Review of Operations by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	$ 756,783	$ 855,864	$ 2,279,693	$ 2,510,010
Operating income from continuing operations	50,395	50,828	72,347	144,297
Interest income	1,449	683	3,005	2,022
Interest expense	(11,609)	(12,230)	(36,041)	(36,809)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	40,235	39,281	39,311	109,510
Total reportable segments
Operations by segment
Operating income from continuing operations	50,901	52,997	78,641	148,636
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	344,867	400,478	1,069,741	1,216,004
Operating income from continuing operations	26,350	30,907	79,662	94,764
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	229,287	282,319	701,829	842,220
Operating income from continuing operations	(6,065)	(3,296)	(83,956)	(25,875)
Harsco Rail Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	91,423	87,438	239,098	227,985
Operating income from continuing operations	13,906	11,636	35,272	42,279
Harsco Industrial Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	91,206	85,629	269,025	223,801
Operating income from continuing operations	16,710	13,750	47,663	37,468
Corporate
Operations by segment
Operating income from continuing operations	$ (506)	$ (2,169)	$ (6,294)	$ (4,339)