Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 481,052		$ 503,339	$ 535,679
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	291,372		0	0
Total costs and expenses	3,031,319		3,220,808	3,215,091
Income tax expense (benefit)	34,912		35,251	49,848
Net Loss	218,188		254,101	9,556
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Total costs and expenses	22,082
Income tax expense (benefit)	(2,243)	[1]
Net Loss	19,839
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Actuarial Losses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	12,435	[2]
Cost of services and products sold	9,064	[2]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Prior Service Costs
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	298	[2]
Cost of services and products sold	285	[2]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of services and products sold	11
Income tax expense (benefit)	(3)	[1]
Net Loss	8
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	(15,979)
Income tax expense (benefit)	0
Net Loss	(15,979)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	20,184
Income tax expense (benefit)	0
Net Loss	20,184
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	(34)
Income tax expense (benefit)	13
Net Loss	$ (21)

[1] Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss.

[2] These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. Please refer to Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.