Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2013	$ 431,265
Changes to goodwill (a)	6,751	[1]
Foreign currency translation	(11,369)
Balance at September 30, 2014	426,647
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2013	421,955
Changes to goodwill (a)	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	(11,369)
Balance at September 30, 2014	410,586
Harsco Rail Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2013	9,310
Changes to goodwill (a)	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at September 30, 2014	9,310
Harsco Industrial Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2013	0
Changes to goodwill (a)	6,751	[1]
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at September 30, 2014	$ 6,751

[1] (a) Changes to goodwill relate to the initial acquisition of Hammco and related purchase price adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP occurring during the measurement period. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.