Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]

Schedule of reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities

The Company's assessment of these performance goals resulted in the following reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities:

	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Reduction of contingent consideration liabilities	$	—	$	3,966	$	10,620

The Company's assessment of these performance goals resulted in the following reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities:

	Contingent Consideration Adjustments
(In thousands)	2012		2011			2010
Harsco Infrastructure Segment	$	—	$	(3,966	)	$	(10,620	)

Schedule of net income attributable to Company and transfers to noncontrolling interest

The purpose of the following schedule is to disclose the effects of changes in the Company's ownership interest in its subsidiaries on the Company's equity.

	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company	$	(254,612	)	$	(11,510	)	$	6,754
Decrease in the Company's paid-in capital for purchase of noncontrolling interests	—			—			(1,003		)
Change from net income (loss) attributable to the Company and transfers to noncontrolling interest	$	(254,612	)	$	(11,510	)	$	5,751