| Document and Entity Information | Jun. 24, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000891014 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 24, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-11430 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 25-1190717 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 622 Third Avenue |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 38th Floor |
| 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 |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.10 par value |
| Trading Symbol | MTX |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
