CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ (29,572)	$ 12,807
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes	36,040	34,812
Net gains on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(215) and $(1,517) in 2012 and 2011, respectively	762	5,777
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $793 and $2,105 in 2012 and 2011, respectively	(5,418)	(4,971)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(4) in 2012	7
Total other comprehensive income	31,391	35,618
Total comprehensive income	1,819	48,425
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(304)	(1,620)
Comprehensive income attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 1,515	$ 46,805