Equity Method Investments (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets	$ 728,131,000
Property and equipment , net	886,305,000
Other noncurrent assets	1,743,965,000
Total Assets	3,358,401,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term borrowing, including current portion of long-term debt	13,829,000
Other current liabilities	386,908,000
Long-term debt	1,756,757,000
Other noncurrent liabilities	415,840,000
Total Liabilities	2,573,334,000
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity [Abstract]
Equity	785,067,000
Total Liabilities and Equity	3,358,401,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Revenue	236,094,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss)	48,832,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	(4,245,000)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, net		(1,230,000)		(14,000)
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, net		$ (1,231,000)	[1]

[1] (a) The Company's equity method investment in Brand began on November 26, 2013 and accordingly there is only approximately one month of related equity 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.