Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2013	$ 431,265
Goodwill, Other Changes	7,949	[1]
Foreign currency translation	(367)
Balance at March 31, 2014	438,847
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2013	421,955
Goodwill, Other Changes	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	(367)
Balance at March 31, 2014	421,588
Harsco Rail Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2013	9,310
Goodwill, Other Changes	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at March 31, 2014	9,310
Harsco Industrial Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2013	0
Goodwill, Other Changes	7,949	[1]
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at March 31, 2014	$ 7,949

[1] (a) Changes to goodwill relate to the acquisition of Hammco. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.