Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability		$ (2,083)	$ (2,398)	$ (6,492)	$ (7,417)
Unit adjustment liability		83,500		83,500		$ 93,800
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, carrying value		$ 264,200		$ 264,200		$ 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	2.50%
Harsco Infrastructure Segment | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in Brand		29.00%		29.00%