Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 429,198	$ 680,901
Changes to goodwill		(2,295)
Goodwill impairment	0	(265,038)	0
Foreign currency translation	2,067	15,630
Balance at the end of the period	431,265	429,198	680,901
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	419,888	411,876
Changes to goodwill		0
Goodwill impairment		0
Foreign currency translation	2,067	8,012
Balance at the end of the period	421,955	419,888
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	259,715
Changes to goodwill		(2,295)
Goodwill impairment		(265,038)
Foreign currency translation	0	7,618
Balance at the end of the period	0	0
Harsco Rail [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	9,310	9,310
Changes to goodwill		0
Goodwill impairment		0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 9,310	$ 9,310