Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts receivable
Trade accounts receivable	$ 297,221,000		$ 297,221,000		$ 248,354,000
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(7,941,000)		(7,941,000)		(11,800,000)
Trade accounts receivable, net	289,280,000		289,280,000		236,554,000
Other receivables	22,340,000		22,340,000		21,053,000
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	1,197,000	$ 323,000	1,175,000	$ 177,000
Inventories
Finished goods	23,272,000		23,272,000		26,464,000
Work-in-process	23,415,000		23,415,000		22,815,000
Contracts-in-process	73,156,000		73,156,000		54,044,000
Raw materials and purchased parts	57,967,000		57,967,000		61,450,000
Stores and supplies	24,041,000		24,041,000		22,908,000
Inventories	201,851,000		201,851,000		187,681,000
Inventory for Contracts
Contract costs accumulated to date	110,281,000		110,281,000		90,276,000
Estimated loss provisions for contracts-in-process	(37,125,000)		(37,125,000)		(36,232,000)
Contracts-in-process	73,156,000		73,156,000		54,044,000
Loss provision that exceeds accumulated contract costs	5,100,000		5,100,000		6,700,000
Customer Advances and Deposits	109,900,000		109,900,000		101,100,000
Contract estimated forward loss provision for Harsco Rail Segment		40,050,000	0	40,050,000	$ 45,100,000
Contracts Revenue	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0