CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 10,137	$ (9,592)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $393 and $(3,577) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	16,561	11,621
Net loss on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $256 and $14 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	(387)	(2,407)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(522) and $(685) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	1,205	10,440
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(3) and $4 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	6	(7)
Total other comprehensive income	17,385	19,647
Total comprehensive income	27,522	10,055
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,633)	(1,548)
Comprehensive income attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 25,889	$ 8,507