Enviri (NVRI) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HARSCO CORP
Entity Central Index Key	45876
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		80,082,946
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$2,151,796,000

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$62,843	$93,605
Trade accounts receivable, net	325,104	353,181
Other receivables	28,145	46,470
Inventories	177,265	155,689
Assets held-for-sale	1,355	113,968
Other current assets	87,110	75,842
Total current assets	681,822	838,755
Investments	288,505	298,856
Property, plant and equipment, net	663,244	711,346
Goodwill	416,155	431,265
Intangible assets, net	58,524	53,261
Other assets	155,551	108,265
Total assets	2,263,801	2,441,748
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	16,748	7,489
Current maturities of long-term debt	25,188	20,257
Accounts payable	146,506	181,410
Accrued compensation	53,780	53,113
Income taxes payable	1,985	7,199
Dividends payable	16,535	16,536
Insurance liabilities	12,415	10,523
Advances on contracts	117,398	24,053
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	0	109,176
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	8,142	24,954
Due to related party	22,320	22,320
Other current liabilities	144,543	129,739
Total current liabilities	565,560	606,769
Long-term debt	829,709	783,158
Deferred income taxes	6,379	8,217
Insurance liabilities	35,470	41,879
Retirement plan liabilities	350,889	241,049
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	20,169	27,292
Due to related party	71,442	84,023
Other liabilities	25,849	42,526
Total liabilities	1,905,467	1,834,913
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating cumulative preferred stock	0	0
Common stock, par value $1.25 (issued 112,357,348 and 112,198,693 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	140,444	140,248
Additional paid-in capital	165,666	159,025
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-532,491	-370,615
Retained earnings	1,290,208	1,381,321
Treasury stock, at cost (31,697,498 and 31,519,768 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	-749,815	-746,237
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders' equity	314,012	563,742
Noncontrolling interests	44,322	43,093
Total equity	358,334	606,835
Total liabilities and equity	$2,263,801	$2,441,748

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common stock, par value	$1.25	$1.25
Common stock, shares issued	112,357,348	112,198,693
Treasury stock, shares	31,697,498	31,519,768

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from continuing operations:
Service revenues	$1,365,696	$2,229,966	$2,340,996
Product revenues	700,042	666,554	705,022
Total revenues	2,065,738	2,896,520	3,046,018
Costs and expenses from continuing operations:
Cost of services sold	1,151,842	1,766,730	1,861,732
Cost of products sold	494,944	467,485	487,784
Selling, general and administrative expenses	285,252	481,052	503,339
Research and development expenses	6,348	9,570	9,139
Goodwill impairment charge	0	0	265,038
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	6,057	291,372	0
Other expenses	57,824	15,110	93,776
Total costs and expenses	2,002,267	3,031,319	3,220,808
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	63,471	-134,799	-174,790
Interest income	1,702	2,087	3,676
Interest expense	-47,111	-49,654	-47,381
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	-9,740	-966	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	8,322	-183,332	-218,495
Income tax expense	-27,171	-34,912	-35,251
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	-1,558	1,548	564
Loss from continuing operations	-20,407	-216,696	-253,182
Discontinued operations:
Loss on disposal of discontinued business	176	-2,398	-1,843
Income tax (expense) benefit related to discontinued business	-66	906	924
Loss from discontinued operations	110	-1,492	-919
Net loss	-20,297	-218,188	-254,101
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4,495	-9,753	-511
Net loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	-24,792	-227,941	-254,612
Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax	-24,902	-226,449	-253,693
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	110	-1,492	-919
Net loss attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	($24,792)	($227,941)	($254,612)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	80,884	80,755	80,632
Basic loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.31)	($2.80)	($3.15)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)	($0.01)
Basic loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	($0.31)	($2.82)	($3.16)
Diluted weighted average shares of stock outstanding	80,884	80,755	80,632
Diluted loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.31)	($2.80)	($3.15)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)	($0.01)
Diluted loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	($0.31)	($2.82)	($3.16)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net loss	($20,297)	($218,188)	($254,101)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $7,151, $(5,924) and $(5,436) in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	-47,930	-55,827	11,434
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(338), $(1,410) and $567 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	-1,957	1,047	-4,333
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $13,454, $(11,095) and $7,572 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	-113,596	95,604	-53,645
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(3), $(18) and $(3) in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	5	31	6
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-163,478	40,855	-46,538
Total comprehensive loss	-183,775	-177,333	-300,639
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,893	-10,055	-950
Comprehensive loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	($186,668)	($187,388)	($301,589)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	$7,151	($5,924)	($5,436)
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, deferred income taxes	-338	-1,410	567
Pension liability adjustments, deferred income taxes	13,454	-11,095	7,572
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, deferred income taxes	($3)	($18)	($3)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($20,297)	($218,188)	($254,101)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	164,588	221,266	251,905
Amortization	11,738	15,775	20,212
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	9,740	966	0
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	7,551	-18,427	-10,708
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	1,558	-1,548	-564
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	0	37	308
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	0	0	31,443
Goodwill impairment charge	0	0	265,038
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	3,865	271,296	0
Other, net	39,376	2,735	-27,098
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	7,026	-34,504	22,016
Inventories	-19,991	18,510	2,365
Accounts payable	-28,901	14,319	-37,649
Accrued interest payable	70	-1,836	-319
Accrued compensation	5,699	-9,860	517
Increase (Decrease) in Deposits	92,769	-21,365	-63,923
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	0	-6,788	-5,211
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	-2,672	-17,705	-7,883
Other assets and liabilities	-46,273	-26,428	12,531
Net cash provided by operating activities	225,846	188,255	198,879
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-207,978	-246,147	-265,023
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	15,699	303,039	0
Proceeds from sales of assets	14,976	18,984	49,779
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	26,336	2,849	740
Payment of unit adjustment liability	-22,320	-2,123	0
Other investing activities, net	-2,721	-8,219	-3,284
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	-228,680	62,685	-219,268
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	8,851	-1,901	-43,464
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	177,499	316,804	285,850
Reductions	-131,007	-498,600	-184,372
Cash dividends paid on common stock	-66,322	-66,211	-66,068
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-2,186	-3,381	-2,605
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	0	-166	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	0	4,825	8,097
Common stock issued-options	0	371	725
Common stock acquired for treasury	-941	0	0
Deferred pension underfunding payment to unconsolidated affiliate	-7,688	0	0
Other financing activities, net	0	-405	-2,709
Net cash used by financing activities	-21,794	-248,664	-4,546
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-6,134	-3,921	-999
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-30,762	-1,645	-25,934
Cash and cash equivalents	62,843	93,605	95,250
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	62,843	93,605	95,250
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
Working capital	-1,107	0	0
Propery, plant and equipment	-330	-2,437	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	-6,839	0	0
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	-17,575	0	0
Other noncurrent assets and liabilites, net	($485)	($412)	($740)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock Issued	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$1,219,918	$139,914	($744,644)	$149,066	$1,996,234	($364,191)	$43,539
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-254,101				-254,612		511
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.82 per share in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively	-66,132				-66,132
Noncontrolling interests	-2,605						-2,605
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-46,538					-46,977	439
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	8,602						8,602
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	-704						-704
Stock options exercised, net 38,900 shares and 20,000 shares 2012 and 2013, respectively	710	49		661
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 68,558 shares, 74,297 shares and 130,925 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively	515	117	-561	959
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	1,959			1,959
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	861,624	140,080	-745,205	152,645	1,675,490	-411,168	49,782
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-218,188				-227,941		9,753
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.82 per share in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively	-66,228				-66,228
Noncontrolling interests	-4,764						-4,764
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	40,855					40,553	302
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,825						4,825
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	-185			-292			107
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	-15,909			1,003			-16,912
Stock options exercised, net 38,900 shares and 20,000 shares 2012 and 2013, respectively	400	25		375
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 68,558 shares, 74,297 shares and 130,925 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively	1,185	143	-1,032	2,074
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	3,220			3,220
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	606,835	140,248	-746,237	159,025	1,381,321	-370,615	43,093
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-20,297				-24,792		4,495
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.82 per share in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively	-66,321				-66,321
Noncontrolling interests	-2,319						-2,319
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-163,478					-161,876	-1,602
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,560						1,560
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	-905						-905
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 68,558 shares, 74,297 shares and 130,925 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively	1,551	196	-714	2,069
Treasury shares repurchased, 150,000 shares in 2014	-2,864		-2,864
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	4,572			4,572
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$358,334	$140,444	($749,815)	$165,666	$1,290,208	($532,491)	$44,322

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$20,264		($18,447)	$2,700
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests			185,000
Cash dividends declared, Common, per share	$0.82		$0.82	$0.82
Stock options exercised, net, shares	0		20,000	38,900
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award Net of Forfeitures and Tax Obligations Settled in Shares	130,925		74,297	68,558
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation	905,000		15,909,000	704,000
Treasury Stock [Member]
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	150,000	[1]	0	0
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests			292,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation			-1,003,000
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests			-107,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation	$905,000		$16,912,000	$704,000
[1]	The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest, and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities.
	The Company's management has evaluated all activity of the Company and concluded that subsequent events are properly reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes as required by U.S. GAAP.
	Reclassifications and Out of Period Adjustments
	Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year classifications.
	During 2014, the Company recorded out-of-period adjustments that had the net effect of decreasing after-tax income by $3.5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2014. The adjustments are primarily the result of the increases in reserves related to Brazilian labor claims not recorded in the correct period, correcting expenses that should not have been capitalized in accordance with the Company's policies and revenue that should not have been recognized in accordance with a customer contract. The Company assessed the individual and aggregate impact of these adjustments on the current year and all prior periods and determined that the cumulative effect of the adjustments was not material to the full-year 2014 results, and did not result in a material misstatement to any previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements. Consequently, the Company recorded the $3.5 million net adjustment during 2014 and has not revised any previously issued annual financial statements or interim financial data.
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company recorded non-cash out-of-period adjustments that had the net effect of increasing after-tax income by $3.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2013, and by $2.6 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the first half of 2013. The adjustments are primarily the result of correcting claims-paid information for certain international accrued insurance reserves which were identified during the regular, periodic evaluation of these reserves during the quarter. The Company assessed the individual and aggregate impact of these adjustments on the current year and all prior periods and determined that the cumulative effect of the adjustments was not material to the full-year 2013 results, and did not result in a material misstatement to any previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements. Consequently, the Company recorded the $3.0 million net adjustment in the second quarter of 2013 and has not revised any previously issued annual financial statements or interim financial data.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of three months or less.
	Equity Method Investments
	The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received, and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value.
	Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment.
	See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the United States are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The Company's remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost methods. See Note 4, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, for additional information on inventories.
	Depreciation
	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using, principally, the straight-line method. When property is retired from service, the cost of the retirement is charged to the allowance for depreciation to the extent of the accumulated depreciation and the balance is charged to income. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are not depreciated while they are held for sale.
	Leases
	The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays. See Note 6, Property, Plant and Equipment, and Note 8, Debt and Credit Agreements, for additional information on capital leases and Note 9, Operating Leases, for additional information on operating leases.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business. Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below for which discrete financial information is available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include declining cash flows or operating losses at the reporting unit level, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, or a more likely than not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of, among others.
	The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1. The Company has five reporting units, only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2014. Almost all of the Company's goodwill is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.
	The evaluation of potential goodwill impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to the net book value, including goodwill. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) to estimate the current fair value of reporting units, as management believes forecasted operating cash flows are the best indicator of current fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the preparation of DCF models including future revenues and operating margin growth, the weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”), tax rates, capital spending, pension funding, the impact of business initiatives, and working capital projections. These assumptions and estimates may vary significantly between reporting units. DCF models are based on approved long-range plans for the early years and historical relationships and projections for later years. WACC rates are derived from internal and external factors including, but not limited to, the average market price of the Company's stock, shares outstanding, book value of the Company's debt, the long-term risk free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums. Due to the many variables noted above and the relative size of the Company's goodwill, differences in assumptions may have a material impact on the results of the Company's annual goodwill impairment testing. If the net book value of a reporting unit were to exceed the current fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test would be required to determine if an impairment existed and the amount of goodwill impairment to record, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the net book value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the excess of fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value amounts assigned to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit if it were to be acquired in a hypothetical business combination and the current fair value of the reporting unit represented the purchase price. The second step of the goodwill impairment test requires the utilization of valuation experts.
	See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information on goodwill.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate the book value of an asset may be impaired. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a discounted cash flow model. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, and Note 17, Other Expenses, for additional information on impairment of long-lived assets (other than goodwill).
	Revenue Recognition
	Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the service components of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments.
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granules products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.
	Harsco Rail Segment—This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.
	Harsco Industrial Segment—This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of the events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results. In the event the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes.
	The Company prepares and files tax returns based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations and records its provision for income taxes based on these interpretations. Uncertainties may exist in estimating the Company's tax provisions and in filing tax returns in the many jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and as a result these interpretations may give rise to an uncertain tax position. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on its technical merits. Each subsequent period the Company determines if existing or new uncertain tax positions meet a more likely than not recognition threshold and adjust accordingly.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits.
	The significant assumptions and estimates described in the preceding paragraphs are important contributors to the effective tax rate each year.
	See Note 11, Income Taxes, for additional information on income taxes.
	Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves
	The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $23.3 million, $30.0 million and $33.8 million, respectively. Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net loss in the period determined. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $7.0 million, $7.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has recorded liabilities of $47.9 million and $52.4 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $3.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been included in current caption, Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current caption, Insurance liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Warranties
	The Company has recorded product warranty reserves of $8.9 million, $9.5 million and $9.1 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold. The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$	9,548		$	9,092		$	5,596
	Accruals for warranties issued during the year	3,208			5,016			7,935
	Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(2,680		)	(1,966		)	(2,401		)
	Warranties paid	(1,186		)	(2,573		)	(1,958		)
	Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(4		)	(21		)	(80		)
	Warranty reserves, end of the year	$	8,886		$	9,548		$	9,092
	Warranty expense and payments are incurred principally in the Harsco Rail and Harsco Industrial Segments. Warranty activity may vary from year to year depending upon the mix of revenues and contractual terms related to product warranties.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies.
	Financial Instruments and Hedging
	The Company has operations throughout the world that are exposed to fluctuations in related foreign currencies in the normal course of business. The Company seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.
	The Company executes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge transactions for firm purchase commitments, to hedge variable cash flows of forecasted transactions and for export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are generally for 90 days or less; however, where appropriate, longer-term contracts may be utilized. For those contracts that are designated as qualified cash flow hedges, gains or losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or variable U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively.
	Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are reclassified into operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects income. The cash flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged (e.g., the cash flows related to contracts to hedge the purchase of fixed assets are included in cash flows from investing activities, etc.). The Company also enters into certain forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in operations based on changes in fair market value. For fair value hedges of a firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment are recognized currently in operations.
	See Note 15, Financial Instruments, for additional information on financial instruments and hedging.
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements. See Note 13, Capital Stock, for additional information on earnings per share.
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently_Adopted_and_Recently_

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2014:
	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")-issued changes related to a parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted FASB-issued changes related to financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists that could be used to offset the liability for an uncertain tax position. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date:
	In April 2014, the FASB issued changes related to reporting discontinued operations and disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The changes modify the criteria related to what transactions constitute discontinued operations and expands disclosure requirements. The changes become effective for the Company, prospectively, on January 1, 2015. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued changes related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The changes clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard. The core principle of the changes is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The changes also require additional disclosures related to revenue recognition. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management is currently evaluating these changes.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued changes related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	Acquisitions and Dispositions
	Acquisitions
	In January 2014, the Company acquired Hammco Corporation ("Hammco"), a U.S. manufacturer of high specification air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas and petrochemical processing markets. Hammco has been included in the results of the Harsco Industrial Segment. Inclusion of pro forma financial information for this transaction is not necessary due to the immaterial size of the acquisition. The purchase price allocation for this acquisition is now final.
	Net Loss Attributable to the Company and Changes to Noncontrolling Interest
	The following table discloses the effects of changes in the Company's ownership interests in subsidiaries on the Company's equity.
		Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)	2014			2013				2012
	Net loss attributable to the Company	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,941	)		$	(254,612	)
	Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interest	—			711				—
	Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,230	)		$	(254,612	)
	Dispositions
	Infrastructure Transaction
	In November 2013, the Company consummated the previously announced transaction to sell the Company's Harsco Infrastructure Segment into a strategic venture with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R") as part of a transaction that combines the Harsco Infrastructure Segment with Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., which CD&R simultaneously acquired (the "Infrastructure Transaction"). The Company has contributed substantially all of the Company's equity interest in, and the net assets of, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to the strategic venture in exchange for $300 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments, and an approximate 29% equity interest in the resulting entity (the "Infrastructure strategic venture" or "Brand"). The Company's equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting as prescribed by U.S. GAAP. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments.
	As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company recorded an estimated loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment of $271.3 million during 2013 and recorded an additional loss of $3.9 million during 2014. Further adjustment to the loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment may be necessary as the result of the final valuation of certain items. The Company does not expect that the ultimate conclusion of these items will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment represents the difference between the book value of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, less costs to sell, and the sum of the cash consideration plus the fair value of the Company's approximate 29% equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture. The fair value of the equity interest was determined based on the expected future discounted cash flows of the Infrastructure strategic venture.
	While the Infrastructure Transaction was consummated on November 26, 2013, the ownership interest in certain jurisdictions did not transfer as of December 31, 2013. The carrying amounts of the remaining assets and liabilities that were aggregated in the captions, Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec			(In thousands)		31-Dec
		2013					2013
	Assets held-for-sale:				Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,290		Accounts payable		$	4,143
	Trade accounts receivable, net	28,471			Accrued compensation		4,618
	Due from unconsolidated affiliate	65,728			Income taxes payable		1,105
	Inventories	5,898			Insurance liabilities - current portion		21
	Other current assets	2,129			Due to unconsolidated affiliate		97,079
	Property, plant and equipment, net	10,343			Other current liabilities		2,210
	Other assets	109
		$	113,968				$	109,176
	The ownership interest in the jurisdictions representing the assets held-for-sale and liabilities of assets held-for-sale at December 31, 2013 were transferred to Brand during January 2014.
	Additionally, the Company incurred $2.2 million and $20.1 million of transaction costs during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in conjunction with the Infrastructure Transaction.
	Harsco Gas Technologies
	Consistent with the strategic focus to grow and allocate financial resources principally to the Company's industrial services businesses, the Company sold the Gas Technologies Segment to Taylor Wharton International in 2007. The Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012 reflect the Gas Technologies Segment's results as discontinued operations. The Company recorded after-tax income from discontinued operations of $0.1 million and after-tax losses from discontinued operations of $1.5 million and $0.9 million, in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The income in 2014 and losses incurred in 2013 and 2012 included charges related to potential and contingent claims.

Accounts_Receivable_and_Invent

Accounts Receivable and Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable and Inventories	Accounts Receivable and Inventories
	Accounts receivable consist of the following:
			Accounts Receivable
	(In thousands)		December 31			December 31
			2014			2013
	Trade accounts receivable		$	340,223		$	359,819
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(15,119		)	(6,638		)
	Trade accounts receivable, net		$	325,104		$	353,181
	Other receivables (a)		$	28,145		$	46,470
	(a)	Other receivables include insurance claim receivables, employee receivables, tax claim receivables and other miscellaneous receivables not included in Trade accounts receivable, net.
	The following table reflects the provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable		$	9,892		$	10,175		$	11,266
	Inventories consist of the following:
			Inventories
	(In thousands)		December 31			December 31
			2014			2013
	Finished goods		$	30,001		$	23,112
	Work-in-process		28,644			25,623
	Raw materials and purchased parts		86,898			72,118
	Stores and supplies		31,722			34,836
	Total inventories		$	177,265		$	155,689
	Valued at lower of cost or market:
	LIFO basis		$	107,691		$	94,939
	FIFO basis		13,383			9,859
	Average cost basis		56,191			50,891
	Total inventories		$	177,265		$	155,689
	Inventories valued on the LIFO basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $33 million and $28 million, respectively, less than the amounts of such inventories valued at current costs.
	During 2014, as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis, net loss decreased from that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $0.1 million. During 2013, there was no significant impact on net loss as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on a LIFO basis. During 2012, as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis, net loss decreased from that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $0.1 million.

Equity_Method_Investments_Note

Equity Method Investments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments
	As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company owns an approximate 29% equity interest in Brand at December 31, 2014. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.
	Brand is a leading provider of specialized services to the global energy, industrial and infrastructure markets that combines a global footprint, broad service offerings and rigorous operating processes to support customer required facility maintenance and turnaround needs and capital driven upgrade and expansion plans. Brand's range of services includes work access, corrosion management, atmospheric and immersion coatings, insulation services, fireproofing and refractory, mechanical services, forming and shoring and other complementary specialty services. Brand delivers services through a global network of strategically located branches in six continents with a particular focus on major hydrocarbon and power generation markets globally. In addition, Brand has co-located branches at energy-related customer facilities providing a consistent presence for required maintenance work.
	The Company records the Company's proportionate share of Brand's net income or loss one quarter in arrears. Accordingly, the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 does not include any amounts related to the Infrastructure strategic venture in the caption, Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net. Brand's summarized balance sheet information at September 30, 2014 and summarized statement of operations information for the period from November 27, 2013 through September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:
	(In thousands)	30-Sep
		2014
	Summarized Balance Sheet Information of Brand:
	Current assets	$	815,809
	Property and equipment , net	923,056
	Other noncurrent assets	1,594,669
	Total assets	$	3,333,534
	Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt	$	68,748
	Other current liabilities	360,714
	Long-term debt	1,747,522
	Other noncurrent liabilities	406,636
	Total liabilities	2,583,620
	Equity	749,914
	Total liabilities and equity	$	3,333,534
	(In thousands)	Period From November 27 2013 Through September 30 2014 (a)
	Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
	Net revenues	$	2,559,556
	Gross profit	559,376
	Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	(4,848		)
	Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand	(1,595		)
	(a) The Company's equity method investment in Brand began on November 26, 2013; accordingly, there is only approximately ten months of related equity income (loss). The results of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from January 1, 2013 through the date of closing are reported in the Company's results of operations for 2013.
	The book value of the Company's equity method investment in Brand at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $285.7 million and $296.1 million, respectively. The Company's initial underlying equity in the net assets of Brand, upon consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction, was approximately $225 million. The difference between the initial fair value of the Company's equity method investment in Brand and the Company's underlying equity in the net assets of Brand was determined to be equity method goodwill and is not amortized.
	The initial determination of fair value of the Company's equity method investment (Level 3) in Brand was derived with a primary reliance upon the income approach. Various DCF models were created based on the Company's most likely case view of cash flow projections for Brand over a five year horizon. The following table details quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs:
		Fair Value at December 31 2013						Range
	(Dollars in thousands)				Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Low		High
	Equity method investment - Brand	$	296,082		Discounted cash flow		EBITDA Margin	10.9	%	12.6	%
							Ratio of capital expenditures to revenues	2.9	%	3.8	%
							Long-term revenue growth	3	%	3	%
							WACC Rate	9.25	%	9.25	%
							Cost of equity	12.5	%	12.5	%
							Implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.0X		7.5X
							Discount for lack of marketability	15	%	15	%
	No instances of impairment were noted on the Company's equity method investment at December 31, 2014.
	As part of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company is required to make quarterly payments to the Company's partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture, either (at the Company's election) (i) in cash, with total payments to equal approximately $22 million per year on a pre-tax basis (approximately $15 million per year after-tax), or (ii) in kind through the transfer of approximately 2.5% of the Company's ownership interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture on an annual basis (the "unit adjustment liability"). The resulting liability is reflected in the caption, Unit adjustment liability, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company will recognize the change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability each period until the Company is no longer required to make these payments or chooses not to make these payments. The change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability is a non-cash expense. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $9.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability.
	The Company's obligation to make a quarterly payment will cease upon the earlier of (i) Brand achieving $487.0 million in last twelve months' earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for three quarters, which need not be consecutive, or (ii) eight years after the closing of the Infrastructure Transaction. In addition, upon the initial public offering of Brand, the Company's quarterly payment obligation will decrease by the portion of CD&R's ownership interest sold or eliminated completely once CD&R's ownership interest in Brand falls below 20%. In the event of a liquidation event of Brand, CD&R is entitled to a liquidation preference of approximately $336 million, plus any quarterly payments that had been paid in kind.
	The Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 include balances related to the unit adjustment liability of $93.8 million and $106.3 million, respectively, in the current and non-current captions, Unit adjustment liability. A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances related to the unit adjustment liability is included in Note 15, Financial Instruments.
	The Company intends to make these quarterly payments in cash and will continue to evaluate the implications of making payments in cash or in kind based upon performance of the Infrastructure strategic venture. In the future, should the Company decide not to make the cash payment, the value of both the equity method investment in Brand and the related unit adjustment liability may be impacted, and the change may be reflected in earnings in that period.
	Balances related to transactions between the Company and Brand are as follows:
	(In thousands)	December 31			31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Balances due from Brand	$	1,860		$	85,908
	Balances due to Brand	28,311			149,325
	The remaining balances between the Company and Brand, at December 31, 2014, relate primarily to transition services and the funding of certain transferred defined benefit pension plan obligations through 2018. There is not expected to be any significant level of revenue or expense between the Company and Brand on an on-going basis once all aspects of the Infrastructure Transaction have been finalized.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	Estimated	December 31			December 31
		Useful Lives	2014			2013
	Land	—	$	15,721		$	16,652
	Land improvements	5-20 years	15,898			13,615
	Buildings and improvements	5-40 years	205,409			192,346
	Machinery and equipment	3-20 years	1,861,965			1,969,493
	Uncompleted construction	—	87,414			86,508
	Gross property, plant and equipment		2,186,407			2,278,614
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,523,163		)	(1,567,268		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	663,244		$	711,346
	Included in the amounts are $22.3 million and $23.5 million of property, plant and equipment under capital leases at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Buildings and improvements include leasehold improvements that are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the initial term of the lease.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill by Segment
	The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment (there is no goodwill associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)		Harsco Metals			Harsco				Harsco		Consolidated
			& Minerals			Industrial				Rail		Totals
			Segment			Segment				Segment
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	419,888		$	—			$	9,310	$	429,198
	Foreign currency translation		2,067			—				—		2,067
	Balance at December 31, 2013		421,955			—				9,310		431,265
	Changes to goodwill		(300		)	6,839			(a)	—		6,539
	Foreign currency translation		(21,649		)	—				—		(21,649		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	400,006		$	6,839			$	9,310	$	416,155
	(a)	Changes to goodwill relate to the initial acquisition of Hammco and related purchase price adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP occurring during the measurement period. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
	The Company's methodology for determining reporting unit fair value is described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Performance of the Company's 2014 annual impairment test did not result in impairment of any of the Company's reporting units.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets totaled $58.5 million, net of accumulated amortization of $147.9 million at December 31, 2014 and $53.3 million, net of accumulated amortization of $143.4 million at December 31, 2013. The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:
			31-Dec-14							31-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Gross Carrying			Accumulated				Gross Carrying		Accumulated
			Amount			Amortization				Amount		Amortization
	Customer related		$	157,530		$	112,211			$	150,307	$	110,889
	Non-compete agreements		1,107			1,039				1,126		1,024
	Patents		6,079			5,399				6,211		5,273
	Technology related		26,548			21,233				27,185		18,931
	Trade names		7,745			3,733				4,113		2,969
	Other		7,420			4,290				7,753		4,348
	Total		$	206,429		$	147,905			$	196,695	$	143,434
	The gross carrying amount of intangible assets increased in 2014 due to the acquisition of Hammco, as discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. As part of this transaction, the Company acquired the following finite-lived intangible assets (by major class):
	(In thousands)		Gross Carrying			Residual		Weighted-average
			Amount			Value		amortization period
	Customer related		$	13,928		—		12 years
	Trade names		3,647			—		15 years
	Total		$	17,575
	Amortization expense for intangible assets was $9.9 million, $13.8 million and $17.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets.
	(In thousands)		2015			2016				2017		2018			2019
	Estimated amortization expense (a)		$	8,350		$	7,800			$	5,050	$	4,850		$	4,800
	(a)	These estimated amortization expense amounts do not reflect the potential effect of future foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Debt_and_Credit_Agreements

Debt and Credit Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Credit Agreements	Debt and Credit Agreements
	The Company has a multi-year revolving credit facility that is available for use throughout the world. The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the multi-year revolving credit facility and available credit at December 31, 2014. The multi-year revolving credit facility is described in more detail below the table.
		Summary of Credit Facility
		31-Dec-14
	(In thousands)	Facility			Outstanding			Available
		Limit			Balance			Credit
	Multi-year revolving credit facility (a U.S.-based program)	$	525,000		$	98,500		$	426,500
	In March 2012, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") providing for $525 million of borrowing capacity through a syndicate of 14 banks.  The Credit Agreement matures in March 2017.  The Company has the option to increase the borrowing capacity available under the Credit Agreement to $550 million.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available in most major currencies with active markets and at interest rates based upon LIBOR, plus a margin.
	On September 12, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No.1 ("Amendment No. 1") to the Credit Agreement. In addition to certain administrative and conforming modifications, Amendment No. 1 replaced the total consolidated debt to total consolidated capital ratio debt covenant. That debt covenant was replaced by a debt covenant for total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, which is not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company expensed $0.4 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 1.
	On December 20, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 ("Amendment No. 2") to the Credit Agreement.  Amendment No. 2 modified certain defined terms to reflect the impact of the Infrastructure Transaction. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company expensed $0.3 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 2.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $98.5 million and $35.0 million, respectively, of Credit Agreement borrowings outstanding. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, all such balances were classified as long-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Classification of such balances is based on the Company's ability and intent to repay such amounts over the subsequent twelve months, as well as reflects the Company's ability and intent to borrow for a period longer than a year. To the extent the Company expects to repay any amounts within the subsequent twelve months, the amounts are classified as short-term borrowings.
	Short-term borrowings amounted to $16.7 million and $7.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Short-term borrowings consist principally of bank overdrafts. The weighted-average interest rate for short-term borrowings at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 11.7% and 10.8%, respectively.
		Long-Term Debt
	(In thousands)	December 31			December 31
		2014			2013
	5.75% notes due May 15, 2018	$	448,626		$	448,268
	2.7% notes due October 15, 2015	249,733			249,373
	Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2017 with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.0% and 3.6% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	156,538			105,774
	Total debt	854,897			803,415
	Less: current maturities	(25,188		)	(20,257		)
	Total long-term debt	$	829,709		$	783,158
	At December 31, 2014, the Company's 2.7% notes due October 15, 2015 are classified as long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet based on the Company's intent to refinance this debt using debt capital markets and ability to refinance this debt using borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
	The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2015 are as follows:
	(In thousands)
	2016	$	11,732
	2017	363,047
	2018	453,759
	2019	876
	Cash payments for interest on all debt were $44.2 million, $50.1 million and $45.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In addition to the total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio covenant, which is not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0, the Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to a maximum of 10% of consolidated tangible assets and require a minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest charges ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. The Company’s 5.75% and 2.7% notes include covenants that require the Company to offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of par in the event of a change of control of the Company or disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets in combination with a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating to non-investment grade.  At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these and all other covenants.

Operating_Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases	Operating Leases
	The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Rental expense under such operating leases was $19.7 million, $51.7 million and $54.9 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows:
	(In thousands)
	2015	$	14,642
	2016	10,905
	2017	7,204
	2018	4,075
	2019	3,546
	After 2019	24,762
	Total minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases at December 31, 2014 are $0.6 million.
	The decrease in 2014 rental expense under operating leases is due to the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	Pension Benefits
	The Company has defined benefit pension retirement plans covering a substantial number of employees. The defined benefits for salaried employees generally are based on years of service and the employee's level of compensation during specified periods of employment. Defined benefit plans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. The multiemployer plans in which the Company participates provide benefits to certain unionized employees. The Company's funding policy for qualified plans is consistent with statutory regulations and customarily equals the amount deducted for income tax purposes. Periodic voluntary contributions are made, as recommended, by the Company's pension committee. The Company's policy is to amortize prior service costs of defined benefit pension plans over the average future service period of active plan participants.
	For most U.S. defined benefit pension plans and a majority of international defined benefit pension plans, accrued service is no longer granted. In place of these plans, the Company has established defined contribution pension plans providing for the Company to contribute a specified matching amount for participating employees' contributions to the plan. For U.S. employees, this match is made on employee contributions up to 4% of their eligible compensation. Additionally, the Company may provide a discretionary contribution of up to 2% of compensation for eligible employees. This discretionary amount has not been provided for the years 2014, 2013 and 2012. For non-U.S. employees, this match is up to 6% of eligible compensation with an additional 2% going towards insurance and administrative costs.
	Net periodic pension cost for U.S. and international pension plans for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			U.S. Plans											International Plans
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012			2014				2013				2012
	Defined benefit plans:
	Service cost		$	2,233			$	2,565			$	1,887		$	1,610			$	3,457			$	3,418
	Interest cost		12,868				11,767				12,780			43,230				42,707				46,174
	Expected return on plan assets		(16,786		)		(15,642		)		(15,617		)	(49,927		)		(46,920		)		(45,050		)
	Recognized prior service costs		90				248				224			184				335				397
	Recognized losses		3,352				5,052				4,637			14,102				16,447				15,194
	Amortization of transition liability		—				—				—			—				—				8
	Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)		—				—				1,510			60				(372		)		(2,589		)
	Defined benefit plans pension cost		1,757				3,990				5,421			9,259				15,654				17,552
	Multiemployer plans		1,199				12,444				10,186			1,762				5,449				5,539
	Defined contribution plans		4,704				4,945				5,066			8,033				11,139				12,770
	Net periodic pension cost		$	7,660			$	21,379			$	20,673		$	19,054			$	32,242			$	35,861
	The change in the financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	283,571			$	316,448			$	958,705		$	1,068,750
	Service cost		2,233				2,565				1,610			3,457
	Interest cost		12,868				11,767				43,230			42,707
	Plan participants' contributions		—				—				75			689
	Amendments		—				—				—			(394		)
	Actuarial (gain) loss		49,939				(28,158		)		150,289			(8,245		)
	Settlements/curtailments		—				—				(589		)	(1,619		)
	Benefits paid		(23,292		)		(19,051		)		(41,522		)	(46,269		)
	Effect of foreign currency		—				—				(62,250		)	19,744
	Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)		—				—				—			(120,115		)
	Other		—				—				55			—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	325,319			$	283,571			$	1,049,603		$	958,705
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	233,579			$	218,084			$	770,911		$	783,059
	Actual return on plan assets		15,465				31,931				80,518			68,535
	Employer contributions		7,598				2,615				28,112			30,258
	Plan participants' contributions		—				—				75			689
	Settlements/curtailments		—				—				—			(1,028		)
	Benefits paid		(23,292		)		(19,051		)		(40,948		)	(45,207		)
	Effect of foreign currency		—				—				(47,623		)	11,455
	Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)		—				—				—			(76,850		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	233,350			$	233,579			$	791,045		$	770,911
	Funded status at end of year		$	(91,969	)		$	(49,992	)		$	(258,558	)	$	(187,794	)
	(a) During 2013, certain international plans' benefit obligations and plan assets were transferred to the Infrastructure strategic venture as part of the Infrastructure Transaction, as described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
	Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
			December 31								December 31
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Noncurrent assets		$	615			$	2,148			$	1,746		$	3,894
	Current liabilities		2,102				2,045				524			534
	Noncurrent liabilities		90,482				50,095				259,780			191,154
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax		157,165				109,348				479,382			401,300
	Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Net actuarial loss		$	156,989			$	109,081			$	478,396		$	400,726
	Prior service cost		176				267				986			574
	Total		$	157,165			$	109,348			$	479,382		$	401,300
	The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit net periodic pension cost in 2015 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		U.S. Plans				International  Plans
	Net actuarial loss		$	4,919			$	17,254
Prior service cost		81				208
Total		$	5,000			$	17,462
The Company's estimate of expected contributions to be paid in 2015 for the U.S. and international defined benefit plans are $2.5 million and $31.2 million, respectively.
Future Benefit Payments
The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows:
(In millions)		2015				2016				2017			2018				2019				2020-2024
U.S. Plans		$	18.5			$	18.8			$	18.6		$	18.8			$	18.7			$	94.5
International Plans		42.1				43.8				45.5			46.2				47.7				266
Net Periodic Pension Cost Assumptions
The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		U.S. Plans									International Plans								Global Weighted-Average
		December 31									December 31								December 31
		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012			2014			2013		2012
Discount rates		4.7	%		3.8	%		4.4	%		4.7	%	4.3	%		4.8	%		4.7	%		4.2	%	4.7	%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets		7.5	%		7.5	%		7.8	%		6.8	%	6.6	%		6.7	%		7	%		6.8	%	6.9	%
Rates of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3	%		3.4	%	2.8	%		3.4	%		3.4	%		2.8	%	3.4	%
The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for the 2015 net periodic pension cost are 7.5% for the U.S. plans and 6.8% for the international plans. The expected global long-term rate of return on assets for 2015 is 7.0%.
Defined Benefit Pension Obligation Assumptions
The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		U.S. Plans						International Plans					Global Weighted-Average
		December 31						December 31					December 31
		2014			2013			2014			2013		2014			2013
Discount rates		3.9	%		4.7	%		3.7	%		4.7	%	3.7	%		4.7	%
Rates of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3.2	%		3.4	%	3.2	%		3.3	%
The U.S. discount rate was determined using a yield curve that was produced from a universe containing approximately 700 U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable (or callable with make-whole provisions), and excluding the 10% of the bonds with the highest yields and the 10% with the lowest yields within each maturity group. The discount rate was then developed as the level-equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates to discount the projected benefit payments. For international plans, the discount rate is aligned to corporate bond yields in the local markets, normally AA-rated corporations. The process and selection seeks to approximate the cash inflows with the timing and amounts of the expected benefit payments.
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		U.S. Plans								International Plans
		December 31								December 31
(In millions)		2014				2013				2014			2013
Accumulated benefit obligation		$	325.3			$	283.5			$	1,043.20		$	950.7
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		U.S. Plans								International Plans
		December 31								December 31
(In millions)		2014				2013				2014			2013
Projected benefit obligation		$	314.9			$	274.8			$	1,032.10		$	926.8
Accumulated benefit obligation		314.9				274.8				1,026.00			923.9
Fair value of plan assets		222.3				222.6				771.8			737.6
The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:
		Target  Long-Term		Percentage of Plan Assets at
		Allocation		December 31
U.S. Plans Asset Category				2014			2013
Domestic equity securities		34%-44%		39.1	%		41.8	%
International equity securities		14%-24%		18.2	%		19.5	%
Fixed income securities		28%-38%		30.3	%		25.9	%
Cash and cash equivalents		Less than 5%		3.1	%		3.2	%
Other		5%-15%		9.3	%		9.6	%
Plan assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts an asset/liability modeling study and accordingly adjusts investments among and within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.
The Company reviews the long-term expected return on asset assumption on a periodic basis taking into account a variety of factors including the historical investment returns achieved over a long-term period, the targeted allocation of plan assets and future expectations based on a model of asset returns for an actively managed portfolio. The model simulates 1,000 different capital market results over 20 years. For both 2015 and 2014, the expected return-on-asset assumption for U.S. plans was 7.5%.
The U.S. defined benefit pension plans assets include 450,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $8.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 450,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $12.6 million at December 31, 2013. These shares represented 3.6% and 5.4% of total plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Dividends paid to the pension plans on the Company's common stock amounted to $0.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:
International Plans Asset Category		Target Long-Term			Percentage of Plan Assets at
		Allocation			December 31
					2014			2013
Equity securities		32.5	%		36.9	%		38.5	%
Fixed income securities		42.5	%		45.3	%		42	%
Cash and cash equivalents		—			0.3	%		0.3	%
Other		25	%		17.5	%		19.2	%
Plan assets at December 31, 2014 in the U.K. defined benefit pension plan amounted to 94% of the international pension assets. These assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts asset/liability modeling studies and accordingly adjusts investment amounts within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.
For the international long-term rate of return assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns in risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class and plan expenses. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets. For both 2015 and 2014, the expected return on asset assumption for the U.K. plan was 6.8%. The remaining international pension plans, with assets representing 6% of the international pension assets, are under the guidance of professional investment managers and have similar investment objectives.
The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:
(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks		$	44,064			$	44,064			$	—		$	—
Mutual funds—equities		47,313				13,335				33,978			—
International equities—mutual funds		42,446				42,446				—			—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities		18,759				—				18,759			—
Corporate bonds and notes		11,347				11,347				—			—
Mutual funds—bonds		40,568				11,936				28,632			—
Other—mutual funds		21,700				21,700				—			—
Cash and money market accounts		7,153				7,153				—			—
Total		$	233,350			$	151,981			$	81,369		$	—
The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:
(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities		$	292,150			$	—			$	292,150		$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds		350,073				—				350,073			—
Insurance contracts		8,233				—				8,233			—
Other:
Real estate funds/limited partnerships		53,926				—				31,279			22,647
Other mutual funds		84,120				—				84,120			—
Cash and money market accounts		2,543				2,543				—			—
Total		$	791,045			$	2,543			$	765,855		$	22,647
The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:
(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks		$	48,915			$	48,915			$	—		$	—
Mutual funds—equities		48,807				13,204				35,603			—
International equities—mutual funds		45,475				45,475				—			—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities		18,787				—				18,787			—
Corporate bonds and notes		8,374				8,374				—			—
Mutual funds—bonds		33,326				33,326				—			—
Other—mutual funds		22,508				22,508				—			—
Cash and money market accounts		7,387				7,387				—			—
Total		$	233,579			$	179,189			$	54,390		$	—
The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:
(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities		$	296,980			$	—			$	296,980		$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds		314,965				—				314,965			—
Insurance contracts		8,797				—				8,797			—
Other:
Real estate funds / limited partnerships		52,733				—				32,310			20,423
Other mutual funds		94,980				—				94,980			—
Cash and money market accounts		2,456				2,456				—			—
Total		$	770,911			$	2,456			$	748,032		$	20,423
The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
Level 3 Asset Changes for the Twelve Months Ended December 31
(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012
Real Estate Limited Partnership:
Balance at beginning of year		$	20,423			$	17,746			$	12,025
Contributions to partnership		385				838				2,535
Cash distributions received		(1,614		)		(1,380		)		(1,270		)
Actual return on plan assets:
Related to asset still held at end of year		3,453				3,219				4,456
Balance at end of year		$	22,647			$	20,423			$	17,746
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the plans' investments measured at fair value:
•	Level 1 Fair Value Measurements—Investments in interest-bearing cash are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The fair values of money market accounts and certain mutual funds are based on quoted net asset values of the shares held by the plan at year-end. The fair values of domestic and international stocks and corporate bonds, notes and convertible debentures are valued at the closing price reported in the active market on which the individual securities are traded.
•	Level 2 Fair Value Measurements—The fair values of investments in mutual funds for which quoted net asset values in an active market are not available are valued by the investment advisor based on the current market values of the underlying assets of the mutual fund based on information reported by the investment consistent with audited financial statements of the mutual fund. Further information concerning these mutual funds may be obtained from their separate audited financial statements. Investments in U.S. Treasury notes and collateralized securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
•	Level 3 Fair Value Measurements—Real estate limited partnership interests are valued by the general partners based on the underlying assets. The limited partnership interests are valued using unobservable inputs and have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Multiemployer Plans
The Company contributes to numerous multiemployer pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover union-represented employees, many of whom are temporary in nature. The risks of participating in multiemployer pension plans differ from traditional company-sponsored defined benefit plans as follows:
•	Assets contributed to a multiemployer pension plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to the employees of other participating employers;
•	When a participating employer stops contributing to a multiemployer pension plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan become the responsibility of the remaining participating employers, subject to any exemptions that may apply; and
•	If the Company elects to stop participation in a multiemployer pension plan, the Company may be required to pay a withdraw liability which is based upon the underfunded status of the plan.
The Company's participation in multiemployer pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is outlined below. The Company considers significant plans to be those plans to which the Company contributed more than 5% of total contributions to the plan in a given plan year or for which the Company believes the Company's share of the unfunded liability for the plan may be material to the Company.
(In thousands)
			Pension Protection
			Act Zone Status For				Contributions By The Company															Expiration
			Plan Years Ended				For Years Ended (a)															Date of
																		Subject to				Collective-
																		Financial				Bargaining
	Identification																	Improvement		Surcharge		Agreement
Pension Fund	Number		2013		2012		2014				2013			2012				Plan		Imposed
Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements:
New Zealand Steel Pension Fund	018-054-531		N/A		N/A		$	838			$	886		$	909			Yes		No		2016
Summary aggregate information for multiemployer plans which are not individually significant:
All other multiemployer plans (b)							2,123				17,007			14,905
Total Contributions							$	2,961			$	17,893		$	15,814
(a)	These amounts represent either contributions for the plan year as confirmed by plan sponsors or the Company's estimates based on fiscal year accounts payable records which will be updated as confirmation is received from plan sponsors.
(b)	The decrease in contributions by the Company for 2014 primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.
For plan years ended 2014 and 2013, the Company contributed more than 5% of the total contributions to the New Zealand Steel Pension Fund. The New Zealand Steel Pension Fund is a defined benefit superannuation scheme registered in New Zealand under the Superannuation Schemes Act of 1989 to provide retirement benefits to the salaried employees of the New Zealand Steel United Group of companies. The New Zealand Steel Pension Fund financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 indicated total assets of $345.4 million and $276.1 million, respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $358.7 million and $302.4 million, respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $13.5 million and $13.3 million, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	20,168		$	(26,855	)	$	40,411
	International	(11,846		)	(156,477		)	(258,906		)
	Total income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss)	$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)
	Income tax expense as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Currently payable:
	U.S. federal	$	4,495		$	10,949		$	22,603
	U.S. state	557			1,375			1,561
	International	14,569			41,015			21,795
	Total income taxes currently payable	19,621			53,339			45,959
	Deferred U.S. federal	2,503			(17,341		)	(3,831		)
	Deferred U.S. state	807			401			(843		)
	Deferred international	4,240			(1,487		)	(6,034		)
	Total income tax expense	$	27,171		$	34,912		$	35,251
	Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on the gain or loss from discontinued business, were $36.0 million, $44.4 million and $42.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate as a percentage of Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal income tax	$	2,913		$	(64,166	)	$	(76,473	)
	U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	658			(851		)	290
	U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	(1,882		)	(4,700		)	(3,580		)
	Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction	—			13,181			—
	Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	4,420			(308		)	1,532
	Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	(5,298		)	(5,548		)	(5,470		)
	Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,203			20,125			3,980
	Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits	22,049			—			21,387
	U.S. nondeductible items	1,216			2,953			1,470
	Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction	1,465			74,946			—
	Non-deductible goodwill impairment	—			—			92,763
	Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	246			(483		)	(260		)
	Loss from unconsolidated entities	(587		)	—			—
	Other, net	(232		)	(237		)	(388		)
	Total income tax expense	$	27,171		$	34,912		$	35,251
	At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company's annual effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations was 326.5%, (19.0)% and (16.1)%, respectively.
	The effective income tax rate changed between 2013 and 2014 primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of the $271.3 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and for the tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction recorded in 2013 compared with the restructuring and asset impairment charges recorded in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment for which no tax benefit was recorded in 2014.
	The effective income tax rate changed between 2013 and 2012 primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of the $271.3 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment recorded in 2013 compared with the $265.0 million non-deductible goodwill impairment charges recorded during 2012, tax expense recorded for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets within certain foreign jurisdictions that the Harsco Infrastructure Segment operated, and for the tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction.
	The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014						2013
	(In thousands)	Asset			Liability			Asset			Liability
	Depreciation and amortization	$	—		$	16,026		$	—		$	24,585
	Expense accruals	27,657			—			28,550			—
	Inventories	5,009			—			3,592			—
	Provision for receivables	798			—			752			—
	Deferred revenue	—			1,708			—			1,764
	Operating loss carryforwards	75,635			—			75,443			—
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	16,476			—			16,085			—
	Capital loss carryforwards	2,102			—			3,177			—
	Pensions	86,995			—			81,564			—
	Currency adjustments	35,386			—			27,536			—
	Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	—			23,885			—			28,965
	Unit adjustment liability	34,675			—			39,335			—
	Post-retirement benefits	905			—			1,013			—
	Other	9,079			—			6,159			—
	Subtotal	294,717			41,619			283,206			55,314
	Valuation allowance	(131,342		)	—			(127,164		)	—
	Total deferred income taxes	$	163,375		$	41,619		$	156,042		$	55,314
	The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Other current assets	$	39,003		$	44,315
	Other assets	90,252			65,105
	Other current liabilities	1,120			475
Deferred income taxes	6,379			8,217
At December 31, 2014, the tax-effected amount of net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") totaled $75.6 million. Tax-effected NOLs from international operations are $66.4 million. Of that amount, $44.8 million can be carried forward indefinitely, and $21.6 million will expire at various times between 2015 and 2033. Tax-effected U.S. state NOLs are $9.2 million. Of that amount, $0.4 million expire at various times between 2015 and 2018, $3.9 million expire at various times between 2019 and 2023, $1.5 million expire at various times between 2024 and 2028, and $3.4 million expire at various times between 2029 and 2033. At December 31, 2014, the tax-effected amount of capital loss carryforwards totaled $2.1 million which expire in 2018.
The valuation allowances of $131.3 million and $127.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related principally to deferred tax assets for pension liabilities, NOLs, capital losses, currency translation and foreign investment tax credits that are uncertain as to realizability. In 2014, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $8.0 million related to current year pension adjustments recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and a net increase of $6.5 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. This was offset by a $9.3 million reduction in valuation allowance from the effects of currency translation and a reduction of $1.1 million related to usage of a capital loss carryforward. Additionally, in 2013, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $9.4 million related to the Infrastructure Transaction and $7.1 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. This was offset by a $15.8 million reduction in valuation allowance related to U.K. pension adjustments recorded during the year through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and the effects of currency translation.
The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on certain non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as such amounts are indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, such earnings were approximately $705 million and $815 million, respectively. If these earnings were repatriated at December 31, 2014, the one-time tax cost associated with the repatriation would be approximately $124 million.
The Company had a tax holiday in Asia that expired in 2012, which had no impact on income tax expense for that year. The Company no longer has tax holidays in Europe and the Middle East as they have all expired.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $2.1 million, $3.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for interest and penalties primarily due to the expiration of statutes of limitation and resolution of examinations. The Company has accrued $2.8 million, $4.9 million and $8.0 million for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014 is as follows:
(In thousands)	Unrecognized			Deferred			Unrecognized
	Income Tax			Income Tax			Income Tax
	Benefits			Benefits			Benefits, Net of
							Deferred Income
							Tax Benefits
Balances, January 1, 2012	$	33,408		$	(517	)	$	32,891
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	584			(8		)	576
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	37			2			39
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,987		)	—			(3,987		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(5,124		)	154			(4,970		)
Balance at December 31, 2012	24,918			(369		)	24,549
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	500			(5		)	495
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	145			(4		)	141
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,050		)	—			(3,050		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(3,348		)	180			(3,168		)
Settlements	(1,616		)	—			(1,616		)
Balance at December 31, 2013	17,549			(198		)	17,351
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	288			(2		)	286
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	156			(55		)	101
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,056		)	—			(3,056		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(2,481		)	143			(2,338		)
Settlements	—			—			—
Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2014	$	12,456		$	(112	)	$	12,344
Included in the other reductions for tax positions related to prior years for 2014 is $3.1 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits of which $1.6 million relates to currency translation adjustments and $1.5 million was recognized as a result of closure of various foreign income tax examinations. These benefits were previously deemed to not meet the more likely than not standard.
Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that up to $0.2 million of unrecognized income tax benefits will be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations.
The Company files income tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S and international income tax examinations by tax authorities through 2008.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service completed its audit of the Company's 2010 income tax return in July 2014 and made no changes to the reported tax.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Environmental
	The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations and cleanups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a "potentially responsible party" for certain waste disposal sites. While each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the Company. The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected. The Consolidated Balance Sheets at both December 31, 2014 and 2013 include accruals in Other current liabilities of $1.2 million for environmental matters. The amounts charged against pre-tax income related to environmental matters totaled $1.9 million, $1.7 million and $1.2 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company evaluates its liability for future environmental remediation costs on a quarterly basis. Although actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates (given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures), the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts accrued would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Brazilian Tax Disputes
	The Company is involved in a number of tax disputes with federal, state and municipal tax authorities in Brazil. These disputes are at various stages of the legal process, including the administrative review phase and the collection action phase, and include assessments of fixed amounts of principal and penalties, plus interest charges that increase at statutorily determined amounts per month and are assessed on the aggregate amount of the principal and penalties. In addition, the losing party at the collection action or court of appeals phase could be subject to a charge to cover statutorily mandated legal fees, which are generally calculated as a percentage of the total assessed amounts due, inclusive of penalty and interest. A large number of the claims relate to value-added ("ICMS"), services and social security ("INSS") tax disputes. The largest proportion of the assessed amounts relate to ICMS claims filed by the State Revenue Authorities from the State of São Paulo, Brazil (the "SPRA"), encompassing the period from January 2002 to May 2005.
	In October 2009, the Company received notification of the SPRA's final administrative decision regarding the levying of ICMS in the State of São Paulo in relation to services provided to a customer in the State between January 2004 and May 2005. As of December 31, 2014, the principal amount of the tax assessment from the SPRA with regard to this case is approximately $2 million, with penalty, interest and fees assessed to date increasing such amount by an additional $25 million. Any change in the aggregate amount since the Company's last Annual Report on Form 10-K is due to an increase in assessed interest and statutorily mandated legal fees for the year, as well as foreign currency translation.
	Another ICMS tax case involving the SPRA refers to the tax period from January 2002 to December 2003, and is still pending at the administrative phase, where the aggregate amount assessed by the tax authorities in August 2005 was $9.5 million (the amounts with regard to this claim are valued as of the date of the assessment since it has not yet reached the collection phase), composed of a principal amount of $2.3 million, with penalty and interest assessed through that date increasing such amount by an additional $7.2 million. All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation.
	The Company continues to believe that it is not probable it will incur a loss for these assessments by the SPRA. The Company also continues to believe that sufficient coverage for these claims exists as a result of the Company's customer's indemnification obligations and such customer's pledge of assets in connection with the October 2009 notice, as required by Brazilian procedure.
	The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending itself against these tax claims under various alternatives, including judicial appeal. The Company will continue to evaluate its potential liability with regard to these claims on a quarterly basis; however, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these tax-related disputes in Brazil. No loss provision has been recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the disputes described above because the loss contingency is not deemed probable, and the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with Brazilian tax disputes would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Brazilian Labor Disputes
	The Company is subject to collective bargaining and individual labor claims in Brazil through the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment which allege, among other things, the Company's failure to pay required amounts for overtime and vacation at certain sites.  The Company does not believe these claims to have merit and is vigorously defending itself against these claims; however, litigation is inherently unpredictable, particularly in foreign jurisdictions.  While the Company does not currently expect that the ultimate resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these labor-related disputes.
	The Company is continuing to review all known labor claims and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has established reserves of $8.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts considered to be probable and estimable. There can be no assurances that the Company will not conclude that it is necessary to increase the reserves relating to the claims, or take other actions as it continues to evaluate the potential liability with regard to these claims.
	Customer Disputes
	The Company, through its Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, provides services through long-term service contracts on a number of sites worldwide. As previously disclosed, a subcontractor at the site of a large customer has filed for arbitration against the Company, claiming that it is owed monetary damages from the Company in connection with its processing certain materials. The Company disputes that it is responsible for such alleged damages and intends to vigorously defend itself against this claim. In addition, the Company has impleaded its customer - which the Company believes has responsibility for any damages - into its arbitration with the subcontractor. The Company has concluded that a loss contingency is neither probable nor estimable and, therefore has not made any provision for any potential loss in its consolidated financial statements. Moreover, based on the information currently available to the Company, the Company does not expect that the ultimate resolution of this arbitration will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	The Company, through its Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, may, in the normal of business, become involved in commercial disputes with other subcontractors or customers. Although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by a negative outcome in these or other lawsuits, claims and proceedings, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Other
	The Company is named as one of many defendants (approximately 90 or more in most cases) in legal actions in the United States alleging personal injury from exposure to airborne asbestos over the past several decades. In their suits, the plaintiffs have named as defendants, among others, many manufacturers, distributors and installers of numerous types of equipment or products that allegedly contained asbestos.
	The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit. The Company has never been a producer, manufacturer or processor of asbestos fibers. Any asbestos-containing part of a Company product used in the past was purchased from a supplier and the asbestos encapsulated in other materials such that airborne exposure, if it occurred, was not harmful and is not associated with the types of injuries alleged in the pending actions.
	At December 31, 2014, there were 17,314 pending asbestos personal injury actions filed against the Company. Of those actions, 16,979 were filed in the New York Supreme Court (New York County), 115 were filed in other New York State Supreme Court Counties and 220 were filed in courts located in other states.
	The complaints in most of those actions generally follow a form that contains a standard damages demand of $20 million or $25 million, regardless of the individual plaintiff's alleged medical condition, and without identifying any specific Company product.
	At December 31, 2014, 16,816 of the actions filed in New York Supreme Court (New York County) were on the Deferred/Inactive Docket created by the court in December 2002 for all pending and future asbestos actions filed by persons who cannot demonstrate that they have a malignant condition or discernible physical impairment. The remaining 163 cases in New York County are pending on the Active or In Extremis Docket created for plaintiffs who can demonstrate a malignant condition or physical impairment.
	The Company has liability insurance coverage under various primary and excess policies that the Company believes will be available, if necessary, to substantially cover any liability that might ultimately be incurred in the asbestos actions referred to above. The Company believes that a substantial portion of the costs and expenses of the asbestos actions will be paid by the Company’s insurers.
	In view of the persistence of asbestos litigation in the United States, the Company expects to continue to receive additional claims in the future. The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending these claims and cases. At December 31, 2014, the Company has obtained dismissal in 27,550 cases by stipulation or summary judgment prior to trial.
	It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related actions in the United States due to the unpredictable nature of this litigation, and no loss provision has been recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements because a loss contingency is not deemed probable or estimable. Despite this uncertainty, and although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by asbestos-related actions, the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with asbestos litigation would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	The Company is subject to various other claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, all such matters are adequately covered by insurance or by established reserves, and, if not so covered, are without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
	Insurance liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred for a particular event and the amount of loss associated with the event can be reasonably estimated. Insurance reserves have been estimated based primarily upon actuarial calculations and reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities for ultimate losses, including claims incurred but not reported. Inherent in these estimates are assumptions that are based on the Company's history of claims and losses, a detailed analysis of existing claims with respect to potential value, and current legal and legislative trends. If actual claims differ from those projected by management, changes (either increases or decreases) to insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded through income in the period the change was determined. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Insurance claim receivables are included in Other receivables on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for additional information on Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock
	The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both having a par value of $1.25 per share. The preferred stock is issuable in series with terms as fixed by the Board of Directors (the "Board"). No preferred stock has been issued. Under the Company's Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (the "Agreement"), the Board authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one right for each share of common stock outstanding on the record date. The rights may only be exercised if, among other things and with certain exceptions, a person or group has acquired 15% or more of the Company's common stock without the prior approval of the Board. Each right entitles the holder to purchase 1/100th share of Harsco Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $230. Once the rights become exercisable, the holder of a right will be entitled, upon payment of the exercise price, to purchase a number of shares of common stock calculated to have a value of two times the exercise price of the right. The rights expire on October 9, 2017, do not have voting power, and may be redeemed by the Company at a price of $0.001 per right at any time until the 10th business day following public announcement that a person or group has accumulated 15% or more of the Company's common stock. The Agreement also includes an exchange feature. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, 806,599 and 806,789 shares, respectively, of $1.25 par value preferred stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the rights.
	The Board has authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows:
		Shares Authorized			Additional Shares			Shares			Remaining Shares
		to be Purchased			Authorized for			Purchased			Authorized for
		January 1			Purchase						Purchase
											December 31
	2012	1,713,423			—			—			1,713,423
	2013	1,713,423			286,577			—			2,000,000
	2014	2,000,000			—			150,000			1,850,000
	At December 31, 2014, 1,850,000 shares remained available for repurchase under the Company's share repurchase program. Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased an additional 596,632 shares. The Company's share repurchase program expired on January 31, 2015.
	The following table summarizes the Company's common stock:
		Common Stock
		Shares			Treasury			Outstanding
		Issued			Shares (a)			Shares
	Outstanding, January 1, 2012	111,931,267			31,454,097			80,477,170
	Stock options exercised	38,900			—			38,900
	Vested restricted stock units	45,898			14,677			31,221
	Other stock grants	47,873			10,536			37,337
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012	112,063,938			31,479,310			80,584,628
	Stock options exercised	20,000			—			20,000
	Vested restricted stock units	25,215			9,358			15,857
	Stock appreciation rights exercised	2,713			521			2,192
	Other stock grants	86,827			30,579			56,248
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013	112,198,693			31,519,768			80,678,925
	Vested restricted stock units	65,851			4,418			61,433
	Stock appreciation rights exercised	9,213			2,985			6,228
	Other stock grants	83,591			20,327			63,264
	Treasury shares purchased	—			150,000			(150,000	)
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014	112,357,348			31,697,498			80,659,850
	(a) The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.
	The following is a reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2014				2013				2012
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(24,902	)		$	(226,449	)		$	(253,693	)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	80,884				80,755				80,632
	Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	—				—				—
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	80,884				80,755				80,632
	Loss from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
	Basic	$	(0.31	)		$	(2.80	)		$	(3.15	)
	Diluted	$	(0.31	)		$	(2.80	)		$	(3.15	)
	The following average outstanding stock-based compensation units were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was antidilutive:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Restricted stock units	301			265			148
	Stock options	188			286			389
	Stock appreciation rights	912			1,078			530
	Performance share units	93			—			—
	Other stock-based compensation units	—			101			317

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The 2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2013 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 6,800,000 shares of the Company's common stock for use in paying incentive compensation awards in the form of stock options or other equity awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), or performance share units ("PSUs"). Of the 6,800,000 shares authorized, a maximum of 3,400,000 shares may be issued for awards other than option rights or SARs, as defined in the 2013 Plan. The 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan (the "1995 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of the Company's common stock for equity awards. Both plans have been approved by the Company's stockholders. At December 31, 2014, there were 5,616,343 shares available for granting equity awards under the 2013 Plan, of which 3,013,373 shares were available for awards other than option rights or SARs. At December 31, 2014, there were 107,063 shares available for granting equity awards under the 1995 Plan.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The Company's Board approves the granting of performance-based RSUs as the long-term equity component of director, officer and certain key employee compensation. The RSUs require no payment from the recipient and compensation cost is measured based on the market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date and is generally recorded over the vesting period. The vesting period for RSUs granted to non-employee directors is one year, and each RSU is exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company's common stock following the termination of the participant's service as a director. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2012, and prior, either vest on a pro rata basis over a three-year period or upon obtainment of the specified retirement age of 62. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2013, either "cliff" vest at the end of three years or upon obtainment of the specified retirement age of 62. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2014, either "cliff" vest at the end of three years, upon obtainment of the specified retirement age of 62 or upon meeting certain years of service criteria. Upon vesting, each RSU is exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company's common stock. RSUs do not have an option for cash payment.
	The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			RSUs		Weighted Average Fair Value			Expense
	(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)							2014				2013		2012
	Directors:
	2011		20,192		$	34.79		$	—			$	—	$	234
	2012		30,618		$	21.44		—				255		402
	2013		46,287		$	20.6		318				636		—
	2014		36,840		$	24.8		602				—		—
	Employees:
	2009		121,625		$	25.98		—				—		43
	2010		26,000		$	23.78		—				—		21
	2011		17,250		$	23.55		3				69		195
	2012		141,486		$	18.75		151				383		525
	2013		170,582		$	20.63		325				633		—
	2014		190,832		$	25.21		1,114				—		—
	Total							$	2,513			$	1,976	$	1,420
	Restricted stock unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			RSUs
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2012		62,641		$	25.39
	Granted		172,104		$	19.23
	Vested		(67,861	)	$	24.86
	Forfeited		(25,411	)	$	20.35
	Non-vested at December 31, 2012		141,473		$	19.19
	Granted		216,869		$	20.62
	Vested		(69,955	)	$	20.54
	Forfeited		(74,546	)	$	22.61
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013		213,841		$	19.95
	Granted		227,672		$	25.14
	Vested		(52,041	)	$	23.58
	Forfeited		(84,956	)	$	20.92
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014		304,516		$	22.94
	At December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs was $4.0 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.
	There was no change in excess tax benefits from RSUs recognized in 2014 and 2012. There was a $0.1 million increase of excess tax benefits in 2013.
	Stock Appreciation Rights
	The Company may grant SARs to officers and certain key employees under the 2013 Plan.  The SARs generally vest on a pro-rata basis from one to five years from the grant date or upon certain retirement age and years of service criteria, and expire no later than ten years after the grant date, and the specified retirement age is 62.  The exercise price of the SARs is the fair value on the grant date.  Upon exercise, shares of Company's common stock are issued based on the increase in the fair value of the Company's common stock over the exercise price of the SAR.  SARs do not have an option for cash payment.
	During 2012, the Company issued SARs covering 318,452 shares in March, 345,502 shares in May and 43,058 shares in September under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan to officers and key executive employees. During 2013, the Company issued SARs covering 903,814 shares in May, 5,018 shares in June and 15,000 shares in November under the 2013 Plan. During 2014, the Company issued SARs covering 51,900 shares in April, 255,090 shares in May, 31,405 shares in July, 84,290 shares in August, 15,808 shares in September and 12,401 shares in November under the 2013 Plan.
	The fair value of each SAR grant was estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:
			SARs Issued
			Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)		Volatility			SAR Grant Price		Fair Value of SAR
	March 2012 Grant		1.56	%	3.5	%	6.5		43.9	%		$	23.73	$	6.1
	May 2012 Grant		1.18	%	4.2	%	6.5		44	%		$	19.65	$	4.77
	September 2012 Grant		1	%	3.8	%	6.5		44.3	%		$	21.37	$	6.2
	May 2013 Grant		1.17	%	3.61	%	6.5		44.1	%		$	22.7	$	6.86
	June 2013 Grant		1.41	%	3.56	%	6.5		44.1	%		$	23.03	$	7.07
	November 2013 Grant		1.91	%	3.13	%	6.5		43.8	%		$	26.22	$	8.6
	April 2014 Grant		1.98	%	3.53	%	6		44.3	%		$	23.25	$	7.25
	May 2014 Grant (1st)		1.9	%	3.16	%	6		43.2	%		$	25.93	$	8.16
	May 2014 Grant (2nd)		1.82	%	3.05	%	6		42.8	%		$	26.92	$	8.47
	July 2014 Grant		2	%	3.24	%	6		41.2	%		$	25.27	$	7.55
	August 2014 Grant		1.92	%	3.27	%	6		41.2	%		$	25.11	$	7.46
	September 2014 Grant		2.03	%	3.5	%	6		40.6	%		$	23.43	$	6.72
	November 2014 Grant		1.78	%	4	%	6		38.6	%		$	20.48	$	5.17
	SARs activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			SARs
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (a)
	Outstanding, January 1, 2012		—		$	—		$	—
	Granted		707,012		$	21.23
Forfeited/Expired		(181,725	)	$	21.23
Outstanding, December 31, 2012		525,287		$	21.23		$	1.2
Granted		923,832		$	22.76
Exercised		(11,037	)	$	19.65
Forfeited/Expired		(476,624	)	$	22.28
Outstanding, December 31, 2013		961,458		$	22.2		$	5.6
Granted		450,894		$	25.2
Exercised		(52,667	)	$	20.21
Forfeited/Expired		(406,637	)	$	22.65
Outstanding, December 31, 2014		953,048		$	23.53		$	—
(a) Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those SARs where the market price exceeds the exercise price.
The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million and $0.1 million. No SARs were exercised in 2012.
The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2014:
		SARs Outstanding										SARs Exercisable
Range of exercisable prices		Vested		Non-vested		Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Number Exercisable	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
$19.65 - $23.43		147,540		381,180		$	22.11			8.3		147,540	$	21.61
$23.73 - $26.92		59,098		365,230		$	25.31			9		59,098	$	24.04
		206,638		746,410		$	23.53			8.6		206,638	$	22.3
At December 31, 2014, outstanding SARs, substantially all of which are expected to vest, have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 8.6 years and no intrinsic value as the exercise price for all SARs exceeds the current market value. Vested and currently exercisable SARs have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 7.8 years and no aggregate intrinsic value.
At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested SARs was $3.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years.
Weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested SARs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		SARs
		Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, January 1, 2013		525,287		$	21.23
Granted		923,832		$	22.76
Vested		(121,953	)	$	21.65
Exercised		(11,037	)	$	19.65
Forfeited		(476,624	)	$	22.28
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013		839,505		$	22.27
Granted		450,894		$	25.2
Vested		(84,685	)	$	23.23
Exercised		(52,667	)	$	20.21
Forfeited		(406,637	)	$	22.65
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014		746,410		$	23.87
Performance Stock Units
Beginning in 2014, the Company granted PSUs to officers and certain key employees that may be earned based on the Company's total shareholder return over the three-year performance period beginning January 1, 2014 (the "performance period"). PSUs are paid out at the end of the performance period based on the Company’s performance which is measured by determining the percentile rank of the total shareholder return of the Company's common stock in relation to the total shareholder return of the S&P Midcap 400 Industrial Group during the performance period. The payment of PSUs following the performance period will be based in accordance with the scale set forth in the PSU agreements and may range from 0% to 200% of the initial grant. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 15,700 shares in April, 82,526 shares in May, 11,487 shares in July, 26,550 shares in August, 4,980 shares in September and 3,906 shares in November under the 2013 Plan.
The fair value of PSUs granted was estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo pricing model with the following assumptions:
		PSUs Issued
		Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)		Volatility			Fair Value of PSU
April 2014 Grant		0.75	%	—	%	2.73		34.3	%		$	18
May 2014 Grant (1st)		0.7	%	—	%	2.65		31.8	%		$	25.26
May 2014 Grant (2nd)		0.63	%	—	%	2.61		30.1	%		$	27.53
July 2014 Grant		0.74	%	—	%	2.42		26.9	%		$	22.31
August 2014 Grant		0.67	%	—	%	2.42		26.9	%		$	21.86
September 2014 Grant		0.72	%	—	%	2.29		25.7	%		$	15.26
November 2014 Grant		0.55	%	—	%	2.1		26.3	%		$	7.42
Total compensation expense related to PSUs was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested PSUs was $2.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.
A summary of the Company's non-vested PSU activity during the year ending December 31, 2014 is presented in the following table:
		PSUs
		Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013		—		$	—
Granted		145,149		$	22.82
Vested		(1,784	)	$	27.53
Forfeited		(9,796	)	$	25.26
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014		133,569		$	22.58
Stock Options
The Company may grant incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options to officers, certain key employees and non-employee directors under the plans noted above. The stock options would generally vest three years from the grant date, which is the date the Board approved the grants, and expire no later than seven years after the grant date. The exercise price of the stock option would be fair value on the grant date. Upon exercise, a new share of Company common stock is issued for each stock option.
Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Stock Options
		Number of Shares		Weighted Average			Aggregate
				Exercise Price			Intrinsic Value
							(in millions)(a)
Outstanding, January 1, 2012		661,840		$	30.22		$	0.2
Exercised		(38,900	)	$	18.23		—
Forfeited/Expired		(294,940	)	$	31.29		$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2012		328,000		$	30.67		$	0.2
Exercised		(20,000	)	$	16.96		$	—
Forfeited/Expired		(79,000	)	$	31		$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2013		229,000		$	31.75		$	—
Forfeited/Expired		(107,500	)	$	31.75		$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2014		121,500		$	31.75		$	—
(a)	Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those options where the market price exceeds the exercise price.
Compensation expense related to stock options totaled less than $0.1 million in both 2014 and 2012. Compensation expense related to stock options was $0.2 million in 2013.
At December 31, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options.
There were no stock options exercised and no net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options in 2014. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaled $0.4 million and $0.7 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during both 2013 and 2012 was $0.1 million.
The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2014:
		Stock Options Outstanding										Stock Options Exercisable
Range of Exercisable Prices		Vested		Non-vested		Weighted Average				Weighted Average		Number	Weighted Average
						Exercise				Remaining		Exercisable	Exercise
						Price Per				Contractual			Price Per
						Share				Life in			Share
										Years
$31.75 - $31.75		121,500		—		$	31.75			3.1		121,500	$	31.75
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of non-vested stock options during the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		Stock Options
		Shares Under Option		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2014		149,000		$	10.9
Vested		(121,500	)	10.9
Forfeited		(27,500	)	10.9
Outstanding, December 31, 2014		—		$	10.9
Other Stock Grants
During 2014, the Company issued 27,672 common shares to the Interim Chief Executive Officer as part of his compensation agreement. These shares vested immediately and were not subject to any holding period restrictions. The fair value of these other stock grants were based on the market price of the Company's stock at the grant date. Expense recognized in 2014 for these other stock grants totaled $0.7 million.
In addition, 55,919 common shares were issued to other officers and key employees to settle previous fully-vested liability-based long-term incentive award programs.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
	Off-Balance Sheet Risk
	As collateral for the Company's performance and to insurers, the Company is contingently liable under standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees in the amounts of $269.4 million, $216.3 million and $208.8 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase since December 31, 2014 primarily relates to the issuance of performance bonds associated with the Company's large Switzerland rail order in the Harsco Rail Segment. These standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees are generally in force for up to 5 years. Certain issues have no scheduled expiration date. The Company pays fees to various banks and insurance companies that range from 0.32% to 2.50% per annum of the instrument's face value. If the Company were required to obtain replacement standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees at December 31, 2014 for those currently outstanding, it is the Company's opinion that the replacement costs would be within the present fee structure.
	The Company has currency exposures in approximately 35 countries. The Company's primary foreign currency exposures during 2014 were in the European Economic and Monetary Union, the United Kingdom and Brazil.
	Off-Balance Sheet Risk—Third-Party Guarantees
	In connection with the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company has outstanding guarantees and letters of credit related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that are still in force. These guarantees and letters of credit are provided to enable the legacy business to obtain financing for their operations. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to these guarantees was approximately $15 million and $19 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These guarantees and letters of credit are expected to be replaced by Brand during 2015. There is no recognition of a liability related to these guarantees or letters of credit as the Company believes that the potential for making any payments is remote and they have been indemnified by Brand as part of the Infrastructure Transaction.
	During June 2014, the Company provided a guarantee to Brand, as part of the net working capital settlement related to the Infrastructure Transaction, for certain matters occurring prior to closing. The remaining term of this guarantee is 6 years at December 31, 2014. The maximum potential amount of future payments related to this guarantee is approximately $3 million at December 31, 2014. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.
	The Company provided an environmental indemnification for properties that were sold to a third party in 2007. The maximum term of this guarantee is 20 years, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter is discovered on the properties. The Company is not aware of environmental issues related to these properties. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.
	The Company provided an environmental indemnification for property from a lease that terminated in 2006. The term of this guarantee is indefinite, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter was discovered on the property relating to the time the Company leased the property. The Company is not aware of any environmental issues related to this property. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to this guarantee is estimated to be $3.0 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.
	Any liabilities related to the Company's obligation to stand ready to act on third-party guarantees are included in the captions, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities (as appropriate), on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any recognition of these liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations for 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	In the normal course of business, legal indemnifications are provided related primarily to the performance of the Company's products and services and patent and trademark infringement of the products and services sold. These indemnifications generally relate to the performance (regarding function, not price) of the respective products or services and therefore no liability is recognized related to the fair value of such guarantees.
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company uses derivative instruments, including foreign currency forward exchange contracts, commodity contracts and cross currency interest rate swaps, to manage certain foreign currency, commodity price and interest rate exposures. Derivative instruments are viewed as risk management tools by the Company and are not used for trading or speculative purposes.
	All derivative instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge foreign currency denominated balance sheet items are reported directly in earnings along with offsetting transaction gains and losses on the items being hedged. Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases may be accounted for as cash flow hedges, as deemed appropriate, if the criteria for hedge accounting are met. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are deferred as a separate component of equity and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. Generally, at December 31, 2014, these deferred gains and losses will be reclassified to earnings over 10 to 15 years from the balance sheet date. The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.
	The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
	(In thousands)		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	31-Dec-14
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	420					$	—
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		Other assets		52,989				Other liabilities		2,599
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				$	53,409					$	2,599
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	4,065			Other current liabilities		$	4,618
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
	(In thousands)		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	31-Dec-13
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	40			Other current liabilities		$	17
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		Other assets		26,001				Other liabilities		13,410
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				$	26,041					$	13,427
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	1,216			Other current liabilities		$	3,267
	All of the Company's derivatives are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at gross amounts and not offset. All of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps and certain foreign currency forward exchange contracts are transacted under International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") documentation. Each ISDA master agreement permits the net settlement of amounts owed in the event of default. The Company's derivative assets and liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements did not result in a net or net liability at either December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	The effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
	(In thousands)		Amount of				Location of Gain	Amount of				Location of Gain	Amount of
			Gain (Loss)				(Loss) Reclassified	Gain (Loss)				(Loss) Recognized	Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in				from Accumulated	Reclassified				in Income on	Recognized
			Other				OCI into Income—Effective	from				Derivative—Ineffective Portion	in Income
			Comprehensive				Portion	Accumulated				and Amount	on Derivative—Ineffective
			Income					OCI into				Excluded from	Portion and
			("OCI") on					Income—Effective				Effectiveness	Amount
			Derivative—Effective					Portion				Testing	Excluded
			Portion										from Effectiveness
													Testing
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	358			Cost of services and products sold	$	4				$	—
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		(1,977		)			—				Cost of services and products sold	39,823			(a)
			$	(1,619	)			$	4				$	39,823
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	48			Cost of services and products sold	$	(8	)		Cost of services and products sold	$	(6	)
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		2,409					—				Cost of services and products sold	(12,061		)	(a)
			$	2,457				$	(8	)			$	(12,067	)
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	(152	)		Cost of services and products sold	$	270				$	—
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		(4,748		)			—				Cost of services and products sold	(13,384		)	(a)
			$	(4,900	)			$	270				$	(13,384	)
	(a)	These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31(a)
	(In thousands)				2014				2013				2012
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Cost of services and products sold		$	(2,307	)		$	(10,463	)		$	(3,529	)
	(a)	These gains (losses) offset amounts recognized in cost of service and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts
The Company conducts business in multiple currencies and, accordingly, is subject to the inherent risks associated with foreign exchange rate movements. The financial position and results of operations of substantially all of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates, and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods. The aggregate effects of translating the balance sheets of these subsidiaries are deferred and recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a separate component of equity.
The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge cash flows related to foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding are part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency exchange operating income and balance sheet exposure by offsetting foreign currency exposures of certain future payments between the Company and various subsidiaries, suppliers or customers. The unsecured contracts are with major financial institutions. The Company may be exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the contract counterparties. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of the counterparties and does not expect default by them. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts are used to hedge commitments, such as foreign currency debt, firm purchase commitments and foreign currency cash flows for certain export sales transactions.
The following tables summarize, by major currency, the contractual amounts of the Company's foreign currency forward exchange contracts in U.S. dollars at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The "Buy" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies, and the "Sell" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell foreign currencies. The recognized gains and losses offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.
Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2014:
(In thousands)		Type		U.S. Dollar				Maturity		Recognized
				Equivalent						Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling		Sell		$	37,943			Jan-15		$	179
British pounds sterling		Buy		2,783				Jan-15		(4		)
Euros		Sell		193,370				January 2015 through March 2015		2,993
Euros		Buy		194,084				January 2015 through March 2015		(3,767		)
Other currencies		Sell		12,641				January 2015 through December 2015		439
Other currencies		Buy		28,001				January 2015 through June 2015		27
Total				$	468,822					$	(133	)
Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2013:
(In thousands)		Type		U.S. Dollar				Maturity		Recognized
				Equivalent						Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling		Sell		$	26,931			Jan-14		$	(277	)
British pounds sterling		Buy		1,976				Jan-14		15
Euros		Sell		248,943				January 2014 through July 2014		(335		)
Euros		Buy		242,385				January 2014 through March 2014		(1,335		)
Other currencies		Sell		12,708				January 2014 through July 2014		(134		)
Other currencies		Buy		8,907				January 2014 through August 2014		38
Total				$	541,850					$	(2,028	)
Included in the contracted amounts of foreign currency exchange forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013 are $121.2 million of foreign currency exchange forward contracts entered into by the Company under the Transition Services Agreement with Brand. The Company has recognized a $0.7 million mark-to-market liability associated with these foreign currency exchange forward contracts.
In addition to foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the Company designates certain loans as hedges of net investments in international subsidiaries. The Company recorded pre-tax net gains of $22.6 million and pre-tax net losses of $9.8 million and $5.3 million related to hedges of net investments during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in the caption, Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps
The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed local currency interest rate. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or floating U.S. dollar rate and pays interest on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in dollars and the local currency, respectively. At maturity, there is also the payment of principal amounts between currencies. The cross currency interest rate swaps are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in value attributed to the effect of the swaps' interest spread and changes in the credit worthiness of the counter-parties recorded in the caption, Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal. The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps:
		Contractual				Interest Rates
(In millions)		Amounts				Receive		Pay
Maturing 2018		$	250			Fixed U.S. dollar rate		Fixed euro rate
Maturing 2020		220				Fixed U.S. dollar rate		Fixed British pound sterling rate
Maturing 2016 through 2017		8.8				Floating U.S. dollar rate		Fixed rupee rate
Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities and Other Financial Instruments
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.
The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
•	Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
•	Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
•	Level 3—Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
In instances in which multiple levels of inputs are used to measure fair value, hierarchy classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
Level 2 Fair Value Measurements		December 31				December 31
(In thousands)		2014				2013
Assets
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	4,485			$	1,256
Cross currency interest rate swaps		52,989				26,001
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		4,618				3,284
Cross currency interest rate swaps		2,599				13,410
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability for the Twelve Months Ended December 31		2014				2013
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year		$	106,343			$	—
Recognition of unit adjustment liability		—				107,500
Payments		(22,320		)		(2,123		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability		9,740				966
Balance at end of year		$	93,762		(a)	$	106,343
(a)	Does not total due to rounding.
See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the unit adjustment liability.
The Company primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs, such as forward rates, interest rates, the Company's credit risk and counterparties' credit risks, and which minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Company is able to classify fair value balances based on the ability to observe those inputs. Commodity derivatives, foreign currency forward exchange contracts and cross currency interest rate swaps are classified as Level 2 fair value based upon pricing models using market-based inputs. Model inputs can be verified, and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $885.0 million and $832.6 million, respectively, compared to carrying value of $854.9 million and $803.4 million, respectively. Fair values for debt are based on quoted market prices (Level 1) for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places cash and cash equivalents with high-quality financial institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any single institution.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited in the Harsco Industrial Segments due to the Company's large number of customers and their dispersion across different industries and geographies. However, the Company's Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and, to a lesser extent, the Harsco Rail Segment have several large customers throughout the world with significant accounts receivable balances. Consolidation in the global steel or rail industries could result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company.
The Company generally does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. If a receivable from one or more of the Company's larger customers becomes uncollectible, it could have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo

Information by Segment and Geographic Area	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information by Segment and Georgraphic Area	Information by Segment and Geographic Area
	The Company reports information about operating segments using the "management approach," which is based on the way management organizes and reports the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are identified based upon differences in products, services and markets served.
	In 2014, the Company had three reportable segments. These segments and the types of products and services offered include the following:
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
	Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products. Major customers include steel mills and asphalt roofing manufacturers.
	Harsco Industrial Segment
	Major products include air-cooled heat exchangers; industrial grating; and boilers and water heaters. Major customers include industrial plants and the non-residential, commercial and public construction and retrofit markets; and the natural gas, natural gas processing and petrochemical industries.
	Harsco Rail Segment
	This Segment manufactures railway track maintenance equipment and provides track maintenance services. The major customers include private and government-owned railroads and urban mass transit systems worldwide.
	In 2013 and 2012, the Company's reportable segments also include the following:
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment
	Historically, major services included project engineering and equipment installation, as well as the sale and rental of scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming systems for industrial maintenance and capital improvement projects, civil infrastructure projects, non-residential construction, and international multi-dwelling residential construction projects. Services were provided to industrial and petrochemical plants; the infrastructure construction, repair and maintenance markets; commercial and industrial construction contractors; and public utilities. As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, this Segment is not included in the Company's results of operations for 2014. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.
	Other Information
	The measurement basis of segment profit or loss is operating income (loss). There are no significant inter-segment sales. Corporate assets, at December 31, 2014, include principally cash, prepaid taxes, fair value of derivative instruments, the equity method investment in Brand and U.S. deferred income taxes. Countries with revenues from unaffiliated customers or net property, plant and equipment of ten percent or more of the consolidated totals (in at least one period presented) are as follows:
	Information by Geographic Area (a)
			Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
			Year Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	United States		$	880,884		$	1,021,770		$	1,108,051
	United Kingdom		257,885			353,915			331,894
	All Other		926,969			1,520,835			1,606,073
	Totals including Corporate		$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018
	(a)	Revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the facility generating the revenue.
			Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
			Balances at December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	United States		$	151,397		$	147,820		$	242,890
	China		102,842			86,822			55,656
	Brazil		69,515			63,161			65,019
	All Other		339,490			413,543			902,660
	Totals including Corporate		$	663,244		$	711,346		$	1,266,225
	No single customer provided in excess of 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues in 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment had two customers that each provided in excess of 10% of this Segment's revenues under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites. Additionally, consolidation in the global steel industry has increased the Company's exposure to these customers. Should additional consolidations occur involving some of the steel industry's larger companies which are customers of the Company, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Industrial Segment had one customer that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. In 2014 and 2012, the Harsco Rail Segment had one customer and in 2013 two customers that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. The loss of any of these customers would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial positions or cash flows; however, it could have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.
	Operating Information by Segment:
	The Company has reclassified segment operating results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 to conform to the revised manner in which the Company now allocates corporate expenses to operating segments as a result of changes in organizational structure resulting from the Infrastructure Transaction. The changes do not impact the Company's previously reported consolidated revenues from continuing operations, operating income (loss) from continuing operations or income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income.
			Twelve Months Ended
			December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	1,377,592		$	1,359,004		$	1,404,103
	Harsco Infrastructure		—			885,377			937,293
	Harsco Industrial		412,532			365,972			352,586
	Harsco Rail		275,614			286,167			352,036
	Total Revenues		$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	9,858		$	95,310		$	99,668
	Harsco Infrastructure		—			(255,326		)	(350,497		)
	Harsco Industrial		63,680			58,977			58,062
	Harsco Rail		37,137			27,710			54,727
	Corporate		(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
	Total Operating Income (Loss)		$	63,471		$	(134,799	)	$	(174,790	)
	Total Assets
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	1,472,277		$	1,595,221		$	1,561,973
	Harsco Infrastructure (a)		—			456,323			1,018,979
	Harsco Industrial		126,548			83,189			81,035
	Harsco Rail		169,035			159,774			188,348
	Corporate		495,941			147,241			125,634
	Total Assets		$	2,263,801		$	2,441,748		$	2,975,969
	Depreciation and Amortization
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	159,844		$	158,837		$	163,137
	Harsco Infrastructure		—			58,449			89,814
	Harsco Industrial		4,928			3,329			3,098
	Harsco Rail		5,591			10,362			10,116
	Corporate		5,963			6,064			5,952
Total Depreciation and Amortization		$	176,326		$	237,041		$	272,117
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	186,784		$	173,179		$	189,358
Harsco Infrastructure		—			62,889			63,137
Harsco Industrial		9,298			3,936			3,669
Harsco Rail		3,120			3,502			4,133
Corporate		8,776			2,641			4,726
Total Capital Expenditures		$	207,978		$	246,147		$	265,023
(a) The total assets of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment at December 31, 2013 represent assets held-for-sale, the value of the equity method investment in Brand, and related net deferred tax assets.
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) to Consolidated Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income:
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31
(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Segment operating income (loss)		$	110,675		$	(73,329	)	$	(138,040	)
General Corporate expense		(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations		63,471			(134,799		)	(174,790		)
Interest income		1,702			2,087			3,676
Interest expense		(47,111		)	(49,654		)	(47,381		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability		(9,740		)	(966		)	—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income		$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)
Information about Products and Services:
		Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31
(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Key Product and Services Groups
Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products		$	1,377,592		$	1,359,004		$	1,404,103
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a)		—			885,377			937,293
Railway track maintenance services and equipment		275,614			286,167			352,036
Air-cooled heat exchangers		226,529			180,738			175,896
Industrial grating products		139,711			142,355			136,157
Heat transfer products		46,292			42,879			40,533
Consolidated Revenues		$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018
(a) The Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales product group is associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment which was disposed of as part of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

Other_Expenses

Other Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses	Other Expenses
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded pre-tax other expenses from continuing operations of $57.8 million, $15.1 million and $93.8 million, respectively. The major components of this Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows:
			Other (Income) Expenses
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Net gains		$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)
	Employee termination benefit costs		19,120			3,928			31,158
	Costs to exit activities		4,908			5,382			38,626
	Product line rationalization		—			—			24,966
	Impaired asset write-downs		39,455			9,688			7,152
	Other (income) expense		1,059			769			(2,278		)
	Total		$	57,824		$	15,110		$	93,776
	Other expenses in 2014 were incurred in conjunction with non-cash impaired asset write-downs, termination benefit costs and costs to exit activities in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment aligned with the Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan ("Project Orion") and the related focus on underperforming contracts, partially offset by net gains, primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and Harsco Industrial Segment. See Note 19, Restructuring Programs, for additional information on Project Orion.
	Other expenses in 2013 were incurred in conjunction with impaired asset write-downs primarily in the Harsco Rail Segment, costs to exit activities primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and Corporate, employee termination benefit costs primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, partially offset by net gains primarily in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.
	Substantially all other expenses in 2012 were incurred in conjunction with restructuring programs initiated within the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment in 2011 and the Harsco Infrastructure Segment in 2010. See Note 19, Restructuring Programs, for additional information on these restructuring programs.
	Net Gains
	Net gains result from the sales of redundant properties (primarily land, buildings and related equipment) and non-core assets. In 2014, gains related to assets sold primarily in North America and Latin America. In 2013, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States and Western Europe. In 2012, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States.
			Net Gains
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		$	(3,538	)	$	(1,043	)	$	(2,449	)
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment		—			(2,864		)	(2,198		)
	Harsco Industrial Segment		(2,077		)	(750		)	(1,089		)
	Corporate		(1,103		)	—			(112		)
	Total		$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)
	Cash proceeds associated with these gains are included in the caption, Proceeds from sales of assets, in the cash flows from investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Employee Termination Benefit Costs
	Costs and the related liabilities associated with involuntary termination benefit costs associated with one-time benefit arrangements provided as part of an exit or disposal activity are recognized by the Company when a formal plan for reorganization is approved at the appropriate level of management and communicated to the affected employees. Additionally, costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements, or in certain countries where statutory requirements dictate a minimum required benefit, are recognized when they are probable and estimable.
	The employee termination benefits costs in 2014 related primarily to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, including the impact of Project Orion, primarily in Latin America and Western Europe. The employee termination benefit costs in 2013 related primarily to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and were primarily in Latin America, Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and North America. The employee termination benefit costs in 2012 related primarily to the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program and were primarily in Western Europe, North America, the United Kingdom and the Asia-Pacific region.
			Employee Termination Benefit Costs
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		$	18,169		$	3,561		$	8,082
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)		—			(326		)	17,291
	Harsco Rail Segment		185			235			245
	Harsco Industrial Segment		421			115			418
	Corporate		345			343			5,122
	Total		$	19,120		$	3,928		$	31,158
	(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.
	Costs to Exit Activities
	Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized as follows:
	•	Costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease are recognized when an entity terminates the contract or when an entity ceases using the right conveyed by the contract. This includes the costs to terminate the contract before the end of its term or the costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the entity (e.g., lease run-out costs).
	•	Other costs associated with exit or disposal activities (e.g., costs to consolidate or close facilities and relocate equipment or employees) are recognized and measured at their fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred.
	In 2014, $4.9 million of exit costs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, primarily related to North America and Western Europe, partially offset at Corporate by gains from currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings related to historic Harsco Infrastructure Segment entities which were not included as part of the Infrastructure Transaction and retained by the Company. The currency translation adjustments are non-cash items recognized when the Company has substantially liquidated the related investment in a foreign entity.
	In 2013, $5.4 million of exit costs were incurred, principally at Corporate related to the preliminary phases of the Infrastructure Transaction and the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment at various sites.
	In 2012, $38.6 million of exit costs were incurred, principally related to Western Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom. This consists primarily of branch structure reduction and office rationalization costs in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments. Costs to exit activities included $10.9 million of gains from currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings. The Company exited certain countries and recognized such adjustment gains in conjunction with the Company's 2011/2012 Restructuring Program.
			Costs to Exit Activities
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		$	6,395		$	2,705		$	3,627
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)		—			(254		)	34,820
	Corporate		(1,487		)	2,931			179
	Total		$	4,908		$	5,382		$	38,626
	(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.
	Product Line Rationalization
	The Company did not record any product line rationalization charges in either 2014 or 2013. The product line rationalization charge of $25.0 million in 2012 represents a write-down of certain rental assets and sale inventories in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that were discontinued in conjunction with restructuring programs to streamline and optimize product offerings. These charges are net of estimated salvage value. Salvage values were based on estimates of proceeds to be realized through the sale of this inventory outside the normal course of business.
	Impaired Asset Write-downs
	Impaired asset write-downs are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value is estimated based upon the expected future realizable cash flows including anticipated selling prices. Non-cash impaired asset write-downs are included in the caption, Other, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities.
	In 2014, $39.5 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment mostly in Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa and the Asia Pacific region as part of Project Orion. In 2013, $9.7 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Rail Segment related to certain contract services assets being written-down to the net realizable value. In 2012, impaired asset write-downs were recorded in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment principally in the Asia-Pacific region resulting from exiting an underperforming contract.
			Impaired Asset Write-downs
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		$	38,791		$	689		$	7,152
	Harsco Rail Segment		590			8,999			—
	Harsco Industrial Segment		74			—			—
	Total		$	39,455		$	9,688		$	7,152

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
	(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	62,308			$	(8,139	)		$	(465,286	)		$	(51	)	$	(411,168	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(39,848		)	(a)	1,060			(b)	55,581			(c)	31			16,824
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				8				19,839				—			19,847
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisition and Dispositions)	(15,979		)		(21		)		20,184				—			4,184
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(55,827		)		1,047				95,604				31			40,855
	Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(371		)		69				—				—			(302		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(56,198		)		1,116				95,604				31			40,553
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)
		Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
	(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(40,053		)	(a)	(1,961		)	(b)	(130,659		)	(c)	5			(172,668		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	(8,635		)		—				632				—			(8,003		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,205				4				16,431				—			18,640
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(1,447		)		—				—				—			(1,447		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,930		)		(1,957		)		(113,596		)		5			(163,478		)
	Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,647				(45		)		—				—			1,602
	Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(46,283		)		(2,002		)		(113,596		)		5			(161,876		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(40,173	)		$	(9,025	)		$	(483,278	)		$	(15	)	$	(532,491	)
	(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.
	(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.
	(c) Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements.
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31 2014				Year Ended December 31 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a):
	Actuarial losses	$	11,556		(b)	$	12,435		(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Actuarial losses	5,898			(b)	9,064			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
	Prior-service costs	103			(b)	298			(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Prior-service costs	171			(b)	285			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
	Total before tax	17,728				22,082
	Tax benefit	(1,297		)		(2,243		)
	Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	16,431			$	19,839
	Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments (a):
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	4			$	11			Cost of services and products sold
	Tax benefit	—				(3		)
	Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	4			$	8
	Amortization of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments (a):
	Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	2,205			$	—			Other expenses
	Tax benefit	—				—
	Total reclassification of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	2,205			$	—
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss.
	(b) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. Please refer to Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure Transaction for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31 2014				Year Ended December 31 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	(1,447	)		$	(15,979	)		Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—				—
	Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments	$	(1,447	)		$	(15,979	)
	Cash flow hedging instruments, before tax	$	—			$	(34	)		Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—				13
	Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	—			$	(21	)
	Defined benefit pension items, before tax	$	—			$	20,184			Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—				—
	Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items	$	—			$	20,184

Restructuring_Programs

Restructuring Programs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Programs	Restructuring Programs
	In recent years, the Company has instituted restructuring programs to balance short-term profitability goals with long-term strategies. A primary objective of these programs has been to establish platforms upon which the affected businesses can grow with reduced fixed investment and generate annual operating expense savings.  The restructuring programs have been instituted in response to the continuing impact of global financial and economic uncertainty on the Company’s end markets. Restructuring costs incurred in these programs were recorded in the caption, Other expenses, of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The timing of associated cash payments is dependent on the type of restructuring cost and can extend over a multi-year period.
	Project Orion
	Under Project Orion, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment made organizational and process improvement changes, which are expected to improve return on capital and deliver a higher and more consistent level of service to customers by improving several core processes and simplifying the organizational structure. The Company incurred $12.0 million in employee termination benefit costs related to Project Orion during 2014. As a result of actions initiated under phase one of Project Orion, during 2014, the Company realized compensation savings of approximately $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, or approximately $17 million on an annualized basis, with benefits from phase two of Project Orion expected to commence in 2015. Annual recurring benefits from compensation and other operational savings under Project Orion are expected to be approximately $24 million and $13 million, respectively.
	The restructuring accrual for Project Orion at December 31, 2014 and the activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Expense Incurred in 2014		Other		Cash			Foreign			Remaining
				Adjustments		Expenditures			Currency			Accrual
									Translation			December 31 2014
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
	Employee termination benefit costs	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668
	Total	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668
	The remaining accrual related to Project Orion is expected to be paid, principally, through 2015 with the remainder in the first half of 2016.
	Prior Restructuring Programs
	The remaining accrual for restructuring programs was $2.4 million and $5.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remaining accrual relates primarily to exit activity costs for lease terminations expected to be paid over the remaining life of the leases.

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Continuing Operations
	(In thousands)
	COLUMN A		COLUMN B		COLUMN C		COLUMN D							COLUMN E
					Additions		Additions (Deductions)
	Description		Balance at		Charged to		Due to			Other				Balance at End
			Beginning of		Cost and		Currency							of Period
			Period		Expenses		Translation
							Adjustments
	For the year 2014:
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts		$	6,638	$	9,892	$	(969	)	$	(442	)		$	15,119
	Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance		$	127,164	$	24,252	$	(9,254	)	$	(10,820	)		$	131,342
	For the year 2013:
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts		$	17,253	$	10,175	$	(191	)	$	(20,599	)	(a)	$	6,638
	Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance		$	126,532	$	4,164	$	(5,769	)	$	2,237			$	127,164
	For the year 2012:
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts		$	17,829	$	11,266	$	166		$	(12,008	)	(b)	$	17,253
	Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance		$	99,617	$	18,552	$	3,449		$	4,914			$	126,532
	(a)	Includes principally the decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts since December 31, 2012 related to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction and utilization of previously reserved amounts.
	(b)	Includes principally the utilization of previously reserved amounts.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest, and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of three months or less.
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments
	The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received, and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value.
	Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the United States are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The Company's remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost methods.
Depreciation	Depreciation
	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using, principally, the straight-line method. When property is retired from service, the cost of the retirement is charged to the allowance for depreciation to the extent of the accumulated depreciation and the balance is charged to income. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are not depreciated while they are held for sale.
Leases	Leases
	The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business. Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below for which discrete financial information is available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include declining cash flows or operating losses at the reporting unit level, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, or a more likely than not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of, among others.
	The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1. The Company has five reporting units, only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2014. Almost all of the Company's goodwill is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.
	The evaluation of potential goodwill impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to the net book value, including goodwill. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) to estimate the current fair value of reporting units, as management believes forecasted operating cash flows are the best indicator of current fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the preparation of DCF models including future revenues and operating margin growth, the weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”), tax rates, capital spending, pension funding, the impact of business initiatives, and working capital projections. These assumptions and estimates may vary significantly between reporting units. DCF models are based on approved long-range plans for the early years and historical relationships and projections for later years. WACC rates are derived from internal and external factors including, but not limited to, the average market price of the Company's stock, shares outstanding, book value of the Company's debt, the long-term risk free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums. Due to the many variables noted above and the relative size of the Company's goodwill, differences in assumptions may have a material impact on the results of the Company's annual goodwill impairment testing. If the net book value of a reporting unit were to exceed the current fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test would be required to determine if an impairment existed and the amount of goodwill impairment to record, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the net book value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the excess of fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value amounts assigned to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit if it were to be acquired in a hypothetical business combination and the current fair value of the reporting unit represented the purchase price. The second step of the goodwill impairment test requires the utilization of valuation experts.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate the book value of an asset may be impaired. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a discounted cash flow model. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the service components of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments.
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granules products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.
	Harsco Rail Segment—This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.
	Harsco Industrial Segment—This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of the events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results. In the event the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes.
	The Company prepares and files tax returns based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations and records its provision for income taxes based on these interpretations. Uncertainties may exist in estimating the Company's tax provisions and in filing tax returns in the many jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and as a result these interpretations may give rise to an uncertain tax position. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on its technical merits. Each subsequent period the Company determines if existing or new uncertain tax positions meet a more likely than not recognition threshold and adjust accordingly.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits.
	The significant assumptions and estimates described in the preceding paragraphs are important contributors to the effective tax rate each year.
Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves	Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves
	The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $23.3 million, $30.0 million and $33.8 million, respectively. Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net loss in the period determined. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $7.0 million, $7.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has recorded liabilities of $47.9 million and $52.4 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $3.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been included in current caption, Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current caption, Insurance liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Warranties	Warranty expense and payments are incurred principally in the Harsco Rail and Harsco Industrial Segments. Warranty activity may vary from year to year depending upon the mix of revenues and contractual terms related to product warranties.
	The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies.
Financial Instruments and Hedging	Financial Instruments and Hedging
	The Company has operations throughout the world that are exposed to fluctuations in related foreign currencies in the normal course of business. The Company seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.
	The Company executes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge transactions for firm purchase commitments, to hedge variable cash flows of forecasted transactions and for export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are generally for 90 days or less; however, where appropriate, longer-term contracts may be utilized. For those contracts that are designated as qualified cash flow hedges, gains or losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or variable U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively.
	Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are reclassified into operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects income. The cash flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged (e.g., the cash flows related to contracts to hedge the purchase of fixed assets are included in cash flows from investing activities, etc.). The Company also enters into certain forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in operations based on changes in fair market value. For fair value hedges of a firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment are recognized currently in operations.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2014:
	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")-issued changes related to a parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted FASB-issued changes related to financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists that could be used to offset the liability for an uncertain tax position. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date:
	In April 2014, the FASB issued changes related to reporting discontinued operations and disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The changes modify the criteria related to what transactions constitute discontinued operations and expands disclosure requirements. The changes become effective for the Company, prospectively, on January 1, 2015. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued changes related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The changes clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard. The core principle of the changes is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The changes also require additional disclosures related to revenue recognition. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management is currently evaluating these changes.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued changes related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$	9,548		$	9,092		$	5,596
	Accruals for warranties issued during the year	3,208			5,016			7,935
	Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(2,680		)	(1,966		)	(2,401		)
	Warranties paid	(1,186		)	(2,573		)	(1,958		)
	Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(4		)	(21		)	(80		)
	Warranty reserves, end of the year	$	8,886		$	9,548		$	9,092

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]
Schedule of net income attributable to Company and transfers to noncontrolling interest	The following table discloses the effects of changes in the Company's ownership interests in subsidiaries on the Company's equity.
		Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)	2014			2013				2012
	Net loss attributable to the Company	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,941	)		$	(254,612	)
	Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interest	—			711				—
	Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,230	)		$	(254,612	)
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block]	The carrying amounts of the remaining assets and liabilities that were aggregated in the captions, Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec			(In thousands)		31-Dec
		2013					2013
	Assets held-for-sale:				Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,290		Accounts payable		$	4,143
	Trade accounts receivable, net	28,471			Accrued compensation		4,618
	Due from unconsolidated affiliate	65,728			Income taxes payable		1,105
	Inventories	5,898			Insurance liabilities - current portion		21
	Other current assets	2,129			Due to unconsolidated affiliate		97,079
	Property, plant and equipment, net	10,343			Other current liabilities		2,210
	Other assets	109
		$	113,968				$	109,176

Accounts_Receivable_and_Invent1

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of accounts receivable	Accounts receivable consist of the following:
			Accounts Receivable
	(In thousands)		December 31			December 31
			2014			2013
	Trade accounts receivable		$	340,223		$	359,819
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(15,119		)	(6,638		)
	Trade accounts receivable, net		$	325,104		$	353,181
	Other receivables (a)		$	28,145		$	46,470
	(a)	Other receivables include insurance claim receivables, employee receivables, tax claim receivables and other miscellaneous receivables not included in Trade accounts receivable, net.
Schedule of provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	The following table reflects the provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable		$	9,892		$	10,175		$	11,266
Schedule of inventories	Inventories consist of the following:
			Inventories
	(In thousands)		December 31			December 31
			2014			2013
	Finished goods		$	30,001		$	23,112
	Work-in-process		28,644			25,623
	Raw materials and purchased parts		86,898			72,118
	Stores and supplies		31,722			34,836
	Total inventories		$	177,265		$	155,689
	Valued at lower of cost or market:
	LIFO basis		$	107,691		$	94,939
	FIFO basis		13,383			9,859
	Average cost basis		56,191			50,891
	Total inventories		$	177,265		$	155,689

Equity_Method_Investments_Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of equity method investments	Brand's summarized balance sheet information at September 30, 2014 and summarized statement of operations information for the period from November 27, 2013 through September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:
	(In thousands)	30-Sep
		2014
	Summarized Balance Sheet Information of Brand:
	Current assets	$	815,809
	Property and equipment , net	923,056
	Other noncurrent assets	1,594,669
	Total assets	$	3,333,534
	Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt	$	68,748
	Other current liabilities	360,714
	Long-term debt	1,747,522
	Other noncurrent liabilities	406,636
	Total liabilities	2,583,620
	Equity	749,914
	Total liabilities and equity	$	3,333,534
	(In thousands)	Period From November 27 2013 Through September 30 2014 (a)
	Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
	Net revenues	$	2,559,556
	Gross profit	559,376
	Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	(4,848		)
	Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand	(1,595		)
	(a) The Company's equity method investment in Brand began on November 26, 2013; accordingly, there is only approximately ten months of related equity income (loss). The results of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from January 1, 2013 through the date of closing are reported in the Company's results of operations for 2013.
Summary of quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used for initial determination of fair value of Brand	The following table details quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs:
		Fair Value at December 31 2013						Range
	(Dollars in thousands)				Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Low		High
	Equity method investment - Brand	$	296,082		Discounted cash flow		EBITDA Margin	10.9	%	12.6	%
							Ratio of capital expenditures to revenues	2.9	%	3.8	%
							Long-term revenue growth	3	%	3	%
							WACC Rate	9.25	%	9.25	%
							Cost of equity	12.5	%	12.5	%
							Implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.0X		7.5X
							Discount for lack of marketability	15	%	15	%
Summary of balances related to transactions between Company and Brand	Balances related to transactions between the Company and Brand are as follows:
	(In thousands)	December 31			31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Balances due from Brand	$	1,860		$	85,908
	Balances due to Brand	28,311			149,325

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	Estimated	December 31			December 31
		Useful Lives	2014			2013
	Land	—	$	15,721		$	16,652
	Land improvements	5-20 years	15,898			13,615
	Buildings and improvements	5-40 years	205,409			192,346
	Machinery and equipment	3-20 years	1,861,965			1,969,493
	Uncompleted construction	—	87,414			86,508
	Gross property, plant and equipment		2,186,407			2,278,614
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,523,163		)	(1,567,268		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	663,244		$	711,346

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment (there is no goodwill associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)		Harsco Metals			Harsco				Harsco		Consolidated
			& Minerals			Industrial				Rail		Totals
			Segment			Segment				Segment
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	419,888		$	—			$	9,310	$	429,198
	Foreign currency translation		2,067			—				—		2,067
	Balance at December 31, 2013		421,955			—				9,310		431,265
	Changes to goodwill		(300		)	6,839			(a)	—		6,539
	Foreign currency translation		(21,649		)	—				—		(21,649		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	400,006		$	6,839			$	9,310	$	416,155
	(a)	Changes to goodwill relate to the initial acquisition of Hammco and related purchase price adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP occurring during the measurement period. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	The gross carrying amount of intangible assets increased in 2014 due to the acquisition of Hammco, as discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. As part of this transaction, the Company acquired the following finite-lived intangible assets (by major class):
	(In thousands)		Gross Carrying			Residual		Weighted-average
			Amount			Value		amortization period
	Customer related		$	13,928		—		12 years
	Trade names		3,647			—		15 years
	Total		$	17,575
	The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:
			31-Dec-14							31-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Gross Carrying			Accumulated				Gross Carrying		Accumulated
			Amount			Amortization				Amount		Amortization
	Customer related		$	157,530		$	112,211			$	150,307	$	110,889
	Non-compete agreements		1,107			1,039				1,126		1,024
	Patents		6,079			5,399				6,211		5,273
	Technology related		26,548			21,233				27,185		18,931
	Trade names		7,745			3,733				4,113		2,969
	Other		7,420			4,290				7,753		4,348
	Total		$	206,429		$	147,905			$	196,695	$	143,434
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets.
	(In thousands)		2015			2016				2017		2018			2019
	Estimated amortization expense (a)		$	8,350		$	7,800			$	5,050	$	4,850		$	4,800
	(a)	These estimated amortization expense amounts do not reflect the potential effect of future foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Debt_and_Credit_Agreements_Tab

Debt and Credit Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities	The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the multi-year revolving credit facility and available credit at December 31, 2014. The multi-year revolving credit facility is described in more detail below the table.
		Summary of Credit Facility
		31-Dec-14
	(In thousands)	Facility			Outstanding			Available
		Limit			Balance			Credit
	Multi-year revolving credit facility (a U.S.-based program)	$	525,000		$	98,500		$	426,500
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments
		Long-Term Debt
	(In thousands)	December 31			December 31
		2014			2013
	5.75% notes due May 15, 2018	$	448,626		$	448,268
	2.7% notes due October 15, 2015	249,733			249,373
	Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2017 with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.0% and 3.6% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	156,538			105,774
	Total debt	854,897			803,415
	Less: current maturities	(25,188		)	(20,257		)
	Total long-term debt	$	829,709		$	783,158
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2015 are as follows:
	(In thousands)
	2016	$	11,732
	2017	363,047
	2018	453,759
	2019	876

Operating_Leases_Tables

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows:
	(In thousands)
	2015	$	14,642
	2016	10,905
	2017	7,204
	2018	4,075
	2019	3,546
	After 2019	24,762

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	Net periodic pension cost for U.S. and international pension plans for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			U.S. Plans											International Plans
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012			2014				2013				2012
	Defined benefit plans:
	Service cost		$	2,233			$	2,565			$	1,887		$	1,610			$	3,457			$	3,418
	Interest cost		12,868				11,767				12,780			43,230				42,707				46,174
	Expected return on plan assets		(16,786		)		(15,642		)		(15,617		)	(49,927		)		(46,920		)		(45,050		)
	Recognized prior service costs		90				248				224			184				335				397
	Recognized losses		3,352				5,052				4,637			14,102				16,447				15,194
	Amortization of transition liability		—				—				—			—				—				8
	Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)		—				—				1,510			60				(372		)		(2,589		)
	Defined benefit plans pension cost		1,757				3,990				5,421			9,259				15,654				17,552
	Multiemployer plans		1,199				12,444				10,186			1,762				5,449				5,539
	Defined contribution plans		4,704				4,945				5,066			8,033				11,139				12,770
	Net periodic pension cost		$	7,660			$	21,379			$	20,673		$	19,054			$	32,242			$	35,861
Schedule of Net Funded Status	The change in the financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	283,571			$	316,448			$	958,705		$	1,068,750
	Service cost		2,233				2,565				1,610			3,457
	Interest cost		12,868				11,767				43,230			42,707
	Plan participants' contributions		—				—				75			689
	Amendments		—				—				—			(394		)
	Actuarial (gain) loss		49,939				(28,158		)		150,289			(8,245		)
	Settlements/curtailments		—				—				(589		)	(1,619		)
	Benefits paid		(23,292		)		(19,051		)		(41,522		)	(46,269		)
	Effect of foreign currency		—				—				(62,250		)	19,744
	Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)		—				—				—			(120,115		)
	Other		—				—				55			—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	325,319			$	283,571			$	1,049,603		$	958,705
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	233,579			$	218,084			$	770,911		$	783,059
	Actual return on plan assets		15,465				31,931				80,518			68,535
	Employer contributions		7,598				2,615				28,112			30,258
	Plan participants' contributions		—				—				75			689
	Settlements/curtailments		—				—				—			(1,028		)
	Benefits paid		(23,292		)		(19,051		)		(40,948		)	(45,207		)
	Effect of foreign currency		—				—				(47,623		)	11,455
	Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)		—				—				—			(76,850		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	233,350			$	233,579			$	791,045		$	770,911
	Funded status at end of year		$	(91,969	)		$	(49,992	)		$	(258,558	)	$	(187,794	)
	(a) During 2013, certain international plans' benefit obligations and plan assets were transferred to the Infrastructure strategic venture as part of the Infrastructure Transaction, as described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
			December 31								December 31
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Noncurrent assets		$	615			$	2,148			$	1,746		$	3,894
	Current liabilities		2,102				2,045				524			534
	Noncurrent liabilities		90,482				50,095				259,780			191,154
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax		157,165				109,348				479,382			401,300
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized	Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Net actuarial loss		$	156,989			$	109,081			$	478,396		$	400,726
	Prior service cost		176				267				986			574
	Total		$	157,165			$	109,348			$	479,382		$	401,300
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year	The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit net periodic pension cost in 2015 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		U.S. Plans				International  Plans
	Net actuarial loss		$	4,919			$	17,254
	Prior service cost		81				208
	Total		$	5,000			$	17,462
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows:
	(In millions)		2015				2016				2017			2018				2019				2020-2024
	U.S. Plans		$	18.5			$	18.8			$	18.6		$	18.8			$	18.7			$	94.5
	International Plans		42.1				43.8				45.5			46.2				47.7				266
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			U.S. Plans									International Plans								Global Weighted-Average
			December 31									December 31								December 31
			2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012			2014			2013		2012
	Discount rates		4.7	%		3.8	%		4.4	%		4.7	%	4.3	%		4.8	%		4.7	%		4.2	%	4.7	%
	Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets		7.5	%		7.5	%		7.8	%		6.8	%	6.6	%		6.7	%		7	%		6.8	%	6.9	%
	Rates of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3	%		3.4	%	2.8	%		3.4	%		3.4	%		2.8	%	3.4	%
	The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			U.S. Plans						International Plans					Global Weighted-Average
			December 31						December 31					December 31
			2014			2013			2014			2013		2014			2013
	Discount rates		3.9	%		4.7	%		3.7	%		4.7	%	3.7	%		4.7	%
	Rates of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3.2	%		3.4	%	3.2	%		3.3	%
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations	The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
			December 31								December 31
	(In millions)		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	325.3			$	283.5			$	1,043.20		$	950.7
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
			December 31								December 31
	(In millions)		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	314.9			$	274.8			$	1,032.10		$	926.8
	Accumulated benefit obligation		314.9				274.8				1,026.00			923.9
	Fair value of plan assets		222.3				222.6				771.8			737.6
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets	The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Level 3 Asset Changes for the Twelve Months Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Real Estate Limited Partnership:
	Balance at beginning of year		$	20,423			$	17,746			$	12,025
	Contributions to partnership		385				838				2,535
	Cash distributions received		(1,614		)		(1,380		)		(1,270		)
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Related to asset still held at end of year		3,453				3,219				4,456
	Balance at end of year		$	22,647			$	20,423			$	17,746
Schedule of Multiemployer Plans	The Company's participation in multiemployer pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is outlined below. The Company considers significant plans to be those plans to which the Company contributed more than 5% of total contributions to the plan in a given plan year or for which the Company believes the Company's share of the unfunded liability for the plan may be material to the Company.
	(In thousands)
				Pension Protection
				Act Zone Status For				Contributions By The Company															Expiration
				Plan Years Ended				For Years Ended (a)															Date of
																			Subject to				Collective-
																			Financial				Bargaining
		Identification																	Improvement		Surcharge		Agreement
	Pension Fund	Number		2013		2012		2014				2013			2012				Plan		Imposed
	Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements:
	New Zealand Steel Pension Fund	018-054-531		N/A		N/A		$	838			$	886		$	909			Yes		No		2016
	Summary aggregate information for multiemployer plans which are not individually significant:
	All other multiemployer plans (b)							2,123				17,007			14,905
	Total Contributions							$	2,961			$	17,893		$	15,814
	(a)	These amounts represent either contributions for the plan year as confirmed by plan sponsors or the Company's estimates based on fiscal year accounts payable records which will be updated as confirmation is received from plan sponsors.
	(b)	The decrease in contributions by the Company for 2014 primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Domestic equities:
	Common stocks		$	48,915			$	48,915			$	—		$	—
	Mutual funds—equities		48,807				13,204				35,603			—
	International equities—mutual funds		45,475				45,475				—			—
	Fixed income investments:
	U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities		18,787				—				18,787			—
	Corporate bonds and notes		8,374				8,374				—			—
	Mutual funds—bonds		33,326				33,326				—			—
	Other—mutual funds		22,508				22,508				—			—
	Cash and money market accounts		7,387				7,387				—			—
	Total		$	233,579			$	179,189			$	54,390		$	—
	The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Domestic equities:
	Common stocks		$	44,064			$	44,064			$	—		$	—
	Mutual funds—equities		47,313				13,335				33,978			—
	International equities—mutual funds		42,446				42,446				—			—
	Fixed income investments:
	U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities		18,759				—				18,759			—
	Corporate bonds and notes		11,347				11,347				—			—
	Mutual funds—bonds		40,568				11,936				28,632			—
	Other—mutual funds		21,700				21,700				—			—
	Cash and money market accounts		7,153				7,153				—			—
	Total		$	233,350			$	151,981			$	81,369		$	—
	The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:
			Target  Long-Term		Percentage of Plan Assets at
			Allocation		December 31
	U.S. Plans Asset Category				2014			2013
	Domestic equity securities		34%-44%		39.1	%		41.8	%
	International equity securities		14%-24%		18.2	%		19.5	%
	Fixed income securities		28%-38%		30.3	%		25.9	%
	Cash and cash equivalents		Less than 5%		3.1	%		3.2	%
	Other		5%-15%		9.3	%		9.6	%
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Equity securities:
	Mutual funds—equities		$	292,150			$	—			$	292,150		$	—
	Fixed income investments:
	Mutual funds—bonds		350,073				—				350,073			—
	Insurance contracts		8,233				—				8,233			—
	Other:
	Real estate funds/limited partnerships		53,926				—				31,279			22,647
	Other mutual funds		84,120				—				84,120			—
	Cash and money market accounts		2,543				2,543				—			—
	Total		$	791,045			$	2,543			$	765,855		$	22,647
	The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Equity securities:
	Mutual funds—equities		$	296,980			$	—			$	296,980		$	—
	Fixed income investments:
	Mutual funds—bonds		314,965				—				314,965			—
	Insurance contracts		8,797				—				8,797			—
	Other:
	Real estate funds / limited partnerships		52,733				—				32,310			20,423
	Other mutual funds		94,980				—				94,980			—
	Cash and money market accounts		2,456				2,456				—			—
	Total		$	770,911			$	2,456			$	748,032		$	20,423
	The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:
	International Plans Asset Category		Target Long-Term			Percentage of Plan Assets at
			Allocation			December 31
						2014			2013
	Equity securities		32.5	%		36.9	%		38.5	%
	Fixed income securities		42.5	%		45.3	%		42	%
	Cash and cash equivalents		—			0.3	%		0.3	%
	Other		25	%		17.5	%		19.2	%

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	20,168		$	(26,855	)	$	40,411
	International	(11,846		)	(156,477		)	(258,906		)
	Total income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss)	$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income tax expense as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Currently payable:
	U.S. federal	$	4,495		$	10,949		$	22,603
	U.S. state	557			1,375			1,561
	International	14,569			41,015			21,795
	Total income taxes currently payable	19,621			53,339			45,959
	Deferred U.S. federal	2,503			(17,341		)	(3,831		)
	Deferred U.S. state	807			401			(843		)
	Deferred international	4,240			(1,487		)	(6,034		)
	Total income tax expense	$	27,171		$	34,912		$	35,251
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate as a percentage of Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal income tax	$	2,913		$	(64,166	)	$	(76,473	)
	U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	658			(851		)	290
	U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	(1,882		)	(4,700		)	(3,580		)
	Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction	—			13,181			—
	Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	4,420			(308		)	1,532
	Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	(5,298		)	(5,548		)	(5,470		)
	Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,203			20,125			3,980
	Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits	22,049			—			21,387
	U.S. nondeductible items	1,216			2,953			1,470
	Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction	1,465			74,946			—
	Non-deductible goodwill impairment	—			—			92,763
	Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	246			(483		)	(260		)
	Loss from unconsolidated entities	(587		)	—			—
	Other, net	(232		)	(237		)	(388		)
	Total income tax expense	$	27,171		$	34,912		$	35,251
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014						2013
	(In thousands)	Asset			Liability			Asset			Liability
	Depreciation and amortization	$	—		$	16,026		$	—		$	24,585
	Expense accruals	27,657			—			28,550			—
	Inventories	5,009			—			3,592			—
	Provision for receivables	798			—			752			—
	Deferred revenue	—			1,708			—			1,764
	Operating loss carryforwards	75,635			—			75,443			—
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	16,476			—			16,085			—
	Capital loss carryforwards	2,102			—			3,177			—
	Pensions	86,995			—			81,564			—
	Currency adjustments	35,386			—			27,536			—
	Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	—			23,885			—			28,965
	Unit adjustment liability	34,675			—			39,335			—
	Post-retirement benefits	905			—			1,013			—
	Other	9,079			—			6,159			—
	Subtotal	294,717			41,619			283,206			55,314
	Valuation allowance	(131,342		)	—			(127,164		)	—
	Total deferred income taxes	$	163,375		$	41,619		$	156,042		$	55,314
	The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Other current assets	$	39,003		$	44,315
	Other assets	90,252			65,105
	Other current liabilities	1,120			475
	Deferred income taxes	6,379			8,217
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	Unrecognized			Deferred			Unrecognized
		Income Tax			Income Tax			Income Tax
		Benefits			Benefits			Benefits, Net of
								Deferred Income
								Tax Benefits
	Balances, January 1, 2012	$	33,408		$	(517	)	$	32,891
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	584			(8		)	576
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	37			2			39
	Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,987		)	—			(3,987		)
	Statutes of limitation expirations	(5,124		)	154			(4,970		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	24,918			(369		)	24,549
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	500			(5		)	495
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	145			(4		)	141
	Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,050		)	—			(3,050		)
	Statutes of limitation expirations	(3,348		)	180			(3,168		)
	Settlements	(1,616		)	—			(1,616		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	17,549			(198		)	17,351
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	288			(2		)	286
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	156			(55		)	101
	Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,056		)	—			(3,056		)
	Statutes of limitation expirations	(2,481		)	143			(2,338		)
	Settlements	—			—			—
	Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2014	$	12,456		$	(112	)	$	12,344

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Share Repurchases	The Board has authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows:
		Shares Authorized			Additional Shares			Shares			Remaining Shares
		to be Purchased			Authorized for			Purchased			Authorized for
		January 1			Purchase						Purchase
											December 31
	2012	1,713,423			—			—			1,713,423
	2013	1,713,423			286,577			—			2,000,000
	2014	2,000,000			—			150,000			1,850,000
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward	The following table summarizes the Company's common stock:
		Common Stock
		Shares			Treasury			Outstanding
		Issued			Shares (a)			Shares
	Outstanding, January 1, 2012	111,931,267			31,454,097			80,477,170
	Stock options exercised	38,900			—			38,900
	Vested restricted stock units	45,898			14,677			31,221
	Other stock grants	47,873			10,536			37,337
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012	112,063,938			31,479,310			80,584,628
	Stock options exercised	20,000			—			20,000
	Vested restricted stock units	25,215			9,358			15,857
	Stock appreciation rights exercised	2,713			521			2,192
	Other stock grants	86,827			30,579			56,248
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013	112,198,693			31,519,768			80,678,925
	Vested restricted stock units	65,851			4,418			61,433
	Stock appreciation rights exercised	9,213			2,985			6,228
	Other stock grants	83,591			20,327			63,264
	Treasury shares purchased	—			150,000			(150,000	)
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014	112,357,348			31,697,498			80,659,850
	(a) The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following is a reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2014				2013				2012
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(24,902	)		$	(226,449	)		$	(253,693	)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	80,884				80,755				80,632
	Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	—				—				—
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	80,884				80,755				80,632
	Loss from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
	Basic	$	(0.31	)		$	(2.80	)		$	(3.15	)
	Diluted	$	(0.31	)		$	(2.80	)		$	(3.15	)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following average outstanding stock-based compensation units were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was antidilutive:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Restricted stock units	301			265			148
	Stock options	188			286			389
	Stock appreciation rights	912			1,078			530
	Performance share units	93			—			—
	Other stock-based compensation units	—			101			317

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of restricted stock units issued and compensation expense	The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			RSUs		Weighted Average Fair Value			Expense
	(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)							2014				2013		2012
	Directors:
	2011		20,192		$	34.79		$	—			$	—	$	234
	2012		30,618		$	21.44		—				255		402
	2013		46,287		$	20.6		318				636		—
	2014		36,840		$	24.8		602				—		—
	Employees:
	2009		121,625		$	25.98		—				—		43
	2010		26,000		$	23.78		—				—		21
	2011		17,250		$	23.55		3				69		195
	2012		141,486		$	18.75		151				383		525
	2013		170,582		$	20.63		325				633		—
	2014		190,832		$	25.21		1,114				—		—
	Total							$	2,513			$	1,976	$	1,420
Schedule of restricted stock unit activity	Restricted stock unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			RSUs
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2012		62,641		$	25.39
	Granted		172,104		$	19.23
	Vested		(67,861	)	$	24.86
	Forfeited		(25,411	)	$	20.35
	Non-vested at December 31, 2012		141,473		$	19.19
	Granted		216,869		$	20.62
	Vested		(69,955	)	$	20.54
	Forfeited		(74,546	)	$	22.61
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013		213,841		$	19.95
	Granted		227,672		$	25.14
	Vested		(52,041	)	$	23.58
	Forfeited		(84,956	)	$	20.92
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014		304,516		$	22.94
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights award activity	SARs activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			SARs
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (a)
	Outstanding, January 1, 2012		—		$	—		$	—
	Granted		707,012		$	21.23
	Forfeited/Expired		(181,725	)	$	21.23
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012		525,287		$	21.23		$	1.2
	Granted		923,832		$	22.76
	Exercised		(11,037	)	$	19.65
	Forfeited/Expired		(476,624	)	$	22.28
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		961,458		$	22.2		$	5.6
	Granted		450,894		$	25.2
	Exercised		(52,667	)	$	20.21
	Forfeited/Expired		(406,637	)	$	22.65
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014		953,048		$	23.53		$	—
	(a) Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those SARs where the market price exceeds the exercise price.
Schedule of nonvested awards activity	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2014:
			SARs Outstanding										SARs Exercisable
	Range of exercisable prices		Vested		Non-vested		Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Number Exercisable	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
	$19.65 - $23.43		147,540		381,180		$	22.11			8.3		147,540	$	21.61
	$23.73 - $26.92		59,098		365,230		$	25.31			9		59,098	$	24.04
			206,638		746,410		$	23.53			8.6		206,638	$	22.3
Schedule of weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options	Weighted-average grant-date fair value of non-vested stock options during the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
			Stock Options
			Shares Under Option		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Outstanding, January 1, 2014		149,000		$	10.9
	Vested		(121,500	)	10.9
	Forfeited		(27,500	)	10.9
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014		—		$	10.9
Schedule of stock option activity	Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Stock Options
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average			Aggregate
					Exercise Price			Intrinsic Value
								(in millions)(a)
	Outstanding, January 1, 2012		661,840		$	30.22		$	0.2
	Exercised		(38,900	)	$	18.23		—
	Forfeited/Expired		(294,940	)	$	31.29		$	—
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012		328,000		$	30.67		$	0.2
	Exercised		(20,000	)	$	16.96		$	—
	Forfeited/Expired		(79,000	)	$	31		$	—
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		229,000		$	31.75		$	—
	Forfeited/Expired		(107,500	)	$	31.75		$	—
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014		121,500		$	31.75		$	—
	(a)	Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those options where the market price exceeds the exercise price.
Schedule of outstanding and exercisable options	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2014:
			Stock Options Outstanding										Stock Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercisable Prices		Vested		Non-vested		Weighted Average				Weighted Average		Number	Weighted Average
							Exercise				Remaining		Exercisable	Exercise
							Price Per				Contractual			Price Per
							Share				Life in			Share
											Years
	$31.75 - $31.75		121,500		—		$	31.75			3.1		121,500	$	31.75
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of stock appreciation rights valuation assumptions	The fair value of each SAR grant was estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:
			SARs Issued
			Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)		Volatility			SAR Grant Price		Fair Value of SAR
	March 2012 Grant		1.56	%	3.5	%	6.5		43.9	%		$	23.73	$	6.1
	May 2012 Grant		1.18	%	4.2	%	6.5		44	%		$	19.65	$	4.77
	September 2012 Grant		1	%	3.8	%	6.5		44.3	%		$	21.37	$	6.2
	May 2013 Grant		1.17	%	3.61	%	6.5		44.1	%		$	22.7	$	6.86
	June 2013 Grant		1.41	%	3.56	%	6.5		44.1	%		$	23.03	$	7.07
	November 2013 Grant		1.91	%	3.13	%	6.5		43.8	%		$	26.22	$	8.6
	April 2014 Grant		1.98	%	3.53	%	6		44.3	%		$	23.25	$	7.25
	May 2014 Grant (1st)		1.9	%	3.16	%	6		43.2	%		$	25.93	$	8.16
	May 2014 Grant (2nd)		1.82	%	3.05	%	6		42.8	%		$	26.92	$	8.47
	July 2014 Grant		2	%	3.24	%	6		41.2	%		$	25.27	$	7.55
	August 2014 Grant		1.92	%	3.27	%	6		41.2	%		$	25.11	$	7.46
	September 2014 Grant		2.03	%	3.5	%	6		40.6	%		$	23.43	$	6.72
	November 2014 Grant		1.78	%	4	%	6		38.6	%		$	20.48	$	5.17
Schedule of weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options	Weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested SARs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			SARs
			Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested shares, January 1, 2013		525,287		$	21.23
	Granted		923,832		$	22.76
	Vested		(121,953	)	$	21.65
	Exercised		(11,037	)	$	19.65
	Forfeited		(476,624	)	$	22.28
	Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013		839,505		$	22.27
	Granted		450,894		$	25.2
	Vested		(84,685	)	$	23.23
	Exercised		(52,667	)	$	20.21
	Forfeited		(406,637	)	$	22.65
	Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014		746,410		$	23.87
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of stock appreciation rights valuation assumptions	The fair value of PSUs granted was estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo pricing model with the following assumptions:
			PSUs Issued
			Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)		Volatility			Fair Value of PSU
	April 2014 Grant		0.75	%	—	%	2.73		34.3	%		$	18
	May 2014 Grant (1st)		0.7	%	—	%	2.65		31.8	%		$	25.26
	May 2014 Grant (2nd)		0.63	%	—	%	2.61		30.1	%		$	27.53
	July 2014 Grant		0.74	%	—	%	2.42		26.9	%		$	22.31
	August 2014 Grant		0.67	%	—	%	2.42		26.9	%		$	21.86
	September 2014 Grant		0.72	%	—	%	2.29		25.7	%		$	15.26
	November 2014 Grant		0.55	%	—	%	2.1		26.3	%		$	7.42
Schedule of weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options	A summary of the Company's non-vested PSU activity during the year ending December 31, 2014 is presented in the following table:
			PSUs
			Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013		—		$	—
	Granted		145,149		$	22.82
	Vested		(1,784	)	$	27.53
	Forfeited		(9,796	)	$	25.26
	Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014		133,569		$	22.58

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
	(In thousands)		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	31-Dec-14
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	420					$	—
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		Other assets		52,989				Other liabilities		2,599
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				$	53,409					$	2,599
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	4,065			Other current liabilities		$	4,618
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
	(In thousands)		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	31-Dec-13
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	40			Other current liabilities		$	17
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		Other assets		26,001				Other liabilities		13,410
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				$	26,041					$	13,427
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	1,216			Other current liabilities		$	3,267
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
	(In thousands)		Amount of				Location of Gain	Amount of				Location of Gain	Amount of
			Gain (Loss)				(Loss) Reclassified	Gain (Loss)				(Loss) Recognized	Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in				from Accumulated	Reclassified				in Income on	Recognized
			Other				OCI into Income—Effective	from				Derivative—Ineffective Portion	in Income
			Comprehensive				Portion	Accumulated				and Amount	on Derivative—Ineffective
			Income					OCI into				Excluded from	Portion and
			("OCI") on					Income—Effective				Effectiveness	Amount
			Derivative—Effective					Portion				Testing	Excluded
			Portion										from Effectiveness
													Testing
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	358			Cost of services and products sold	$	4				$	—
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		(1,977		)			—				Cost of services and products sold	39,823			(a)
			$	(1,619	)			$	4				$	39,823
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	48			Cost of services and products sold	$	(8	)		Cost of services and products sold	$	(6	)
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		2,409					—				Cost of services and products sold	(12,061		)	(a)
			$	2,457				$	(8	)			$	(12,067	)
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	(152	)		Cost of services and products sold	$	270				$	—
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		(4,748		)			—				Cost of services and products sold	(13,384		)	(a)
			$	(4,900	)			$	270				$	(13,384	)
	(a)	These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31(a)
	(In thousands)				2014				2013				2012
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Cost of services and products sold		$	(2,307	)		$	(10,463	)		$	(3,529	)
	(a)	These gains (losses) offset amounts recognized in cost of service and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps:
			Contractual				Interest Rates
	(In millions)		Amounts				Receive		Pay
	Maturing 2018		$	250			Fixed U.S. dollar rate		Fixed euro rate
	Maturing 2020		220				Fixed U.S. dollar rate		Fixed British pound sterling rate
	Maturing 2016 through 2017		8.8				Floating U.S. dollar rate		Fixed rupee rate
	ontracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)		Type		U.S. Dollar				Maturity		Recognized
					Equivalent						Gain (Loss)
	British pounds sterling		Sell		$	37,943			Jan-15		$	179
	British pounds sterling		Buy		2,783				Jan-15		(4		)
	Euros		Sell		193,370				January 2015 through March 2015		2,993
	Euros		Buy		194,084				January 2015 through March 2015		(3,767		)
	Other currencies		Sell		12,641				January 2015 through December 2015		439
	Other currencies		Buy		28,001				January 2015 through June 2015		27
	Total				$	468,822					$	(133	)
	Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2013:
	(In thousands)		Type		U.S. Dollar				Maturity		Recognized
					Equivalent						Gain (Loss)
	British pounds sterling		Sell		$	26,931			Jan-14		$	(277	)
	British pounds sterling		Buy		1,976				Jan-14		15
	Euros		Sell		248,943				January 2014 through July 2014		(335		)
	Euros		Buy		242,385				January 2014 through March 2014		(1,335		)
	Other currencies		Sell		12,708				January 2014 through July 2014		(134		)
	Other currencies		Buy		8,907				January 2014 through August 2014		38
	Total				$	541,850					$	(2,028	)
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Level 2 Fair Value Measurements		December 31				December 31
	(In thousands)		2014				2013
	Assets
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	4,485			$	1,256
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		52,989				26,001
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		4,618				3,284
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		2,599				13,410
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability for the Twelve Months Ended December 31		2014				2013
	(In thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year		$	106,343			$	—
	Recognition of unit adjustment liability		—				107,500
	Payments		(22,320		)		(2,123		)
	Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability		9,740				966
	Balance at end of year		$	93,762		(a)	$	106,343

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo1

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas	Countries with revenues from unaffiliated customers or net property, plant and equipment of ten percent or more of the consolidated totals (in at least one period presented) are as follows:
	Information by Geographic Area (a)
			Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
			Year Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	United States		$	880,884		$	1,021,770		$	1,108,051
	United Kingdom		257,885			353,915			331,894
	All Other		926,969			1,520,835			1,606,073
	Totals including Corporate		$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018
	(a)	Revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the facility generating the revenue.
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]
			Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
			Balances at December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	United States		$	151,397		$	147,820		$	242,890
	China		102,842			86,822			55,656
	Brazil		69,515			63,161			65,019
	All Other		339,490			413,543			902,660
	Totals including Corporate		$	663,244		$	711,346		$	1,266,225
Schedule of Segment Operating Information by Segment	Operating Information by Segment:
	The Company has reclassified segment operating results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 to conform to the revised manner in which the Company now allocates corporate expenses to operating segments as a result of changes in organizational structure resulting from the Infrastructure Transaction. The changes do not impact the Company's previously reported consolidated revenues from continuing operations, operating income (loss) from continuing operations or income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income.
			Twelve Months Ended
			December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	1,377,592		$	1,359,004		$	1,404,103
	Harsco Infrastructure		—			885,377			937,293
	Harsco Industrial		412,532			365,972			352,586
	Harsco Rail		275,614			286,167			352,036
	Total Revenues		$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	9,858		$	95,310		$	99,668
	Harsco Infrastructure		—			(255,326		)	(350,497		)
	Harsco Industrial		63,680			58,977			58,062
	Harsco Rail		37,137			27,710			54,727
	Corporate		(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
	Total Operating Income (Loss)		$	63,471		$	(134,799	)	$	(174,790	)
	Total Assets
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	1,472,277		$	1,595,221		$	1,561,973
	Harsco Infrastructure (a)		—			456,323			1,018,979
	Harsco Industrial		126,548			83,189			81,035
	Harsco Rail		169,035			159,774			188,348
	Corporate		495,941			147,241			125,634
	Total Assets		$	2,263,801		$	2,441,748		$	2,975,969
	Depreciation and Amortization
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	159,844		$	158,837		$	163,137
	Harsco Infrastructure		—			58,449			89,814
	Harsco Industrial		4,928			3,329			3,098
	Harsco Rail		5,591			10,362			10,116
	Corporate		5,963			6,064			5,952
	Total Depreciation and Amortization		$	176,326		$	237,041		$	272,117
	Capital Expenditures
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	186,784		$	173,179		$	189,358
	Harsco Infrastructure		—			62,889			63,137
	Harsco Industrial		9,298			3,936			3,669
	Harsco Rail		3,120			3,502			4,133
	Corporate		8,776			2,641			4,726
	Total Capital Expenditures		$	207,978		$	246,147		$	265,023
	(a) The total assets of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment at December 31, 2013 represent assets held-for-sale, the value of the equity method investment in Brand, and related net deferred tax assets.
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) to Consolidated Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income:
			Twelve Months Ended
			December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Segment operating income (loss)		$	110,675		$	(73,329	)	$	(138,040	)
	General Corporate expense		(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
	Operating income (loss) from continuing operations		63,471			(134,799		)	(174,790		)
	Interest income		1,702			2,087			3,676
	Interest expense		(47,111		)	(49,654		)	(47,381		)
	Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability		(9,740		)	(966		)	—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income		$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)
Schedule of Product Information	Information about Products and Services:
			Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
			Twelve Months Ended
			December 31
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Key Product and Services Groups
	Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products		$	1,377,592		$	1,359,004		$	1,404,103
	Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a)		—			885,377			937,293
	Railway track maintenance services and equipment		275,614			286,167			352,036
	Air-cooled heat exchangers		226,529			180,738			175,896
	Industrial grating products		139,711			142,355			136,157
	Heat transfer products		46,292			42,879			40,533
	Consolidated Revenues		$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018

Other_Expenses_Tables

Other Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of other expenses (income)	The major components of this Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows:
		Other (Income) Expenses
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net gains	$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)
	Employee termination benefit costs	19,120			3,928			31,158
	Costs to exit activities	4,908			5,382			38,626
	Product line rationalization	—			—			24,966
	Impaired asset write-downs	39,455			9,688			7,152
	Other (income) expense	1,059			769			(2,278		)
	Total	$	57,824		$	15,110		$	93,776
Schedule of net gains from sales of redundant properties and non-core assets
		Net Gains
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	(3,538	)	$	(1,043	)	$	(2,449	)
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment	—			(2,864		)	(2,198		)
	Harsco Industrial Segment	(2,077		)	(750		)	(1,089		)
	Corporate	(1,103		)	—			(112		)
	Total	$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)
Schedule of employee termination benefit costs
		Employee Termination Benefit Costs
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	18,169		$	3,561		$	8,082
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	—			(326		)	17,291
	Harsco Rail Segment	185			235			245
	Harsco Industrial Segment	421			115			418
	Corporate	345			343			5,122
	Total	$	19,120		$	3,928		$	31,158
	(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.
Schedule of exit costs
		Costs to Exit Activities
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	6,395		$	2,705		$	3,627
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	—			(254		)	34,820
	Corporate	(1,487		)	2,931			179
	Total	$	4,908		$	5,382		$	38,626
	(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.
Schedule of impaired asset write-downs
		Impaired Asset Write-downs
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	38,791		$	689		$	7,152
	Harsco Rail Segment	590			8,999			—
	Harsco Industrial Segment	74			—			—
	Total	$	39,455		$	9,688		$	7,152

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe1

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
	(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	62,308			$	(8,139	)		$	(465,286	)		$	(51	)	$	(411,168	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(39,848		)	(a)	1,060			(b)	55,581			(c)	31			16,824
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				8				19,839				—			19,847
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisition and Dispositions)	(15,979		)		(21		)		20,184				—			4,184
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(55,827		)		1,047				95,604				31			40,855
	Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(371		)		69				—				—			(302		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(56,198		)		1,116				95,604				31			40,553
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)
		Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
	(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(40,053		)	(a)	(1,961		)	(b)	(130,659		)	(c)	5			(172,668		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	(8,635		)		—				632				—			(8,003		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,205				4				16,431				—			18,640
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(1,447		)		—				—				—			(1,447		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,930		)		(1,957		)		(113,596		)		5			(163,478		)
	Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,647				(45		)		—				—			1,602
	Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(46,283		)		(2,002		)		(113,596		)		5			(161,876		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(40,173	)		$	(9,025	)		$	(483,278	)		$	(15	)	$	(532,491	)
	(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.
	(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.
	(c) Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements.
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31 2014				Year Ended December 31 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a):
	Actuarial losses	$	11,556		(b)	$	12,435		(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Actuarial losses	5,898			(b)	9,064			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
	Prior-service costs	103			(b)	298			(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Prior-service costs	171			(b)	285			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
	Total before tax	17,728				22,082
	Tax benefit	(1,297		)		(2,243		)
	Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	16,431			$	19,839
	Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments (a):
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	4			$	11			Cost of services and products sold
	Tax benefit	—				(3		)
	Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	4			$	8
	Amortization of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments (a):
	Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	2,205			$	—			Other expenses
	Tax benefit	—				—
	Total reclassification of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	2,205			$	—
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss.
	(b) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. Please refer to Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure Transaction for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31 2014				Year Ended December 31 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	(1,447	)		$	(15,979	)		Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—				—
	Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments	$	(1,447	)		$	(15,979	)
	Cash flow hedging instruments, before tax	$	—			$	(34	)		Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—				13
	Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	—			$	(21	)
	Defined benefit pension items, before tax	$	—			$	20,184			Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—				—
	Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items	$	—			$	20,184

Restructuring_Programs_Tables

Restructuring Programs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The restructuring accrual for Project Orion at December 31, 2014 and the activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Expense Incurred in 2014		Other		Cash			Foreign			Remaining
				Adjustments		Expenditures			Currency			Accrual
									Translation			December 31 2014
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
	Employee termination benefit costs	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668
	Total	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	ReportingUnit
Goodwill [Line Items]
Total number of the Company's reporting units	5
Number of reporting units which have goodwill associated with them	3

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Warranty activity
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$9,548,000	$9,092,000	$5,596,000
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	3,208,000	5,016,000	7,935,000
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	-2,680,000	-1,966,000	-2,401,000
Warranties paid	-1,186,000	-2,573,000	-1,958,000
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	-4,000	-21,000	-80,000
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	8,886,000	9,548,000	9,092,000
Self-insurance
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance expense from continuing operations	23,300,000	30,000,000	33,800,000
Decrease in pre-tax insurance expense due to retrospective insurance reserve adjustments from continuing operations	7,000,000	7,200,000	4,300,000
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims	47,900,000	52,400,000
Liabilities covered by insurance carriers	$3,800,000	$4,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts, Maximum)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum typical term of foreign currency forward exchange contracts (in days)	90 days

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Prior period adjustments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements Adjustment Amount	$3	$2.60	$3.50
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements Amount Per Diluted Share	$0.04	$0.03	$0.04

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_1

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 26, 2013
Net Income Attributable to the Company and Transfers to Noncontrolling Interest
Net loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	($24,792,000)	($227,941,000)	($254,612,000)
Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interests	0	711,000	0
Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	-24,792,000	-227,230,000	-254,612,000
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	15,699,000	303,039,000	0
Assets held-for-sale:
Cash and cash equivalents	62,843,000	93,605,000	95,250,000	93,605,000	62,843,000	121,184,000
Due from unconsolidated affiliate	28,145,000	46,470,000		46,470,000	28,145,000
Assets held-for-sale	1,355,000	113,968,000		113,968,000	1,355,000
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
Accrued compensation	53,780,000	53,113,000		53,113,000	53,780,000
Insurance liabilities - current portion	12,415,000	10,523,000		10,523,000	12,415,000
Other current liabilities	35,470,000	41,879,000		41,879,000	35,470,000
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	0	109,176,000		109,176,000	0
After-tax loss from discontinued operations	-110,000	1,492,000	919,000
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	3,865,000	271,296,000	0
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction				300,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	-3,900,000	-271,300,000
Assets held-for-sale:
Cash and cash equivalents		1,290,000		1,290,000
Trade accounts receivable, net		28,471,000		28,471,000
Due from unconsolidated affiliate		65,728,000		65,728,000
Inventories		5,898,000		5,898,000
Other current assets		2,129,000		2,129,000
Property, plant and equipment, net		10,343,000		10,343,000
Other assets		109,000		109,000
Assets held-for-sale		113,968,000		113,968,000
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
Accounts payable		4,143,000		4,143,000
Accrued compensation		4,618,000		4,618,000
Income taxes payable		1,105,000		1,105,000
Insurance liabilities - current portion		21,000		21,000
Due to unconsolidated affiliate		97,079,000		97,079,000
Other current liabilities		2,210,000		2,210,000
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale		109,176,000		109,176,000
Divestiture Of Businesses, Transaction Expenses	20,100,000				2,200,000
Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in equity method investments							29.00%
Gas Technologies Divestiture
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
After-tax loss from discontinued operations	($100,000)	$1,500,000	$900,000

Accounts_Receivable_and_Invent2

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$340,223,000	$359,819,000
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	-15,119,000	-6,638,000
Trade accounts receivable, net	325,104,000	353,181,000
Other receivables	28,145,000	46,470,000
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trae accounts receivable	9,892,000	10,175,000	11,266,000
Inventories
Finished goods	30,001,000	23,112,000
Work-in-process	28,644,000	25,623,000
Raw materials and purchased parts	86,898,000	72,118,000
Stores and supplies	31,722,000	34,836,000
Total inventories	177,265,000	155,689,000
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	107,691,000	94,939,000
FIFO basis	13,383,000	9,859,000
Average cost basis	56,191,000	50,891,000
Total inventories	177,265,000	155,689,000
Excess of inventories valued at current costs over LIFO	33,000,000	28,000,000
Change in income as a result of LIFO basis inventory valuation over FIFO basis valuation	$100,000	$0	$100,000

Equity_Method_Investments_Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 26, 2013
Assets
Current assets	$815,809,000
Property and equipment , net	923,056,000
Other noncurrent assets	1,594,669,000
Total assets	3,333,534,000
Liabilities and Equity
Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt	68,748,000
Other current liabilities	360,714,000
Long-term debt	1,747,522,000
Other noncurrent liabilities	406,636,000
Total liabilities	2,583,620,000
Equity	749,914,000
Total liabilities and equity	3,333,534,000
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Net revenues	2,559,556,000
Gross profit	559,376,000
Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	-4,848,000
Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand		-1,558,000	1,548,000	564,000
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets						225,000,000
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability		9,740,000	966,000	0
Unit adjustment liability, current and non-current		93,800,000	106,300,000		106,300,000
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand	-1,595,000
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		285,700,000	296,082,000		296,082,000
Total annual payments, pre-tax					22,000,000
Total annual payments, after-tax					15,000,000
Transfer of ownership interest, percentage					2.50%
Investee EBITDA contingency threshold					487,000,000
Number of years after agreement that would terminate Company's quarterly payments contingency threshold						8
In event of an IPO, minimum co-venture interest in partnership that could terminate Company's quarterly payments						20.00%
Liquidation preference						$336,000,000
Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in Brand						29.00%

Equity_Method_Investments_Deta1

Equity Method Investments (Details 2) (Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment - Brand	296,082	296,082	$285,700
Discounted Cash Flow Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Fair value unobservable input, EBITDA margin		10.90%
Fair value unobservable input, ratio of capital expenditures to revenue		2.90%
Fair value unobservable input, long-term revenue growth		3.00%
Fair value unobservable input, WACC rate		9.25%
Fair value unobservable input, cost of equity		12.50%
Fair value unobservable input, implied exit EBITDA multiple	7
Fair value unobservable input, discount for lack of marketability		15.00%
Discounted Cash Flow Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Fair value unobservable input, EBITDA margin		12.60%
Fair value unobservable input, ratio of capital expenditures to revenue		3.80%
Fair value unobservable input, long-term revenue growth		3.00%
Fair value unobservable input, WACC rate		9.25%
Fair value unobservable input, cost of equity		12.50%
Fair value unobservable input, implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.5
Fair value unobservable input, discount for lack of marketability		15.00%

Equity_Method_Investments_Deta2

Equity Method Investments (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Balances due from Brand	$1,860	$85,908
Balances due to Brand	$28,311	$149,325

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital leases included in plant, property and equipment	22,300,000	$23,500,000
Gross property, plant and equipment	2,186,407,000	2,278,614,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-1,523,163,000	-1,567,268,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	663,244,000	711,346,000	1,266,225,000
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	15,721,000	16,652,000
Land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	15,898,000	13,615,000
Land improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Land improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	205,409,000	192,346,000
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	40 years
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,861,965,000	1,969,493,000
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years
Uncompleted construction
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	87,414,000	$86,508,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$431,265	$429,198
Changes to goodwill	6,539
Foreign currency translation	-21,649	2,067
Balance at the end of the period	416,155	431,265
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	421,955	419,888
Changes to goodwill	-300
Foreign currency translation	-21,649	2,067
Balance at the end of the period	400,006	421,955
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	0
Changes to goodwill	6,839
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	6,839	0
Harsco Rail [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	9,310	9,310
Changes to goodwill	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$9,310	$9,310

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$206,429,000	$196,695,000
Accumulated Amortization	147,905,000	143,434,000
Intangible assets, net	58,524,000	53,261,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	17,575,000
Amortization expense for intangible assets	9,900,000	13,800,000	17,600,000
Estimated amortization expense for the next five years
2015	8,350,000
2016	7,800,000
2017	5,050,000
2018	4,850,000
2019	4,800,000
Customer related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	157,530,000	150,307,000
Accumulated Amortization	112,211,000	110,889,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	13,928,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value	0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,107,000	1,126,000
Accumulated Amortization	1,039,000	1,024,000
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,079,000	6,211,000
Accumulated Amortization	5,399,000	5,273,000
Technology related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	26,548,000	27,185,000
Accumulated Amortization	21,233,000	18,931,000
Trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	7,745,000	4,113,000
Accumulated Amortization	3,733,000	2,969,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	3,647,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value	0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	7,420,000	7,753,000
Accumulated Amortization	$4,290,000	$4,348,000

Debt_and_Credit_Agreements_Det

Debt and Credit Agreements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 12, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			bank
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator	3
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator	1
Short-term borrowings	$16,748,000				$7,489,000
Weighted average interest rate	11.70%				10.80%
Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Limit	525,000,000		525,000,000
Outstanding Balance	98,500,000
Available Credit	426,500,000
Number of lenders providing credit facility (in banks)			14
Contingent increase to maximum borrowing capacity			550,000,000
Variable basis of interest rates			LIBOR
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator		3.5
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator		1
Debt Issuance Cost				400,000	300,000
U.S. commercial paper program
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$98,500,000				$35,000,000

Debt_and_Credit_Agreements_Det1

Debt and Credit Agreements (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 12, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$854,897,000	$803,415,000				$803,415,000
Less: current maturities	-25,188,000	-20,257,000				-20,257,000
Total Long-term Debt	829,709,000	783,158,000				783,158,000
Cash payments for interest on all debt	44,200,000	50,100,000	45,500,000
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator	3
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator	1
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2016	11,732,000
2017	363,047,000
2018	453,759,000
2019	876,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.75% notes due May 15, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	448,626,000	448,268,000				448,268,000
Stated interest rate	5.75%	5.75%				5.75%
Redemption price (percent)	101.00%
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.7% notes due October 15, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	249,733,000	249,373,000				249,373,000
Stated interest rate	2.70%	2.70%				2.70%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	101.00%
Other financing payable in varying amounts due principally through 2018 with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.7% and 9.4% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	156,538,000	105,774,000				105,774,000
Weighted average interest rate	4.00%	3.60%				3.60%
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to consolidated tangible assets	10.00%
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator				3.5
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator				1
Debt Issuance Cost					$400,000	$300,000

Operating_Leases_Details

Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Rental expense for property, plant and equipment	$19,700,000	$51,700,000	$54,900,000
Operating leases
2015	14,642,000
2016	10,905,000
2017	7,204,000
2018	4,075,000
2019	3,546,000
After 2019	24,762,000
Minimum rentals to be received under noncancelable subleases	$600,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic pension cost, U.S. Plans	$7,660	$21,379	$20,673
Net periodic pension cost, International Plans	19,054	32,242	35,861
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Multiemployer plans	1,199	12,444	10,186
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Multiemployer plans	1,762	5,449	5,539
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans	4,704	4,945	5,066
U.S. Plans | Maximum
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	4.00%
Employer discretionary contribution (as a percent)	2.00%
International Plans
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Additional contribution towards insurance and administrative costs (as a percent)	2.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans	8,033	11,139	12,770
International Plans | Maximum
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	6.00%
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	2,233	2,565	1,887
Interest cost	12,868	11,767	12,780
Expected return on plan assets	-16,786	-15,642	-15,617
Recognized prior service costs	90	248	224
Recognized losses	3,352	5,052	4,637
Amortization of transition liability	0	0	0
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	0	0	1,510
Defined benefit plans pension cost	1,757	3,990	5,421
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1,610	3,457	3,418
Interest cost	43,230	42,707	46,174
Expected return on plan assets	-49,927	-46,920	-45,050
Recognized prior service costs	184	335	397
Recognized losses	14,102	16,447	15,194
Amortization of transition liability	0	0	8
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	60	-372	-2,589
Defined benefit plans pension cost	$9,259	$15,654	$17,552

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details1

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent liabilities	350,889,000	241,049,000
Global Weighted-Average
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	4.70%	4.20%	4.70%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.00%	6.80%	6.90%
Rates of compensation increase	3.40%	2.80%	3.40%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.70%	4.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.20%	3.30%
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	283,571,000	316,448,000
Service cost	2,233,000	2,565,000	1,887,000
Interest cost	12,868,000	11,767,000	12,780,000
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Amendments	0	0
Actuarial loss	49,939,000	-28,158,000
Settlements/curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	-23,292,000	-19,051,000
Effect of foreign currency	0	0
Change in benefit obligation, Infrastructure transaction	0	0
Other	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	325,319,000	283,571,000	316,448,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	233,579,000	218,084,000
Actual return on plan assets	15,465,000	31,931,000
Employer contributions	7,598,000	2,615,000
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Settlements/curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	-23,292,000	-19,051,000
Effect of foreign currency	0	0
Other	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	233,350,000	233,579,000	218,084,000
Funded status at end of year	-91,969,000	-49,992,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent assets	615,000	2,148,000
Current liabilities	2,102,000	2,045,000
Noncurrent liabilities	90,482,000	50,095,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	157,165,000	109,348,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	156,989,000	109,081,000
Prior service cost	176,000	267,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	157,165,000	109,348,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	4,919,000
Prior service cost	81,000
Total	5,000,000
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	2,500,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	18,500,000
2016	18,800,000
2017	18,600,000
2018	18,800,000
2019	18,700,000
2020-2024	94,500,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	4.70%	3.80%	4.40%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.80%
Rates of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.90%	4.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
Number of U.S. dollar-denomincated, AA-graded corporate bonds in yield curve universe	700
Highest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve univers (as a percent)	10.00%
Lowest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve universe (as a percent)	10.00%
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	958,705,000	1,068,750,000
Service cost	1,610,000	3,457,000	3,418,000
Interest cost	43,230,000	42,707,000	46,174,000
Plan participants' contributions	75,000	689,000
Amendments	0	-394,000
Actuarial loss	150,289,000	-8,245,000
Settlements/curtailments	-589,000	-1,619,000
Benefits paid	-41,522,000	-46,269,000
Effect of foreign currency	-62,250,000	19,744,000
Change in benefit obligation, Infrastructure transaction	0	-120,115,000
Other	55,000	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,049,603,000	958,705,000	1,068,750,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	770,911,000	783,059,000
Actual return on plan assets	80,518,000	68,535,000
Employer contributions	28,112,000	30,258,000
Plan participants' contributions	75,000	689,000
Settlements/curtailments	0	-1,028,000
Benefits paid	-41,522,000	-46,269,000
Benefits paid	-40,948,000	-45,207,000
Effect of foreign currency	-47,623,000	11,455,000
Other	0	-76,850,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	791,045,000	770,911,000	783,059,000
Funded status at end of year	-258,558,000	-187,794,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent assets	1,746,000	3,894,000
Current liabilities	524,000	534,000
Noncurrent liabilities	259,780,000	191,154,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	479,382,000	401,300,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	478,396,000	400,726,000
Prior service cost	986,000	574,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	479,382,000	401,300,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	17,254,000
Prior service cost	208,000
Total	17,462,000
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	31,200,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	42,100,000
2016	43,800,000
2017	45,500,000
2018	46,200,000
2019	47,700,000
2020-2024	266,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	4.70%	4.30%	4.80%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.80%	6.60%	6.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.40%	2.80%	3.40%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.70%	4.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.20%	3.40%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details2

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Dividends paid	$66,321,000	$66,228,000	$66,132,000
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	325,300,000	283,500,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	314,900,000	274,800,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	314,900,000	274,800,000
Fair value of plan assets	222,300,000	222,600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Number of capital market results simulated in the model for expected return on plan assets	1,000
Period for which results of capital markets are simulated	20 years
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.80%
Number of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets	450,000	450,000
Value of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets	8,500,000	12,600,000
Dividends paid	400,000	400,000	400,000
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.50%
Fair values of plan assets	233,350,000	233,579,000	218,084,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	233,579,000	218,084,000
Employer contributions	7,598,000	2,615,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	233,350,000	233,579,000	218,084,000
U.S. Plans | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	39.10%	41.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	34.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	44.00%
Fair values of plan assets	44,064,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	48,915,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44,064,000
U.S. Plans | Equity securities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	18.20%	19.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	14.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	24.00%
U.S. Plans | Harsco common stock
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	3.60%	5.40%
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	47,313,000	48,807,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	47,313,000	48,807,000
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	42,446,000	45,475,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	42,446,000	45,475,000
U.S. Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	30.30%	25.90%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	28.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	38.00%
U.S. Plans | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	18,759,000	18,787,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18,759,000	18,787,000
U.S. Plans | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	11,347,000	8,374,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,347,000	8,374,000
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	40,568,000	33,326,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	40,568,000	33,326,000
U.S. Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	9.30%	9.60%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	5.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	15.00%
U.S. Plans | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	21,700,000	22,508,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	21,700,000	22,508,000
U.S. Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	3.10%	3.20%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	5.00%
Fair values of plan assets	7,153,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,387,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,153,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	151,981,000	179,189,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	151,981,000	179,189,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	44,064,000	48,915,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44,064,000	48,915,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	13,335,000	13,204,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	13,335,000	13,204,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	42,446,000	45,475,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	42,446,000	45,475,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	11,347,000	8,374,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,347,000	8,374,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	11,936,000	33,326,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,936,000	33,326,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	21,700,000	22,508,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	21,700,000	22,508,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	7,153,000	7,387,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,153,000	7,387,000
U.S. Plans | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	81,369,000	54,390,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	81,369,000	54,390,000
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	33,978,000	35,603,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	33,978,000	35,603,000
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	18,759,000	18,787,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18,759,000	18,787,000
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	28,632,000	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	28,632,000	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,043,200,000	950,700,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	1,032,100,000	926,800,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,026,000,000	923,900,000
Fair value of plan assets	771,800,000	737,600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.80%	6.60%	6.70%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.80%
Fair values of plan assets	791,045,000	770,911,000	783,059,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	770,911,000	783,059,000
Employer contributions	28,112,000	30,258,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	791,045,000	770,911,000	783,059,000
International Plans | United Kingdom
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets	94.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.80%
International Plans | International, other than UK
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets	6.00%
International Plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	36.90%	38.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	32.50%
International Plans | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	292,150,000	296,980,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	292,150,000	296,980,000
International Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	45.30%	42.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	42.50%
International Plans | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	350,073,000	314,965,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	350,073,000	314,965,000
International Plans | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	8,233,000	8,797,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,233,000	8,797,000
International Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	17.50%	19.20%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	25.00%
International Plans | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	53,926,000	52,733,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	53,926,000	52,733,000
International Plans | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	84,120,000	94,980,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	84,120,000	94,980,000
International Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	0.30%	0.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	0.00%
Fair values of plan assets	2,543,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,456,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,543,000
International Plans | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	2,543,000	2,456,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,543,000	2,456,000
International Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	2,543,000	2,456,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,543,000	2,456,000
International Plans | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	765,855,000	748,032,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	765,855,000	748,032,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	292,150,000	296,980,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	292,150,000	296,980,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	350,073,000	314,965,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	350,073,000	314,965,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	8,233,000	8,797,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,233,000	8,797,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	31,279,000	32,310,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	31,279,000	32,310,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	84,120,000	94,980,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	84,120,000	94,980,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	22,647,000	20,423,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	22,647,000	20,423,000
International Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	22,647,000	20,423,000	17,746,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	20,423,000	17,746,000	12,025,000
Employer contributions	385,000	838,000	2,535,000
Cash distributions received	-1,614,000	-1,380,000	-1,270,000
Actual return on plan assets - related to asset still held at end of year	3,453,000	3,219,000	4,456,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	22,647,000	20,423,000	17,746,000
International Plans | Level 3 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 end of year	$0	$0

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details3

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Contributions By The Company	$2,961,000	$17,893,000	$15,814,000
Minimum
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Minimum contribution to the plan in a plan year to classify it as a significant plan as a percent of total contributions (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
New Zealand Steel Pension Fund
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Total assets				345,400,000	276,100,000
Total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits				358,700,000	302,400,000
Total contributions for all participating employers				13,500,000	13,300,000
New Zealand Steel Pension Fund | Minimum
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multi-employer Plan, Period Contributions Percentage Threshold	5.00%	5.00%
All other multiemployer plans
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Contributions By The Company	2,123,000	17,007,000	14,905,000
Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements | New Zealand Steel Pension Fund
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Contributions By The Company	$838,000	$886,000	$909,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	326.50%	-19.00%	-16.10%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$2,800,000	$4,900,000	$8,000,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income
United States	20,168,000	-26,855,000	40,411,000
International	-11,846,000	-156,477,000	-258,906,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	8,322,000	-183,332,000	-218,495,000
Currently payable:
U.S. federal	4,495,000	10,949,000	22,603,000
U.S. state	557,000	1,375,000	1,561,000
International	14,569,000	41,015,000	21,795,000
Total income taxes currently payable	19,621,000	53,339,000	45,959,000
Deferred U.S. federal	2,503,000	-17,341,000	-3,831,000
Deferred U.S. state	807,000	401,000	-843,000
Deferred international	4,240,000	-1,487,000	-6,034,000
Total income tax expense	27,171,000	34,912,000	35,251,000
Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on gain or loss from discontinued business	36,000,000	44,400,000	42,600,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
U.S. federal income tax	2,913,000	-64,166,000	-76,473,000
U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	658,000	-851,000	290,000
U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	-1,882,000	-4,700,000	-3,580,000
Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction	0	13,181,000	0
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	4,420,000	-308,000	1,532,000
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	-5,298,000	-5,548,000	-5,470,000
Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,203,000	20,125,000	3,980,000
Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits	22,049,000	0	21,387,000
U.S. nondeductible items	1,216,000	2,953,000	1,470,000
Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction	1,465,000	74,946,000	0
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	0	0	92,763,000
Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	246,000	-483,000	-260,000
Loss from unconsolidated entities	-587,000	0	0
Other, net	-232,000	-237,000	-388,000
Goodwill impairment charge	0	0	265,038,000
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Expense accruals	27,657,000	28,550,000
Inventories	5,009,000	3,592,000
Provision for receivables	798,000	752,000
Operating loss carryforwards	75,635,000	75,443,000
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	16,476,000	16,085,000
Capital loss carryforwards	2,102,000	3,177,000
Pensions	86,995,000	81,564,000
Currency adjustments	35,386,000	27,536,000
Unit adjustment liability	34,675,000	39,335,000
Post-retirement benefits	905,000	1,013,000
Other	9,079,000	6,159,000
Deferred tax assets, gross	294,717,000	283,206,000
Valuation allowance	-131,342,000	-127,164,000
Deferred tax assets, net	163,375,000	156,042,000
Depreciation and amortization	16,026,000	24,585,000
Deferred revenue	1,708,000	1,764,000
Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	23,885,000	28,965,000
Deferred tax liabilities	41,619,000	55,314,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Other current assets	39,003,000	44,315,000
Other assets	90,252,000	65,105,000
Other current liabilities	1,120,000	475,000
Deferred income taxes	6,379,000	8,217,000
Undistributed earnings indefinitely reinvested outside United States	705,000,000	815,000,000
One-time cost associated with repatriation of undistributed earnings indefinitely reinvested outside United States	124,000,000
Infrastructure transaction
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	-3,900,000	-271,300,000
Pension adjustments
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	8,000,000
Losses in certain jurisdictions that the Company determined it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	6,500,000	7,100,000
Currency translation
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	-9,300,000
Capital loss carryforward
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	-1,100,000
Infrastructure Transaction
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense		9,400,000
Expiring in 2018
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Capital loss carryforwards	2,100,000
International operations
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	66,400,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards not subject to expiration	44,800,000
Operating losses subject to expiration	21,600,000
International operations | United Kingdom | Pensions and currency translation
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense		15,800,000
International operations | Europe, Asia and Middle East
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Reduction in income tax expense due to tax holidays	0	0
U.S. state
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	9,200,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2013 and 2017
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	400,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2018 and 2022
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	3,900,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2023 and 2027
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	1,500,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2028 and 2032
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	$3,400,000

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Interest and penalties recognized	$2,100,000	$3,100,000	$1,800,000
Interest and penalties accrued	2,800,000	4,900,000	8,000,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	17,549,000	24,918,000	33,408,000
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	288,000	500,000	584,000
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	156,000	145,000	37,000
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	3,056,000	3,050,000	3,987,000
Statutes of limitations expirations	2,481,000	3,348,000	5,124,000
Settlements	0	1,616,000
Balance at the end of the period	12,456,000	17,549,000	24,918,000
Reconciliation of Deferred Income Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	-198,000	-369,000	-517,000
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	-2,000	-5,000	-8,000
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	-55,000	-4,000	2,000
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	0	0	0
Statutes of limitation expirations	143,000	180,000	154,000
Settlements	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	-112,000	-198,000	-369,000
Reconciliation of Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	12,344,000	17,351,000	24,549,000	32,891,000
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	286,000	495,000	576,000
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	101,000	141,000	39,000
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	-3,056,000	-3,050,000	-3,987,000
Statutes of limitation expirations	-2,338,000	-3,168,000	-4,970,000
Settlements	0	-1,616,000
Balance at the end of the period	12,344,000	17,351,000	24,549,000	32,891,000
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to currency translation	1,600,000
Portion of UTB, expected to be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations within next twelve months	200,000
Foreign jurisdiction
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Settlements	1,500,000
Reconciliation of Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Decrease related to previously unrecognized tax benefits that were recognized in 2012 due to change in enacted legislation	$3,100,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2005
Environmental
Commitments and Contingencies
Accruals for environmental matters	$1.20	$1.20
Charges related to environmental matters	1.9	1.7	1.2
loss contingency, Brazilian labor claims [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims	8.6	3.1
Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants	90
Number of pending claims	17,314
Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number	27,550
Other | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	20
Other | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	25
Pending Litigation, Active Or In Extremis Docket [Member] | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	163
Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority | Brazilian Tax Disputes - Case 1
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Principal Amount	2
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount	25
Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority | Brazilian Tax Disputes - Case 2
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value				9.5
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Principal Amount				2.3
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount				$7.20
New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	16,979
New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court | Pending And Future Litigation, Deferred Or Inactive Docket [Member] | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	16,816
New York State Supreme Court, Counties Excluding New York County [Member] | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	115
Courts Located In States Other Than New York [Member] | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	220

Capital_Stock_Details

Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Common stock authorized (in shares)	150,000,000
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	4,000,000
Preferred stock authorized, par value (in dollars per share)	$1.25
Common stock authorized, par value (in dollars per share)	$1.25		$1.25
Shares Authorized to Be Purchased [Roll Forward]
Shares Authorized for Purchased, Beginning Balance	2,000,000			1,713,423	1,713,423
Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase	0		286,577	0
Shares Purchased	0
Remaining Shares Authorized for Purchase, Ending Balance	1,850,000		2,000,000		1,713,423
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of rights distributed for each share of common stock outstanding	1
Minimum percentage of common stock to be acquired to trigger exercise of rights	15.00%
Number of securities called by rights (in shares)	0.01
Exercise price of warrant or right (in dollars per share)	$230
Multiplier of exercise price of right to determine common share purchase rights	2
Redemption price per right (in dollars per share)	$0.00
Number of business days following the acquisition of stock after which rights become exercisable	10 days
Preferred stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of rights (in shares)	806,599		806,789
Treasury Stock [Member]
Shares Authorized to Be Purchased [Roll Forward]
Shares Purchased	150,000	[1]	0	0
[1]	The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.

Capital_Stock_Details_2

Capital Stock (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended						2 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Feb. 26, 2015	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	1,850,000		2,000,000					1,713,423		1,713,423
Common Stock
Shares outstanding at the beginning of the period	112,357,348		112,198,693					112,063,938		111,931,267
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	31,697,498	[1]	31,519,768	[1]				31,479,310	[1]	31,454,097	[1]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	80,659,850		80,678,925					80,584,628		80,477,170
Stock options exercised			20,000		38,900
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	65,851		25,215		45,898
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	9,213		2,713
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	83,591		86,827		47,873
Treasury shares purchased	0
Shares outstanding at the end of the period	112,357,348		112,198,693					112,063,938		111,931,267
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	31,697,498	[1]	31,519,768	[1]				31,479,310	[1]	31,454,097	[1]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	80,659,850		80,678,925					80,584,628		80,477,170
Reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (in dollars)	($24,902)		($226,449)		($253,693)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	80,884,000		80,755,000		80,632,000
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	0		0		0
Weighted-average shares outstandingbdiluted (in shares)	80,884,000		80,755,000		80,632,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.31)		($2.80)		($3.15)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.31)		($2.80)		($3.15)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Common Stock
Stock options exercised			0	[1]	0	[1]
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	4,418	[1]	9,358	[1]	14,677	[1]
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	2,985	[1]	521	[1]
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	20,327	[1]	30,579	[1]	10,536	[1]
Treasury shares purchased	-150,000	[1]	0		0
Outstanding Shares
Common Stock
Stock options exercised			20,000		38,900
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	61,433		15,857		31,221
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	6,228		2,192
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	63,264		56,248		37,337
Treasury shares purchased	-150,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Treasury Stock [Member]
Common Stock
Treasury shares purchased							-596,632
[1]	The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.

Capital_Stock_Details_3

Capital Stock (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	301	265	148
Stock options
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	188	286	389
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	912	1,078	530
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	93	0	0
Other stock-based compensation units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	101	317

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
	Y	Y	Y
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Expense (Income)	$1,114,000	$0	$0
Restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Vested (in shares)	-1,784
Forfeited (in shares)	-9,796
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	133,569	0
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	227,672	216,869	172,104
Granted (in dollars per share)	$25.14	$20.62	$19.23
Expense (Income)	2,513,000	1,976,000	1,420,000
Restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	213,841	141,473	62,641
Granted (in shares)	227,672	216,869	172,104
Vested (in shares)	-52,041	-69,955	-67,861
Forfeited (in shares)	-84,956	-74,546	-25,411
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	304,516	213,841	141,473
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$19.95	$19.19	$25.39
Granted (in dollars per share)	$25.14	$20.62	$19.23
Vested (in dollars per share)	$23.58	$20.54	$24.86
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$20.92	$22.61	$20.35
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$22.94	$19.95	$19.19
Additional disclosures
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	4,000,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition	2 years 1 month
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	6,800,000
Number of shares available for grant	5,616,343
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Equity Awards, Other Than Options And Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	3,400,000
Number of shares available for grant	3,013,373
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	600,000
Number of shares available for grant	107,063
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	1 year
Granted (in shares)	36,840	46,287	30,618	20,192
Granted (in dollars per share)	$24.80	$20.60	$21.44	$34.79
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	36,840	46,287	30,618	20,192
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$24.80	$20.60	$21.44	$34.79
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	0	0	234,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	0	255,000	402,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	318,000	636,000	0
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	602,000	0	0
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Retirement age of employees (in years)	62	62	62
Granted (in shares)	190,832	170,582	141,486	17,250	26,000	121,625
Granted (in dollars per share)	$25.21	$20.63	$18.75	$23.55	$23.78	$25.98
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	190,832	170,582	141,486	17,250	26,000	121,625
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$25.21	$20.63	$18.75	$23.55	$23.78	$25.98
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	0	0	43,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	0	0	21,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	3,000	69,000	195,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	151,000	383,000	525,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	$325,000	$633,000	$0

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Appreciation Rights) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	31-May-13	Sep. 30, 2012	31-May-12	Mar. 31, 2012	31-May-14	Aug. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)	206,638
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares	746,410
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$23.53
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	8 years 7 months
Number of exercisable options (in shares)	206,638
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$22.30
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	$0	$100,000	$0
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Vested (in shares)	-1,784
Forfeited stock appreciation rights (in shares)	-9,796
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	133,569	0
$19.65 - $22.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)	147,540
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares	381,180
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$22.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	8 years 4 months
Number of exercisable options (in shares)	147,540
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$21.61
$23.03 - $26.22
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)	59,098
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares	365,230
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$25.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	9 years
Number of exercisable options (in shares)	59,098
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$24.04
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	450,894	923,832
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)				1.78%	2.03%	1.92%	2.00%	1.98%	1.91%	1.41%	1.17%	1.00%	1.18%	1.56%
Dividend yield (as a percent)				4.00%	3.50%	3.27%	3.24%	3.53%	3.13%	3.56%	3.61%	3.80%	4.20%	3.50%
Expected life				6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Volatility (as a percent)				38.60%	40.60%	41.20%	41.20%	44.30%	43.80%	44.10%	44.10%	44.30%	44.00%	43.90%
SAR grant price				$20.48	$23.43		$25.27	$23.25	$26.22	$23.03	$22.70	$21.37	$19.65	$23.73		$25.11
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)	$25.20	$22.76		$5.17	$6.72	$7.46	$7.55	$7.25	$8.60	$7.07	$6.86	$6.20	$4.77	$6.10
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	961,458	525,287	0
Granted (in shares)	450,894	923,832	707,012
Exercised (in shares)	-52,667	-11,037
Forfeited/expired (in shares)			-181,725
Forfeited (in shares)	-406,637	-476,624
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	953,048	961,458	525,287
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period	$22.20	$21.23	$0
Granted	$25.20	$22.76	$21.23
Exercised	$20.21	$19.65
Forfeited/expired	$22.65	$22.28	$21.23
Outstanding at end of period	$23.53	$22.20	$21.23
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0	5,600,000	1,200,000														0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised	200,000	100,000	0
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	7 years 9 months
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$3,800,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition	2 years 8 months
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	839,505	525,287
Granted (in shares)	450,894	923,832
Vested (in shares)	-84,685	-121,953
Exercised stock appreciation rights (in shares)	-52,667	-11,037
Forfeited stock appreciation rights (in shares)	-406,637	-476,624
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	746,410	839,505	525,287
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$22.27	$21.23
Granted (in dollars per share)	$25.20	$22.76		$5.17	$6.72	$7.46	$7.55	$7.25	$8.60	$7.07	$6.86	$6.20	$4.77	$6.10
Vested (in dollars per share)	$23.23	$21.65
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$20.21	$19.65
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$22.65	$22.28
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$23.87	$22.27	$21.23
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	1 year
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | $19.65 - $22.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$19,650
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$23,430
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | $23.03 - $26.22
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$23,730
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$26,920
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)												43,058	345,502	318,452
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)												43,058	345,502	318,452
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period (in years)	10 years
Retirement age of employees (in years)	62
Granted (in shares)				12,401	15,808	84,290	31,405	51,900	15,000	5,018	903,814				255,090
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)				12,401	15,808	84,290	31,405	51,900	15,000	5,018	903,814				255,090
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	5 years
May 2014 Grant 1 | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)															1.90%
Dividend yield (as a percent)															3.16%
Expected life															6 years
Volatility (as a percent)															43.20%
SAR grant price															25.93
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)															8.16
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)															8.16
May 2014 Grant 2 | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)															1.82%
Dividend yield (as a percent)															3.05%
Expected life															6 years
Volatility (as a percent)															42.80%
SAR grant price															26.92
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)															8.47
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)															8.47

StockBased_Compensation_Perfor

Stock-Based Compensation (Performance Stock Units) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Apr. 30, 2014
Fair value assumptions
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$1,114,000	$0	$0
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Vested (in shares)	-1,784
Forfeited (in shares)	-9,796
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	133,569	0
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	3 years
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)				0.55%	0.72%	0.67%	0.74%		0.75%
Dividend yield (as a percent)				0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%		0.00%
Expected Life (Years)				2 years 1 month 6 days	2 years 3 months 15 days	2 years 5 months 3 days	2 years 5 months 3 days		2 years 8 months 24 days
Volatility				26.30%	25.70%	26.90%	26.90%		34.30%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)	$22.82			$7.42	$15.26	$21.86	$22.31		$18
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	900,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$2,000,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition	2 years
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)				3,906	4,980	26,550	11,487	82,526	15,700
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$0
Granted (in dollars per share)	$22.82			$7.42	$15.26	$21.86	$22.31		$18
Vested (in dollars per share)	$27.53
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$25.26
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$22.58
Performance Stock Units | May 2014 Grant 1
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)								0.70%
Dividend yield (as a percent)								0.00%
Expected Life (Years)								2 years 7 months 26 days
Volatility								31.80%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)								25.26
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)								25.26
Performance Stock Units | May 2014 Grant 2
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)								0.63%
Dividend yield (as a percent)								0.00%
Expected Life (Years)								2 years 7 months 11 days
Volatility								30.10%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)								27.53
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)								27.53
Performance Stock Units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout of PSUs (percent of initial grant)	0.00%
Performance Stock Units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout of PSUs (percent of initial grant)	200.00%

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_1

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Shares Under Option
Exercised (in shares)		-20,000	-38,900
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$1,114,000	$0	$0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	0	371,000	725,000
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Shares Under Option
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	229,000	328,000	661,840
Exercised (in shares)	0	-20,000	-38,900
Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	-107,500	-79,000	-294,940
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	121,500	229,000	328,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$31.75	$30.67	$30.22
Exercised (in dollars per share)		$16.96	$18.23
Forfeited/Expired (in dollars per share)	$31.75	$31	$31.29
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$31.75	$31.75	$30.67
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at beginning of period	0	200,000	200,000
Outstanding at end of period	0	0	200,000
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	100,000	200,000	100,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	0
Intrinsic value of options exercised		$100,000	$100,000
Shares Under Option
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	149,000
Vested (in shares)	-121,500
Forfeited (in shares)	-27,500
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	0	149,000
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$10.90
Vested (in dollars per share)	$10.90
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$10.90
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$10.90	$10.90
Stock options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period (in years)	7 years

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_2

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options - Range of Exercise Prices) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Range of Exercisable Prices $31.75 - $31.75
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$31.75
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$31.75
Stock options
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Vested	121,500
Non-vested	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$31.75
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 years 1 month 6 days
Number Exercisable	121,500
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$31.75

StockBased_Compensation_Other_

Stock-Based Compensation (Other Stock Grants) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$1,114	$0	$0
Other stock grants
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued		55,919
Recognized stock-based compensation expense		$700
Other stock grants | Interim Chief Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued		27,672

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Country
Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity has currency exposures	35
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Contingent liability outstanding	269.4	$216.30	$208.80
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees | Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Fees paid to various banks and insurance companies on face amount of instruments (as a percent)	0.32%
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees | Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee term	5 years
Fees paid to various banks and insurance companies on face amount of instruments (as a percent)	2.50%
Payment Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	15	19
Net Working Capital Settlement [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee remaining term	6 years
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	3
Environmental indemnification for properties sold to third party in 2007 | Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee term	20 years
Environmental indemnification for property from a lease terminated in 2006
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	3	$3	$3

Financial_Instruments_Details_

Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	53,409	$26,041
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	2,599	13,427
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	420	40
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	0	17
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cross currency interest rate swaps | Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	52,989	26,001
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cross currency interest rate swaps | Other liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	2,599	13,410
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Minimum
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Period over which gains and losses are reclassified to earnings	10 years
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maximum
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Period over which gains and losses are reclassified to earnings	15 years
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	4,065	1,216
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	4,618	$3,267

Financial_Instruments_Details_1

Financial Instruments (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	($1,619)	$2,457	($4,900)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	4	-8	270
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	39,823	-12,067	-13,384
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	358	48	-152
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	0	-6	0
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cost of services and products sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	4	-8	270
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31	-2,307	-10,463	-3,529
Cross currency interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	-1,977	2,409	-4,748
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	0	0	0
Cross currency interest rate swaps | Cost of services and products sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	$39,823	($12,061)	($13,384)

Financial_Instruments_Details_2

Financial Instruments (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Pre-tax net gains and losses on certain loans designated as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries	$22,600,000	($9,800,000)	($5,300,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	468,822,000	541,850,000		541,850,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	-133,000	-2,028,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent		121,200,000		121,200,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)				700,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | British pounds sterling
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	37,943,000	26,931,000		26,931,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	179,000	-277,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | Euros
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	193,370,000	248,943,000		248,943,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	2,993,000	-335,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | No currency
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	12,641,000	12,708,000		12,708,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	439,000	-134,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | British pounds sterling
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	2,783,000	1,976,000		1,976,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	-4,000	15,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | Euros
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	194,084,000	242,385,000		242,385,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	-3,767,000	-1,335,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | No currency
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	28,001,000	8,907,000		8,907,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	27,000	38,000
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maturing 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	250,000,000
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maturing 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	220,000,000
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maturing 2013 through 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	$8,800,000

Financial_Instruments_Details_3

Financial Instruments (Details 5) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, Level 2, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets - Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$4,485	$1,256
Assets - Cross-currency interest rate swaps	52,989	26,001
Liabilities - Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	4,618	3,284
Liabilities - Cross-currency interest rate swaps	$2,599	$13,410

Financial_Instruments_Details_4

Financial Instruments (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	$885,000,000		$832,600,000
Carrying value of long-term debt	854,897,000		803,415,000
Unit adjustment liability
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	106,343,000
Recognition of unit adjustment liability	0
Payments	-22,320,000
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	9,740,000		966,000
Balance at end of year	93,762,000	[1]	106,343,000
Contingent Consideration for Acquisition [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year					0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings			107,500,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			-2,123,000
Balance at end of year			$106,343,000	[1]	$0
[1]	Does not total due to rounding.

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo2

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	segment	Customer	Customer	Customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$663,244	711,346	1,266,225
Number of reportable segments	3
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	2	2
Harsco Rail [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	1	2	2
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	1	1
BRAZIL
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$69,515	63,161	65,019

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo3

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	$207,978	$246,147	$265,023
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	2,065,738	2,896,520	3,046,018
Property, plant and equipment, net	663,244	711,346	1,266,225
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	880,884	1,021,770	1,108,051
Property, plant and equipment, net	151,397	147,820	242,890
United Kingdom
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	257,885	353,915	331,894
China
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	102,842	86,822	55,656
All Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	926,969	1,520,835	1,606,073
Property, plant and equipment, net	339,490	413,543	902,660
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	9,298	3,936	3,669
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	$412,532	$365,972	$352,586

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo4

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$2,065,738	$2,896,520	$3,046,018
Operating Income (Loss)	63,471	-134,799	-174,790
Total Assets	2,263,801	2,441,748	2,975,969
Depreciation and Amortization	176,326	237,041	272,117
Capital Expenditures	207,978	246,147	265,023
Interest income	1,702	2,087	3,676
Interest expense	-47,111	-49,654	-47,381
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	9,740	966	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	8,322	-183,332	-218,495
Segment operating income
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	110,675	-73,329	-138,040
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,377,592	1,359,004	1,404,103
Operating Income (Loss)	9,858	95,310	99,668
Total Assets	1,472,277	1,595,221	1,561,973
Depreciation and Amortization	159,844	158,837	163,137
Capital Expenditures	186,784	173,179	189,358
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	885,377	937,293
Operating Income (Loss)	0	-255,326	-350,497
Total Assets	0	456,323	1,018,979
Depreciation and Amortization	0	58,449	89,814
Capital Expenditures	0	62,889	63,137
Harsco Rail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	275,614	286,167	352,036
Operating Income (Loss)	37,137	27,710	54,727
Total Assets	169,035	159,774	188,348
Depreciation and Amortization	5,591	10,362	10,116
Capital Expenditures	3,120	3,502	4,133
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	412,532	365,972	352,586
Operating Income (Loss)	63,680	58,977	58,062
Total Assets	126,548	83,189	81,035
Depreciation and Amortization	4,928	3,329	3,098
Capital Expenditures	9,298	3,936	3,669
General Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	-47,204	-61,470	-36,750
Total Assets	495,941	147,241	125,634
Depreciation and Amortization	5,963	6,064	5,952
Capital Expenditures	$8,776	$2,641	$4,726

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo5

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	$2,065,738	$2,896,520	$3,046,018
Outsourced, on-site services to steel mills and other metals producers and resource recovery technologies for the re-use of industrial waste stream by-products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	1,377,592	1,359,004	1,404,103
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	0	885,377	937,293
Railway track maintenance services and equipment
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	275,614	286,167	352,036
Air-cooled heat exchangers
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	226,529	180,738	175,896
Industrial grating products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	139,711	142,355	136,157
Heat transfer products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	$46,292	$42,879	$40,533

Other_Expenses_Details

Other Expenses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	($6,718,000)	($4,657,000)	($5,848,000)
Employee termination benefit costs	-19,120,000	-3,928,000	-31,158,000
Costs to exit activities	4,908,000	5,382,000	38,626,000
Currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings		10,900,000
Product line rationalization		0	24,966,000
Impaired asset write-downs	39,455,000	9,688,000	7,152,000
Other (income) expense, miscellaneous	1,059,000	769,000	-2,278,000
Other (income) expenses	57,824,000	15,110,000	93,776,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	-3,538,000	-1,043,000	-2,449,000
Employee termination benefit costs	-18,169,000	-3,561,000	-8,082,000
Costs to exit activities	6,395,000	2,705,000	3,627,000
Impaired asset write-downs	38,791,000	689,000	7,152,000
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	0	-2,864,000	-2,198,000
Employee termination benefit costs	0	-326,000	-17,291,000
Costs to exit activities	0	-254,000	34,820,000
Impaired asset write-downs		8,999,000	0
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	-2,077,000	-750,000	-1,089,000
Employee termination benefit costs	-421,000	-115,000	-418,000
Impaired asset write-downs	74,000	0	0
Harsco Rail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Employee termination benefit costs	-185,000	-235,000	-245,000
Impaired asset write-downs	590,000
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	-1,103,000	0	-112,000
Employee termination benefit costs	-345,000	-343,000	-5,122,000
Costs to exit activities	($1,487,000)	$2,931,000	$179,000

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe2

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	($370,615)	($411,168)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-172,668	16,824
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	18,640	19,847
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	-8,003
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	-1,447	4,184
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-163,478	40,855	-46,538
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,602	-302
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	-161,876	40,553
Balance at December 31, 2014	-532,491	-370,615	-411,168
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	6,110	62,308
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-40,053	-39,848
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	2,205	0
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	-8,635
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	-1,447	-15,979
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-47,930	-55,827
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,647	-371
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	-46,283	-56,198
Balance at December 31, 2014	-40,173	6,110
Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	-7,023	-8,139
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-1,961	1,060
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	4	8
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	0	-21
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,957	1,047
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-45	69
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	-2,002	1,116
Balance at December 31, 2014	-9,025	-7,023
Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	-369,682	-465,286
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-130,659	55,581
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	16,431	19,839
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	632
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	0	20,184
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-113,596	95,604
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	-113,596	95,604
Balance at December 31, 2014	-483,278	-369,682
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	-20	-51
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5	31
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	0	0
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5	31
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	5	31
Balance at December 31, 2014	($15)	($20)

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe3

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$285,252	$481,052	$503,339
Total costs and expenses	2,002,267	3,031,319	3,220,808
Income tax expense (benefit)	27,171	34,912	35,251
Net Loss	20,297	218,188	254,101
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Total costs and expenses	17,728	22,082
Income tax expense (benefit)	-1,297	-2,243
Net Loss	16,431	19,839
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Actuarial Losses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11,556	12,435
Cost of services and products sold	5,898	9,064
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Prior Service Costs
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	103	298
Cost of services and products sold	171	285
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of services and products sold	4	11
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	-3
Net Loss	4	8
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	0	20,184
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Net Loss	0	20,184
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	0	-34
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	13
Net Loss	0	-21
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	-1,447	-15,979
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Net Loss	-1,447	-15,979
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Expenses	2,205	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Net Loss	$2,205	$0

Restructuring_Programs_Details

Restructuring Programs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Non-cash product rationalization expense		$0	$24,966,000
Proceeds from sales of assets	14,976,000	18,984,000	49,779,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member] | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax restructuring charges	11,992,000
Compensation savings realized	6,000,000
Compensation savings, annualized basis	17,000,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	1,190,000
Cash Payments	-5,331,000
Foreign Currency Translation	-183,000
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	7,668,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member] | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment | Employee termination benefit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Compensation savings, annualized basis	24,000,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense and Other Adjustments	11,992,000
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	-1,190,000
Cash Payments	-5,331,000
Foreign Currency Translation	-183,000
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	7,668,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member] | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Compensation savings, annualized basis	13,000,000
2011/2012 Restructuring Program
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	2,400,000	5,100,000
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Non-cash product rationalization expense	$0

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$6,638		$17,253		$17,829
Charged to Cost and Expenses	9,892		10,175		11,266
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments	-969		-191		166
Other	-442	[1]	-20,599	[1]	-12,008	[1]
Balance at End of Period	15,119		6,638		17,253
Deferred Tax Assets - Valuation Allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	127,164		126,532		99,617
Charged to Cost and Expenses	24,252		4,164	[2]	18,552
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments	-9,254		-5,769		3,449
Other	-10,820		-2,237	[3]	-4,914
Balance at End of Period	$131,342		$127,164		$126,532
[1]	Includes principally the utilization of previously reserved amounts.
[2]	.
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