CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 12,541	$ 9,072
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(101) and 9,055	(1,270)	(12,016)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $386 and $(437) in 2014 and 2013, respectively	(3,963)	2,061
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(406) and $(4,091) in 2014 and 2013, respectively	3,681	28,003
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $3 and $(5) in 2014 and 2013, respectively	(5)	8
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,557)	18,056
Total comprehensive income	10,984	27,128
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,102	1,649
Comprehensive income attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 9,882	$ 25,479