Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year classifications.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of three months or less.
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value. Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the U.S. are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The Company's remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost methods.
Depreciation	Depreciation Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using, principally, the straight-line method. When property, plant and equipment is retired from service, the cost of the retirement is charged to the allowance for depreciation to the extent of the accumulated depreciation and the balance is charged to income. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are not depreciated while they are classified as held-for-sale.
Leases	Leases The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business. Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below for which discrete financial information is available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include declining cash flows or operating losses at the reporting unit level, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, or a more likely than not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of, among others. The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1. The Company has five reporting units, only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2015. Almost all of the Company's goodwill is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment. The evaluation of potential goodwill impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to the net book value, including goodwill. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) to estimate the current fair value of reporting units, as management believes forecasted operating cash flows are the best indicator of current fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the preparation of DCF models including future revenues and operating margin growth, the weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”), tax rates, capital spending, pension funding, the impact of business initiatives, and working capital projections. These assumptions and estimates may vary significantly between reporting units. DCF models are based on approved long-range plans for the early years and historical relationships and projections for later years. WACC rates are derived from internal and external factors including, but not limited to, the average market price of the Company's stock, shares outstanding, book value of the Company's debt, the long-term risk free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums. Due to the many variables noted above and the relative size of the Company's goodwill, differences in assumptions may have a material impact on the results of the Company's annual goodwill impairment testing. If the net book value of a reporting unit were to exceed the current fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test would be required to determine if an impairment existed and the amount of goodwill impairment to record, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the net book value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the excess of fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value amounts assigned to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit if it were to be acquired in a hypothetical business combination and the current fair value of the reporting unit represented the purchase price. As necessary, the Company may use valuation experts to assist with the second step of the goodwill impairment test.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill) Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate the book value of an asset may be impaired. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a DCF model. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs The Company has incurred debt issuance costs which are recognized as Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Debt issuance costs are amortized and recognized as interest expense over the contractual term of the related indebtedness or shorter period if appropriate based upon contractual terms. Whenever indebtedness is modified from its original terms, an evaluation is made whether an accounting modification or extinguishment has occurred in order to determine the accounting treatment for debt issuance costs related to the debt modification.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the service components of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granule products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Harsco Industrial Segment—This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract or purchase order. Harsco Rail Segment—This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, after-market parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations, revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of the events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results. In the event the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations and records its provision for income taxes based on these interpretations. Uncertainties may exist in estimating the Company's tax provisions and in filing tax returns in the many jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and as a result these interpretations may give rise to an uncertain tax position. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on its technical merits. Each subsequent period the Company determines if existing or new uncertain tax positions meet a more likely than not recognition threshold and adjust accordingly. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits. The significant assumptions and estimates described in the preceding paragraphs are important contributors to the effective tax rate each year.
Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves	Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $13.6 million, $19.1 million and $32.3 million, respectively. Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net income (loss) in the period determined. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $8.5 million, $7.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company has recorded liabilities of $41.8 million and $47.9 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balances at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $3.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been included in current caption, Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current caption, Insurance liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Warranties	Warranty expense and payments are incurred principally in the Harsco Industrial and Harsco Rail Segments. Warranty activity may vary from year to year depending upon the mix of revenues and contractual terms related to product warranties. The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the U.S., except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies.
Financial Instruments and Hedging	Financial Instruments and Hedging The Company has operations throughout the world that are exposed to fluctuations in related foreign currencies in the normal course of business. The Company seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets periodically to monitor foreign currency risks. The Company executes foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge transactions for firm purchase commitments, to hedge variable cash flows of forecasted transactions and for export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are generally for 90 days or less; however, where appropriate, longer-term contracts may be utilized. For those contracts that are designated as qualified cash flow hedges, gains or losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company uses cross-currency interest rate swaps ("CCIRs") in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these CCIRs, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or floating U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively. Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are reclassified into operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects income. The cash flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged (e.g., the cash flows related to contracts to hedge the purchase of fixed assets are included in cash flows from investing activities, etc.). The Company also enters into certain forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in operations based on changes in fair market value. For fair value hedges of a firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment are recognized currently in operations.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2015: On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") related to reporting discontinued operations and the disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The changes modify the criteria related to what transactions constitute discontinued operations and expand disclosure requirements. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date: In May 2014, the FASB issued changes related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The changes clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard. The core principle of the changes is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The changes also require additional disclosures related to revenue recognition. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of these changes by one year, but will permit entities to adopt one year earlier. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating these changes. In August 2014, the FASB issued changes related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2015, the FASB issued changes related to reporting extraordinary and unusual items. The changes simplify income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued changes related to consolidation. The changes update consolidation analysis and affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued changes related to simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The changes require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. In August 2015, the FASB added guidance about the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued changes related to the determination of whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement is determined to include a software license, then the customer accounts for the software license element consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement is determined not to contain a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued changes related to the simplification of the measurement of inventory. The changes require entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The changes do not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued changes simplifying the accounting for measurement period adjustments for business combinations. The changes result in an acquirer no longer being required to retrospectively reflect adjustments to provisional amounts during the measurement period as if they were recognized as of the acquisition date. Instead the acquirer would record the effect of the change to the provisional amounts during the measurement period in which the adjustment is identified. The changes also require additional disclosure related to such measurement period adjustments. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued changes that require deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The changes apply to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Had these changes been adopted at December 31, 2015, the Company's working capital would have decreased by $38.1 million.