Review of Operations by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	$ 855,864	$ 752,401	$ 2,510,010	$ 2,281,327
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	50,828	44,070	144,297	134,176
Interest income	683	737	2,022	1,849
Interest expense	(12,230)	(15,709)	(36,809)	(47,239)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	39,281	29,098	109,510	88,786
Total Reportable Segments
Operations by segment
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations		45,129		136,413
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	52,997		148,636
Harsco Metals and Minerals Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	400,478	369,351	1,216,004	1,089,801
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	30,907	34,026	94,764	94,012
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	282,319	253,569	842,220	766,851
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	(3,296)	(13,643)	(25,875)	(46,467)
Harsco Rail Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	87,438	70,675	227,985	252,404
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	11,636	14,401	42,279	56,429
Harsco Industrial
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	85,629	58,726	223,801	172,092
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	13,750	10,345	37,468	32,439
Corporate
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations		80		180
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	(2,169)	(1,059)	(4,339)	(2,237)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$ (2,169)		$ (4,339)