Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of basic and diluted shares

	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2013		2012
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	7,642	$	(28,963	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	80,706		80,579
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	224		—
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	80,930		80,579
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.09	$	(0.36	)
Diluted	$	0.09	$	(0.36	)

Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share

The following average outstanding stock-based compensation units were not included in the three months ended computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was antidilutive:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2013	2012
Restricted stock units	—	64
Stock options	304	460
Stock appreciation rights	—	56
Other	—	159