Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Oct. 01, 2011
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2011	$ 680,901
Changes to goodwill	(2,264)	[1]
Foreign currency translation	(7,039)
Balance at June 30, 2012	671,598
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2011	411,876
Changes to goodwill	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	(3,864)
Balance at June 30, 2012	408,012
Approximate percentage of fair value exceeded carrying value			7.40%
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2011	259,715
Changes to goodwill	(2,264)	[1]
Foreign currency translation	(3,175)
Balance at June 30, 2012	254,276
Approximate percentage of fair value exceeded carrying value			9.10%
Harsco Rail Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2011	9,310
Changes to goodwill	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at June 30, 2012	$ 9,310

[1] Changes to goodwill relate principally to the allocation of goodwill, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to components of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment which were disposed of as part of the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program.