Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Decrease in investment					$ 29,400
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net		$ 0	$ (3,205)	$ 0	(5,686)
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability, exclusive of not making quarterly payments			(1,300)		(4,700)
Net proceeds					145,000
Payments for Merger Related Costs					20,600
Unit Adjustment Liability, Infrastructure Transaction
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unit adjustment liability decrease					19,145
Loss on sale of equity interest					65,461
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			(3,205)		(5,686)
Accrued Liabilities			$ 1,400		1,400
Loss on sale of equity interest					43,500
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%		26.00%