Adjustments to previously recorded restructuring charges resulting from changes in facts and circumstances in the implementation of these activities as well as the timing of additional expenses recognized under U.S. GAAP.

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The expected number of positions to be eliminated as a result of restructuring activities.

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The number of positions eliminated as of the balance sheet date since inception of the restructuring plan(s).

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Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Amount of cash paid in the period to fully or partially settle a specified, previously accrued type of restructuring cost.

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Amount of foreign currency translation adjustment increasing or decreasing the accrual for a specified type of restructuring cost.

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Restructuring Programs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Infrastructure Segment Prior Restructuring Programs employee	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Infrastructure Segment Prior Restructuring Programs Employee termination benefit cost	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Infrastructure Segment Prior Restructuring Programs Cost to exit activities	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Infrastructure Segment Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program employee	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Infrastructure Segment Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program Employee termination benefit cost	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Infrastructure Segment Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program Cost to exit activities	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Infrastructure Segment Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program Other.	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Metals and Minerals Segment Prior Restructuring Programs employee	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Metals and Minerals Segment Prior Restructuring Programs Employee termination benefit cost	Sep. 30, 2011 Harsco Metals and Minerals Segment Prior Restructuring Programs Cost to exit activities	Sep. 30, 2011 Prior Restructuring Programs	Sep. 30, 2011 Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program	Dec. 31, 2010 Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program Employee termination benefit cost	Dec. 31, 2010 Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program Cost to exit activities	Dec. 31, 2010 Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program Other.
Restructuring Programs
Number of employees reduced in workforce to date	249			451				188
Number of employees in total expected workforce reduction				494				242
Restructuring accrual related activity
Accrual, balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,318	$ 905	$ 413					$ 2,973	$ 2,109	$ 864	$ 4,291	$ 30,800	$ 9,254	$ 21,449	$ 97
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	(422)	(361)	(61)	683	(1,039)	1,722		(88)	(88)		(510)
Cash Expenditures	(938)	(571)	(367)	(17,380)	(7,208)	(10,082)	(90)	(754)	(623)	(131)	(1,692)
Foreign Currency Translation	42	27	15	399	307	92		(106)	(134)	28	(64)
Accrual, balance at the end of the period				14,502	1,314	13,181	7	2,025	1,264	761	2,025		9,254	21,449	97
Remaining amount of accrual expected to be paid through cash expenditures throughout 2011 and 2012											$ 2,000	$ 14,500