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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2021			$ 883,109
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 0	(104,580)	$ 0
Foreign currency translation			(33,749)
Balance at September 30, 2022	744,780		744,780
Harsco Environmental Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2021			399,230
Goodwill impairment			0
Foreign currency translation			(33,749)
Balance at September 30, 2022	365,481		365,481
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 September 30, 2022	$ 379,299		$ 379,299