CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (9,592)	$ 15,829
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(3,361) and $(1,650) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	11,621	(28,842)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $21 and $(1,522) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(2,407)	7,574
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(1,584) and $(3,091) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	10,440	25,293
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $4 for both the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	(7)	(8)
Total other comprehensive income	19,647	4,017
Total comprehensive income	10,055	19,846
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,548)	199
Comprehensive income attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 8,507	$ 20,045