Review of Operations by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	$ 752,335	$ 779,055
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	(12,687)	29,036
Interest income	674	720
Interest expense	(12,824)	(11,935)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	(24,837)	17,821
Total reportable segments
Operations by segment
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	(7,902)	29,911
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	359,951	391,737
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	22,311	28,605
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	237,972	261,567
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	(53,542)	(17,491)
Harsco Rail Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	68,048	62,602
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	9,331	8,123
Harsco Industrial Segment
Operations by segment
Revenues From Continuing Operations	86,364	63,149
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	13,998	10,674
Corporate
Operations by segment
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	$ (4,785)	$ (875)

Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest.

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The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period.

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