Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 680,901		$ 690,787
Changes to goodwill	(2,295)	[1]	(104)
Goodwill impairment	(265,038)		0	0
Foreign currency translation	15,630		(9,782)
Balance at the end of the period	429,198		680,901	690,787
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	411,876		418,276
Changes to goodwill	0	[1]	0
Goodwill impairment	0
Foreign currency translation	8,012		(6,400)
Balance at the end of the period	419,888		411,876
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	259,715		263,212
Changes to goodwill	(2,295)	[1]	(115)
Goodwill impairment	(265,038)
Foreign currency translation	7,618		(3,382)
Balance at the end of the period	0		259,715
Harsco Rail Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	9,310		9,299
Changes to goodwill	0	[1]	11
Goodwill impairment	0
Foreign currency translation	0		0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 9,310		$ 9,310

[1] Changes to goodwill relate principally to the allocation of goodwill, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to components of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that were disposed of as part of the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program.