Other (Income) Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges		$ 0	$ 8,539	$ 0	$ 8,539
Net gains		(2,942)	(650)	(6,732)	(3,008)
Foreign currency gains related to Harsco Rail Segment advances on contracts		0	0	(10,940)	0
Impaired asset write-downs		0	13,982	0	14,080
Other	[1]	2,584	5,645	4,109	7,249
Other (income) expenses		$ (358)	$ 27,516	$ (13,563)	$ 26,860

[1] Other includes employee termination benefit costs and costs to exit activities that are not directly related to the restructuring programs detailed in Note 18, Restructuring Programs.