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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2021			$ 883,109
Goodwill impairment	$ 104,580	$ 0	104,580	$ 0
Foreign currency translation			(19,090)
Balance at June 30, 2022	759,439		759,439
Harsco Environmental Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2021			399,230
Goodwill impairment			0
Foreign currency translation			(19,090)
Balance at June 30, 2022	380,140		380,140
Harsco Clean Earth Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2021			483,879
Goodwill impairment			104,580
Foreign currency translation			0
Balance at June 30, 2022	$ 379,299		$ 379,299