Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 400,367	$ 416,155
Changes to goodwill	259	2,964
Foreign currency translation	(18,375)	(18,752)
Balance at the end of the period	382,251	400,367
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	380,761	400,006
Changes to goodwill	0	(493)
Foreign currency translation	(18,375)	(18,752)
Balance at the end of the period	362,386	380,761
Harsco Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	6,806	6,839
Changes to goodwill	33	(33)
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	6,839	6,806
Harsco Rail
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	12,800	9,310
Changes to goodwill	226	3,490
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 13,026	$ 12,800