XML 18 R46.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Capital Stock (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Nov. 30, 2005
Capital Unit [Line Items] |  |  |
Common Stock, shares authorized | 180,000,000us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized |  |
Common stock, par value (dollars per share) | 0us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue | $ 0us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue |
Common stock, shares, outstanding | 37,479,832us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding | 37,448,310us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding |
Treasury stock, shares | 24,601,559us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares | 24,633,081us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares |
Second Cumulative Preferred Voting Stock |  |  |
Capital Unit [Line Items] |  |  |
Preferred stock, shares authorized | 1,000,000us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = msa_SecondCumulativePreferredVotingStockMember |  |
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share) | 10us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = msa_SecondCumulativePreferredVotingStockMember |  |
Preferred stock, shares issued | 0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = msa_SecondCumulativePreferredVotingStockMember |  |
Treasury Stock |  |  |
Capital Unit [Line Items] |  |  |
Reissued shares | 93,366us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember |  |
Board of Directors |  |  |
Capital Unit [Line Items] |  |  |
Common stock, value, issued |  |  | $ 100,000,000us-gaap_CommonStockValue / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = msa_BoardofDirectorsMember
4 1/2% Cumulative Preferred Nonvoting Stock |  |  |
Capital Unit [Line Items] |  |  |
Preferred stock, shares authorized | 100,000us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember |  |
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share) | 50us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember |  |
Percentage of cumulative preferred stock | 4.50%msa_PercentageOfCumulativePreferredStock / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember |  |
Preferred stock, callable price per share | 52.50us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember |  |
Preferred stock, shares issued | 71,373us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember |  |
Treasury share, number of shares held | 52,878msa_TreasuryStockPreferredShares / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember |  |
Purchase of treasury shares | 0msa_PurchaseOfTreasuryStock / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember |  |

X
- Definition Percentage of cumulative preferred stock. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | msa_PercentageOfCumulativePreferredStock
Namespace Prefix: | msa_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Purchase Of Treasury Stock + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | msa_PurchaseOfTreasuryStock
Namespace Prefix: | msa_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Treasury stock preferred shares. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | msa_TreasuryStockPreferredShares
Namespace Prefix: | msa_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CapitalUnitLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Face amount per share of no-par value common stock. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable common stock (or common stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Face amount or stated value per share of preferred stock nonredeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The price per share at which the preferred stock of an entity that has priority over common stock in the distribution of dividends and in the event of liquidation of the entity is redeemed or may be called at. The redemption features of this preferred stock are solely within the control of the issuer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Total number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) issued to shareholders (includes related preferred shares that were issued, repurchased, and remain in the treasury). May be all or portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. Excludes preferred shares that are classified as debt. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Gross number of shares (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Shares issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of common and preferred shares that were previously issued and that were repurchased by the issuing entity and held in treasury on the financial statement date. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=msa_BoardofDirectorsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=msa_SecondCumulativePreferredVotingStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |