Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (411,168)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	13,068
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,988
Total other comprehensive income	18,056		31,391
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	178
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	18,234
Ending balance	(392,934)
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	62,308
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(12,016)	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Total other comprehensive income	(12,016)
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	178
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(11,838)
Ending balance	50,470
Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(8,139)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	2,055	[2]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6
Total other comprehensive income	2,061
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	2,061
Ending balance	(6,078)
Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(465,286)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	23,021	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,982
Total other comprehensive income	28,003
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	28,003
Ending balance	(437,283)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(51)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Total other comprehensive income	8
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	8
Ending balance	$ (43)

[1] Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

[2] Net change from periodic revaluations.