CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 23,591	$ (985)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	73,507	84,333
Amortization	6,073	6,046
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	4,409	5,019
Deferred income tax expense	2,133	2,862
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, net	3,501	4,748
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	0	2,911
Other, net	(17,473)	16,926
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(10,698)	(31,496)
Inventories	(31,192)	(12,972)
Accounts payable	11,437	(7,172)
Accrued interest payable	(163)	704
Accrued compensation	(6,870)	2,072
Advances on contracts	8,246	32,870
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(101)	(2,198)
Other assets and liabilities	(21,182)	(28,338)
Net cash provided by operating activities	45,218	75,330
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(63,246)	(82,496)
Proceeds from the Infrastructure Transaction	0	15,699
Proceeds from sales of assets	13,351	6,120
Purchases of business, net of cash acquired	(7,757)	(26,046)
Payment of unit adjustment liability	(11,160)	(11,160)
Other investing activities, net	(4,783)	(1,926)
Net cash used by investing activities	(73,595)	(99,809)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	(3,046)	(1,570)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	92,980	108,431
Reductions	(16,152)	(62,595)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(32,891)	(33,146)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(1,559)	(1,586)
Common stock acquired for treasury	(12,143)	0
Other financing activities, net	(2,192)	(2)
Net cash provided by financing activities	24,997	9,532
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	7,685	(1,191)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,305	(16,138)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	62,843	93,605
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 67,148	$ 77,467