CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income (loss)	$ (254,101)	$ (9,556)	$ 12,459
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes	11,434	(60,575)	(6,633)
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $567, $(2,126) and $355 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively	(4,333)	5,991	(712)
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes $25 and $(8) in 2011 and 2010, respectively	0	(58)	12
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $7,572, $19,143 and $(9,727) in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively	(53,645)	(123,827)	22,872
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(3), $7 and $(8) in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively	6	(11)	12
Reclassification adjustment for gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $1 in 2010	0	0	(2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(46,538)	(178,480)	15,549
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(300,639)	(188,036)	28,008
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(950)	(1,733)	(5,502)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (301,589)	$ (189,769)	$ 22,506