CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	Apr. 03, 2011
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 257,138	$ 262,520
Cost of goods sold	202,201	209,578
Production margin	54,937	52,942
Marketing and administrative expenses	22,898	23,129
Research and development expenses	5,047	4,869
Restructuring and other costs	0	230
Income from operations	26,992	24,714
Non-operating income (deductions), net	(598)	(837)
Income from continuing operations before provision for taxes	26,394	23,877
Provision for taxes on income	7,786	7,187
Consolidated net income	18,608	16,690
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	576	909
Net income attribute to Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTI)	$ 18,032	$ 15,781
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 1.02	$ 0.86
Diluted	$ 1.01	$ 0.86
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.05	$ 0.05
Shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic	17,718	18,276
Diluted	17,800	18,415