CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income (loss)	$ 15,829	$ 11,613
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(1,650) and $(101) in 2015 and 2014, respectively	(28,842)	(1,270)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(1,522) and $386 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	7,574	(3,963)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(3,091) and $(406) in 2015 and 2014, respectively	25,293	3,681
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $4 and $3 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	(8)	(5)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	4,017	(1,557)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	19,846	10,056
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	199	(1,102)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 20,045	$ 8,954