Review of Operations by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	$ 770,575	$ 875,091	$ 1,522,910	$ 1,654,146
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	34,639	64,433	21,952	93,469
Interest income	882	619	1,556	1,339
Interest expense	(11,608)	(12,644)	(24,432)	(24,579)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	23,913	52,408	(924)	70,229
Total reportable segments
Operations by segment
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	35,642	65,728	27,740	95,639
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	364,923	423,789	724,874	815,526
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	31,001	35,252	53,312	63,857
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	234,570	298,334	472,542	559,901
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	(24,349)	(5,088)	(77,891)	(22,579)
Harsco Rail Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	79,627	77,945	147,675	140,547
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	12,035	22,520	21,366	30,643
Harsco Industrial Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	91,455	75,023	177,819	138,172
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	16,955	13,044	30,953	23,718
Corporate
Operations by segment
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (1,003)	$ (1,295)	$ (5,788)	$ (2,170)