CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 7,762	$ (12,598)	$ 23,591	$ (985)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $4,542 and $(359), and $2,892 and $(460) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(8,975)	3,017	(37,817)	1,747
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $984 and $282, and $(538) and $668 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(1,693)	2,096	5,881	(1,867)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $2,131 and $333, and $(960) and $(73) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(17,077)	(3,005)	8,216	676
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(1) and $(5), and $3 and $(2) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	4	9	(4)	4
Total other comprehensive loss	(27,741)	2,117	(23,724)	560
Total comprehensive loss	(19,979)	(10,481)	(133)	(425)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(846)	100	(647)	(1,002)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (20,825)	$ (10,381)	$ (780)	$ (1,427)