Review of Operations by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	$ 740,045	$ 756,783	$ 2,215,176	$ 2,279,693
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	(208,377)	50,395	(131,745)	72,347
Interest income	388	1,449	1,624	3,005
Interest expense	(12,815)	(11,609)	(37,413)	(36,041)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	(220,804)	40,235	(167,534)	39,311
Total reportable segments
Operations by segment
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	(195,098)	50,901	(113,779)	78,641
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	335,705	344,867	1,009,175	1,069,741
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	23,036	26,350	66,857	79,662
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	242,569	229,287	709,800	701,829
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	(242,098)	(6,065)	(256,342)	(83,956)
Harsco Rail Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	66,424	91,423	216,636	239,098
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	8,063	13,906	27,554	35,272
Harsco Industrial Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues from continuing operations	95,347	91,206	279,565	269,025
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	15,901	16,710	48,152	47,663
Corporate [Member]
Operations by segment
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (13,279)	$ (506)	$ (17,966)	$ (6,294)