CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net loss	$ (218,188)	$ (254,101)	$ (9,556)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes	(55,827)	11,434	(60,575)
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(1,410), $567 and $(2,126) in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	1,047	(4,333)	5,991
Reclassification adjustment for gain on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $25 in 2011	0	0	(58)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(11,095), $7,572 and $19,143 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	95,604	(53,645)	(123,827)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(18), $(3) and $7 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	31	6	(11)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	40,855	(46,538)	(178,480)
Total comprehensive loss	(177,333)	(300,639)	(188,036)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(10,055)	(950)	(1,733)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (187,388)	$ (301,589)	$ (189,769)