CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (231,566)	$ 27,068	$ (195,118)	$ 10,769
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(1,094) and $(4,618) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively	12,678	38,812	(33,877)	7,733
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $146 and $242, and $915 and $(653) for the three and nine months ened September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(2,696)	(760)	(2,160)	1,941
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $2,109 and $1,514 and $(2,439) and $189 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(13,636)	(10,143)	17,587	(1,294)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(8) and $(1), and $(13) and $(2) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively	13	1	21	3
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,641)	27,910	(18,429)	8,383
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(235,207)	54,978	(213,547)	19,152
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,968	1,265	7,563	1,277
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (232,239)	$ 56,243	$ (205,984)	$ 20,429