Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 7,642	$ (28,963)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	80,706	80,579
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	224	0
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)

Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the parent. Also defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests.

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The amount of net income (loss) from continuing operations per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) derived from continuing operations during the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

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- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

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-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

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