Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Decrease in investment				$ 29,400
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net		$ (3,205)	$ (3,105)	(5,686)	$ 396
Proceeds from sale of equity interest				145,000
Payments of Merger Related Costs, Financing Activities				20,640	0
Change in Fair Value of the Unit Adjustment Liability, exclusive of not making quarterly payments		(1,300)	(2,100)	(4,700)	(6,500)
Unit adjustment liability							$ 79,900
Unit Adjustment Liability, Infrastructure Transaction
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unit adjustment liability decrease				19,145	0
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
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%
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net		(3,205)	$ (3,105)	(5,686)	$ 396
Accrued Liabilities		$ 1,400		1,400
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal				$ 43,500
Equity method investment, carrying value							$ 250,100
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture | Harsco Infrastructure
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in Brand		26.00%		26.00%		26.00%	29.00%
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net				$ 10,300