Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Oct. 01, 2011
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2011	$ 680,901
Changes to goodwill	(2,304)	[1]
Foreign currency translation	12,781
Balance at September 30, 2012	691,378
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2011	411,876
Changes to goodwill	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	6,688
Balance at September 30, 2012	418,564
Approximate percentage of fair value exceeded carrying value			7.40%
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2011	259,715
Changes to goodwill	(2,304)	[1]
Foreign currency translation	6,093
Balance at September 30, 2012	263,504
Approximate percentage of fair value exceeded carrying value			9.10%
Harsco Rail Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2011	9,310
Changes to goodwill	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at September 30, 2012	$ 9,310

[1] Changes to goodwill relate principally to the allocation of goodwill, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to components of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that were disposed of as part of the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program.