Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction			$ 0	$ 15,699	$ 303,039
Harsco Infrastructure
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	$ 300,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business			(1,000)	$ (2,900)	$ (272,300)
Divestiture Of Businesses, Transaction Expenses		$ 2,200	$ 20,100
Harsco Infrastructure | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in equity method investments			29.00%