Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 416,155	$ 431,265
Changes to goodwill	2,964	6,539
Foreign currency translation	(18,752)	(21,649)
Balance at the end of the period	400,367	416,155
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	400,006	421,955
Changes to goodwill	(493)	(300)
Foreign currency translation	(18,752)	(21,649)
Balance at the end of the period	380,761	400,006
Harsco Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	6,839	0
Changes to goodwill	(33)	6,839
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	6,806	6,839
Harsco Rail
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	9,310	9,310
Changes to goodwill	3,490	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 12,800	$ 9,310