Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net sales	$ 299,695	$ 294,738	$ 582,934	$ 588,223
Other income, net	548	8,259	428	8,264
Revenues, Total	300,243	302,997	583,362	596,487
Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold	166,815	171,612	325,272	338,106
Selling, general and administrative	81,021	77,922	164,608	154,985
Research and development	11,398	10,342	21,982	19,634
Restructuring and other charges	2,427		2,427
Interest expense	2,750	2,914	5,410	6,063
Currency exchange losses (gains), net	993	(1,192)	2,112	1,228
Costs and Expenses, Total	265,404	261,598	521,811	520,016
Income before income taxes	34,839	41,399	61,551	76,471
Provision for income taxes	10,448	13,120	17,765	23,870
Net income	24,391	28,279	43,786	52,601
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(342)	(284)	(451)	(684)
Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company	$ 24,049	$ 27,995	$ 43,335	$ 51,917
Earnings per share attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company common shareholders
Basic	$ 0.65	$ 0.76	$ 1.17	$ 1.41
Diluted	$ 0.64	$ 0.75	$ 1.15	$ 1.39
Dividends per common share	$ 0.30	$ 0.28	$ 0.58	$ 0.54