2.2.0.7 false CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $) 0010 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME true false In Thousands, except Per Share data false false 1 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDPerShare Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 2 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDPerShare Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 3 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDPerShare Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 4 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDPerShare Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 5 Revenues from continuing operations: 3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 6 Service revenues 4 us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 true true false false 627901000 627901 false false false 2 true true false false 612432000 612432 false false false 3 true true false false 1865333000 1865333 false false false 4 true true false false 1791081000 1791081 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Aggregate revenue during the period from services rendered in the normal course of business, after deducting allowances and discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 7 Product revenues 4 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 124500000 124500 false false false 2 false true false false 131789000 131789 false false false 3 false true false false 415994000 415994 false false false 4 false true false false 427005000 427005 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Aggregate revenue during the period from the sale of goods in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 8 Total revenues 4 us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 752401000 752401 false false false 2 false true false false 744221000 744221 false false false 3 false true false false 2281327000 2281327 false false false 4 false true false false 2218086000 2218086 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 true 9 Costs and expenses from continuing operations: 3 us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 10 Cost of services sold 4 us-gaap_CostOfServices us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 493181000 493181 false false false 2 false true false false 472943000 472943 false false false 3 false true false false 1481099000 1481099 false false false 4 false true false false 1385054000 1385054 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Total costs related to services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 2 -Article 5 false 11 Cost of products sold 4 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 81569000 81569 false false false 2 false true false false 81652000 81652 false false false 3 false true false false 263597000 263597 false false false 4 false true false false 279061000 279061 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 2 -Article 5 false 12 Selling, general and administrative expenses 4 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 131405000 131405 false false false 2 false true false false 125443000 125443 false false false 3 false true false false 401496000 401496 false false false 4 false true false false 381354000 381354 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 4 -Paragraph 5A false 13 Research and development expenses 4 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 1293000 1293 false false false 2 false true false false 861000 861 false false false 3 false true false false 2979000 2979 false false false 4 false true false false 2236000 2236 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph g Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 2 -Paragraph 12, 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 86 -Paragraph 11, 12 false 14 Other (income) expense 4 hsc_IncomeExpenseOtherNet hsc false credit duration Represents other income and expenses not specifically mentioned in the taxonomy and includes impaired asset write-downs,... false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 883000 883 false false false 2 false true false false 6898000 6898 false false false 3 false true false false -2020000 -2020 false false false 4 false true false false 6427000 6427 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Represents other income and expenses not specifically mentioned in the taxonomy and includes impaired asset write-downs, employee termination benefit costs and costs to exit activities, offset by net gains on the disposal of non-core assets. No authoritative reference available. false 15 Total costs and expenses 4 us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 708331000 708331 false false false 2 false true false false 687797000 687797 false false false 3 false true false false 2147151000 2147151 false false false 4 false true false false 2054132000 2054132 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Total costs of sales and operating expenses for the period. No authoritative reference available. true 16 Operating income from continuing operations 3 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 44070000 44070 false false false 2 false true false false 56424000 56424 false false false 3 false true false false 134176000 134176 false false false 4 false true false false 163954000 163954 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No authoritative reference available. true 17 Interest income 3 us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 737000 737 false false false 2 false true false false 888000 888 false false false 3 false true false false 1849000 1849 false false false 4 false true false false 1944000 1944 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Income derived from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents the earnings of which reflect the time value of money or transactions in which the payments are for the use or forbearance of money. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 14 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Article 5 false 18 Interest expense 3 us-gaap_InterestExpense us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -15709000 -15709 false false false 2 false true false false -15822000 -15822 false false false 3 false true false false -47239000 -47239 false false false 4 false true false false -46621000 -46621 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 34 -Paragraph 21 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher OTS -Name Federal Regulation (FR) -Number Title 12 -Chapter V -Section 563c.102 -Paragraph 9 -Subsection II Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 9 -Article 9 false 19 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income 3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 29098000 29098 false false false 2 false true false false 41490000 41490 false false false 3 false true false false 88786000 88786 false false false 4 false true false false 119277000 119277 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1(i) -Article 4 true 20 Income tax expense 3 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -7391000 -7391 false false false 2 false true false false -6525000 -6525 false false false 3 false true false false -23295000 -23295 false false false 4 false true false false -20508000 -20508 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The sum of the current income tax expense (benefit) and the deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph a, b false 21 Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net 3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 120000 120 false false false 2 false true false false 128000 128 false false false 3 false true false false 309000 309 false false false 4 false true false false 280000 280 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. Such amount typically reflects adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated statements, including adjustments to eliminate intercompany gains and losses, and to amortize, if appropriate, any difference between cost and underlying equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph c Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 11 -Article 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph b false 22 Income from continuing operations 3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 21827000 21827 false false false 2 false true false false 35093000 35093 false false false 3 false true false false 65800000 65800 false false false 4 false true false false 99049000 99049 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 true 23 Discontinued operations: 3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 24 Loss from discontinued business 4 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -1406000 -1406 false false false 2 false true false false -17183000 -17183 false false false 3 false true false false -6195000 -6195 false false false 4 false true false false -21094000 -21094 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, before income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes. Includes the following (before income tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 05 -Paragraph 15 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 43 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 47 -Subparagraph c Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 13 -Article 7 false 25 Income tax benefit 4 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 511000 511 false false false 2 false true false false 5391000 5391 false false false 3 false true false false 2716000 2716 false false false 4 false true false false 6609000 6609 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Tax effect allocated to a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes. Includes the tax effects of the following: income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 43 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 47 -Subparagraph c Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 46 false 26 Loss from discontinued operations 4 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -895000 -895 false false false 2 false true false false -11792000 -11792 false false false 3 false true false false -3479000 -3479 false false false 4 false true false false -14485000 -14485 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group apportioned to the parent that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes after deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 28 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph b(2) true 27 Net Income 3 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 20932000 20932 false false false 2 false true false false 23301000 23301 false false false 3 false true false false 62321000 62321 false false false 4 false true false false 84564000 84564 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) true 28 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -753000 -753 false false false 2 false true false false -3119000 -3119 false false false 3 false true false false -4445000 -4445 false false false 4 false true false false -5182000 -5182 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The portion of net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 false 29 Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders 3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 20179000 20179 false false false 2 false true false false 20182000 20182 false false false 3 false true false false 57876000 57876 false false false 4 false true false false 79382000 79382 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A7 -Appendix A Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 20 -Article 9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 10, 15 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28, 29, 30 true 30 Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders: 3 us-gaap_IncomeAmountsAttributableToReportingEntityDisclosuresAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 31 Income from continuing operations, net of tax 4 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 21074000 21074 false false false 2 false true false false 31974000 31974 false false false 3 false true false false 61355000 61355 false false false 4 false true false false 93867000 93867 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the reporting entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items and cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 28 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph b(1) false 32 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 4 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -895000 -895 false false false 2 false true false false -11792000 -11792 false false false 3 false true false false -3479000 -3479 false false false 4 false true false false -14485000 -14485 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group apportioned to the parent that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes after deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 28 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph b(2) false 33 Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders 4 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 true true false false 20179000 20179 false false false 2 true true false false 20182000 20182 false false false 3 true true false false 57876000 57876 false false false 4 true true false false 79382000 79382 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A7 -Appendix A Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 20 -Article 9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 10, 15 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28, 29, 30 true 34 Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) 3 us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 80574000 80574 false false false 2 false true false false 80315000 80315 false false false 3 false true false false 80559000 80559 false false false 4 false true false false 80285000 80285 false false false xbrli:sharesItemType shares Number of [basic] shares, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares and other shares not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 171 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 40 -Subparagraph a Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 8 false 35 Basic earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders: 3 us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 36 Continuing operations (in dollars per share) 4 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel true 1 true true false false 0.26 0.26 false false false 2 true true false false 0.40 0.40 false false false 3 true true false false 0.76 0.76 false false false 4 true true false false 1.17 1.17 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The amount of income (loss) from continuing operations per each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 21 -Article 9 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 36, 37, 38 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 18 -Article 7 false 37 Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) 4 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel true 1 true true false false -0.01 -0.01 false false false 2 true true false false -0.15 -0.15 false false false 3 true true false false -0.04 -0.04 false false false 4 true true false false -0.18 -0.18 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The amount of income (loss) from disposition of discontinued operations, net of related tax effect, per each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 36, 37, 38 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 18 -Article 7 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 21 -Article 9 false 38 Basic earnings per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) 4 us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel true 1 true true false false 0.25 0.25 false false false 2 true true false false 0.25 0.25 false false false 3 true true false false 0.72 0.72 false false false 4 true true false false 0.99 0.99 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The amount of net income or loss for the period per each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 21 -Article 9 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 36, 37, 38 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 18 -Article 7 true 39 Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) 3 us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 80762000 80762 false false false 2 false true false false 80631000 80631 false false false 3 false true false false 80747000 80747 false false false 4 false true false false 80557000 80557 false false false xbrli:sharesItemType shares The average number of shares issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS, determined based on the timing of issuance of shares in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 40 -Subparagraph a Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 8 false 40 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders: 3 us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 41 Continuing operations (in dollars per share) 4 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel true 1 true true false false 0.26 0.26 false false false 2 true true false false 0.40 0.40 false false false 3 true true false false 0.76 0.76 false false false 4 true true false false 1.17 1.17 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The amount of income (loss) from continuing operations available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period and each share that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 21 -Article 9 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 11, 12, 36, 37, 38 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 128 -Paragraph 40 -Subparagraph a Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 18 -Article 7 false 42 Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) 4 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel true 1 true true false false -0.01 -0.01 false false false 2 true true false false -0.15 -0.15 false false false 3 true true false false -0.04 -0.04 false false false 4 true true false false -0.18 -0.18 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The amount of income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of related tax effect, per each diluted share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. 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