CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net income (loss)	$ (9,556)	$ 12,459	$ 125,772
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes	(60,575)	(6,633)	97,064
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(2,126), $355 and $10,490 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively	5,991	(712)	(29,375)
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $25, $(8) and $359 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively	(58)	12	(666)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $19,143, $(9,727) and $26,012 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively	(123,827)	22,872	(60,150)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $7, $(8) and $(2) in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively	(11)	12	4
Reclassification adjustment for gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $1 in 2010		(2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(178,480)	15,549	6,877
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(188,036)	28,008	132,649
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,733)	(5,502)	(7,257)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (189,769)	$ 22,506	$ 125,392