Review of Operations by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	$ 759,736	$ 770,575	$ 1,475,131	$ 1,522,910
Operating income from continuing operations	50,847	34,639	76,632	21,952
Interest income	830	882	1,236	1,556
Interest expense	(12,855)	(11,608)	(24,598)	(24,432)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	38,822	23,913	53,270	(924)
Total reportable segments
Operations by segment
Operating income from continuing operations	54,100	35,642	81,319	27,740
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	336,146	364,923	673,470	724,874
Operating income from continuing operations	24,064	31,001	43,821	53,312
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	251,172	234,570	467,231	472,542
Operating income from continuing operations	(2,228)	(24,349)	(14,244)	(77,891)
Harsco Rail Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	78,646	79,627	150,212	147,675
Operating income from continuing operations	16,149	12,035	19,491	21,366
Harsco Industrial Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	93,772	91,455	184,218	177,819
Operating income from continuing operations	16,115	16,955	32,251	30,953
Corporate [Member]
Operations by segment
Operating income from continuing operations	$ (3,253)	$ (1,003)	$ (4,687)	$ (5,788)