December 31, 2014, there was $5.2 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense. The weighted average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized was approximately one year.

Short_and_LongTerm_Debt

Short and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short and Long-Term Debt	Short and Long-Term Debt
	Short-Term Debt
	Short-term borrowings with banks, which excludes the current portion of long-term debt, was $0.1 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The average month-end balance of total short-term borrowings during 2014 was $0.1 million. The maximum month-end balance of $0.6 million occurred in January, 2014. The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings were 14% and 7% at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Long-Term Debt
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Industrial development debt issues payable through 2022, 0.30%	$	—	$	4,000
	2006 Senior notes payable through 2021, 5.41%	46,667		53,334
	2010 Senior notes payable through 2021, 4.00%	100,000		100,000
	Senior revolving credit facility maturing in 2019	105,000		110,000
	Total	251,667		267,334
	Amounts due within one year	6,667		6,667
	Long-term debt	245,000		260,667
	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. This facility provides for borrowings of 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. Interest rates remained at 1.16% in 2014. At December 31, 2014, $193.0 million of the $300.0 million senior revolving credit facility was unused including letters of credit.
	The Company also amended its $175.0 million senior unsecured shelf facility with a note holder. Under this agreement, the Company may request the note holder to purchase additional senior notes from time to time prior to March 7, 2017. The Company would be required to pay the note holder an issuance fee in addition to fees defined in the note purchase agreement upon issuance of additional senior notes.
	Effective June 2, 2014, The Company entered into an additional $100.0 million note facility with a note holder. Under this agreement, the Company may issue senior notes to the note holder from time to time prior to June 2, 2017. The Company would be required to pay fees defined in the master note agreement upon issuance of senior notes.
	The Company had outstanding bank guarantees and standby letters of credit with banks as of December 31, 2014 totaling $6.5 million, of which $2.8 million relate to the senior revolving credit facility. These letters of credit serve to cover customer requirements in connection with certain sales orders, insurance companies. No amounts were drawn on these arrangements at December 31, 2014. The Company is also required to provide cash collateral in connection with certain arrangements. At December 31, 2014, the Company has $2.7 million of restricted cash in support of these arrangements.
	Approximate maturities on our long-term debt over the next five years are $6.7 million in 2015, $6.7 million in 2016, $26.7 million in 2017, $26.7 million in 2018, $131.7 million in 2019, and $53.2 million thereafter. The revolving credit facility and 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. We were in compliance with all of our debt covenants at December 31, 2014.
	In January 2014 the Company determined that it was in technical violation of one loan covenant related to the threshold for priority indebtedness in its 2006 Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated December 20, 2006 which resulted in cross default violations in two other loan agreements. The Company obtained the appropriate waivers from its lenders which were fully executed on February 12, 2014. The underlying financial covenants of the Note Purchase Agreement were amended at the same time. We are currently in compliance with all of our debt covenants.
	The Company redeemed the $4.0 million of industrial development debt on February 28, 2014.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Changes in goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Net balance at January 1	$	260,134		$	258,400
	Currency translation	(7,614		)	1,734
	Net balance at December 31	252,520			260,134
	At December 31, 2014, goodwill of $196.5 million, $53.9 million and $2.1 million related to the North American, European and International reporting segments, respectively.
	Changes in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Net balance at January 1	$	35,029		$	38,648
	Additions	500			—
	Amortization expense	(2,979		)	(3,708		)
	Currency translation	(1,227		)	89
	Net balance at December 31	31,323			35,029
	(In thousands)		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
	Intangible Assets:	Life	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization and Reserves			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount	Accumulated Amortization and Reserves			Net Carrying Amount
	Distribution agreements	10-20 years	$	27.5		$	(6.5	)	$	21	27.6	$	(5.5	)	$	22.1
	Patents, trademarks and copyrights	5-20 years	13.5			(8.6		)	4.9		14.3	(8.8		)	5.5
	Technology related assets	7-10 years	11.5			(6.6		)	4.9		11	(4.7		)	6.3
	License agreements	10 years	6.8			(6.7		)	0.1		7.1	(7.0		)	0.1
	Other	5-20 years	7			(6.6		)	0.4		7	(6.0		)	1
			66.3			(35.0		)	31.3		67	(32.0		)	35
	Intangible asset amortization expense over the next five years is expected to be approximately $3.8 million in 2015, $3.6 million in 2016, $3.2 million in 2017, $1.9 million in 2018, and $1.9 million in 2019.

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits
	We maintain various defined benefit and defined contribution plans covering the majority of our employees. Our principal U.S. plan is funded in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). It is our general policy to fund current costs for the international plans, except in Germany and Mexico, where it is common practice and permissible under tax laws to accrue book reserves.
	We provide health care benefits and limited life insurance for certain retired employees who are covered by our principal U.S. defined benefit pension plan until they become Medicare-eligible.
	Information pertaining to defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefits plans is provided in the following table:
		Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in Benefit Obligations
	Benefit obligations at January 1	$	440,359			$	463,806			$	26,732		$	30,551
	Service cost	9,425				11,132				538			687
	Interest cost	19,340				17,934				1,107			1,050
	Participant contributions	130				136				259			144
	Plan amendments	(302		)		(239		)		—			—
	Actuarial losses (gains)	88,069				(34,248		)		(200		)	(4,107		)
	Benefits paid	(19,193		)		(19,232		)		(1,585		)	(1,593		)
	Settlements	(717		)		(1,474		)		—			—
	Currency translation	(17,917		)		2,544				—			—
	Benefit obligations at December 31	519,194				440,359				26,851			26,732
	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value of plan assets at January 1	434,569				384,452				—			—
	Actual return on plan assets	30,209				67,391				—			—
	Employer contributions	4,077				4,053				1,326			1,449
	Participant contributions	130				136				259			144
	Settlements	(717		)		(1,474		)		—			—
	Benefits paid	(16,507		)		(16,316		)		(1,585		)	(1,593		)
	Reimbursement of German benefits	(2,686		)		(2,916		)		—			—
	Currency translation	(3,776		)		(757		)		—			—
	Fair value of plan assets at December 31	445,299				434,569				—			—
	Funded Status
	Funded status at December 31	(73,895		)		(5,790		)		(26,851		)	(26,732		)
	Unrecognized transition losses	16				21				—			—
	Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	10				374				(1,858		)	(2,193		)
	Unrecognized net actuarial losses	192,692				116,945				6,450			6,832
	Net amount recognized	118,823				111,550				(22,259		)	(22,093		)
	Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet
	Noncurrent assets	75,017				121,054				—			—
	Current liabilities	(5,380		)		(5,518		)		(1,457		)	(1,695		)
	Noncurrent liabilities	(143,532		)		(121,326		)		(25,394		)	(25,037		)
	Net amount recognized	(73,895		)		(5,790		)		(26,851		)	(26,732		)
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Net actuarial losses	192,692				116,945				6,450			6,832
	Prior service cost (credit)	10				374				(1,858		)	(2,193		)
	Unrecognized net initial obligation	16				21				—			—
	Total (before tax effects)	192,718				117,340				4,592			4,639
	Accumulated Benefit Obligations for all Defined Benefit Plans	479,764				403,682				—			—
		Pension Benefits											Other Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012			2014			2013			2012
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$	9,425			$	11,132			$	9,511		$	538		$	687		$	694
	Interest cost	19,340				17,934				19,018			1,107			1,050			1,265
	Expected return on plan assets	(32,944		)		(30,884		)		(32,328		)	—			—			—
	Amortization of transition amounts	2				3				2			—			—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	84				102				101			(335		)	(424		)	(454		)
	Recognized net actuarial losses	8,639				13,323				6,235			182			552			529
	Settlement loss	290				658				747			—			—			—
	Termination benefits	—				—				387			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	4,836				12,268				3,673			1,492			1,865			2,034
	Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized in 2015 net periodic benefit costs.
	(In thousands)	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	Loss recognition	$	15,937			$	320
	Prior service cost (credit) recognition	66				(335		)
	Transition obligation recognition	2				—
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Average discount rate	3.63	%		4.54	%		3.85	%		4.62	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.03	%		3.06	%		—			—
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Average discount rate	4.54	%		3.96	%		4.62	%		3.75	%
Expected return on plan assets	8.2	%		8.15	%		—			—
Rate of compensation increase	3.06	%		3.81	%		—			—
Discount rates were determined using various corporate bond indexes as indicators of interest rate levels and movements and by matching our projected benefit obligation payment stream to current yields on high quality bonds.
The expected return on assets for the 2014 net periodic pension cost was determined by multiplying the expected returns of each asset class (based on historical returns) by the expected percentage of the total portfolio invested in that asset class. A total return was determined by summing the expected returns over all asset classes.
	Pension Plan Assets at
	December 31,
	2014			2013
Equity securities	65	%		71	%
Fixed income securities	26			19
Pooled investment funds	5			5
Insurance contracts	3			3
Cash and cash equivalents	1			2
Total	100	%		100	%
The overall objective of our pension investment strategy is to earn a rate of return over time to satisfy the benefit obligations of the pension plans and to maintain sufficient liquidity to pay benefits and meet other cash requirements of our pension funds. Investment policies for our primary U.S. pension plan are determined by the plan’s Investment Committee and set forth in the plan’s investment policy. Asset managers are granted discretion for determining sector mix, selecting securities and timing transactions, subject to the guidelines of the investment policy. An aggressive, flexible management of the portfolio is permitted and encouraged, with shifts of emphasis among equities, fixed income securities and cash equivalents at the discretion of each manager. No target asset allocations are set forth in the investment policy. For our non-U.S. pension plans, our investment objective is generally met through the use of pooled investment funds and insurance contracts.
The following table summarizes our pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy level (See Note 17):
	31-Dec-14
(In thousands)	Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant			Total
	in Active				Observable				Unobservable			Fair
	Markets for				Inputs				Inputs			Value
	Identical				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
	Assets
	(Level 1)
Equity securities	$	233,156			$	54,614			$	248		$	288,018
Fixed income securities	41,447				72,412				505			114,364
Pooled investment funds	—				22,623				—			22,623
Insurance contracts	—				—				15,069			15,069
Cash and cash equivalents	5,225				—				—			5,225
Total	279,828				149,649				15,822			445,299
	31-Dec-13
(In thousands)	Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant			Total
	in Active				Observable				Unobservable			Fair
	Markets for				Inputs				Inputs			Value
	Identical				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
	Assets
	(Level 1)
Equity securities	$	307,486			$	—			$	428		$	307,914
Fixed income securities	36,749				47,545				—			84,294
Pooled investment funds	—				22,430				—			22,430
Insurance contracts	—				—				13,512			13,512
Cash and cash equivalents	6,067				—				352			6,419
Total	350,302				69,975				14,292			434,569
Equity securities consist primarily of publicly traded U.S. and non-U.S. common stocks. Equities are valued at closing prices reported on the listing stock exchange.
Fixed income securities consist primarily of U.S. government and agency bonds and U.S. corporate bonds. Fixed income securities are valued at closing prices reported in active markets or based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. When quoted prices are not available for identical or similar bonds, the bond is valued under a discounted cash flow approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, and may include adjustments, for certain risks that may not be observable, such as credit and liquidity risks.
Pooled investment funds consist of mutual and collective investment funds that invest primarily in publicly traded non-U.S. equity and fixed income securities. Pooled investment funds are valued at net asset values calculated by the fund manager based on fair value of the underlying securities. The underlying securities are generally valued at closing prices reported in active markets, quoted prices of similar securities, or discounted cash flows approach that maximizes observable inputs such as current value measurement at the reporting date.
Insurance contracts are valued in accordance with the terms of the applicable collective pension contract.
Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market and similar temporary investment funds. Cash equivalents are valued at closing prices reported in active markets.
The preceding methods may produce fair value measurements that are not indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Although we believe the valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 assets:
(In thousands)	Insurance				Other
	Contracts
Balance January 1, 2013	$	12,254			$	—
Net realized and unrealized gains included in earnings	1,074				—
Net purchases, issuances and settlements	173				428
Transfers into Level 3	11				352
Balance December 31, 2013	13,512				780
Net realized and unrealized gains included in earnings	1,345				(180		)
Net purchases, issuances and settlements	212				505
Transfers out of Level 3	—				(352		)
Balance December 31, 2014	15,069				753
We expect to make net contributions of $4.1 million to our pension plans in 2015.
For the 2014 beginning of the year measurement purposes (net periodic benefit expense), 7.0% increase in the costs of covered health care benefits was assumed decreasing by 0.5% for each successive year to 4.5% in 2019 and thereafter. For the 2014 end of the year measurement purposes (benefit obligation), 7.0% increase in the costs of covered health care benefits was assumed decreasing by 0.5% for each successive year to 4.5% in 2020 and thereafter. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have increased or decreased the other post-retirement benefit obligations and current year plan expense by approximately $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
Expense for defined contribution pension plans was $6.5 million in 2014, $5.8 million in 2013 and $5.9 million in 2012.
Estimated pension benefits to be paid under our defined benefit pension plans during the next five years are $20.6 million in 2015, $20.9 million in 2016, $21.8 million in 2017, $22.7 million in 2018, $23.2 million in 2019, and are expected to aggregate $134.3 million for the five years thereafter. Estimated other post-retirement benefits to be paid during the next 5 years are $1.5 million in 2015, $1.6 million in 2016, $1.8 million in 2017, $2.0 million in 2018, $2.1 million in 2019, and are expected to aggregate $10.3 million for the five years thereafter.

Other_Loss_Income_Net

Other (Loss) Income, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other (Loss) Income, Net	Other Income (Loss), Net
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Interest income	$	1,822		$	1,142		$	1,411
	Gain on asset dispositions, net	2,094			436			8,396
	Land impairment loss	(50		)	(1,557		)	—
	Escrow settlement	—			—			4,790
	Intangible asset impairment loss	—			—			(4,272		)
	Other, net	(1,101		)	(196		)	551
	Total	2,765			(175		)	10,876
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a $2.2 million gain on the sale of detector tube assets. See Note 19 for further information.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, impairment charges were taken on land not used in operations.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, we settled an escrow claim for indemnification with the sellers of General Monitors. Under the terms of the settlement, we received $4.8 million in December 2012. The settlement proceeds have been recognized in other income because the settlement occurred after the business combination measurement period ended. The escrow agreement has now expired and the remaining escrow account balance was released to the sellers. In addition, we recognized gains on the sale of assets totaling $8.4 million in 2012. These gains were primarily related to property sales in our Cranberry Woods office park. We also recognized a $4.3 million intangible asset impairment loss in 2012 when we discontinued our firefighter location development project.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases
	We lease office space, manufacturing and warehouse facilities, automobiles and other equipment under operating lease arrangements. Rent expense was $11.7 million in 2014, $12.9 million in 2013 and $12.5 million in 2012. Minimum rent commitments under noncancellable leases are $10.1 million in 2015, $8.9 million in 2016, $7.8 million in 2017, $6.9 million in 2018, $6.1 million in 2019 and $14.6 million thereafter.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 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 on a full mark-to-market basis and report the related gains or losses in currency exchange losses (gains) in the consolidated statement of income. At December 31, 2014, the notional amount of open forward contracts was $60.9 million and the unrealized loss on these contracts was $0.4 million. All open forward contracts will mature during the first quarter of 2015.
	The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value of assets and liabilities associated with derivative financial instruments.
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts - prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	(395	)	$	1,308
	The following table presents the income statement location and impact of derivative financial instruments:
	(In thousands)	Income Statement	Loss (Gain)
		Location	Recognized in Income
			Year ended
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Currency exchange loss (gains), net	$	2,002		$	(755	)

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 pension plan assets described in Note 13 and the derivative financial instruments described in Note 16. See Note 13 for the fair value hierarchy classification of pension plan assets. 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. At December 31, 2014, the reported carrying amount of our fixed rate long-term debt (including the current portion) was $146.7 million and the fair value was $153.4 million. 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 December 31, 2014. The fair value of this debt was determined using Level 3 inputs as described above.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies
	Product Liability
	MSA LLC, a subsidiary of MSA Safety Incorporated (formerly Mine Safety Appliances Company), categorizes the product liability losses that its various subsidiaries 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 which provide an objective basis for quantifying damages. MSA LLC estimates its liability for single incident product liability claims based on expected settlement costs for pending claims and an estimate of costs for unreported claims. The estimate for unreported claims is based on experience, sales volumes and other relevant information. The reserve for single incident product liability claims at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $3.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively. Single incident product liability expense during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was not significant. Single incident product liability exposures are evaluated on an ongoing basis and adjustments are made to the reserve as appropriate.
	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. MSA LLC is presently named as a defendant in 2,326 lawsuits, some of which involve multiple plaintiffs. In these lawsuits, 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 MSA LLC or its predecessors.
	A summary of cumulative trauma product liability lawsuit activity follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Open lawsuits, January 1	2,840			2,609			2,321
	New lawsuits	542			489			750
	Settled and dismissed lawsuits	(1,056	)		(258	)		(462	)
	Open lawsuits, December 31	2,326			2,840			2,609
	More than half of the open lawsuits at December 31, 2014 have had a de minimis 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.
	Cumulative trauma product liability litigation has been difficult to predict. In our experience, until late in a lawsuit, we cannot reasonably determine whether it is probable that any of MSA LLC's cumulative trauma lawsuits 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. 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 often 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. Consequently, MSA LLC has historically been unable to estimate its cumulative trauma product liability exposure.
	As part of the company's ongoing assessment of the ability to estimate MSA LLC's cumulative trauma product liability exposure for both pending and unasserted claims, in the 2014 third quarter, MSA LLC engaged an outside valuation consultant to assist with this effort. This assessment was based on MSA LLC’s cumulative claims experience, including recent claims trends, and the development of enhanced claims data analytics. The analysis focused on claims made or resolved over the last several years as these claims are likely to best represent future claim characteristics.
	After extensive review by the valuation consultant, MSA LLC and its outside counsel, it was determined that MSA LLC cannot estimate its liability for cumulative trauma product liability claims. This is a result of numerous factors, including annual claims levels and indemnity payments that are highly variable and a lack of consistency in the source of the claims. MSA LLC will continue to regularly evaluate its ability to estimate its cumulative trauma product liability exposure.
	During the 2014 fourth quarter and into January 2015, MSA LLC settled a number of cumulative trauma cases for $71.8 million, the vast majority of which were insured. The impact of these settlements has been reflected in MSA Safety Incorporated’s 2014 financial statements and in the above roll-forward of lawsuits. As a result of these settlements, at December 31, 2014, the cumulative trauma product liability reserve totaled $74.9 million, most of which will be paid equally over four quarters, beginning in the 2015 third quarter and ending in the 2016 second quarter. Of this amount, $35.1 million was recorded in other non-current liabilities and the remainder was recorded in the insurance and product liability line in the current liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet. The cumulative trauma product liability reserve totaled $5.6 million at December 31, 2013. All of this amount was recorded in the insurance and product liability line in the other current liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet. Because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings or developments could occur, there can be no certainty that MSA LLC may not ultimately incur charges in excess of presently recorded liabilities. Our aggregate cumulative trauma product liability losses and administrative and defense costs for the three years ended December 31, 2014, totaled approximately $169.6 million, substantially all of which was insured.
	Insurance Receivable
	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"). The available limits of these policies well exceed the recorded insurance receivable balance.
	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 has increased by $95.7 million as a result of the above noted settlements and related defense costs.
	Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of the insurance receivable, 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.
	Insurance receivables at December 31, 2014 totaled $220.5 million, of which $2.0 million is reported in other current assets and $218.5 million in other non-current assets. 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)	2014				2013				2012
	Balance January 1	$	124.8			$	130			$	112.1
	Additions	98.2				34				29.7
	Collections and settlements	(2.5		)		(39.2		)		(11.8		)
	Balance December 31	220.5				124.8				130
	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 year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $3.9 million, $1.7 million and $2.1 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.
	MSA LLC believes that the increase in its insurance receivable balance that it has experienced since 2005 is primarily due to disagreements among its insurance carriers, and consequently with MSA LLC, as to when the individual obligations of insurance carriers to pay are triggered and the amount of each insurer’s obligation, as compared to other insurers. MSA LLC believes that its insurers do not contest that they have issued policies to our subsidiaries or that these policies cover cumulative trauma product liability claims. We believe that successful resolution of insurance litigation with various insurance carriers in recent years demonstrates that we have strong legal positions concerning MSA LLC's rights to coverage.
	The collectability of MSA LLC's insurance receivables is regularly evaluated and the amounts recorded are probable of collection. These conclusions are based on analysis of the terms of the underlying insurance policies, experience in successfully recovering cumulative trauma product liability claims from our insurers under other policies, the financial ability of the insurance carriers to pay the claims, understanding and interpretation of the relevant facts and applicable law and the advice of MSA LLC's legal counsel, who believe that the insurers are required to provide coverage based on the terms of the policies.
	Although it is impossible to predict the ultimate outcome of current open claims, based on current information, our experience in handling these matters, and our substantial insurance program, we do not believe that the resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on our future financial condition or liquidity.
	Insurance Litigation
	MSA LLC is currently involved in insurance coverage litigation with a number of our insurance carriers regarding its Occurrence-Based Policies.
	In 2009, MSA LLC (as Mine Safety Appliances Company) 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 MSA LLC and that it engaged in bad-faith claims handling. MSA LLC believes that North River’s refusal to indemnify it under the policy for product liability losses and legal fees paid by MSA LLC is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and MSA LLC is 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 MSA LLC (as Mine Safety Appliances Company) in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania seeking a declaratory judgment concerning their responsibilities under three additional policies. MSA LLC asserted claims against North River for breaches of contract for failures to pay amounts owed to MSA LLC. MSA LLC also alleges that North River engaged in bad-faith claims handling. MSA LLC believes that North River’s refusal to indemnify us under these policies for product liability losses and legal fees paid by MSA LLC is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and MSA LLC is 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, MSA LLC (as Mine Safety Appliances Company) filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware seeking declaratory and other relief from the majority of its excess insurance carriers concerning the future rights and obligations of MSA LLC and its excess insurance carriers under various insurance policies. The reason for this insurance coverage action is to secure a comprehensive resolution of its rights under the insurance policies issued by the insurers. Motions for summary judgment on certain issues will be submitted to the court at various times in 2015. A trial date is currently scheduled for the second quarter of 2016.
	MSA LLC has resolved claims against certain of its insurance carriers on some of their policies, including the Occurrence-Based Policies through negotiated settlements. When a settlement is reached, MSA LLC dismisses 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 Occurrence-Based Policies, MSA LLC anticipates having commitments to provide future payment streams which should be sufficient to satisfy its recorded receivables due from insurance carriers. In addition, MSA LLC 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, MSA LLC (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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
	Assets Held for Sale - In September 2013, we entered into an agreement to sell our 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 continued to manufacture and sell detector tubes on behalf of the buyer until mid-2014. We recognized a gain of $2.2 million on the transaction in 2014 and have collected all proceeds associated with the transaction at December 31, 2014.
	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 with a potential acquirer. Management has deemed it probable that the sale of these assets and liabilities will close in 2015. 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 December 31, 2014.
	Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Discontinued Operations
	Net sales	$	47,516		$	52,692		$	58,461
	Other income, net	660			40			115
	Cost and expenses:
	Cost of products sold	38,259			41,181			45,277
	Selling, general and administrative	7,650			7,389			8,376
	Interest expense	—			—			17
	Currency exchange (gains), net	(116		)	(325		)	(41		)
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,383			4,487			4,947
	Provision for income taxes	607			1,426			1,128
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,776			3,061			3,819
	The following assets and liabilities are included in the balance sheet line items noted below and are included in the International Segment detail in Note 7.
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Discontinued Operations assets and liabilities
	Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	$	6,638		$	7,452
	Inventories	11,829			11,359
	Net property	342			317
	Other assets	2,022			1,326
	Total assets	20,831			20,454
	Accounts payable	5,263			5,447
	Accrued and other liabilities	991			930
	Total liabilities	6,254			6,377
	Net assets	14,577			14,077
	The following summary provides financial information for discontinued operations related to net loss (income) related to noncontrolling interests:
		Year ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
	Loss (income) from continuing operations	$	1,296		$	870		$	(385	)
	(Income) from discontinued operations	(717		)	(672		)	(739		)
	Net loss (income)	579			198			(1,124		)

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
		2014
		Quarters									Year
	(In thousands, except earnings per share)	1st		2nd		3rd		4th
	Continuing Operations:
	Net sales	$	265,045	$	282,493	$	275,159	$	311,188		$	1,133,885
	Gross profit	121,815		129,670		123,723		140,141			515,349
	Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	13,522		22,132		18,674		33,119			87,447
	Earnings per share*
	Basic	0.37		0.59		0.5		0.88			2.34
	Diluted	0.36		0.58		0.49		0.87			2.3
	Discontinued Operations:
	Net sales	10,060		10,589		14,645		12,222			47,516
	Gross profit	2,363		2,134		2,638		2,122			9,257
	Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	504		356		631		(432		)	1,059
	Earnings (loss) per share*
	Basic	0.01		0.01		0.02		(0.01		)	0.03
	Diluted	0.01		0.01		0.02		(0.01		)	0.03
		2013
		Quarters									Year
	(In thousands, except earnings per share)	1st		2nd		3rd		4th
	Continuing Operations:
	Net sales	$	269,886	$	285,859	$	264,884	$	291,429		$	1,112,058
	Gross profit	121,704		129,665		115,426		130,050			496,845
	Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	18,627		23,315		18,987		24,929			85,858
	Earnings per share*
	Basic	0.5		0.63		0.51		0.67			2.31
	Diluted	0.49		0.62		0.51		0.66			2.28
	Discontinued Operations:
	Net sales	13,353		13,836		13,361		12,142			52,692
	Gross profit	3,078		3,215		2,790		2,428			11,511
	Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	659		734		514		482			2,389
	Earnings per share*
	Basic	0.02		0.02		0.01		0.01			0.06
	Diluted	0.02		0.02		0.01		0.01			0.06
	* Per share amounts are calculated independently for each period presented; therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the per share amounts for the year.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
	During January 2015, MSA LLC settled a number of cumulative trauma cases, the vast majority of which were insured. The impact of these settlements has been reflected in MSA Safety Incorporated’s 2014 financial statements. See Note 18 for additional details.

Schedule_of_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	7,306	$	7,402	$	7,043
	Additions—
	Charged to costs and expenses	1,249		763		1,289
	Deductions—
	Deductions from reserves, net (1)(2)	734		859		930
	Balance at end of year	7,821		7,306		7,402
	Income tax valuation allowance:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	4,938	$	3,961	$	2,777
	Additions—
	Charged to costs and expenses (3)	—		977		1,184
	Deductions—
	Deductions from reserves (3)	1,175		—		—
	Balance at end of year	3,763		4,938		3,961
	-1	Bad debts written off, net of recoveries.
	-2	Activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes currency translation gains (losses) of $(332), $(121) and $428, respectively.
	-3	Activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes currency translation gains (losses) of $(643), $242 and $97, respectively.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation—The Consolidated Financial Statements of MSA Safety Incorporated are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and require management to make certain judgments, estimates, and assumptions. These may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. They also may affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests—Noncontrolling interests reflect noncontrolling shareholders’ investments in certain consolidated subsidiaries and their proportionate share of the income and accumulated other comprehensive income of those subsidiaries.
Currency Translation	Currency Translation—The functional currency of all significant non-U.S. subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated at year-end exchange rates. Income statement accounts are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period. Translation adjustments for these companies are reported as a component of shareholders’ equity and are not included in income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income for the reporting period.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents—Cash equivalents include temporary deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash—Restricted cash, which is designated for use other than current operations is included in the prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Restricted cash balances were $2.7 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These balances were used to support letter of credit balances.
Inventories	Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Most U.S. inventories are valued on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method. Other inventories are valued on the average cost method or at standard costs which approximate actual costs.
Property and Depreciation	Property and Depreciation—Property is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally as follows: buildings 20 to 40 years and machinery and equipment 3 to 10 years. Expenditures for significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses on property dispositions are included in other income and the cost and related depreciation are removed from the accounts. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $26.2 million, $27.1 million and $27.5 million, respectively. Properties, plants, and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is determined by comparing the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations related to the assets to their carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated undiscounted net cash flows. The amount of the impairment loss to be recorded is calculated as the excess of the carrying value of the assets over their fair value, with fair value determined using the best information available, which generally is a discounted cash flow model.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever circumstances change such that the recorded value of the asset may not be recoverable. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment write-down tests. We test the goodwill of each of our reporting units for impairment at least annually. The annual goodwill impairment tests are performed as of September 30 each year. All goodwill is assigned to reporting units. For this purpose, we consider our operating segments to be our reporting units. We test goodwill for impairment by either performing a qualitative evaluation or a two-step quantitative test. The qualitative evaluation is an assessment of various factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill.
	Factors considered as part of the qualitative assessment include entity-specific industry, market and general economic conditions. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for some or all of our reporting units and perform a two-step quantitative test. Quantitative testing involves estimating a reporting unit’s fair value. We estimate reporting unit fair value using discounted cash flow and market approach methodologies. There has been no impairment of our goodwill as of December 31, 2014.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition—Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when title, ownership and the risk of loss have transferred to the customer, which generally occurs either when product is shipped to the customer or, in the case of most U.S. distributor customers, when product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site. We establish our shipping terms according to local practice and market characteristics. We do not ship product unless we have an order or other documentation authorizing shipment to our customers. We make appropriate provisions for uncollectible accounts receivable and product returns, both of which have historically been insignificant in relation to our net sales. Certain distributor customers receive price rebates based on their level of purchases and other performance criteria that are documented in established distributor programs. These rebates are accrued as a reduction of net sales as they are earned by the customer.
Shipping and Handling	Shipping and Handling—Shipping and handling expenses for products sold to customers are charged to cost of products sold as incurred. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.
Product Warranties	Product Warranties—Estimated expenses related to product warranties and additional service actions are charged to cost of products sold in the period in which the related revenue is recognized or when significant product quality issues are identified.
Research and Development	Research and Development—Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. We record tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return when such benefits meet a more likely than not threshold. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. No provision is made for possible U.S. taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation—We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the FASB guidance on share-based payment, which requires that we recognize compensation expense for employee and non-employee director stock-based compensation based on the grant date fair value. Except for retirement-eligible participants, for whom there is no requisite service period, this expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service periods following the date of grant. For retirement-eligible participants, this expense is recognized at the grant date.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments—We may use derivative instruments to minimize the effects of changes in currency exchange rates. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and do not hold derivative instruments for trading purposes. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges are recorded in the balance sheet as adjustments to the underlying hedged asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recognized in the income statement as currency exchange (income) loss in the current period.
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies—For asserted claims and assessments, liabilities are recorded when an unfavorable outcome of a matter is deemed to be probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Management determines the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome based on many factors such as the nature of the matter, available defenses and case strategy, progress of the matter, views and opinions of legal counsel and other advisors, applicability and success of appeals processes, and the outcome of similar historical matters, among others. Once an unfavorable outcome is deemed probable, management weighs the probability of estimated losses, and the most reasonable loss estimate is recorded. If an unfavorable outcome of a matter is deemed to be reasonably possible, then the matter is disclosed and no liability is recorded. With respect to unasserted claims or assessments, management must first determine that the probability that an assertion will be made is likely, then, a determination as to the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to reasonably estimate the potential loss is made. Legal matters are reviewed on a continuous basis to determine if there has been a change in management’s judgment regarding the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the estimate of a potential loss.
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held For Sale	Discontinued Operations and Assets Held For Sale—For those businesses where management has committed to a plan to divest, each business is valued at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. Fair value is estimated using accepted valuation techniques such as a discounted cash flow model, valuations performed by third parties, earnings multiples, or indicative bids, when available. A number of significant estimates and assumptions are involved in the application of these techniques, including the forecasting of markets and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs and expenses, and multiple other factors. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the estimates are made; however, the fair value that is ultimately realized upon the divestiture of a business may differ from the estimated fair value reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Depreciation and amortization expense is not recorded on assets of a business to be divested once they are classified as held for sale.
	For businesses classified as discontinued operations, the results of operations are reclassified from their historical presentation to discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Income, for all periods presented. The gains or losses associated with these divested businesses are recorded in discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Additionally, segment information does not include the operating results of businesses classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Management does not expect any continuing involvement with these businesses following their divestiture, and these businesses are expected to be disposed of within one year.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of an Entity. This ASU 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.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue with Contracts from Customers. This ASU clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue such that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This ASU clarifies the accounting treatment for share based payment awards that contain performance targets. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2016. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern. This ASU clarifies management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is a substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and provides guidance for related footnote disclosures. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2016. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items. This ASU eliminates the requirement to separately present and disclose extraordinary and unusual items in the financial statements. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2016. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge1

Restructuring and Other Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 January 1, 2012	$	—		$	4.3		$	—		$	4.3
	Restructuring charges	1.5			1.1			0.2			2.8
	Cash payments	(1.2		)	(2.9		)	—			(4.1		)
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2012	$	0.3		$	2.5		$	0.2		$	3
	Restructuring charges	—			3			2.3			5.3
	Cash payments	(0.3		)	(3.8		)	(2.5		)	(6.6		)
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2013	$	—		$	1.7		$	—		$	1.7
	Restructuring charges	—			4.8			3.7			8.5
	Asset disposals	—			(0.4		)	(1.7		)	(2.1		)
	Cash payments	—			(3.5		)	(1.8		)	(5.3		)
	Reserve balances at December 31, 2014	$	—		$	2.6		$	0.2		$	2.8

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Inventories	The following table sets forth the components of inventory:
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Finished products	$	67,713	$	74,466
	Work in process	8,942		8,108
	Raw materials and supplies	46,299		54,263
	Total inventories	122,954		136,837
	Excess of FIFO costs over LIFO costs	44,468		44,670
	Total FIFO inventories	167,422		181,507

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following table sets forth the components of property, plant and equipment:
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	3,573		$	3,835
	Buildings	110,144			110,534
	Machinery and equipment	335,318			349,667
	Construction in progress	17,327			16,364
	Total	466,362			480,400
	Less accumulated depreciation	(315,010		)	(327,645		)
	Net property	151,352			152,755

Reclassifications_out_of_Accum1

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		MSA Safety Incorporated									Noncontrolling Interests
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Pension and other post-retirement benefits
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(77,080	)	$	(132,031	)	$	(104,013	)	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Unrecognized net actuarial (losses) gains	(84,495		)	72,008			(45,793		)	—			—			—
	Unrecognized prior service credit	302			239			—			—			—			—
	Tax benefit (expense)	29,832			(25,783		)	13,833			—			—			—
	Total other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	(54,361		)	46,464			(31,960		)	—			—			—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Amortization of prior service cost	(251		)	(322		)	(353		)	—			—			—
	Recognized net actuarial losses	9,114			13,875			6,764			—			—			—
	Tax benefit	(2,992		)	(5,066		)	(2,469		)	—			—			—
	Total amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	5,871			8,487			3,942			—			—			—
	Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(48,490		)	54,951			(28,018		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(125,570	)	$	(77,080	)	$	(132,031	)	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Foreign currency translation
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(1,189	)	$	4,959		$	829		$	(1,602	)	$	(469	)	$	(185	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(39,971		)	(6,148		)	4,130			(597		)	(1,133		)	(284		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(41,160	)	$	(1,189	)	$	4,959		$	(2,199	)	$	(1,602	)	$	(469	)

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Capital Stock Additional Information [Abstract]
Schedule Of Common Stock Activity	Common stock activity is summarized as follows:
		Shares					Dollars
	(Dollars in thousands)	Issued	Stock		Treasury		Common			Stock			Treasury
			Compensation				Stock			Compensation			Cost
			Trust							Trust
	Balances January 1, 2012	62,081,391	(1,162,784	)	(24,226,017	)	$	97,276		$	(6,070	)	$	(264,479	)
	Restricted stock awards	—	136,295		—		(711		)	711			—
	Restricted stock expense	—	—		—		4,891			—			—
	Restricted stock forfeitures	—	—		(10,815	)	(147		)	—			—
	Stock options exercised	—	223,022		—		3,141			1,165			—
	Stock option expense	—	—		—		2,435			—			—
	Performance stock issued	—	58,037		—		(303		)	303			—
	Performance stock expense	—	—		—		2,831			—			—
	Tax benefit related to stock plans	—	—		—		2,799			—			—
	Treasury shares purchased	—	—		(91,330	)	—			—			(3,508		)
	Other, net	—	—		—		(77		)	—			—
	Balances December 31, 2012	62,081,391	(745,430	)	(24,328,162	)	112,135			(3,891		)	(267,987		)
	Restricted stock awards	—	96,686		—		(505		)	505			—
	Restricted stock expense	—	—		—		4,244			—			—
	Restricted stock forfeitures	—	—		(7,365	)	(115		)	—			—
	Stock options exercised	—	277,687		—		8,194			1,449			—
	Stock option expense	—	—		—		2,825			—			—
	Performance stock issued	—	67,389		—		(352		)	352			—
	Performance stock expense	—	—		—		3,383			—			—
	Tax benefit related to stock plans	—	—		—		2,246			—			—
	Treasury shares purchased	—	—		(240,097	)	—			—			(11,785		)
	Balances December 31, 2013	62,081,391	(303,668	)	(24,575,624	)	132,055			(1,585		)	(279,772		)
	Restricted stock awards	—	72,291		13,936		(538		)	377			161
	Restricted stock expense	—	—		—		4,372			—			—
	Restricted stock forfeitures	—	—		(4,078	)	(346		)	—			—
	Stock options exercised	—	150,962		39,781		5,678			788			460
	Stock option expense	—	—		—		2,355			—			—
	Performance stock issued	—	80,415				(420		)	420			—
	Performance stock expense	—	—		—		2,705			—			—
	Performance stock forfeitures	—	—		—		(33		)	—			—
	Tax benefit related to stock plans	—	—		—		2,573			—			—
	Treasury shares purchased	—	—		(107,096	)	—			—			(5,654		)
	Balances December 31, 2014	62,081,391	—		(24,633,081	)	148,401			—			(284,805		)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Reportable Segment Information	Reportable segment information is presented in the following table:
	(In thousands)	North America				Europe				International			Reconciling Items			Consolidated Totals
	2014
	Sales to external customers	$	547,739			$	321,618			$	264,528		$	—		$	1,133,885
	Intercompany sales	116,795				113,914				18,449			(249,158		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	73,874				22,187				15,234			(23,848		)	87,447
	Discontinued operations	—				—				1,059			—			1,059
	Total assets	996,116				390,328				220,004			(341,656		)	1,264,792
	Interest income	995				111				711			5			1,822
	Interest expense	30				104				16			9,701			9,851
	Noncash items:
	Depreciation and amortization	18,635				6,357				4,929			—			29,921
	Pension income (expense)	1,977				(6,234		)		(579		)	—			(4,836		)
	Income tax provision	38,911				9,195				6,529			(13,591		)	41,044
	Capital expenditures	18,377				10,859				4,347			—			33,583
	Net property	86,718				32,892				31,741			1			151,352
	2013
	Sales to external customers	533,161				293,092				285,805			—			1,112,058
	Intercompany sales	120,952				98,491				22,136			(241,579		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	62,835				20,204				27,206			(24,387		)	85,858
	Discontinued operations	—				—				2,389			—			2,389
	Total assets	828,413				394,463				209,578			(198,184		)	1,234,270
	Interest income	243				90				809			—			1,142
	Interest expense	52				175				2			10,448			10,677
	Noncash items:
	Depreciation and amortization	19,639				5,357				5,768			—			30,764
	Pension expense	(4,765		)		(6,328		)		(1,268		)	—			(12,361		)
	Income tax provision	31,654				6,735				9,069			(12,313		)	35,145
	Capital expenditures	17,887				11,833				6,797			—			36,517
	Net property	84,104				33,162				35,488			1			152,755
	2012
	Sales to external customers	532,213				290,382				287,848			—			1,110,443
	Intercompany sales	112,964				98,096				20,031			(231,091		)	—
	Net income:
	Continuing operations	58,376				21,553				24,819			(17,191		)	87,557
	Discontinued operations	—				—				3,080			—			3,080
	Total assets	718,545				352,601				209,979			(169,379		)	1,111,746
	Interest income	364				147				886			14			1,411
	Interest expense	106				350				78			10,810			11,344
	Noncash items:
	Depreciation and amortization	21,382				5,354				4,966			—			31,702
	Pension income (expense)	2,138				(4,700		)		(1,111		)	—			(3,673		)
	Income tax provision	35,537				7,771				10,450			(12,357		)	41,401
	Capital expenditures	20,119				5,106				6,984			—			32,209
	Net property	84,923				25,460				37,081			1			147,465
Schedule Of Geographic Information On Sales To External Customers, Based On Country Of Origin	Geographic information on sales to external customers, based on country of origin:
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	United States	$	530,845			$	528,178			$	527,550
	Germany	74,677				71,139				74,557
	Other	528,363				512,741				508,336
	Total	1,133,885				1,112,058				1,110,443
Schedule Of Geographic Information On Long-Lived Assets, Based On Country Of Origin	Geographic information on net property, based on country of origin:
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	United States	$	85,247			$	82,274			$	82,820
	Germany	17,654				16,882				8,781
	China	15,128				16,010				14,780
	Other	33,323				37,589				41,084
	Total	151,352				152,755				147,465
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services	The percentage of total sales by product group were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Fixed Gas and Flame Detection	23	%		22	%		20	%
	Breathing Apparatus	19	%		21	%		20	%
	Portable Gas Detection	15	%		14	%		13	%
	Head Protection	13	%		13	%		11	%
	Fall Protection	4	%		4	%		4	%
	Other	26	%		26	%		32	%

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to continuing operations	$	87,447		$	85,858		$	87,557
	Preferred stock dividends	(41		)	(41		)	(41		)
	Income from continuing operations available to common equity	87,406			85,817			87,516
	Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(546		)	(643		)	(836		)
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	86,860			85,174			86,680
	Net income attributable to discontinued operations	$	1,059		$	2,389		$	3,080
	Preferred stock dividends	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
	Income from discontinued operations available to common equity	1,058			2,388			3,079
	Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(7		)	(18		)	(29		)
	Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	1,051			2,370			3,050
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	37,138			36,868			36,564
	Stock options and other stock compensation	590			582			478
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	37,728			37,450			37,042
	Antidilutive stock options	—			15			744
	Earnings per share attributable to continuing operations:
	Basic	$2.34			$2.31			$2.37
	Diluted	$2.30			$2.28			$2.34
	Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations:
	Basic	$0.03			$0.06			$0.08
	Diluted	$0.03			$0.06			$0.08

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Income Before Income Taxes
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Components of income before income taxes*
	U.S. income	$	58,209			$	48,621			$	67,043
	Non-U.S. income	68,986				71,512				62,300
	Income before income taxes	127,195				120,133				129,343
	Provision for income taxes*
	Current
	Federal	$	23,659			$	18,656			$	18,774
	State	1,349				1,492				2,556
	Non-U.S.	21,101				18,453				19,438
	Total current provision	46,109				38,601				40,768
	Deferred
	Federal	(3,650		)		(3,582		)		(518		)
	State	317				(483		)		(125		)
	Non-U.S.	(1,732		)		609				1,276
	Total deferred provision	(5,065		)		(3,456		)		633
	Provision for income taxes	41,044				35,145				41,401
	*The components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes relate to continuing operations.
Reconciliation Of U.S. Federal Income Tax Rates To Effective Tax Rate	Reconciliation of the U.S. federal income tax rates to our effective tax rate:
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes—U.S.	0.8			0.6			1.2
	Taxes on non-U.S. income	(2.2	)		(4.5	)		(1.0	)
	Research and development credit	(0.7	)		(1.5	)		—
	Manufacturing deduction credit	(1.0	)		(1.1	)		(2.0	)
	Valuation allowances	(0.6	)		0.5			(0.2	)
	Other	1			0.3			(1.0	)
	Effective income tax rate	32.3	%		29.3	%		32	%
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities:
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Book expenses capitalized for tax	$	6,336			$	7,204
	Post-retirement benefits	23,335				18,027
	Inventory reserves	3,147				5,550
	Vacation allowances	932				1,036
	Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards	7,479				6,711
	Post employment benefits	2,382				757
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	11,231				2,227
	Stock options	10,157				10,185
	Liability insurance	3,918				3,686
	Basis of capital assets	1,009				891
	Warranties	3,210				3,049
	Reserve for doubtful accounts	1,948				1,569
	Accrued payroll	4,319				2,475
	Other	5,801				6,838
	Total deferred tax assets	85,204				70,205
	Valuation allowances	(3,763		)		(4,938		)
	Net deferred tax assets	81,441				65,267
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant and equipment	(9,269		)		(8,935		)
	Pension	(22,195		)		(40,833		)
	Intangibles	(30,180		)		(25,212		)
	Other	(2,045		)		(2,455		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(63,689		)		(77,435		)
	Net deferred taxes	17,752				(12,168		)
Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Change In Tax Liability For Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the change in the tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014				2013
	Beginning balance	$	5,888			$	9,520
	Adjustments for tax positions related to the current year	4,072				(3,628		)
	Adjustments for tax positions related to prior years	3				97
	Statute expiration	(106		)		(101		)
	Ending balance	9,857				5,888

Stock_Plans_Tables

Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Restricted stock	$	4,026			$	4,129			$	4,744
	Stock options	2,355				2,825				2,435
	Performance stock	2,672				3,383				2,831
	Total compensation expense before income taxes	9,053				10,337				10,010
	Income tax benefit	3,293				3,810				3,700
	Total compensation expense, net of income tax benefit	5,760				6,527				6,310
Schedule Of Fair Value Weighted Average Assumptions For Options Granted	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, 2013 and 2012.
		2014				2013				2012
	Fair value per option	$	17.26			$	14.17			$	10.77
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1		%		1.2		%		1.2		%
	Expected dividend yield	2.4		%		2.8		%		3.1		%
	Expected volatility	41		%		39		%		41		%
	Expected life (years)	6.6				6.1				6.1
Summary Of Option Activity	A summary of option activity follows:
		Shares			Weighted				Exercisable at
					Average				Year-end
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding January 1, 2012	1,818,640			$	30.94
	Granted	196,469			37.33
	Exercised	(223,022	)		18.93
	Expired	(5,093	)		43.33
	Forfeited	(2,334	)		36.69
	Outstanding December 31, 2012	1,784,660			33.05				1,100,300
	Granted	188,407			49.03
	Exercised	(277,687	)		34.72
	Outstanding December 31, 2013	1,695,380			34.55				1,178,657
	Granted	138,519			51.69
	Exercised	(190,743	)		36.31
	Expired	(1,071	)		45.68
	Forfeited	(23,524	)		38.82
	Outstanding December 31, 2014	1,618,561			35.74				1,147,712
Characteristics of Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options	For various exercise price ranges, characteristics of outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Stock Options Outstanding
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Weighted-Average
					Exercise Price				Remaining Life
	$17.83 – $29.33	541,669			$	21.71			4.6 years
	$33.55 – $40.88	507,688			37.14				4.7
	$41.26 – $51.69	569,204			47.83				6.1
	$17.83 – $51.69	1,618,561			35.74				5.2
		Stock Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Weighted-Average
					Exercise Price				Remaining Life
	$17.83 – $29.33	541,669			$	21.71			4.6 years
	$33.55 – $40.88	360,801			37.33				3.7
	$41.26 – $48.95	245,242			45.17				3
	$17.83 – $48.95	1,147,712			31.63				4
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2012	512,254			$	25.66
	Granted	130,985			37.61
	Vested	(209,897	)		20.44
	Forfeited	(15,499	)		28.37
	Unvested at December 31, 2012	417,843			31.92
	Granted	92,448			48.98
	Vested	(197,465	)		27.42
	Forfeited	(9,407	)		40.23
	Unvested at December 31, 2013	303,419			39.79
	Granted	83,543			51.91
	Vested	(108,245	)		34.94
	Forfeited	(9,974	)		44.42
	Unvested at December 31, 2014	268,743			45.34
Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity	A summary of performance stock unit activity follows:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2012	125,443			$	25.27
	Granted	54,928			41.33
	Vested	(47,706	)		18.23
	Performance adjustments	5,679			26.39
	Forfeited	(672	)		41.45
	Unvested at December 31, 2012	137,672			35.85
	Granted	53,357			57.58
	Vested	(45,809	)		26.08
	Performance adjustments	4,169			25.84
	Unvested at December 31, 2013	149,389			46.32
	Granted	46,242			57.42
	Vested	(91,696	)		39.19
	Performance adjustments	41,428			39.42
	Forfeited	(1,402	)		48.85
	Unvested at December 31, 2014	143,961			52.42

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Debt_Ta

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Outstanding Debt
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Industrial development debt issues payable through 2022, 0.30%	$	—	$	4,000
	2006 Senior notes payable through 2021, 5.41%	46,667		53,334
	2010 Senior notes payable through 2021, 4.00%	100,000		100,000
	Senior revolving credit facility maturing in 2019	105,000		110,000
	Total	251,667		267,334
	Amounts due within one year	6,667		6,667
	Long-term debt	245,000		260,667

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes In Goodwill	Changes in goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Net balance at January 1	$	260,134		$	258,400
	Currency translation	(7,614		)	1,734
	Net balance at December 31	252,520			260,134
Changes In Intangible Assets, Net Of Accumulated Amortization	Changes in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Net balance at January 1	$	35,029		$	38,648
	Additions	500			—
	Amortization expense	(2,979		)	(3,708		)
	Currency translation	(1,227		)	89
	Net balance at December 31	31,323			35,029
	(In thousands)		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
	Intangible Assets:	Life	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization and Reserves			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount	Accumulated Amortization and Reserves			Net Carrying Amount
	Distribution agreements	10-20 years	$	27.5		$	(6.5	)	$	21	27.6	$	(5.5	)	$	22.1
	Patents, trademarks and copyrights	5-20 years	13.5			(8.6		)	4.9		14.3	(8.8		)	5.5
	Technology related assets	7-10 years	11.5			(6.6		)	4.9		11	(4.7		)	6.3
	License agreements	10 years	6.8			(6.7		)	0.1		7.1	(7.0		)	0.1
	Other	5-20 years	7			(6.6		)	0.4		7	(6.0		)	1
			66.3			(35.0		)	31.3		67	(32.0		)	35

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits Plan	Information pertaining to defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefits plans is provided in the following table:
		Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in Benefit Obligations
	Benefit obligations at January 1	$	440,359			$	463,806			$	26,732		$	30,551
	Service cost	9,425				11,132				538			687
	Interest cost	19,340				17,934				1,107			1,050
	Participant contributions	130				136				259			144
	Plan amendments	(302		)		(239		)		—			—
	Actuarial losses (gains)	88,069				(34,248		)		(200		)	(4,107		)
	Benefits paid	(19,193		)		(19,232		)		(1,585		)	(1,593		)
	Settlements	(717		)		(1,474		)		—			—
	Currency translation	(17,917		)		2,544				—			—
	Benefit obligations at December 31	519,194				440,359				26,851			26,732
	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value of plan assets at January 1	434,569				384,452				—			—
	Actual return on plan assets	30,209				67,391				—			—
	Employer contributions	4,077				4,053				1,326			1,449
	Participant contributions	130				136				259			144
	Settlements	(717		)		(1,474		)		—			—
	Benefits paid	(16,507		)		(16,316		)		(1,585		)	(1,593		)
	Reimbursement of German benefits	(2,686		)		(2,916		)		—			—
	Currency translation	(3,776		)		(757		)		—			—
	Fair value of plan assets at December 31	445,299				434,569				—			—
	Funded Status
	Funded status at December 31	(73,895		)		(5,790		)		(26,851		)	(26,732		)
	Unrecognized transition losses	16				21				—			—
	Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	10				374				(1,858		)	(2,193		)
	Unrecognized net actuarial losses	192,692				116,945				6,450			6,832
	Net amount recognized	118,823				111,550				(22,259		)	(22,093		)
	Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet
	Noncurrent assets	75,017				121,054				—			—
	Current liabilities	(5,380		)		(5,518		)		(1,457		)	(1,695		)
	Noncurrent liabilities	(143,532		)		(121,326		)		(25,394		)	(25,037		)
	Net amount recognized	(73,895		)		(5,790		)		(26,851		)	(26,732		)
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Net actuarial losses	192,692				116,945				6,450			6,832
	Prior service cost (credit)	10				374				(1,858		)	(2,193		)
	Unrecognized net initial obligation	16				21				—			—
	Total (before tax effects)	192,718				117,340				4,592			4,639
	Accumulated Benefit Obligations for all Defined Benefit Plans	479,764				403,682				—			—
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit (Credit) Cost
		Pension Benefits											Other Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012			2014			2013			2012
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$	9,425			$	11,132			$	9,511		$	538		$	687		$	694
	Interest cost	19,340				17,934				19,018			1,107			1,050			1,265
	Expected return on plan assets	(32,944		)		(30,884		)		(32,328		)	—			—			—
	Amortization of transition amounts	2				3				2			—			—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	84				102				101			(335		)	(424		)	(454		)
	Recognized net actuarial losses	8,639				13,323				6,235			182			552			529
	Settlement loss	290				658				747			—			—			—
	Termination benefits	—				—				387			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	4,836				12,268				3,673			1,492			1,865			2,034
Schedule Of Amounts Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Expected To Be Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized in 2015 net periodic benefit costs.
	(In thousands)	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	Loss recognition	$	15,937			$	320
	Prior service cost (credit) recognition	66				(335		)
	Transition obligation recognition	2				—
Schedule Of Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Obligations And Net Periodic Benefit Cost
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
	Average discount rate	3.63	%		4.54	%		3.85	%		4.62	%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.03	%		3.06	%		—			—
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
	Average discount rate	4.54	%		3.96	%		4.62	%		3.75	%
	Expected return on plan assets	8.2	%		8.15	%		—			—
	Rate of compensation increase	3.06	%		3.81	%		—			—
Schedule Of Expected Return On Assets For Net Periodic Pension Cost
		Pension Plan Assets at
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Equity securities	65	%		71	%
	Fixed income securities	26			19
	Pooled investment funds	5			5
	Insurance contracts	3			3
	Cash and cash equivalents	1			2
	Total	100	%		100	%
Summary Of Pension Plan Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis By Fair Value Hierarchy	The following table summarizes our pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy level (See Note 17):
		31-Dec-14
	(In thousands)	Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant			Total
		in Active				Observable				Unobservable			Fair
		Markets for				Inputs				Inputs			Value
		Identical				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
		Assets
		(Level 1)
	Equity securities	$	233,156			$	54,614			$	248		$	288,018
	Fixed income securities	41,447				72,412				505			114,364
	Pooled investment funds	—				22,623				—			22,623
	Insurance contracts	—				—				15,069			15,069
	Cash and cash equivalents	5,225				—				—			5,225
	Total	279,828				149,649				15,822			445,299
		31-Dec-13
	(In thousands)	Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant			Total
		in Active				Observable				Unobservable			Fair
		Markets for				Inputs				Inputs			Value
		Identical				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
		Assets
		(Level 1)
	Equity securities	$	307,486			$	—			$	428		$	307,914
	Fixed income securities	36,749				47,545				—			84,294
	Pooled investment funds	—				22,430				—			22,430
	Insurance contracts	—				—				13,512			13,512
	Cash and cash equivalents	6,067				—				352			6,419
	Total	350,302				69,975				14,292			434,569
Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Level 3 Assets	The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 assets:
	(In thousands)	Insurance				Other
		Contracts
	Balance January 1, 2013	$	12,254			$	—
	Net realized and unrealized gains included in earnings	1,074				—
	Net purchases, issuances and settlements	173				428
	Transfers into Level 3	11				352
	Balance December 31, 2013	13,512				780
	Net realized and unrealized gains included in earnings	1,345				(180		)
	Net purchases, issuances and settlements	212				505
	Transfers out of Level 3	—				(352		)
	Balance December 31, 2014	15,069				753

Other_Loss_Income_Net_Tables

Other (Loss) Income, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Income, Net
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Interest income	$	1,822		$	1,142		$	1,411
	Gain on asset dispositions, net	2,094			436			8,396
	Land impairment loss	(50		)	(1,557		)	—
	Escrow settlement	—			—			4,790
	Intangible asset impairment loss	—			—			(4,272		)
	Other, net	(1,101		)	(196		)	551
	Total	2,765			(175		)	10,876

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 and liabilities associated with derivative financial instruments.
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts - prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	(395	)	$	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:
	(In thousands)	Income Statement	Loss (Gain)
		Location	Recognized in Income
			Year ended
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Currency exchange loss (gains), net	$	2,002		$	(755	)

Contingencies_Tables

Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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:
		2014			2013			2012
	Open lawsuits, January 1	2,840			2,609			2,321
	New lawsuits	542			489			750
	Settled and dismissed lawsuits	(1,056	)		(258	)		(462	)
	Open lawsuits, December 31	2,326			2,840			2,609
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)	2014				2013				2012
	Balance January 1	$	124.8			$	130			$	112.1
	Additions	98.2				34				29.7
	Collections and settlements	(2.5		)		(39.2		)		(11.8		)
	Balance December 31	220.5				124.8				130

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco1

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Discontinued Operations
	Net sales	$	47,516		$	52,692		$	58,461
	Other income, net	660			40			115
	Cost and expenses:
	Cost of products sold	38,259			41,181			45,277
	Selling, general and administrative	7,650			7,389			8,376
	Interest expense	—			—			17
	Currency exchange (gains), net	(116		)	(325		)	(41		)
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,383			4,487			4,947
	Provision for income taxes	607			1,426			1,128
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,776			3,061			3,819
	The following assets and liabilities are included in the balance sheet line items noted below and are included in the International Segment detail in Note 7.
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Discontinued Operations assets and liabilities
	Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	$	6,638		$	7,452
	Inventories	11,829			11,359
	Net property	342			317
	Other assets	2,022			1,326
	Total assets	20,831			20,454
	Accounts payable	5,263			5,447
	Accrued and other liabilities	991			930
	Total liabilities	6,254			6,377
	Net assets	14,577			14,077
	The following summary provides financial information for discontinued operations related to net loss (income) related to noncontrolling interests:
		Year ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
	Loss (income) from continuing operations	$	1,296		$	870		$	(385	)
	(Income) from discontinued operations	(717		)	(672		)	(739		)
	Net loss (income)	579			198			(1,124		)

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information
		2014
		Quarters									Year
	(In thousands, except earnings per share)	1st		2nd		3rd		4th
	Continuing Operations:
	Net sales	$	265,045	$	282,493	$	275,159	$	311,188		$	1,133,885
	Gross profit	121,815		129,670		123,723		140,141			515,349
	Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	13,522		22,132		18,674		33,119			87,447
	Earnings per share*
	Basic	0.37		0.59		0.5		0.88			2.34
	Diluted	0.36		0.58		0.49		0.87			2.3
	Discontinued Operations:
	Net sales	10,060		10,589		14,645		12,222			47,516
	Gross profit	2,363		2,134		2,638		2,122			9,257
	Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	504		356		631		(432		)	1,059
	Earnings (loss) per share*
	Basic	0.01		0.01		0.02		(0.01		)	0.03
	Diluted	0.01		0.01		0.02		(0.01		)	0.03
		2013
		Quarters									Year
	(In thousands, except earnings per share)	1st		2nd		3rd		4th
	Continuing Operations:
	Net sales	$	269,886	$	285,859	$	264,884	$	291,429		$	1,112,058
	Gross profit	121,704		129,665		115,426		130,050			496,845
	Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	18,627		23,315		18,987		24,929			85,858
	Earnings per share*
	Basic	0.5		0.63		0.51		0.67			2.31
	Diluted	0.49		0.62		0.51		0.66			2.28
	Discontinued Operations:
	Net sales	13,353		13,836		13,361		12,142			52,692
	Gross profit	3,078		3,215		2,790		2,428			11,511
	Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	659		734		514		482			2,389
	Earnings per share*
	Basic	0.02		0.02		0.01		0.01			0.06
	Diluted	0.02		0.02		0.01		0.01			0.06
	* Per share amounts are calculated independently for each period presented; therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the per share amounts for the year.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$2,700,000	$2,800,000
Depreciation expense	26,200,000	27,100,000	27,500,000
Impairment of goodwill	$0
Building | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful Lives	20 years
Building | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful Lives	40 years
Machinery and Equipment | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful Lives	3 years
Machinery and Equipment | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful Lives	10 years

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge2

Restructuring and Other Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$8,515	$5,344	$2,787
European Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	4,800	3,000	1,100
North American Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	0	1,500
International Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$3,700	$2,300	$200

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge3

Restructuring and Other Charges Roll Forward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$1,700,000	$3,000,000	$4,300,000
Restructuring charges	8,515,000	5,344,000	2,787,000
Asset disposals	-2,100,000
Cash payments	-5,300,000	-6,600,000	-4,100,000
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	2,800,000	1,700,000	3,000,000
North American Segment
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0	300,000	0
Restructuring charges	0	0	1,500,000
Asset disposals	0
Cash payments	0	-300,000	-1,200,000
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0	0	300,000
European Segment
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	1,700,000	2,500,000	4,300,000
Restructuring charges	4,800,000	3,000,000	1,100,000
Asset disposals	-400,000
Cash payments	-3,500,000	-3,800,000	-2,900,000
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	2,600,000	1,700,000	2,500,000
International Segment
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0	200,000	0
Restructuring charges	3,700,000	2,300,000	200,000
Asset disposals	-1,700,000
Cash payments	-1,800,000	-2,500,000	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$200,000	$0	$200,000

Inventories_Schedule_Of_Invent

Inventories - Schedule Of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished products	$67,713	$74,466
Work in process	8,942	8,108
Raw materials and supplies	46,299	54,263
Total inventories	122,954	136,837
Excess of FIFO costs over LIFO costs	44,468	44,670
Total FIFO inventories	$167,422	$181,507

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of LIFO inventories on total inventories	15.00%	21.00%
Reduced cost of sales	$2.10
Increase in income due to effect of liquidations	$1.40

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$466,362	$480,400
Less accumulated depreciation	-315,010	-327,645
Net property	151,352	152,755	147,465
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,573	3,835
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	110,144	110,534
Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	335,318	349,667
Construction in Progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$17,327	$16,364

Reclassifications_out_of_Accum2

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit [Roll Forward]
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	($48,490)	$54,951	($28,018)
MSA Safety Incorporated
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	-77,080	-132,031	-104,013
Unrecognized net actuarial (losses) gains	-84,495	72,008	-45,793
Unrecognized prior service credit	302	239	0
Tax benefit (expense)	29,832	-25,783	13,833
Total other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	-54,361	46,464	-31,960
Amortization of prior service cost	-251	-322	-353
Recognized net actuarial losses	9,114	13,875	6,764
Tax benefit	-2,992	-5,066	-2,469
Total amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	5,871	8,487	3,942
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-48,490	54,951	-28,018
Balance at end of period	-125,570	-77,080	-132,031
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translations [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	-1,189	4,959	829
Foreign currency translation adjustments, parent	-39,971	-6,148	4,130
Balance at end of period	-41,160	-1,189	4,959
Noncontrolling Interests
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translations [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	-1,602	-469	-185
Foreign currency translation adjustments, noncontrolling interest	-597	-1,133	-284
Balance at end of period	($2,199)	($1,602)	($469)

Capital_Stock_Additional_Infor

Capital Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2005
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value	$50	$50
Percentage of cumulative preferred stock	4.50%	4.50%
Common stock, shares authorized	180,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0	$0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	37,448,310	37,202,099
Stock repurchased program, authorized amount			$100
4 1/2% Cumulative Preferred Nonvoting Stock
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000
Preferred stock, par value	$50
Percentage of cumulative preferred stock	4.50%
Preferred Stock, Callable Price Per Share	$52.50
Preferred stock, shares issued	71,373
Treasury share, number of shares held	52,878
Purchase of treasury shares	0
Second Cumulative Preferred Voting Stock
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	$10
Preferred stock, shares issued	0

Capital_Stock_Summary_of_Commo

Capital Stock - Summary of Common Stock Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balances (in shares)	37,202,099
Stock options exercised (in shares)	190,743	277,687	223,022
Ending Balances (in shares)	37,448,310	37,202,099
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balances (in shares)	62,081,391	62,081,391	62,081,391
Ending Balances (in shares)	62,081,391	62,081,391	62,081,391
Beginning Balances	132,055	112,135	97,276
Performance stock forfeitures	-33
Tax benefit related to stock plans	2,573	2,246	2,799
Other, net			-77
Ending Balances	148,401	132,055	112,135
Stock Compensation Trust
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balances (in shares)				-1,162,784
Ending Balances (in shares)	0	-303,668	-745,430	-1,162,784
Beginning Balances				-6,070
Ending Balances	0	-1,585	-3,891	-6,070
Treasury Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balances (in shares)				-24,226,017
Ending Balances (in shares)	-24,633,081	-24,575,624	-24,328,162	-24,226,017
Beginning Balances				-264,479
Ending Balances	-284,805	-279,772	-267,987	-264,479
Restricted Stock | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock awards	-538	-505	-711
Share-based compensation expense	4,372	4,244	4,891
Restricted stock forfeitures	-346	-115	-147
Restricted Stock | Stock Compensation Trust
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock awards (in shares)	72,291	96,686	136,295
Restricted stock awards	377	505	711
Restricted Stock | Treasury Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock awards (in shares)	13,936
Restricted stock forfeitures (in shares)	-4,078	-7,365	-10,815
Restricted stock awards	161
Stock Options | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation expense	2,355	2,825	2,435
Stock options exercised	5,678	8,194	3,141
Stock Options | Stock Compensation Trust
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock options exercised (in shares)	150,962	277,687	223,022
Stock options exercised	788	1,449	1,165
Stock Options | Treasury Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock options exercised (in shares)	39,781
Stock options exercised	460
Performance Shares | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation expense	2,705	3,383	2,831
Performance stock issued	-420	-352	-303
Performance Shares | Stock Compensation Trust
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Performance stock issued (in shares)	80,415	67,389	58,037
Performance stock issued	420	352	303
Treasury Stock | Treasury Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Treasury shares purchased (in shares)	-107,096	-240,097	-91,330
Treasury shares purchased	-5,654	-11,785	-3,508

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of geographic operating segments	9
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment_Information_Schedule_O

Segment Information - Schedule Of Reportable Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	$311,188	$275,159	$282,493	$265,045	$291,429	$264,884	$285,859	$269,886	$1,133,885		$1,112,058		$1,110,443
Intercompany sales									0		0		0
Net income:
Continuing operations	33,119	18,674	22,132	13,522	24,929	18,987	23,315	18,627	87,447		85,858		87,557
Discontinued operations	-432	631	356	504	482	514	734	659	1,059		2,389		3,080
Total assets	1,264,792				1,234,270				1,264,792		1,234,270		1,111,746
Interest income									1,822		1,142		1,411
Interest expense									9,851		10,677		11,344
Noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization									29,921		30,764		31,702
Pension income (expense)									-4,836		-12,361		-3,673
Income tax provision									41,044	[1]	35,145	[1]	41,401	[1]
Capital expenditures									33,583		36,517		32,209
Long-Lived Assets	151,352								151,352
Property, plant, and equipment	151,352				152,755				151,352		152,755		147,465
North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers									547,739		533,161		532,213
Intercompany sales									116,795		120,952		112,964
Net income:
Continuing operations									73,874		62,835		58,376
Discontinued operations									0		0		0
Total assets	996,116				828,413				996,116		828,413		718,545
Interest income									995		243		364
Interest expense									30		52		106
Noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization									18,635		19,639		21,382
Pension income (expense)									1,977		-4,765		2,138
Income tax provision									38,911		31,654		35,537
Capital expenditures									18,377		17,887		20,119
Property, plant, and equipment	86,718				84,104				86,718		84,104		84,923
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers									321,618		293,092		290,382
Intercompany sales									113,914		98,491		98,096
Net income:
Continuing operations									22,187		20,204		21,553
Discontinued operations									0		0		0
Total assets	390,328				394,463				390,328		394,463		352,601
Interest income									111		90		147
Interest expense									104		175		350
Noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization									6,357		5,357		5,354
Pension income (expense)									-6,234		-6,328		-4,700
Income tax provision									9,195		6,735		7,771
Capital expenditures									10,859		11,833		5,106
Property, plant, and equipment	32,892				33,162				32,892		33,162		25,460
International Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers									264,528		285,805		287,848
Intercompany sales									18,449		22,136		20,031
Net income:
Continuing operations									15,234		27,206		24,819
Discontinued operations									1,059		2,389		3,080
Total assets	220,004				209,578				220,004		209,578		209,979
Interest income									711		809		886
Interest expense									16		2		78
Noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization									4,929		5,768		4,966
Pension income (expense)									-579		-1,268		-1,111
Income tax provision									6,529		9,069		10,450
Capital expenditures									4,347		6,797		6,984
Property, plant, and equipment	31,741				35,488				31,741		35,488		37,081
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers									0		0		0
Intercompany sales									-249,158		-241,579		-231,091
Net income:
Continuing operations									-23,848		-24,387		-17,191
Discontinued operations									0		0		0
Total assets	-341,656				-198,184				-341,656		-198,184		-169,379
Interest income									5		0		14
Interest expense									9,701		10,448		10,810
Noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization									0		0		0
Pension income (expense)									0		0		0
Income tax provision									-13,591		-12,313		-12,357
Capital expenditures									0		0		0
Property, plant, and equipment	$1				$1				$1		$1		$1
[1]	The components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes relate to continuing operations.

Segment_Information_Geographic

Segment Information - Geographic Information on Sales to External Customers (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	$311,188	$275,159	$282,493	$265,045	$291,429	$264,884	$285,859	$269,886	$1,133,885	$1,112,058	$1,110,443
United States
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Sales to external customers									530,845	528,178	527,550
Germany
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Sales to external customers									74,677	71,139	74,557
Other Country
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Sales to external customers									$528,363	$512,741	$508,336

Segment_Information_Geographic1

Segment Information - Geographic Information on Long-lived Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-Lived Assets by Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$151,352	$152,755	$147,465
United States
Long-Lived Assets by Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	85,247	82,274	82,820
Germany
Long-Lived Assets by Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	17,654	16,882	8,781
China
Long-Lived Assets by Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	15,128	16,010	14,780
Other Country
Long-Lived Assets by Geographical Areas [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$33,323	$37,589	$41,084

Segment_Information_Revenue_fr

Segment Information - Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services (Details) (Sales)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fix Gas & Flame Detection Instruments
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	23.00%	22.00%	20.00%
Breathing Apparatus
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	19.00%	21.00%	20.00%
Portable Instruments
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	15.00%	14.00%	13.00%
Head Protection
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	13.00%	13.00%	11.00%
Fall Protection
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Other Products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	26.00%	26.00%	32.00%

Earnings_per_Share_Schedule_Of

Earnings per Share - Schedule Of Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to continuing operations	$33,119		$18,674		$22,132		$13,522		$24,929		$18,987		$23,315		$18,627		$87,447		$85,858		$87,557
Preferred stock dividends																	-41		-41		-41
Income from continuing operations available to common equity																	87,406		85,817		87,516
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities																	-546		-643		-836
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders																	86,860		85,174		86,680
Net income attributable to discontinued operations	-432		631		356		504		482		514		734		659		1,059		2,389		3,080
Preferred stock dividends																	-1		-1		-1
Income from discontinued operations available to common equity																	1,058		2,388		3,079
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities																	-7		-18		-29
Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders																	$1,051		$2,370		$3,050
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding																	37,138		36,868		36,564
Stock options and other stock compensation																	590		582		478
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding																	37,728		37,450		37,042
Antidilutive stock options																	0		15		744
Earnings per share attributable to continuing operations:
Income from continuing operations, Basic (dollars per share)	$0.88	[1]	$0.50	[1]	$0.59	[1]	$0.37	[1]	$0.67	[1]	$0.51	[1]	$0.63	[1]	$0.50	[1]	$2.34	[1]	$2.31	[1]	$2.37
Income from continuing operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	$0.87	[1]	$0.49	[1]	$0.58	[1]	$0.36	[1]	$0.66	[1]	$0.51	[1]	$0.62	[1]	$0.49	[1]	$2.30	[1]	$2.28	[1]	$2.34
Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations, Basic (dollars per share)	($0.01)	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.03	[1]	$0.06	[1]	$0.08
Income from discontinued operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	($0.01)	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.03	[1]	$0.06	[1]	$0.08
[1]	Per share amounts are calculated independently for each period presented; therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the per share amounts for the year.

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Discontinued operation, tax effect of discontinue operation	$600,000	$1,400,000	$1,100,000
Deferred income tax expense (benefit), discontinued operation	-300,000	200,000	-400,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	28,400,000
Net operating loss carryforward expiring in year two	1,600,000
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration year	2016
Deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings	0
Undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries	334,700,000
Recognized tax benefits	5,200,000	5,100,000
Liability for interest expense and penalties accrued	800,000	500,000
Reduction to interest related to uncertain tax positions	$300,000

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. income	$58,209	[1]	$48,621	[1]	$67,043	[1]
Non-U.S. income	68,986	[1]	71,512	[1]	62,300	[1]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	127,195	[1]	120,133	[1]	129,343	[1]
Current
Federal	23,659	[1]	18,656	[1]	18,774	[1]
State	1,349	[1]	1,492	[1]	2,556	[1]
Non-U.S.	21,101	[1]	18,453	[1]	19,438	[1]
Total current provision	46,109	[1]	38,601	[1]	40,768	[1]
Deferred
Federal	-3,650	[1]	-3,582	[1]	-518	[1]
State	317	[1]	-483	[1]	-125	[1]
Non-U.S.	-1,732	[1]	609	[1]	1,276	[1]
Total deferred provision	-5,065	[1]	-3,456	[1]	633	[1]
Provision for income taxes	$41,044	[1]	$35,145	[1]	$41,401	[1]
[1]	The components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes relate to continuing operations.

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Be

Income Taxes - Reconciliation Between U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes—U.S.	0.80%	0.60%	1.20%
Taxes on non-U.S. income	-2.20%	-4.50%	-1.00%
Research and development credit	-0.70%	-1.50%	0.00%
Manufacturing deduction credit	-1.00%	-1.10%	-2.00%
Valuation allowances	-0.60%	0.50%	-0.20%
Other	1.00%	0.30%	-1.00%
Effective income tax rate	32.30%	29.30%	32.00%

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Provision [Line Items]
Book expenses capitalized for tax	6,336	$7,204
Post-retirement benefits	23,335	18,027
Inventory reserves	3,147	5,550
Vacation allowances	932	1,036
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards	7,479	6,711
Post employment benefits	2,382	757
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	11,231	2,227
Stock options	10,157	10,185
Liability insurance	3,918	3,686
Basis of capital assets	1,009	891
Warranties	3,210	3,049
Reserve for doubtful accounts	1,948	1,569
Accrued payroll	4,319	2,475
Other	5,801	6,838
Total deferred tax assets	85,204	70,205
Valuation allowances	-3,763	-4,938
Net deferred tax assets	81,441	65,267
Property, plant and equipment	-9,269	-8,935
Pension	-22,195	-40,833
Intangibles	-30,180	-25,212
Other	-2,045	-2,455
Total deferred tax liabilities	-63,689	-77,435
Net deferred taxes	17,752	($12,168)
Foreign
Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Provision [Line Items]
Foreign tax credit carryforwards, expiration date	2019

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Change in Tax Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$5,888	$9,520
Adjustments for tax positions related to the current year	4,072	-3,628
Adjustments for tax positions related to prior years	3	97
Statute expiration	-106	-101
Ending balance	$9,857	$5,888

Stock_Plans_Additional_Informa

Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options exercisable period after grant date	3 years
Restricted stock vest period after grant date	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-base Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Average Closing Price Used to Calculate Expected Dividend Rate, Period	1 year
Stock options expiration period	10 years
Cash proceeds from exercise of options	$6,926,000	$9,643,000	$4,306,000
Excess tax benefit (provision) related to stock plans	2,573,000	2,246,000	2,799,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	25,000,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	28,100,000
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	3,700,000	4,000,000	4,400,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	5,200,000
Weighted average period over which unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized, in years	1 year
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target award based on achieving targeted performance conditions	0.00%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target award based on achieving targeted performance conditions	200.00%
Percentage of target award based on achieving targeted return on net assets based on which final number of shares to be issued for performance stock units				200.00%
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Excess tax benefit (provision) related to stock plans	1,000,000	500,000	1,600,000
Restricted Stock Activity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of stock units vested	5,800,000	9,700,000	8,000,000
Performance Stock Unit Activity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)				3 years
Fair value of stock units vested	$4,700,000
Management
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future grants	1,441,276
Non Employee Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future grants	170,766
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options expiration period	10 years

Stock_Plans_Schedule_of_Stock_

Stock Plans - Schedule of Stock Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Restricted stock	$4,026	$4,129	$4,744
Stock options	2,355	2,825	2,435
Performance stock	2,672	3,383	2,831
Total compensation expense before income taxes	9,053	10,337	10,010
Income tax benefit	3,293	3,810	3,700
Total compensation expense, net of income tax benefit	$5,760	$6,527	$6,310

Stock_Plans_Weighted_Average_A

Stock Plans - Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Value of Stock Option Grants (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Fair value per option	$17.26	$14.17	$10.77
Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	1.20%	1.20%
Expected dividend yield	2.40%	2.80%	3.10%
Expected volatility	41.00%	39.00%	41.00%
Expected life (years)	6 years 7 months 6 days	6 years 1 month 6 days	6 years 1 month 6 days

Stock_Plans_Summary_of_Stock_O

Stock Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding Beginning balance, Shares	1,695,380	1,784,660	1,818,640
Granted, Shares	138,519	188,407	196,469
Exercised, Shares	-190,743	-277,687	-223,022
Expired, Shares	-1,071		-5,093
Forfeited, Shares	-23,524		-2,334
Outstanding Ending balance, Shares	1,618,561	1,695,380	1,784,660
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	$33.05	$30.94
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$51.69	$49.03	$37.33
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.31	$34.72	$18.93
Expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$45.68		$43.33
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$38.82		$36.69
Outstanding Ending balance,Weighted Average Exercise Price	$35.74	$34.55	$33.05
Exercisable at end of period	1,147,712	1,178,657	1,100,300

Stock_Plans_Schedule_of_Exerci

Stock Plans - Schedule of Exercise Price Ranges, Characteristics of Outstanding Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
$17.83-$29.33
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$17.83
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$29.33
Stock Options Outstanding, Shares	541,669
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$21.71
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Life, in years	4 years 7 months
Stock Options Exercisable, Shares	541,669
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$21.71
Stock Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Life, in years	4 years 7 months
$33.55-$40.88
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$33.55
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$40.88
Stock Options Outstanding, Shares	507,688
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$37.14
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Life, in years	4 years 8 months 0 days
Stock Options Exercisable, Shares	360,801
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$37.33
Stock Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Life, in years	3 years 8 months 2 days
$41.26 – $51.69
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$41.26
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$51.69
Stock Options Outstanding, Shares	569,204
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$47.83
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Life, in years	6 years 1 month 0 days
$17.83 – $51.69
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$17.83
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$51.69
Stock Options Outstanding, Shares	1,618,561
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$35.74
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Life, in years	5 years 2 months 10 days
$41.26 – $48.95
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$41.26
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$48.95
Stock Options Exercisable, Shares	245,242
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$45.17
Stock Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Life, in years	3 years 0 months 6 days
$17.83 – $48.95
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$17.83
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$48.95
Stock Options Exercisable, Shares	1,147,712
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$31.63
Stock Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Life, in years	4 years 0 months 18 days

Stock_Plans_Summary_of_Restric

Stock Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock Activity, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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	417,843	512,254
Granted, Shares	83,543	92,448	130,985
Vested, Shares	-108,245	-197,465	-209,897
Forfeited, Shares	-9,974	-9,407	-15,499
Unvested Shares, Ending Balance	268,743	303,419	417,843
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	$31.92	$25.66
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$51.91	$48.98	$37.61
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$34.94	$27.42	$20.44
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value	$44.42	$40.23	$28.37
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Ending Balance	$45.34	$39.79	$31.92

Stock_Plans_Summary_of_Perform

Stock Plans - Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (Performance Stock Unit Activity, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Performance Stock Unit Activity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Unvested Shares, Beginning Balance	149,389	137,672	125,443
Granted, Shares	46,242	53,357	54,928
Vested, Shares	-91,696	-45,809	-47,706
Performance adjustments, Shares	41,428	4,169	5,679
Forfeited, Shares	-1,402		-672
Unvested Shares, Ending Balance	143,961	149,389	137,672
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	$35.85	$25.27
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$57.42	$57.58	$41.33
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$39.19	$26.08	$18.23
Performance adjustments, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value	$39.42	$25.84	$26.39
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value	$48.85		$41.45
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Ending Balance	$52.42	$46.32	$35.85

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Debt_Sh

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt - Short-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings with banks, which excludes the current portion of long-term debt		$0.10	$0.80
Average month-end balance		0.1
Maximum month-end balance	$0.60
Weighted average interest rate		14.00%	7.00%

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Debt_Lo

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 07, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 02, 2014
		loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior revolving credit facility	$300,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount				6,500,000
Unsecured senior revolving credit facility, maturity date	31-Mar-19
Interest rate during period (percent)	1.16%
Increase in the senior credit facility	150,000,000
Unused senior revolving credit facility				193,000,000
Cash collateral				2,700,000
Maturity obligation, 2015				6,700,000
Maturity obligation, 2016				6,700,000
Maturity obligation, 2017				26,700,000
Maturity obligation, 2018				26,700,000
Maturity obligation, 2019				131,700,000
Maturity obligation, thereafter				53,200,000
Senior Notes Payable Through 2021, 5.41%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of loans in technical violation		1
Number of cross default violation loans		2
Industrial Development Debt Issues Payable Through 2022, 0.30%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, debt amount expected to be redeemed			4,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount				2,800,000
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Potential Face Amount				175,000,000
Senior Notes | Senior Note due June 2, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Potential Face Amount					$100,000,000

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Debt_Sc

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Outstanding Debt (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior revolving credit facility maturing in 2019	$105,000	$110,000
Total	251,667	267,334
Amounts due within one year	6,667	6,667
Long-term debt	245,000	260,667
Debt instruments maturity date	2016	2016
Industrial Development Debt Issues Payable Through 2022, 0.30%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Industrial development debt issues payable through 2022, 0.30%	0	4,000
Debt instruments maturity date	2022	2022
Senior Notes, interest rate	0.30%	0.30%
Senior Notes Payable Through 2021, 5.41%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes payable	46,667	53,334
Debt instruments maturity date	2021	2021
Senior Notes, interest rate	5.41%	5.41%
Senior Notes Payable Through 2021, 4.00%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes payable	$100,000	$100,000
Debt instruments maturity date	2021	2021
Senior Notes, interest rate	4.00%	4.00%

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$252,520,000	$260,134,000	$258,400,000
Intangible Assets
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Future amortization expense, 2015	3,800,000
Future amortization expense, 2016	3,600,000
Future amortization expense, 2017	3,200,000
Future amortization expense, 2018	1,900,000
Future amortization expense, 2019	1,900,000
North American
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	196,500,000
European
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	53,900,000
International
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$2,100,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Changes in Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net balance at January 1	$260,134	$258,400
Currency translation	-7,614	1,734
Net balance at December 31	$252,520	$260,134

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Changes in Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Net balance at January 1	$35,029	$38,648
Additions	500	0
Amortization expense	-2,979	-3,708
Currency translation	-1,227	89
Net balance at December 31	$31,323	$35,029

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Net Carrying Amount (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	66,300,000	$67,000,000
Accumulated Amortization and Reserves	-35,000,000	-32,000,000
Net Carrying Amount	31,323,000	35,029,000	38,648,000
Distribution Rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	27,500,000	27,600,000
Accumulated Amortization and Reserves	-6,500,000	-5,500,000
Net Carrying Amount	21,000,000	22,100,000
Distribution Rights | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (years)	10 years
Distribution Rights | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (years)	20 years
Intellectual Property
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	13,500,000	14,300,000
Accumulated Amortization and Reserves	-8,600,000	-8,800,000
Net Carrying Amount	4,900,000	5,500,000
Intellectual Property | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (years)	5 years
Intellectual Property | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (years)	20 years
Technology-Based Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	11,500,000	11,000,000
Accumulated Amortization and Reserves	-6,600,000	-4,700,000
Net Carrying Amount	4,900,000	6,300,000
Technology-Based Intangible Assets | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (years)	7 years
Technology-Based Intangible Assets | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (years)	10 years
Licensing Agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (years)	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount	6,800,000	7,100,000
Accumulated Amortization and Reserves	-6,700,000	-7,000,000
Net Carrying Amount	100,000	100,000
Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	7,000,000	7,000,000
Accumulated Amortization and Reserves	-6,600,000	-6,000,000
Net Carrying Amount	400,000	$1,000,000
Other Intangible Assets | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (years)	5 years
Other Intangible Assets | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (years)	20 years

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated contributions by employer to pension plans	$4.10
Percentage Increase In Health Care Benefit Cost	7.00%
Percentage decrease in health care benefits for successive year	0.50%
Estimated future percentage of health care benefits	4.50%
Percentage of change in assumed health care cost trend rate	1.00%
Increase or decrease in other postretirement obligations	1.6
Increase or decrease in current year plan expense	1.4
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	6.5	5.8	5.9
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated benefit payments, 2015	20.6
Estimated benefit payments, 2016	20.9
Estimated benefit payments, 2017	21.8
Estimated benefit payments, 2018	22.7
Estimated benefit payments, 2019	23.2
Estimated benefit payments, thereafter	134.3
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated benefit payments, 2015	1.5
Estimated benefit payments, 2016	1.6
Estimated benefit payments, 2017	1.8
Estimated benefit payments, 2018	2
Estimated benefit payments, 2019	2.1
Estimated benefit payments, thereafter	$10.30

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem3

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	$445,299	$434,569
Funded Status
Noncurrent assets	75,017	121,054
Noncurrent liabilities	-174,598	-152,084
Pension Benefits
Change in Benefit Obligations
Benefit obligations at January 1	440,359	463,806
Service cost	9,425	11,132	9,511
Interest cost	19,340	17,934	19,018
Participant contributions	130	136
Plan amendments	-302	-239
Actuarial losses (gains)	88,069	-34,248
Benefits paid	-19,193	-19,232
Settlements	-717	-1,474
Currency translation	-17,917	2,544
Benefit obligations at December 31	519,194	440,359	463,806
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	434,569	384,452
Actual return on plan assets	30,209	67,391
Employer contributions	4,077	4,053
Settlements	-717	-1,474
Benefits paid	-16,507	-16,316
Reimbursement of German benefits	-2,686	-2,916
Currency translation	-3,776	-757
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	445,299	434,569	384,452
Funded Status
Funded status at December 31	-73,895	-5,790
Unrecognized transition losses	16	21
Unrecognized prior service cost	10	374
Unrecognized net actuarial losses	192,692	116,945
Net amount recognized	118,823	111,550
Noncurrent assets	75,017	121,054
Current liabilities	-5,380	-5,518
Noncurrent liabilities	-143,532	-121,326
Net amount recognized	-73,895	-5,790
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Net actuarial losses	192,692	116,945
Prior service cost (credit)	10	374
Unrecognized net initial obligation	16	21
Total (before tax effects)	192,718	117,340
Accumulated Benefit Obligations for all Defined Benefit Plans	479,764	403,682
Other Benefits
Change in Benefit Obligations
Benefit obligations at January 1	26,732	30,551
Service cost	538	687	694
Interest cost	1,107	1,050	1,265
Participant contributions	259	144
Plan amendments	0	0
Actuarial losses (gains)	-200	-4,107
Benefits paid	-1,585	-1,593
Settlements	0	0
Currency translation	0	0
Benefit obligations at December 31	26,851	26,732	30,551
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	1,326	1,449
Settlements	0	0
Benefits paid	-1,585	-1,593
Reimbursement of German benefits	0	0
Currency translation	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	0	0	0
Funded Status
Funded status at December 31	-26,851	-26,732
Unrecognized transition losses	0	0
Unrecognized prior service cost	-1,858	-2,193
Unrecognized net actuarial losses	6,450	6,832
Net amount recognized	-22,259	-22,093
Noncurrent assets	0	0
Current liabilities	-1,457	-1,695
Noncurrent liabilities	-25,394	-25,037
Net amount recognized	-26,851	-26,732
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Net actuarial losses	6,450	6,832
Prior service cost (credit)	-1,858	-2,193
Unrecognized net initial obligation	0	0
Total (before tax effects)	4,592	4,639
Accumulated Benefit Obligations for all Defined Benefit Plans	$0	$0

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem4

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$9,425	$11,132	$9,511
Interest cost	19,340	17,934	19,018
Expected return on plan assets	-32,944	-30,884	-32,328
Amortization of transition amounts	2	3	2
Amortization of prior service cost	84	102	101
Recognized net actuarial losses	8,639	13,323	6,235
Settlement loss	290	658	747
Termination benefits	0	0	387
Net periodic benefit cost	4,836	12,268	3,673
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	538	687	694
Interest cost	1,107	1,050	1,265
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of transition amounts	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	-335	-424	-454
Recognized net actuarial losses	182	552	529
Settlement loss	0	0	0
Termination benefits	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$1,492	$1,865	$2,034

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem5

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Expected To Be Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss recognition	$15,937
Prior service cost recognition	66
Transition obligation recognition	2
Other Benefits
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss recognition	320
Prior service cost recognition	-335
Transition obligation recognition	$0

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem6

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Discount rate	3.63%	4.54%
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Rate of compensation increase	3.03%	3.06%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Discount rate	4.54%	3.96%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Expected return on plan assets	8.20%	8.15%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Rate of compensation increases	3.06%	3.81%
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Discount rate	3.85%	4.62%
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Discount rate	4.62%	3.75%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Expected return on plan assets	0.00%	0.00%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Rate of compensation increases	0.00%	0.00%

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem7

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Expected Return on Assets for Net Periodic Pension Cost (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	65.00%	71.00%
Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	26.00%	19.00%
Pooled Investment Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	5.00%	5.00%
Insurance Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	3.00%	3.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	1.00%	2.00%

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem8

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Pension Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis by Fair Value Hierarchy (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	$445,299	$434,569
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	288,018	307,914
Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	114,364	84,294
Pooled Investment Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	22,623	22,430
Insurance Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	15,069	13,512
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	5,225	6,419
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	279,828	350,302
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	233,156	307,486
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	41,447	36,749
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Pooled Investment Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Insurance Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	5,225	6,067
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	149,649	69,975
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	54,614	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	72,412	47,545
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Pooled Investment Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	22,623	22,430
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Insurance Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	15,822	14,292
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	248	428
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	505	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Pooled Investment Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Insurance Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	15,069	13,512	12,254
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total pension plan assets measured at fair value	$0	$352

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem9

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Schedule of Reconciliation of Level Three Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	$445,299	$434,569
Insurance Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	15,069	13,512
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	15,822	14,292
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Insurance Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	13,512	12,254
Net realized and unrealized gains included in earnings	1,345	1,074
Net purchases, issuances and settlements	212	173
Transfers out of Level 3	0	11
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	15,069	13,512
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Other Contract
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	780	0
Net realized and unrealized gains included in earnings	-180	0
Net purchases, issuances and settlements	505	428
Transfers out of Level 3	-352	352
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	$753	$780

Other_Loss_Income_Net_Schedule

Other (Loss) Income, Net - Schedule of Other Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Interest income	$1,822	$1,142	$1,411
Gain on asset dispositions, net	2,094	436	8,396
Land impairment loss	-50	-1,557	0
Escrow settlement	0	0	4,790
Intangible asset impairment loss	0	0	-4,272
Other, net	-1,101	-196	551
Total	2,765	-175	10,876
Detector Tube Assets
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Gain on asset dispositions, net	$2,200

Leases_Additional_Information_

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Rent expense	$11.70	$12.90	$12.50
Minimum rent commitments in 2015	10.1
Minimum rent commitments in 2016	8.9
Minimum rent commitments in 2017	7.8
Minimum rent commitments in 2018	6.9
Minimum rent commitments in 2019	6.1
Minimum rent commitments, thereafter	$14.60

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instrument - Additional Information (Detail) (Foreign Exchange Forward, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of open forward contracts	$60.90
Unrealized gain (loss) on contract	($0.40)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Balance Sheet Location And Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Associated With Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (Foreign Exchange Contract, USD $)	Dec. 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	($395)	$1,308

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Income Statement Location And Impact Of Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Foreign Exchange Contract, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Currency exchange loss (gains), net	$2,002	($755)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Carrying amount of fixed rate long-term debt	$146.70
Fair value of long-term debt	$153.40

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			4 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2011
	Vendor	LegalMatter			LegalMatter
	LegalMatter
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits	2,326	2,840	2,609		2,321
Years of Activity	5 years
Number of insurance carriers	20
Increase (decrease) in insurance settlements receivable		$95.70
Insurance receivables	220.5	124.8	130		112.1
Insurance receivable, current	2
Insurance receivable, noncurrent	218.5	124.8
Single Incident
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for product liability claims	3.5	4
Cumulative Trauma
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency accrual, product liability, net	74.9	5.6
Product Liability Expense	169.6	169.6	169.6
Uninsured Cumulative Trauma
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Product Liability Expense	3.9	1.7	2.1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Cumulative Trauma
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency accrual, product liability, net	35.1
Subsequent Event | Cumulative Trauma
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount				$71.80

Contingencies_Summary_of_Cumul

Contingencies - Summary of Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Claims Activity (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	LegalMatter	LegalMatter	LegalMatter
Loss Contingency, Quantities [Roll Forward]
Open lawsuits, January 1	2,840	2,609	2,321
New lawsuits	542	489	750
Settled and dismissed lawsuits	-1,056	-258	-462
Open lawsuits, December 31	2,326	2,840	2,609

Contingencies_Summary_of_Insur

Contingencies - Summary of Insurance Receivable Balances and Activity Related to Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Losses (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Loss Contingency Receivable, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Balance January 1	$124.80	$130	$112.10
Additions	98.2	34	29.7
Collections and settlements	-2.5	-39.2	-11.8
Balance December 31	$220.50	$124.80	$130

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco2

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on disposition of assets	$2,094	$436	$8,396
Detector Tube Assets
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on disposition of assets	$2,200

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco3

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Net sales	$12,222	$14,645	$10,589	$10,060	$12,142	$13,361	$13,836	$13,353	$47,516	$52,692	$58,461
Other income, net									660	40	115
Cost of products sold									38,259	41,181	45,277
Selling, general and administrative									7,650	7,389	8,376
Interest expense									0	0	17
Currency exchange losses, net									-116	-325	-41
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes									2,383	4,487	4,947
Provision for income taxes									607	1,426	1,128
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax									$1,776	$3,061	$3,819

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco4

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Discontinued Operations Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	$6,638	$7,452
Inventories	11,829	11,359
Net property	342	317
Other assets	2,022	1,326
Total assets	20,831	20,454
Accounts payable	5,263	5,447
Accrued and other liabilities	991	930
Total liabilities	6,254	6,377
Net assets	$14,577	$14,077

Assets_Held_for_Sale_and_Disco5

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Discontinued Operations Related to Net Loss (Income) Related to Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Loss (income) from continuing operations	$1,296	$870	($385)
(Income) from discontinued operations	-717	-672	-739
Net loss (income)	$579	$198	($1,124)

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$311,188		$275,159		$282,493		$265,045		$291,429		$264,884		$285,859		$269,886		$1,133,885		$1,112,058		$1,110,443
Gross profit	140,141		123,723		129,670		121,815		130,050		115,426		129,665		121,704		515,349		496,845
Continuing operations	33,119		18,674		22,132		13,522		24,929		18,987		23,315		18,627		87,447		85,858		87,557
Income from continuing operations, Basic (dollars per share)	$0.88	[1]	$0.50	[1]	$0.59	[1]	$0.37	[1]	$0.67	[1]	$0.51	[1]	$0.63	[1]	$0.50	[1]	$2.34	[1]	$2.31	[1]	$2.37
Income from continuing operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	$0.87	[1]	$0.49	[1]	$0.58	[1]	$0.36	[1]	$0.66	[1]	$0.51	[1]	$0.62	[1]	$0.49	[1]	$2.30	[1]	$2.28	[1]	$2.34
Net sales	12,222		14,645		10,589		10,060		12,142		13,361		13,836		13,353		47,516		52,692		58,461
Gross profit	2,122		2,638		2,134		2,363		2,428		2,790		3,215		3,078		9,257		11,511
Income from discontinued operations	($432)		$631		$356		$504		$482		$514		$734		$659		$1,059		$2,389		$3,080
Income from discontinued operations, Basic (dollars per share)	($0.01)	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.03	[1]	$0.06	[1]	$0.08
Income from discontinued operations, Diluted (dollars per share)	($0.01)	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.02	[1]	$0.03	[1]	$0.06	[1]	$0.08
[1]	Per share amounts are calculated independently for each period presented; therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the per share amounts for the year.

Schedule_of_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$7,306		$7,402		$7,043
Charged to costs and expenses	1,249		763		1,289
Deductions from reserves, net	734	[1],[2]	859	[1],[2]	930	[1],[2]
Balance at end of year	7,821		7,306		7,402
Income Tax Valuation Allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	4,938		3,961		2,777
Charged to costs and expenses	0	[3]	977	[3]	1,184	[3]
Deductions from reserves, net	1,175	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Balance at end of year	$3,763		$4,938		$3,961
[1]	Activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes currency translation gains (losses) of $(332), $(121) and $428, respectively.
[2]	Bad debts written off, net of recoveries.
[3]	Activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes currency translation gains (losses) of $(643), $242 and $97, respectively.

Schedule_of_Valuation_and_Qual2

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Currency translation gains (losses)	($332)	($121)	$428
Income Tax Valuation Allowance
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Currency translation gains (losses)	($643)	$242	$97