Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Decrease in investment		$ 29,400
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net		(3,175)		$ (4,083)
Change in Fair Value of the Unit Adjustment Liability, exclusive of not making quarterly payments		1,900
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment		(12,217)		$ (2,245)
Unit adjustment liability		62,700	$ 79,900
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net			(3,175)		$ (4,083)
Equity method investment, carrying value		$ 227,800	$ 250,100
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	3.00%
Harsco Infrastructure Segment | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in Brand		26.00%	29.00%
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net		$ 10,300
Unit Adjustment Liability, Infrastructure Transaction
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unit adjustment liability decrease		$ 19,145