Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (370,615)		$ (411,168)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3,930)		13,068
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,101		4,988
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	(281)
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net Of Tax, Amounts Related To Asset Impairment Loss Recognized in Acquisitions and Dispositions	(1,447)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,557)		18,056
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	300		178
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(1,257)		18,234
Ending balance	(371,872)		(392,934)
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	6,110		62,308
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,090	[1]	(12,016)	[1]
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net Of Tax, Excluding Amounts Related To Asset Impairment Loss Recognized in Acquisitions and Dispositions	0		0
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	(913)
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net Of Tax, Amounts Related To Asset Impairment Loss Recognized in Acquisitions and Dispositions	(1,447)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,270)		(12,016)
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	300		178
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(970)		(11,838)
Ending balance	5,140		50,470
Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(7,023)		(8,139)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3,964)	[2]	2,055	[2]
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net Of Tax, Excluding Amounts Related To Asset Impairment Loss Recognized in Acquisitions and Dispositions	1		6
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	0
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net Of Tax, Amounts Related To Asset Impairment Loss Recognized in Acquisitions and Dispositions	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,963)		2,061
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(3,963)		2,061
Ending balance	(10,986)		(6,078)
Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(369,682)		(465,286)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,051)	[1]	23,021	[1]
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net Of Tax, Excluding Amounts Related To Asset Impairment Loss Recognized in Acquisitions and Dispositions	4,100		4,982
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	632
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net Of Tax, Amounts Related To Asset Impairment Loss Recognized in Acquisitions and Dispositions	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	3,681		28,003
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	3,681		28,003
Ending balance	(366,001)		(437,283)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(20)		(51)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5)		8
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net Of Tax, Excluding Amounts Related To Asset Impairment Loss Recognized in Acquisitions and Dispositions	0		0
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	0
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net Of Tax, Amounts Related To Asset Impairment Loss Recognized in Acquisitions and Dispositions	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5)		8
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(5)		8
Ending balance	$ (25)		$ (43)

[1] Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

[2] Net change from periodic revaluations.