Restructuring Programs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 Restructuring Program 2011 and 2012	Dec. 31, 2013 Restructuring Program 2011 and 2012	Sep. 30, 2014 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member] Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Programs
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense and Other Adjustments									$ 8,815
Restructuring Charges	276	0	8,815	0			276	8,815
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment								1,237
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash									1,237
Restructuring accrual related activity
Accrual, balance at the beginning of the period					2,600	5,087
Remaining Accrual, balance at the end of the period					2,600	5,087	5,540	5,540	5,540
Payments for Restructuring								(4,357)	(4,357)
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment								$ (155)	$ (155)