Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (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
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ (411,168)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(33,330)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			14,901
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,641)	27,910	(18,429)		8,383
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			(68)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			(18,497)
Ending balance	(429,665)		(429,665)
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			62,308
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(33,877)	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			(33,877)
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			(152)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			(34,029)
Ending balance	28,279		28,279
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			(2,166)	[2]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			6
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			(2,160)
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			84
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			(2,076)
Ending balance	(10,215)		(10,215)
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			2,692	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			14,895
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			17,587
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			17,587
Ending balance	(447,699)		(447,699)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(51)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			21
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			21
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			21
Ending balance	$ (30)		$ (30)

[1] Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

[2] Net change from periodic revaluations.