Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2014	$ 416,155
Changes to goodwill	2,060	[1]
Foreign currency translation	(15,461)
Balance at March 31, 2015	402,754
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2014	400,006
Changes to goodwill	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	(15,461)
Balance at March 31, 2015	384,545
Harsco Industrial Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2014	6,839
Changes to goodwill	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at March 31, 2015	6,839
Harsco Rail Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2014	9,310
Changes to goodwill	2,060	[1]
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at March 31, 2015	$ 11,370

[1] (a) Changes to goodwill relate to the acquisition of Protran. The purchase price allocation is not yet final for this acquisition. See Note 4, Acquisitions.