CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 25,167	$ (231,566)	$ 23,747	$ (195,118)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $5,322 and $(8,649), and $4,862 and $(1,094) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(18,590)	12,678	(16,843)	(33,877)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(458) and $146, and $210 and $915 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(1,244)	(2,696)	(3,111)	(2,160)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(2,057) and $2,109, and $(2,130) and $(2,439) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	18,211	(13,636)	18,887	17,587
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(1) and $(8), and $(3) and $(13) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	2	13	6	21
Total other comprehensive loss	(1,621)	(3,641)	(1,061)	(18,429)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	23,546	(235,207)	22,686	(213,547)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(877)	(2,968)	(1,879)	(7,563)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 22,669	$ (238,175)	$ 20,807	$ (221,110)