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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) | Dec. 31, 2012 ReportingUnit
--- | ---
Goodwill [Line Items] |
Number of reporting units | 7
Number of reporting units with associated goodwill | 3
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment |
Goodwill [Line Items] |
Number of reporting units with associated goodwill | 2

X
- Definition Represents the number of reporting units of the entity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hsc_NumberOfReportingUnits
Namespace Prefix: | hsc_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the number of reporting units of the entity associated with goodwill. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hsc_NumberOfReportingUnitsWithAssociatedGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | hsc_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration