CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income (loss)	$ (79,753)	$ 6,332	$ (17,676)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(13,670), $(2,314) and $7,151 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(21,560)	(88,255)	(47,695)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(544), $(975) and $(338) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(682)	8,617	(1,957)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $34, $1,443 and $17,554 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(71,398)	93,582	(113,596)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(16), $10 and $(3) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	26	(16)	5
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(93,614)	13,928	(163,243)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(173,367)	20,260	(180,919)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,334)	2,496	(2,893)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (176,701)	$ 22,756	$ (183,812)