Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales	$ 278,245	$ 286,567	$ 861,179	$ 874,790
Other income, net	609	169	1,037	8,433
Revenues, Total	278,854	286,736	862,216	883,223
Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold	160,029	164,313	485,301	502,419
Selling, general and administrative	73,311	81,606	237,919	236,591
Research and development	12,298	10,073	34,280	29,707
Restructuring and other charges	1,515		3,942
Interest expense	2,741	2,797	8,151	8,860
Currency exchange losses, net	1,733	617	3,845	1,845
Costs and Expenses, Total	251,627	259,406	773,438	779,422
Income before income taxes	27,227	27,330	88,778	103,801
Provision for income taxes	8,050	7,680	25,815	31,550
Net income	19,177	19,650	62,963	72,251
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	324	(417)	(127)	(1,101)
Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company	$ 19,501	$ 19,233	$ 62,836	$ 71,150
Earnings per share attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company common shareholders
Basic	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 1.69	$ 1.93
Diluted	$ 0.52	$ 0.51	$ 1.66	$ 1.90
Dividends per common share	$ 0.30	$ 0.28	$ 0.88	$ 0.82