Other (Income) Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Net gains	[1]	$ (652)	$ (3,790)
Foreign currency gains related to Harsco Rail Segment advances on contracts		0	(10,940)
Employee termination benefit costs		5,772	1,403
Metals and Minerals Separation Costs		3,287	0
Other costs to exit activities		182	122
Impaired asset write-downs		93	0
Other		441	0
Other (income) expenses		$ 9,123	$ (13,205)

[1] Net gains result from the sales of redundant properties (primarily land, buildings and related equipment) and non-core assets.