Equity Method Investments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Net revenues			$ 2,333,561
Gross profit			499,005
Net income attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries			20,756
Harsco's equity in income of Brand	$ 384	$ 0	5,686
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Harsco's equity in income of Brand			$ 5,686