Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2012	$ 429,198
Foreign currency translation	(1,171)
Balance at September 30, 2013	428,027
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2012	419,888
Foreign currency translation	(1,171)
Balance at September 30, 2013	418,717
Harsco Rail Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2012	9,310
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at September 30, 2013	$ 9,310

Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 20

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Name:	us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant