Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) - Pension Plan $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) market shares	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	5.70%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	5.50%	4.70%	5.10%
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 209,200	$ 209,200
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	209,200	209,200
Accumulated benefit obligation	209,200	209,200
Fair value of plan assets	$ 180,900	$ 177,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Number of capital market results simulated in the model for expected return on plan assets | market	1,000
Period for which results of capital markets are simulated	20 years
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.00%	6.30%	6.80%
Number of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets | shares	310,000	310,000
Fair values of plan assets	$ 180,927	$ 177,044	$ 232,947
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	177,044	232,947
Employer contributions	1,674	1,706
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 180,927	$ 177,044	$ 232,947
U.S. Plans | Domestic equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	10.70%	21.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 2,791	$ 1,951
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,951
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 2,791	1,951
U.S. Plans | Domestic equity securities | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	6.00%
U.S. Plans | Domestic equity securities | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	16.00%
U.S. Plans | Domestic mutual funds—equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 16,583	35,177
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	35,177
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 16,583	$ 35,177
U.S. Plans | International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	24.30%	22.20%
U.S. Plans | International equity securities | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	22.00%
U.S. Plans | International equity securities | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	32.00%
U.S. Plans | International equities—mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 43,994	$ 39,287
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	39,287
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 43,994	$ 39,287
U.S. Plans | Harsco common stock
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	1.50%	1.10%
U.S. Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	52.80%	44.60%
U.S. Plans | Fixed income securities | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	51.00%
U.S. Plans | Fixed income securities | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	61.00%
U.S. Plans | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 13,920
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	13,920
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	81,634	$ 78,943
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	78,943
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 81,634	$ 78,943
U.S. Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	11.30%	11.20%
U.S. Plans | Other | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	1.00%
U.S. Plans | Other | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	11.00%
U.S. Plans | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 4,913	$ 6,699
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	6,699
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 4,913	$ 6,699
U.S. Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	0.90%	1.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 1,661	$ 1,780
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,780
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 1,661	1,780
U.S. Plans | Cash and cash equivalents | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	5.00%
U.S. Plans | Partnership [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 15,431	13,207
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	13,207
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	15,431	13,207
U.S. Plans | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Common Stock, Employer, Related Party [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Value of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets	2,800	2,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	165,496	163,837
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	163,837
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	165,496	163,837
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Domestic equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	2,791	1,951
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,951
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,791	1,951
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Domestic mutual funds—equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	16,583	35,177
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	35,177
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	16,583	35,177
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | International equities—mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	43,994	39,287
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	39,287
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	43,994	39,287
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	13,920
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	13,920
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	81,634	78,943
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	78,943
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	81,634	78,943
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	4,913	6,699
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	6,699
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	4,913	6,699
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	1,661	1,780
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,780
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,661	1,780
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Partnership [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	15,431	13,207
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	13,207
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	15,431	13,207
U.S. Plans | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Domestic equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Domestic mutual funds—equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | International equities—mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0
U.S. Plans | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Partnership [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	15,431	13,207
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	13,207
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	15,431	13,207
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	636,400	593,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	27,800	25,300
Accumulated benefit obligation	24,100	22,600
Fair value of plan assets	$ 9,700	$ 9,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	5.30%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	5.10%	4.40%	4.70%
Fair values of plan assets	$ 667,524	$ 607,234	$ 973,252
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	607,234	973,252
Employer contributions	24,715	22,614
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 667,524	$ 607,234	$ 973,252
International Plans | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	10.80%	24.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	16.00%
International Plans | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 71,755	$ 150,813
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	150,813
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 71,755	$ 150,813
International Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	83.30%	65.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	78.00%
International Plans | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 551,701	$ 392,960
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	392,960
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	551,701	392,960
International Plans | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	4,631	4,636
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,636
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 4,631	$ 4,636
International Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	5.40%	8.20%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	6.00%
International Plans | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 36,188	$ 49,805
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	49,805
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 36,188	$ 49,805
International Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	0.50%	1.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)	0.00%
Fair values of plan assets	$ 3,249	$ 9,020
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	9,020
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,249	9,020
International Plans | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	3,249	9,020
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	9,020
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,249	9,020
International Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	3,249	9,020
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	9,020
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,249	9,020
International Plans | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	664,275	598,214
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	598,214
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	664,275	598,214
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	71,755	150,813
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	150,813
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	71,755	150,813
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	551,701	392,960
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	392,960
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	551,701	392,960
International Plans | Level 2 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	4,631	4,636
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,636
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	4,631	4,636
International Plans | Level 2 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	36,188	49,805
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	49,805
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	36,188	49,805
International Plans | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 0	$ 0
International, Other Than United Kingdom [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets	6.00%
United Kingdom
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	5.30%	5.00%
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets	94.00%