CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (176,431)	$ 2,729	$ (21,975)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $1,284, 2,507 and $(2,167) in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively	(82,325)	(10,994)	20,760
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(1,284), $(797) and $79 in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively	3,181	2,816	(2,123)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(2,590), $(5,409) and $384 in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively	67,549	92,252	(73,938)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $4, $(12) and $2 in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively	(12)	31	(6)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total	(11,607)	84,105	(55,307)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(188,038)	86,834	(77,282)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	472	(4,480)	(7,178)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (187,566)	$ 82,354	$ (84,460)