Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (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
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ (411,168)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(24,756)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			9,968
Total other comprehensive loss	(32,844)	(50,918)	(14,788)		(19,527)
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			810
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			(13,978)
Ending balance	(425,146)		(425,146)
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			62,308
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(46,555)	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0
Total other comprehensive loss			(46,555)
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			810
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			(45,745)
Ending balance	16,563		16,563
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			536	[2]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0
Total other comprehensive loss			536
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			536
Ending balance	(7,603)		(7,603)
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			21,255	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			9,968
Total other comprehensive loss			31,223
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			31,223
Ending balance	(434,063)		(434,063)
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 loss			8
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			8
Ending balance	$ (43)		$ (43)

[1] Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

[2] Net change from periodic revaluations.