CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 27,068	$ 31,990	$ 10,769	$ 83,537
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes	38,812	(95,047)	7,733	(40,815)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $242 and $(2,107), and $(653) and $(3,849) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively	(760)	8,355	1,941	15,043
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $1,514 and $(3,691), and $189 and $(2,744) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively	(10,143)	9,184	(1,294)	6,948
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(1) and $7, and $(2) and $9 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively	1	(11)	3	(14)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	27,910	(77,519)	8,383	(18,838)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	54,978	(45,529)	19,152	64,699
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,265	610	1,277	(2,538)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 56,243	$ (44,919)	$ 20,429	$ 62,161