Review of Operations by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	$ 875,091	$ 786,521	$ 1,654,146	$ 1,528,927
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	64,433	61,867	93,469	90,107
Interest income	619	651	1,339	1,111
Interest expense	(12,644)	(15,411)	(24,579)	(31,530)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	52,408	47,107	70,229	59,688
Total Reportable Segments
Operations by segment
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	65,728	62,481	95,639	91,286
Harsco Metals and Minerals Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	423,789	376,188	815,526	720,450
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	35,252	40,702	63,857	59,986
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	298,334	262,653	559,901	513,282
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	(5,088)	(13,551)	(22,579)	(32,823)
Harsco Rail Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	77,945	86,327	140,547	181,729
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	22,520	21,614	30,643	42,029
Harsco Industrial
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	75,023	61,313	138,172	113,366
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	13,044	13,716	23,718	22,094
Corporate
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations		40		100
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	$ (1,295)	$ (614)	$ (2,170)	$ (1,179)