Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Employee termination benefit costs	$ 1,695	$ 1,194	$ 2,448	$ 6,966
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs	0	10	0	3,297
Net gains	(88)	(105)	(210)	(757)
Other costs to exit activities	247	36	347	218
Impaired asset write-downs	281	23	281	116
Other	(63)	89	100	530
Other expenses	$ 2,072	$ 1,247	$ 2,966	$ 10,370