CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 9,072	$ (29,572)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $9,055 and $(4,644) in 2013 and 2012, respectively	(12,016)	36,040
Net gain on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(437) and $(215) in 2013 and 2012, respectively	2,061	762
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(4,091) and $793 in 2013 and 2012, respectively	28,003	(5,418)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(5) and $(4) in 2013 and 2012, respectively	8	7
Total other comprehensive income	18,056	31,391
Total comprehensive income	27,128	1,819
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,649	(304)
Comprehensive income attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 28,777	$ 1,515