Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Decrease in investment			$ 29,400
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net		$ 0	(3,175)
Change in Fair Value of the Unit Adjustment Liability, exclusive of not making quarterly payments			1,900
Unit Adjustment Liability, Infrastructure Transaction
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unit adjustment liability decrease			19,145
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				$ (3,175)
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture | Harsco Infrastructure
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net			$ 10,300
Percentage of ownership in Brand					26.00%