Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 6,302	$ (13,702)	$ 21,973	$ (3,088)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	80,221	80,885	80,230	80,850
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	197	0	155	0
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	80,418	80,885	80,385	80,850
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ (0.17)	$ 0.27	$ (0.04)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ (0.17)	$ 0.27	$ (0.04)