CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 13,273	$ 38,740	$ (16,299)	$ 51,547
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes	(67,119)	19,420	(31,079)	54,232
Net gains on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(680) and $(895), and $(225) and $(1,742) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively	1,939	911	2,701	6,688
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(2,118) and $(1,325), and $(1,158) and $947 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively	14,267	2,735	8,849	(2,236)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $3 and $(1), and $2 and $2 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively	(5)	(3)	2	(3)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(50,918)	23,063	(19,527)	58,681
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(37,645)	61,803	(35,826)	110,228
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	316	(1,528)	12	(3,148)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (37,329)	$ 60,275	$ (35,814)	$ 107,080