Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability		$ (2,164)	$ (2,473)	$ (4,409)	$ (5,019)
Unit adjustment liability		87,000		87,000		$ 93,800
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, carrying value		$ 259,900		$ 259,900		$ 285,700
Total annual payments to acquire joint venture, before tax	$ 22,000
Total annual payments to acquire joint venture, after tax	15,000
Transfer of ownership interest	$ 0
Harsco Infrastructure Segment | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in Brand		29.00%		29.00%