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Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	MSA
Entity Registrant Name	MSA Safety Incorporated
Entity Central Index Key	0000066570
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,479,614

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net sales	$ 256,708	$ 265,045
Other income, net	641	356
Revenues, Total	257,349	265,401
Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold	139,885	143,230
Selling, general and administrative	81,368	85,241
Research and development	10,914	11,241
Restructuring and other charges (Note 4)	731	1,900
Interest expense	2,473	2,530
Currency exchange (gains) losses, net	(2,548)	352
Costs and Expenses, Total	232,823	244,494
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	24,526	20,907
Provision for income taxes (Note 10)	15,384	7,604
Income from continuing operations	9,142	13,303
Income from discontinued operations (Note 18)	308	614
Net income	9,450	13,917
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	232	109
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	9,682	14,026
Amounts attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders:
Income from continuing operations	9,316	13,522
Income from discontinued operations (Note 18)	366	504
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$ 9,682	$ 14,026
Basic
Income from continuing operations, basic (dollars per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.37
Income from discontinued operations, basic (dollars per share)	0.01	0.01
Net Income, basic (dollars per share)	0.26	0.38
Diluted
Income from continuing operations, diluted (dollars per share)	0.25	0.36
Income from discontinued operations, diluted (dollars per share)	0.01	0.01
Net Income, diluted (dollars per share)	0.26	0.37
Dividends per common share (dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income	$ 9,450	$ 13,917
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(24,050)	(958)
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $1,417 and $805	2,529	1,418
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(21,521)	460
Comprehensive (loss) income	(12,071)	14,377
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	490	251
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated	$ (11,581)	$ 14,628

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, tax	$ 1,417	$ 805

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 86,301	$ 105,998
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,862 and $7,821	205,914	211,440
Inventories	137,681	122,954
Deferred tax assets	21,317	23,830
Prepaid income taxes	12,244	2,876
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37,433	30,771
Total current assets	500,890	497,869
Property, plant and equipment	147,723	151,352
Prepaid pension cost	77,142	75,017
Deferred tax assets	17,795	20,227
Goodwill	246,653	252,520
Intangible assets	29,995	31,323
Other noncurrent assets	237,989	236,484
Total assets	1,258,187	1,264,792
Current liabilities
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	7,205	6,700
Accounts payable	79,512	70,210
Employees’ compensation	30,490	40,249
Insurance and product liability	63,772	47,456
Taxes liabilities	13,264	5,545
Other current liabilities	55,526	63,897
Total current liabilities	249,769	234,057
Long-term debt	266,000	245,000
Pensions and other employee benefits	162,289	174,598
Deferred tax liabilities	27,094	26,306
Other noncurrent liabilities	33,789	46,198
Total liabilities	738,941	726,159
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, 4 1/2% cumulative, $50 par value	3,569	3,569
Common stock, no par value	154,288	148,401
Treasury shares, at cost	(288,228)	(286,557)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(187,993)	(166,730)
Retained earnings	833,255	835,126
Total MSA Safety Incorporated shareholders' equity	514,891	533,809
Noncontrolling interests	4,355	4,824
Total shareholders’ equity	519,246	538,633
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 1,258,187	$ 1,264,792

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 7,862	$ 7,821
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred Stock, 4 1/2% Cumulative
Percentage of cumulative preferred stock	4.50%	4.50%
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share)	$ 50	$ 50

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 9,450	$ 13,917
Depreciation and amortization	6,937	7,459
Pensions	2,939	1,402
Net gain from investing activities—disposal of assets	(41)	0
Stock-based compensation	4,981	5,165
Deferred income tax provision	360	(344)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities	(25,228)	(21,774)
Currency exchange (gains) losses, net	(2,379)	345
Excess tax benefit related to stock plans	(832)	(1,769)
Other, net	(1,336)	408
Operating cash flow before changes in certain working capital items	(5,149)	4,809
(Increase) in trade receivables	(2,394)	(4,754)
(Increase) in inventories	(22,226)	(10,409)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	21,591	17,971
(Increase) decrease in income taxes receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets	(8,485)	1,780
(Increase) decrease in certain working capital items	(11,514)	4,588
Cash Flow From Operating Activities	(16,663)	9,397
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(7,469)	(7,204)
Cash Flow From Investing Activities	(7,469)	(7,204)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (payments on) short-term debt, net	553	(703)
Proceeds from long-term debt	98,000	219,000
(Payments on) long-term debt	(77,000)	(203,000)
Restricted cash	30	317
Cash dividends paid	(11,553)	(11,181)
Company stock purchases	(2,756)	(4,897)
Exercise of stock options	1,159	3,265
Excess tax benefit related to stock plans	832	1,769
Cash Flow From Financing Activities	9,265	4,570
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(4,830)	(816)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(19,697)	5,947
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	105,998	96,265
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$ 86,301	$ 102,212

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 538,633
Net income	9,450	$ 13,917
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments net of tax of three months March 31, 2015 and 2014 $1,417 and $805	2,529	1,418
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(490)	(251)
Ending balance	519,246
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	835,126	792,206
Net income	9,450	13,917
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	232	109
Common dividends	(11,543)	(11,171)
Preferred dividends	(10)	(10)
Ending balance	833,255	795,051
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(166,730)	(78,269)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(24,050)	(958)
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments net of tax of three months March 31, 2015 and 2014 $1,417 and $805	2,529	1,418
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	258	142
Ending balance	$ (187,993)	$ (77,667)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, tax	$ 1,417	$ 805
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, tax	$ 1,417	$ 805

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of MSA Safety Incorporated and its subsidiaries ("MSA" or the "Company") are unaudited. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary by management to fairly state the Company's results. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The results reported in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. The 2014 year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This Form 10-Q report should be read in conjunction with MSA's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which includes all disclosures required by GAAP. Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements were recast to conform to the current period presentation. Refer to Note 8 for further information regarding MSA's segment allocation methodology.

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of an Entity. This ASU amends the definition of a discontinued operation to include a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. This ASU was adopted on January 1, 2015. The adoption of this ASU may have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements in the event that we were to divest of a component that meets the definition of a discontinued operation. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue with Contracts from Customers. This ASU clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue such that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In April 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of the standard until January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This ASU clarifies the accounting treatment for share based payment awards that contain performance targets. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2016. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern. This ASU clarifies management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is a substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and provides guidance for related footnote disclosures. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2016. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items. This ASU eliminates the requirement to separately present and disclose extraordinary and unusual items in the financial statements. This ASU will be effective beginning in 2016. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

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-Number 210
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-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10

+ Details

Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Finished products	$	71,693	$	67,713
Work in process	5,255		8,942
Raw materials and supplies	60,733		46,299
Total inventories	137,681		122,954

Restructuring and Other Charges

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Other Charges

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded restructuring charges of $0.7 million ($0.5 million after tax). International segment charges of 0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were related to severance costs for staff reductions associated with ongoing initiatives to right size our operations in Brazil and China.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded charges of $1.9 million ($1.2 million after tax). European segment charges for the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $1.5 million related primarily to severance from staff reductions in Germany and Italy and reorganization costs in Germany. International segment charges for the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $0.4 million were related to severance from staff reductions in Australia.

Activity and reserve balances for restructuring charges by segment were as follows:



(in millions)	North America		Europe			International			Corporate		Total
Reserve balances at December 31, 2013	$	—	$	1.7		$	—		$	—	$	1.7
Restructuring charges	—		4.8			3.7			—		8.5
Asset disposals	—		(0.4		)	(1.7		)	—		(2.1		)
Cash payments	—		(3.5		)	(1.8		)	—		(5.3		)
Reserve balances at December 31, 2014	$	—	$	2.6		$	0.2		$	—	$	2.8
Restructuring charges	—		0.1			0.6			—		0.7
Cash payments	—		(1.3		)	(0.5		)	—		(1.8		)
Reserve balances at March 31, 2015	$	—	$	1.4		$	0.3		$	—	$	1.7

Property, Plant and Equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

The following table sets forth the components of property, plant and equipment:



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
Land	$	3,426		$	3,573
Buildings	111,439			110,144
Machinery and equipment	328,471			335,318
Construction in progress	15,096			17,327
Total	458,432			466,362
Less accumulated depreciation	(310,709		)	(315,010		)
Net property	147,723			151,352

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by component were as follows:



	MSA Safety Incorporated						Noncontrolling Interests
	Three Months Ended March 31,						Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Balance at beginning of period	$	(125,570	)	$	(77,080	)	$	—		$	—
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of prior service cost	17			(63		)	—			—
Recognized net actuarial losses	3,929			2,286			—			—
Tax benefit	(1,417		)	(805		)	—			—
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,529			1,418			—			—
Balance at end of period	$	(123,041	)	$	(75,662	)	$	—		$	—
Foreign Currency Translation
Balance at beginning of period	$	(41,160	)	$	(1,189	)	$	(2,199	)	$	(1,602	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(23,792		)	(816		)	(258		)	(142		)
Balance at end of period	$	(64,952	)	$	(2,005	)	$	(2,457	)	$	(1,744	)

The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other post-retirement benefit costs (see Note 14—Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits).

- Definition

The entire disclosure for any adjustments made during the period to avoid double counting in comprehensive income items displayed as part of net income that also had been displayed as part of other comprehensive income in that period or earlier periods. These adjustments include reclassifications to net income of items in accumulated comprehensive income, such as deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges when hedged item reported in net income, holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities transferred into trading category, unrealized holding gains or losses on debt securities transferred from held-to-maturity category into available-for-sale category and accumulated translation adjustment attributable to foreign subsidiary or investment in foreign entity upon sale or liquidation.

+ References + Details

Capital Stock	3 Months Ended
Capital Stock	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock Preferred Stock - The Company has authorized 100,000 shares of $50 par value 4.5% cumulative preferred nonvoting stock which is callable at $52.50. There are 71,373 shares issued and 52,878 shares held in treasury at March 31, 2015. There were no treasury purchases of preferred stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The Company has also authorized 1,000,000 shares of $10 par value second cumulative preferred voting stock. No shares have been issued as of March 31, 2015. Common Stock - The Company has authorized 180,000,000 shares of no par value common stock. There were 37,479,832 and 37,448,310 shares outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Treasury Shares - The Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to $100.0 million of MSA common stock either through private transactions or open market transactions. The share purchase program has no expiration date. The maximum shares that may be purchased is calculated based on the dollars remaining under the program and the respective month-end closing share price. We do not have any other share purchase programs. There were 24,601,559 and 24,633,081 Treasury Shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company began issuing Treasury Shares for all share based benefit plans during 2014. Shares are issued from Treasury at the average Treasury Share cost on the date of the transaction. There were 93,366 Treasury Shares issued for these purposes during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

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-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

We are organized into nine geographic operating segments based on management responsibilities. The operating segments have been aggregated (based on economic similarities, the nature of their products, end-user markets and methods of distribution) into four reportable segments: North America, Europe, International and Corporate.

The Corporate segment was established on January 1, 2015 to reflect the activities of centralized functions in our corporate headquarters and to capture results in a manner that the chief operating decision maker reviews. The corporate segment primarily consists of administrative expenses and centrally-managed costs such as interest expense and foreign exchange gains or losses. Additionally, effective January 1, 2015, we changed the allocation methodology applied to research and development expense. The 2014 segment results have been recast to conform with current period presentation.

The Company's sales are allocated to each country based primarily on the destination of the end-customer.

Reportable segment information is presented in the following table:



(In thousands)	North America		Europe			International		Corporate			Reconciling Items			Consolidated Totals
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Sales to external customers	$	133,564	$	66,013		$	57,131	$	—		$	—		$	256,708
Intercompany sales	35,739		46,109			5,438		—			(87,286		)	—
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	14,431		(4,437		)	3,662		(4,837		)	497			9,316
Discontinued operations	—		—			366		—			—			366



(In thousands)	North America		Europe		International		Corporate			Reconciling Items			Consolidated Totals
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Sales to external customers	$	129,521	$	74,938	$	60,586	$	—		$	—		$	265,045
Intercompany sales	27,897		28,858		3,849		—			(60,604		)	—
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	14,260		3,452		4,591		(7,886		)	(895		)	13,522
Discontinued operations	—		—		504		—			—			504

Reconciling items consist primarily of intercompany eliminations and items not directly attributable to operating segments.

The percentage of total sales by product group were as follows:



	March 31, 2015		March 31, 2014
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection	23	%	22	%
Breathing Apparatus	22	%	18	%
Portable Gas Detection	15	%	16	%
Head Protection	12	%	13	%
Fire and Rescue Helmets	5	%	5	%
Fall Protection	4	%	4	%
Other	19	%	22	%

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Earnings per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, after the deduction of preferred stock dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive share equivalents outstanding not classified as participating securities. Participating securities are defined as unvested stock-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014
Net income attributable to continuing operations	$	9,316		$	13,522
Preferred stock dividends	(10		)	(10		)
Income from continuing operations available to common equity	9,306			13,512
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(28		)	(90		)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	9,278			13,422

Net income attributable to discontinued operations	$	366		$	504
Preferred stock dividends	—			—
Income from discontinued operations available to common equity	366			504
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(1		)	(4		)
Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	365			500

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	37,356			37,015
Stock options and other stock compensation	493			602
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	37,849			37,617
Antidilutive stock options	495			—

Earnings per share attributable to continuing operations:
Basic	$0.25			$0.37
Diluted	$0.25			$0.36

Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations:
Basic	$0.01			$0.01
Diluted	$0.01			$0.01

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company's effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2015 was 62.7%. Excluding $7.6 million of charges for the first quarter of 2015 associated with exit taxes related to our European reorganization, the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 was 31.7% and 36.4%, respectively. The 31.7% rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a favorable mix of income sourced from lower tax jurisdictions and a lower level of cash repatriation in the current quarter. The rate for the first quarter of 2014 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to unrecognized tax benefits on operating losses in foreign affiliates. At March 31, 2015, the Company had a gross liability for unrecognized tax benefit of $15.0 million. The Company has recognized tax benefits associated with these liabilities of $5.2 million at March 31, 2015. The gross liability includes a new amount associated with a foreign tax exposure. The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. The Company's liability for accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $1.0 million at March 31, 2015.

Stock Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock Plans

The 2008 Management Equity Incentive Plan provides for various forms of stock-based compensation for eligible employees through May 2018. Management stock-based compensation includes stock options, restricted stock, and performance stock units. The 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan provides for grants of stock options and restricted stock to non-employee directors through May 2018. We issue treasury shares for stock option exercises, restricted stock grants, and performance stock unit grants. Please refer to Note 7 for further information regarding stock compensation share issuance.

Stock compensation expense is as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Stock compensation expense	$	4,981	$	5,165
Income tax benefit	1,912		1,890
Stock compensation expense, net of income tax benefit	3,069		3,275

Stock options are granted at market value option prices and expire after ten years. Stock options are exercisable beginning three years after the grant date. Stock option expense is based on the fair value of stock option grants estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions for options granted in 2015.



	2015
Fair value per option	$	15.63
Risk-free interest rate	1.77		%
Expected dividend yield	2.32		%
Expected volatility	38.94		%
Expected life (years)	6.71

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity rates as of the grant date converted into an implied spot rate yield curve. Expected dividend yield is based on the most recent annualized dividend divided by the 1 year average closing share price. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility using daily stock prices. Expected life is based on historical stock option exercise data.

A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2015	1,618,561		$	35.74
Granted	170,683		48.64
Exercised	(29,913	)	38.28
Outstanding at March 31, 2015	1,759,331		36.95
Exercisable at March 31, 2015	1,287,076		32.38

Restricted stock is valued at the market value of the stock on the grant date. A summary of restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2015	268,743		$	45.34
Granted	60,317		48.64
Vested	(84,761	)	37.00
Forfeited	(1,824	)	47.73
Unvested at March 31, 2015	242,475		49.15

Performance stock units have a market condition and are valued on the grant date based using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model to determine fair value. The final number of shares to be issued for performance stock units may range from zero to 200% of the target award based on achieving the specified performance targets over the performance period. The following weighted average assumptions were used in the Monte Carlo model for units granted in 2015.



	2015
Fair value per unit	$	40.06
Risk-free interest rate	0.93		%
Expected dividend yield	2.32		%
Expected volatility	27.00		%
MSA stock beta	1.132

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity rates as of the grant date converted into an implied spot rate yield curve. Expected dividend yield is based on the most recent annualized dividend divided by the 1 year average closing share price. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility using daily stock prices. Stock beta is calculated with three years of daily price data.

A summary of performance stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2015	143,961		$	52.42
Granted	54,856		40.06
Performance adjustments	16,447		41.45
Vested	(63,164	)	41.66
Unvested at March 31, 2015	152,100		51.24

The performance adjustments above relate to the final number of shares issued for the 2012 Management Performance Units, which were 133.6% of the target award based on Total Shareholder Return during the three year performance period, and vested in the first quarter of 2015.

Long-Term Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015	December 31, 2014
2006 Senior Notes payable through 2021, 5.41%	46,667	46,667
2010 Senior Notes payable through 2021, 4.00%	100,000	100,000
Senior revolving credit facility maturing in 2019	126,000	105,000
Total	272,667	251,667
Amounts due within one year	6,667	6,667
Long-term debt	266,000	245,000

At March 31, 2015, $171.1 million of the $300.0 million senior revolving credit facility was unused including letters of credit.

The revolving credit facility and note purchase agreements require the Company to comply with specified financial covenants. In addition, the credit facility and the note purchase agreements contain negative covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into specified transactions. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2015.

The Company had outstanding bank guarantees and standby letters of credit with banks as of March 31, 2015 totaling $6.0 million, of which $2.9 million relate to the senior revolving credit facility. The letters of credit serve to cover customer requirements in connection with certain sales orders and insurance companies. No amounts were drawn on these arrangements at March 31, 2015. The Company is also required to provide cash collateral in connection with certain arrangements. At March 31, 2015, the Company has $2.7 million of restricted cash in support of these arrangements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Changes in goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:



(In thousands)	Goodwill
Balance at January 1	$	252,520
Currency translation	(5,867		)
Balance at March 31	246,653

At March 31, 2015, goodwill of $196.5 million, $48.1 million, and $2.1 million related to the North American, European, and International reportable segments, respectively.

Changes in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization during the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:



(In thousands)	Intangible Assets
Net balance at January 1	$	31,323
Amortization expense	(352		)
Currency translation	(976		)
Net balance at March 31	29,995

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of net periodic benefit cost consisted of the following:



	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
(In thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Three Months Ended March 31,
Service cost	$	2,904		$	2,481		$	111		$	156
Interest cost	4,593			4,891			216			299
Expected return on plan assets	(8,537		)	(8,251		)	—			—
Amortization of prior service cost	17			21			(84		)	(84		)
Recognized net actuarial losses	3,929			2,203			7			83
Settlements	33			57			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	2,939			1,402			250			454

We made contributions of $1.0 million to our pension plans during the three months ended March 31, 2015. We expect to make total contributions of approximately $4.1 million to our pension plans in 2015.

Derivative Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

As part of our currency exchange rate risk management strategy, we may enter into certain derivative foreign currency forward contracts that do not meet the U.S. GAAP criteria for hedge accounting, but which have the impact of partially offsetting certain foreign currency exposures. We account for these forward contracts at fair value and report the related gains or losses in currency exchange gains or losses. The notional amount of open forward contracts was $58.1 million and $60.9 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value of assets associated with derivative financial instruments:



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts: Other current liabilities	$	1,656	$	395

The following table presents the income statement location and impact of derivative financial instruments:



		Loss Recognized in Income
		Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	Income Statement Location	2015		2014
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	Currency exchange losses, net	$	2,268	$	805

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:


•	Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


•	Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.


•	Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The valuation methodologies we used to measure financial assets and liabilities were limited to the derivative financial instruments described in Note 15. We estimate the fair value of the derivative financial instruments, consisting of foreign currency forward contracts, based upon valuation models with inputs that generally can be verified by observable market conditions and do not involve significant management judgment. Accordingly, the fair values of the derivative financial instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

With the exception of fixed rate long-term debt, we believe that the reported carrying amounts of our financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values. The reported carrying amount of our fixed rate long-term debt (including the current portion) was $146.6 million and $153.3 million at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of this debt was $154.3 million and $160.1 million at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of our long-term debt was determined using cash flow valuation models to estimate the market value of similar instruments as of the respective balance sheet dates. The fair value of this debt was determined using Level 3 inputs as described above.

Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies

MSA LLC, a subsidiary of MSA Safety Incorporated (formerly Mine Safety Appliances Company), categorizes the product liability losses that its various subsidiaries experience into two main categories: single incident and cumulative trauma. Single incident product liability claims are discrete incidents that are typically known to us when they occur and involve observable injuries which provide an objective basis for quantifying damages. MSA LLC estimates its liability for single incident product liability claims based on expected settlement costs for pending claims and an estimate of costs for unreported claims. The estimate for unreported claims is based on experience, sales volumes and other relevant information. The reserve for single incident product liability claims was $3.6 million at March 31, 2015 and $3.5 million at December 31, 2014. Single incident product liability expense during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $0.3 million and was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Single incident product liability exposures are evaluated on an ongoing basis and adjustments are made to the reserve as appropriate.

Cumulative trauma product liability claims involve exposures to harmful substances (e.g., silica, asbestos and coal dust) that occurred many years ago and may have developed over long periods of time into diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. MSA LLC is presently named as a defendant in 2,237 lawsuits, some of which involve multiple plaintiffs. In these lawsuits, plaintiffs allege to have contracted certain cumulative trauma diseases related to exposure to silica, asbestos, and/or coal dust. These lawsuits mainly involve respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by MSA LLC or its predecessors.

A summary of cumulative trauma product liability lawsuit activity follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015		Year Ended December 31, 2014
Open lawsuits, beginning of period	2,326		2,840
New lawsuits	87		542
Settled and dismissed lawsuits	(176	)	(1,056	)
Open lawsuits, end of period	2,237		2,326

More than half of the open lawsuits at March 31, 2015 have had a de minimis level of activity over the last 5 years. It is possible that these cases could become active again at any point due to changes in circumstances.

Cumulative trauma product liability litigation has been difficult to predict. In our experience, until late in a lawsuit, we cannot reasonably determine whether it is probable that any of MSA LLC's cumulative trauma lawsuits will ultimately result in a liability. This uncertainty is caused by many factors, including the following: cumulative trauma complaints generally do not provide information sufficient to determine if a loss is probable; cumulative trauma litigation is inherently unpredictable; and information is often insufficient to determine if a lawsuit will develop into an actively litigated case. Even when a case is actively litigated, it is often difficult to determine if the lawsuit will be dismissed or otherwise resolved until late in the lawsuit. Moreover, even once it is probable that such a lawsuit will result in a loss, it is often difficult to reasonably estimate the amount of actual loss that will be incurred. These amounts are highly variable and turn on a case-by-case analysis of the relevant facts, which are often not learned until late in the lawsuit. Consequently, MSA LLC has historically been unable to estimate its cumulative trauma product liability exposure.

As part of the company's ongoing assessment of the ability to estimate MSA LLC's cumulative trauma product liability exposure for both pending and unasserted claims, in the 2014 third quarter, MSA LLC engaged an outside valuation consultant to assist with this effort. This assessment was based on MSA LLC’s cumulative claims experience, including recent claims trends, and the development of enhanced claims data analytics. The analysis focused on claims made or resolved over the last several years as these claims are likely to best represent future claim characteristics.

After extensive review by the valuation consultant, MSA LLC, and its outside counsel, it was determined that MSA LLC cannot estimate its liability for cumulative trauma product liability claims. This is a result of numerous factors, including annual claims levels and indemnity payments that are highly variable and a lack of consistency in the source of the claims. MSA LLC will continue to regularly evaluate its ability to estimate its cumulative trauma product liability exposure.

During the 2014 fourth quarter and into January 2015, MSA LLC settled a number of cumulative trauma cases for $71.8 million, the vast majority of which were insured. The impact of these settlements was reflected in MSA Safety Incorporated’s 2014 consolidated financial statements and in the above year-end roll-forward of lawsuits. As a result of these settlements, at March 31, 2015, the cumulative trauma product liability reserve totaled $72.3 million, most of which will be paid equally over four quarters, beginning in the 2015 third quarter and ending in the 2016 second quarter. Of this amount, $17.6 million was recorded in other non-current liabilities and the remainder was recorded in the insurance and product liability line in the other current liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet. The cumulative trauma product liability reserve totaled $74.9 million at December 31, 2014, comprising of $35.1 million in other non-current liabilities and the remainder recorded in the insurance and product liability line in the current liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet. Because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings or developments could occur, there can be no certainty that MSA LLC may not ultimately incur charges in excess of presently recorded liabilities. Our aggregate cumulative trauma product liability losses and administrative and defense costs for the three years ended December 31, 2014, totaled approximately $169.6 million, substantially all of which was insured.

Insurance Receivable

With some common contract exclusions, we maintain insurance for cumulative trauma product liability claims. We have purchased insurance policies for the policy years from 1952-1986 from over 20 different insurance carriers that provide coverage for cumulative trauma product liability losses, and in many instances, related defense costs (the "Occurrence-Based Policies"). The available limits of these policies well exceed the recorded insurance receivable balance.

In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and for related defense costs. We record receivables for the amounts that are covered by insurance. Since December 31, 2013, the insurance receivable has increased by $97.3 million as a result of the above noted settlements and related defense costs.

Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of the insurance receivable, including the outcome of negotiations with insurers, legal proceedings with respect to product liability insurance coverage and the extent to which insurers may become insolvent in the future.

Insurance receivables at March 31, 2015 totaled $222.1 million, of which $2.0 million is reported in other current assets and $220.1 million in other non-current assets. Insurance receivables at December 31, 2014 totaled $220.5 million, of which $2.0 million is reported in other current assets and $218.5 million in other non-current assets.

A summary of insurance receivable balances and activity related to cumulative trauma product liability losses follows:



(In millions)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015		Year Ended December 31, 2014
Balance beginning of period	$	220.5	$	124.8
Additions	1.6		98.2
Collections and settlements	—		(2.5		)
Balance end of period	222.1		220.5

Additions to insurance receivables in the above table represent insured cumulative trauma product liability losses and related defense costs. Uninsured cumulative trauma product liability losses during the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 2014 were $0.1 million, $2.1 million, respectively. Collections primarily represent agreements with insurance companies to pay amounts due that are applicable to cumulative trauma claims. In cases where the payment stream covers multiple years, the present value of the payments is recorded as a note receivable (current and long-term) in the consolidated balance sheet within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other noncurrent assets.

MSA LLC believes that the increase in its insurance receivable balance that it has experienced since 2005 is primarily due to disagreements among its insurance carriers, and consequently with MSA LLC, as to when the individual obligations of insurance carriers to pay are triggered and the amount of each insurer’s obligation, as compared to other insurers. MSA LLC believes that its insurers do not contest that they have issued policies to our subsidiaries or that these policies cover cumulative trauma product liability claims. We believe that successful resolution of insurance litigation with various insurance carriers in recent years demonstrates that we have strong legal positions concerning MSA LLC's rights to coverage.

The collectability of MSA LLC's insurance receivables is regularly evaluated and the amounts recorded are probable of collection. These conclusions are based on analysis of the terms of the underlying insurance policies, experience in successfully recovering cumulative trauma product liability claims from our insurers under other policies, the financial ability of the insurance carriers to pay the claims, understanding and interpretation of the relevant facts and applicable law and the advice of MSA LLC's legal counsel, who believe that the insurers are required to provide coverage based on the terms of the policies.

Although it is impossible to predict the ultimate outcome of current open claims, based on current information, our experience in handling these matters, and our substantial insurance program, we do not believe that the resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on our future consolidated financial condition or liquidity.

Insurance Litigation

MSA LLC is currently involved in insurance coverage litigation with a number of our insurance carriers regarding its Occurrence-Based Policies.

In 2009, MSA LLC (as Mine Safety Appliances Company) sued The North River Insurance Company (North River) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging that North River breached one of its insurance policies by failing to pay amounts owed to MSA LLC and that it engaged in bad-faith claims handling. MSA LLC believes that North River’s refusal to indemnify it under the policy for product liability losses and legal fees paid by MSA LLC is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and MSA LLC is vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all due amounts. Motions for summary judgment on certain issues will be submitted to the court at the earliest possible date. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In 2010, North River sued MSA LLC (as Mine Safety Appliances Company) in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania seeking a declaratory judgment concerning their responsibilities under three additional policies. MSA LLC asserted claims against North River for breaches of contract for failures to pay amounts owed to MSA LLC. MSA LLC also alleges that North River engaged in bad-faith claims handling. MSA LLC believes that North River’s refusal to indemnify us under these policies for product liability losses and legal fees paid by MSA LLC is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and MSA LLC is vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all due amounts. Summary judgment on certain issues is pending with the court. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In July 2010, MSA LLC (as Mine Safety Appliances Company) filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware seeking declaratory and other relief from the majority of its excess insurance carriers concerning the future rights and obligations of MSA LLC and its excess insurance carriers under various insurance policies. The reason for this insurance coverage action is to secure a comprehensive resolution of its rights under the insurance policies issued by the insurers. Motions for summary judgment on certain issues will be submitted to the court at various times in 2015. A trial date is currently scheduled for the second quarter of 2016.

MSA LLC has resolved claims against certain of its insurance carriers on some of their policies, including the Occurrence-Based Policies through negotiated settlements. When a settlement is reached, MSA LLC dismisses the settling carrier from relevant above noted lawsuit(s). Assuming satisfactory resolution, once disputes are resolved with each of the remaining carriers responsible for the Occurrence-Based Policies, MSA LLC anticipates having commitments to provide future payment streams which should be sufficient to satisfy its recorded receivables due from insurance carriers. In addition, MSA LLC likely will retain some coverage through coverage-in-place agreements, although that coverage may not be immediately accessible. When these insurance coverage matters are fully resolved, MSA LLC (and its coverage-in-place carriers, where applicable) will be responsible for expenses related to cumulative trauma product liability claims.

Discontinued Operations

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

The Company is actively negotiating the sale of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its South African personal protective equipment distribution business and its Zambian operations. Management has deemed it probable that the sale of these assets and liabilities will close in 2015. The operations of this business qualify as a component of an entity under FASB ASC 205-20 "Presentation of Financial Statements - Discontinued Operations", and thus the operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations and prior periods have been reclassified to conform to this presentation.

Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Discontinued Operations
Net sales	$	11,157	$	10,060
Other income, net	66		14
Cost and expenses:
Cost of products sold	8,990		7,697
Selling, general and administrative	1,602		1,554
Currency exchange losses (gains), net	170		(7		)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	461		830
Provision for income taxes	153		216
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	308		614

Certain balance sheet items that are related to the Company's South African personal protective equipment distribution business and its Zambian operations are reported as discontinued operations. These items are reported in the following consolidated balance sheet lines:



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations assets and liabilities
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	$	7,152	$	6,638
Inventories	10,588		11,829
Net property	313		342
Other assets	1,404		2,022
Total assets	19,457		20,831
Accounts payable	3,590		5,263
Accrued and other liabilities	1,116		991
Total liabilities	4,706		6,254
Net assets	14,751		14,577

The following summary provides financial information for discontinued operations related to net loss related to noncontrolling interests:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Loss from continuing operations	$	174	$	219
Loss (income) from discontinued operations	58		(110		)
Net loss	232		109

Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventories



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Finished products	$	71,693	$	67,713
Work in process	5,255		8,942
Raw materials and supplies	60,733		46,299
Total inventories	137,681		122,954

Restructuring and Other Charges Restructuring and Related Activities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Related Costs

Activity and reserve balances for restructuring charges by segment were as follows:



(in millions)	North America		Europe			International			Corporate		Total
Reserve balances at December 31, 2013	$	—	$	1.7		$	—		$	—	$	1.7
Restructuring charges	—		4.8			3.7			—		8.5
Asset disposals	—		(0.4		)	(1.7		)	—		(2.1		)
Cash payments	—		(3.5		)	(1.8		)	—		(5.3		)
Reserve balances at December 31, 2014	$	—	$	2.6		$	0.2		$	—	$	2.8
Restructuring charges	—		0.1			0.6			—		0.7
Cash payments	—		(1.3		)	(0.5		)	—		(1.8		)
Reserve balances at March 31, 2015	$	—	$	1.4		$	0.3		$	—	$	1.7

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
Land	$	3,426		$	3,573
Buildings	111,439			110,144
Machinery and equipment	328,471			335,318
Construction in progress	15,096			17,327
Total	458,432			466,362
Less accumulated depreciation	(310,709		)	(315,010		)
Net property	147,723			151,352

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Reclassification of Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by component were as follows:



	MSA Safety Incorporated						Noncontrolling Interests
	Three Months Ended March 31,						Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Balance at beginning of period	$	(125,570	)	$	(77,080	)	$	—		$	—
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of prior service cost	17			(63		)	—			—
Recognized net actuarial losses	3,929			2,286			—			—
Tax benefit	(1,417		)	(805		)	—			—
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,529			1,418			—			—
Balance at end of period	$	(123,041	)	$	(75,662	)	$	—		$	—
Foreign Currency Translation
Balance at beginning of period	$	(41,160	)	$	(1,189	)	$	(2,199	)	$	(1,602	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(23,792		)	(816		)	(258		)	(142		)
Balance at end of period	$	(64,952	)	$	(2,005	)	$	(2,457	)	$	(1,744	)

Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Reportable Segment Information

Reportable segment information is presented in the following table:



(In thousands)	North America		Europe			International		Corporate			Reconciling Items			Consolidated Totals
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Sales to external customers	$	133,564	$	66,013		$	57,131	$	—		$	—		$	256,708
Intercompany sales	35,739		46,109			5,438		—			(87,286		)	—
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	14,431		(4,437		)	3,662		(4,837		)	497			9,316
Discontinued operations	—		—			366		—			—			366



(In thousands)	North America		Europe		International		Corporate			Reconciling Items			Consolidated Totals
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Sales to external customers	$	129,521	$	74,938	$	60,586	$	—		$	—		$	265,045
Intercompany sales	27,897		28,858		3,849		—			(60,604		)	—
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	14,260		3,452		4,591		(7,886		)	(895		)	13,522
Discontinued operations	—		—		504		—			—			504

Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services

The percentage of total sales by product group were as follows:



	March 31, 2015		March 31, 2014
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection	23	%	22	%
Breathing Apparatus	22	%	18	%
Portable Gas Detection	15	%	16	%
Head Protection	12	%	13	%
Fire and Rescue Helmets	5	%	5	%
Fall Protection	4	%	4	%
Other	19	%	22	%

Earnings per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014
Net income attributable to continuing operations	$	9,316		$	13,522
Preferred stock dividends	(10		)	(10		)
Income from continuing operations available to common equity	9,306			13,512
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(28		)	(90		)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	9,278			13,422

Net income attributable to discontinued operations	$	366		$	504
Preferred stock dividends	—			—
Income from discontinued operations available to common equity	366			504
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(1		)	(4		)
Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	365			500

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	37,356			37,015
Stock options and other stock compensation	493			602
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	37,849			37,617
Antidilutive stock options	495			—

Earnings per share attributable to continuing operations:
Basic	$0.25			$0.37
Diluted	$0.25			$0.36

Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations:
Basic	$0.01			$0.01
Diluted	$0.01			$0.01

Stock Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Stock Compensation Expense

Stock compensation expense is as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Stock compensation expense	$	4,981	$	5,165
Income tax benefit	1,912		1,890
Stock compensation expense, net of income tax benefit	3,069		3,275

Schedule of Valuation Assumptions, Stock Options

Stock option expense is based on the fair value of stock option grants estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions for options granted in 2015.



	2015
Fair value per option	$	15.63
Risk-free interest rate	1.77		%
Expected dividend yield	2.32		%
Expected volatility	38.94		%
Expected life (years)	6.71

Summary of Stock Option Activity

A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2015	1,618,561		$	35.74
Granted	170,683		48.64
Exercised	(29,913	)	38.28
Outstanding at March 31, 2015	1,759,331		36.95
Exercisable at March 31, 2015	1,287,076		32.38

Summary of Restricted Stock Activity

A summary of restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2015	268,743		$	45.34
Granted	60,317		48.64
Vested	(84,761	)	37.00
Forfeited	(1,824	)	47.73
Unvested at March 31, 2015	242,475		49.15

Schedule of Value Assumptions, Equity Instruments Other than Options

The following weighted average assumptions were used in the Monte Carlo model for units granted in 2015.



	2015
Fair value per unit	$	40.06
Risk-free interest rate	0.93		%
Expected dividend yield	2.32		%
Expected volatility	27.00		%
MSA stock beta	1.132

Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity

A summary of performance stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2015	143,961		$	52.42
Granted	54,856		40.06
Performance adjustments	16,447		41.45
Vested	(63,164	)	41.66
Unvested at March 31, 2015	152,100		51.24

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Debt



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015	December 31, 2014
2006 Senior Notes payable through 2021, 5.41%	46,667	46,667
2010 Senior Notes payable through 2021, 4.00%	100,000	100,000
Senior revolving credit facility maturing in 2019	126,000	105,000
Total	272,667	251,667
Amounts due within one year	6,667	6,667
Long-term debt	266,000	245,000

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Goodwill

Changes in goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:



(In thousands)	Goodwill
Balance at January 1	$	252,520
Currency translation	(5,867		)
Balance at March 31	246,653

Changes in Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization

Changes in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization during the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:



(In thousands)	Intangible Assets
Net balance at January 1	$	31,323
Amortization expense	(352		)
Currency translation	(976		)
Net balance at March 31	29,995

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Components of net periodic benefit cost consisted of the following:



	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
(In thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Three Months Ended March 31,
Service cost	$	2,904		$	2,481		$	111		$	156
Interest cost	4,593			4,891			216			299
Expected return on plan assets	(8,537		)	(8,251		)	—			—
Amortization of prior service cost	17			21			(84		)	(84		)
Recognized net actuarial losses	3,929			2,203			7			83
Settlements	33			57			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	2,939			1,402			250			454

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Balance Sheet Location and Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Derivative Financial Instruments

The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value of assets associated with derivative financial instruments:



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts: Other current liabilities	$	1,656	$	395

Income Statement Location and Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments

The following table presents the income statement location and impact of derivative financial instruments:



		Loss Recognized in Income
		Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	Income Statement Location	2015		2014
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	Currency exchange losses, net	$	2,268	$	805

Contingencies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Claims Activity

A summary of cumulative trauma product liability lawsuit activity follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015		Year Ended December 31, 2014
Open lawsuits, beginning of period	2,326		2,840
New lawsuits	87		542
Settled and dismissed lawsuits	(176	)	(1,056	)
Open lawsuits, end of period	2,237		2,326

Summary of Insurance Receivable Balances and Activity Related to Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Losses

A summary of insurance receivable balances and activity related to cumulative trauma product liability losses follows:



(In millions)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015		Year Ended December 31, 2014
Balance beginning of period	$	220.5	$	124.8
Additions	1.6		98.2
Collections and settlements	—		(2.5		)
Balance end of period	222.1		220.5

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of exposure to material amount of loss arising from allegations of damages pertaining to and arising from one or more of the entity's products.

+ References + Details

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures

Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Discontinued Operations
Net sales	$	11,157	$	10,060
Other income, net	66		14
Cost and expenses:
Cost of products sold	8,990		7,697
Selling, general and administrative	1,602		1,554
Currency exchange losses (gains), net	170		(7		)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	461		830
Provision for income taxes	153		216
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	308		614



(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations assets and liabilities
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	$	7,152	$	6,638
Inventories	10,588		11,829
Net property	313		342
Other assets	1,404		2,022
Total assets	19,457		20,831
Accounts payable	3,590		5,263
Accrued and other liabilities	1,116		991
Total liabilities	4,706		6,254
Net assets	14,751		14,577

The following summary provides financial information for discontinued operations related to net loss related to noncontrolling interests:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Loss from continuing operations	$	174	$	219
Loss (income) from discontinued operations	58		(110		)
Net loss	232		109

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Schedule of Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished products	$ 71,693	$ 67,713
Work in process	5,255	8,942
Raw materials and supplies	60,733	46,299
Total inventories	$ 137,681	$ 122,954

Restructuring and Other Charges - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 731	$ 1,900		$ 8,500
Restructuring and other charges, net of tax	500	1,200
International Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 588	400	$ 600		$ 3,700
European Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 1,500	$ 100		$ 4,800

Restructuring and Other Charges Roll Forward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 2,800	$ 1,700	$ 1,700	$ 1,700
Restructuring charges	731	1,900		8,500
Asset disposals				(2,100)
Cash payments	(1,800)			(5,300)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	1,700			2,800	$ 1,700
North American Segment
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0	0	0	0
Restructuring charges	0			0
Asset disposals				0
Cash payments	0			0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0			0	0
European Segment
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	2,600	1,700	1,700	1,700
Restructuring charges		1,500	100		4,800
Asset disposals				(400)
Cash payments			(1,300)		(3,500)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	1,400			2,600	1,700
International Segment
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	200	0	0	0
Restructuring charges	588	400	600		3,700
Asset disposals				(1,700)
Cash payments			(500)		(1,800)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	300			200	0
Corporate Segment
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0	$ 0	$ 0	0
Restructuring charges	0			0
Asset disposals				0
Cash payments	0			0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 0			$ 0	$ 0

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 458,432	$ 466,362
Less accumulated depreciation	(310,709)	(315,010)
Net property	147,723	151,352
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,426	3,573
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	111,439	110,144
Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	328,471	335,318
Construction in Progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 15,096	$ 17,327

Reclassification of Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plan Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ (125,570)	$ (77,080)
Amortization of prior service cost	17	(63)
Recognized net actuarial losses	3,929	2,286
Tax benefit	(1,417)	(805)
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,529	1,418
Balance at end of period	(123,041)	(75,662)
Balance at beginning of period	(41,160)	(1,189)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, parent	(23,792)	(816)
Balance at end of period	(64,952)	(2,005)
Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	(2,199)	(1,602)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, noncontrolling interest	(258)	(142)
Balance at end of period	$ (2,457)	$ (1,744)

Capital Stock (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Capital Stock (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2005
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common Stock, shares authorized	180,000,000
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares, outstanding	37,479,832	37,448,310
Treasury stock, shares	24,601,559	24,633,081
Second Cumulative Preferred Voting Stock
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share)	$ 10
Preferred stock, shares issued	0
Treasury Stock
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Reissued shares	93,366
Board of Directors
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common stock, value, issued			$ 100,000,000
4 1/2% Cumulative Preferred Nonvoting Stock
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share)	$ 50
Percentage of cumulative preferred stock	4.50%
Preferred stock, callable price per share	$ 52.50
Preferred stock, shares issued	71,373
Treasury share, number of shares held	52,878
Purchase of treasury shares	$ 0

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2015 Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of geographic operating segments	9
Number of reportable segments	4

Segment Information - Schedule of Reportable Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	$ 256,708	$ 265,045
Intercompany sales	0	0
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	9,316	13,522
Discontinued operations	366	504
North American Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	133,564	129,521
Intercompany sales	35,739	27,897
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	14,431	14,260
Discontinued operations	0	0
European Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	66,013	74,938
Intercompany sales	46,109	28,858
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	(4,437)	3,452
Discontinued operations	0	0
International Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	57,131	60,586
Intercompany sales	5,438	3,849
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	3,662	4,591
Discontinued operations	366	504
Corporate Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	0	0
Intercompany sales	0	0
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	(4,837)	(7,886)
Discontinued operations	0	0
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	0	0
Intercompany sales	(87,286)	(60,604)
Net income (loss):
Continuing operations	497	(895)
Discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information - Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services (Details) - Sales	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	23.00%	22.00%
Breathing Apparatus
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	22.00%	18.00%
Portable Gas Detection
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	15.00%	16.00%
Head Protection
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	12.00%	13.00%
Fire and Rescue Helmets
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	5.00%	5.00%
Fall Protection
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	4.00%	4.00%
Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	19.00%	22.00%

Earnings per Share - Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings per share attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders:
Net income attributable to continuing operations	$ 9,316	$ 13,522
Preferred stock dividends	(10)	(10)
Income from continuing operations available to common equity	9,306	13,512
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(28)	(90)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	9,278	13,422
Net income attributable to discontinued operations	366	504
Preferred stock dividends	0	0
Income from discontinued operations available to common equity	366	504
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(1)	(4)
Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	$ 365	$ 500
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	37,356	37,015
Stock options and other stock compensation	493	602
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	37,849	37,617
Antidilutive stock options	495	0
Earnings per share attributable to continuing operations:
Income from continuing operations, basic (dollars per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.37
Income from continuing operations, diluted (dollars per share)	0.25	0.36
Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations, basic (dollars per share)	0.01	0.01
Income from discontinued operations, diluted (dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	62.70%	36.40%
Effective income tax rate (excluding European segment reorganization tax costs)	31.70%
U.S. federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 15.0
Recognized tax benefits	5.2
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	1.0
European Segment
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Exit taxes related to European reorganization	$ 7.6

Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years
Stock options exercisable period after grant date	3 years
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, fair value assumptions, average closing price used to calculated expected dividend rate, period	1 year
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target award based on achieving targeted performance conditions	0.00%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target award based on achieving targeted performance conditions	200.00%
Percentage of target award based on achieving specified performance targets	133.60%
Performance Stock Unit
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Performance Stock Unit
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, fair value assumptions, average closing price used to calculated expected dividend rate, period	1 year
Stock beta, daily price data period	3 years

Stock Plans - Schedule of Stock Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock compensation expense	$ 4,981	$ 5,165
Income tax benefit	1,912	1,890
Stock compensation expense, net of income tax benefit	$ 3,069	$ 3,275

Stock Plans - Weighted Average Risk Assumptions (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 $ / shares
Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value per option (dollars per share)	$ 15.63
Risk-free interest rate	1.77%
Expected dividend yield	2.32%
Expected volatility	38.94%
Expected life (years)	6 years 8 months 16 days
Performance Stock Unit
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value per unit (dollars per share)	$ 40.06
Risk-free interest rate	0.93%
Expected dividend yield	2.32%
Expected volatility	27.00%
MSA stock beta	1.132

Stock Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail)	3 Months Ended
Stock Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares
Shares
Outstanding Beginning balance \| shares	1,618,561
Granted \| shares	170,683
Exercised \| shares	(29,913)
Outstanding Ending balance \| shares	1,759,331
Exercisable Ending balance \| shares	1,287,076
Weighted Average Exercise Price (dollars per share)
Outstanding Beginning balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 35.74
Granted (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	48.64
Exercised (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	38.28
Outstanding Ending balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	36.95
Exercisable Ending balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 32.38

Stock Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Activity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares
Shares
Unvested Shares, Beginning Balance \| shares	268,743
Granted \| shares	60,317
Vested \| shares	(84,761)
Forfeited \| shares	(1,824)
Unvested Shares, Ending Balance \| shares	242,475
Weighted Average Exercise Price (dollars per share)
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Beginning Balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 45.34
Granted (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	48.64
Vested (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	37.00
Forfeited (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	47.73
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Ending Balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 49.15

Stock Plans - Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity (Detail) - Performance Stock Unit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares
Shares
Unvested Shares, Beginning Balance \| shares	143,961
Granted \| shares	54,856
Performance adjustments \| shares	16,447
Vested \| shares	(63,164)
Unvested Shares, Ending Balance \| shares	152,100
Weighted Average Exercise Price (dollars per share)
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Beginning Balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 52.42
Granted (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	40.06
Performance adjustments (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	41.45
Vested (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	41.66
Unvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value, Ending Balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 51.24

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 07, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	$ 171,100,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 300,000,000.0
Letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding, amount	6,000,000
Debt instrument, collateral amount	2,700,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding, amount	$ 2,900,000

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior revolving credit facility maturing in 2019	$ 126,000	$ 105,000
Total	272,667	251,667
Amounts due within one year	6,667	6,667
Long-term debt	266,000	245,000
2006 Senior Notes Payable Through 2021, 5.41%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes payable	$ 46,667	$ 46,667
Debt instruments maturity date	2021	2021
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	5.41%	5.41%
2010 Senior Notes Payable Through 2021, 4.00%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes payable	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Debt instruments maturity date	2021	2021
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	4.00%	4.00%

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 246,653	$ 252,520
North American Segment
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	196,500
European Segment
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	48,100
International Segment
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,100

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1	$ 252,520
Currency translation	(5,867)
Balance at March 31	$ 246,653

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Net balance at January 1	$ 31,323
Amortization expense	(352)
Currency translation	(976)
Net balance at March 31	$ 29,995

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension plans contributions	$ 1.0
Total pension plans contributions for the period	$ 4.1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 2,904	$ 2,481
Interest cost	4,593	4,891
Expected return on plan assets	(8,537)	(8,251)
Amortization of prior service cost	17	21
Recognized net actuarial losses	3,929	2,203
Settlements	33	57
Net periodic benefit cost	2,939	1,402
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	111	156
Interest cost	216	299
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	(84)	(84)
Recognized net actuarial losses	7	83
Settlements	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 250	$ 454

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of open forward contracts	$ 58.1	$ 60.9

Derivative Financial Instruments - Balance Sheet Location and Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign exchange contract
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts: Other current liabilities	$ 1,656	$ 395

Derivative Financial Instruments - Income Statement Location and Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Foreign exchange contract
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Currency exchange losses, net	$ 2,268	$ 805

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Senior Notes	$ 146.6	$ 153.3
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 154.3	$ 160.1

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($) LegalMatter Vendor	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) LegalMatter	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) LegalMatter
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits \| LegalMatter	2,237			2,326	2,840
Loss contingency, years of activity	5 years
Number of insurance carriers \| Vendor	20
Increase in insurance settlements receivable	$ 97.3
Insurance receivables	222.1			$ 220.5	$ 124.8
Insurance receivables, current	2.0			2.0
Insurance receivables, noncurrent	220.1			218.5
Single Incident
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for product liability claims	3.6			3.5
Product liability expense	0.3
Cumulative Trauma
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Product liability expense				169.6
Litigation settlement amount			$ 71.8
Loss contingency accrual, product liability, net	72.3			74.9
Uninsured Cumulative Trauma
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Product liability expense	0.1	$ 2.1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities \| Cumulative Trauma
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency accrual, product liability, net	$ 17.6			$ 35.1

Contingencies - Summary of Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Claims Activity (Detail) - LegalMatter	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Loss Contingency, Quantities [Roll Forward]
Open lawsuits, beginning of period	2,326	2,840
New lawsuits	87	542
Settled and dismissed lawsuits	(176)	(1,056)
Open lawsuits, end of period	2,237	2,326

Contingencies - Summary of Insurance Receivable Balances and Activity Related to Cumulative Trauma Product Liability Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement in Loss Contingency Receivable, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	$ 220.5	$ 124.8
Additions	1.6	98.2
Collections and settlements	0.0	(2.5)
Balance end of period	$ 222.1	$ 220.5

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 308	$ 614
Zambian Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	11,157	10,060
Other income, net	66	14
Cost of products sold	8,990	7,697
Selling, general and administrative	1,602	1,554
Currency exchange losses (gains), net	170	(7)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	461	830
Provision for income taxes	153	216
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 308	$ 614

Discontinued Operations, Assets and Liabilities (Details) - Zambian Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 7,152	$ 6,638
Inventories	10,588	11,829
Net property	313	342
Other assets	1,404	2,022
Total assets	19,457	20,831
Accounts payable	3,590	5,263
Accrued and other liabilities	1,116	991
Total liabilities	4,706	6,254
Net assets	$ 14,751	$ 14,577

Discontinued Operations Related to Net Loss (Income) Related to Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net loss	$ 232	$ 109
Zambian Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from continuing operations	174	219
Loss (income) from discontinued operations	58	(110)
Net loss	$ 232	$ 109