CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (13,961)	$ 27,376	$ (1,420)	$ 36,448
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(359) and $(1,500), and $(460) and $7,555 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	3,017	(34,539)	1,747	(46,555)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $282 and $1,206, and $668 and $769 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	2,096	(1,525)	(1,867)	536
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $333 and $(457), and $(73) and $(4,548) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(3,005)	3,220	676	31,223
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(5) and $-, and $(2) and $(5) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	9	0	4	8
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	2,117	(32,844)	560	(14,788)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(11,844)	(5,468)	(860)	21,660
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	100	(2,946)	(1,002)	(4,595)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (11,744)	$ (8,414)	$ (1,862)	$ 17,065