Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 248,354	$ 280,526
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(11,800)	(25,649)
Trade accounts receivable, net	236,554	254,877
Other receivables	21,053	30,395
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	(38)	13,047	$ 9,892
Inventories
Finished goods	26,464	32,586
Work-in-process	22,815	30,959
Contracts-in-process	54,044	55,786
Raw materials and purchased parts	61,450	70,755
Stores and supplies	22,908	26,881
Total inventories	187,681	216,967
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	79,933	102,309
FIFO basis	64,742	64,760
Average cost basis	43,006	49,898
Total inventories	187,681	216,967
Excess of inventories valued at current costs over LIFO	33,000	32,000
Change in income as a result of LIFO basis inventory valuation over FIFO basis valuation	1,300	0	100
Contract costs accumulated to date	90,276	55,786
Estimated Loss Provisions Offset Against WIP	(36,232)	0	0
Contracts-in-process	54,044	55,786
Provision for Loss on Contracts	6,700
Customer Advances and Deposits	101,100	82,700
Contract estimated forward loss provision for Harsco Rail Segment	45,050	0	$ 0
Contracts Revenue	$ 200	$ 1,900