| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 15, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 15, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-11430 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 25-1190717 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 622 Third Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10017-6707 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 878-1800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000891014 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.10 par value |
| Trading Symbol | MTX |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
