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Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HARSCO CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000045876
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		80,191,560

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 64,429	$ 71,879
Trade accounts receivable, net	267,999	236,554
Other receivables	21,192	21,053
Inventories	190,431	187,681
Other current assets	34,203	33,108
Total current assets	578,254	550,275
Property, plant and equipment, net	483,271	490,255
Goodwill	384,812	382,251
Intangible assets, net	40,469	41,567
Deferred income tax assets	106,926	106,311
Other assets	12,702	10,679
Total assets	1,606,434	1,581,338
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	7,875	4,259
Current maturities of long-term debt	18,690	25,574
Accounts payable	108,551	107,954
Accrued compensation	35,238	46,658
Income taxes payable	6,582	4,301
Insurance liabilities	11,916	11,850
Advances on contracts and other customer advances	113,949	117,329
Other current liabilities	112,714	109,748
Total current liabilities	415,515	427,673
Long-term debt	646,632	629,239
Insurance liabilities	25,102	25,265
Retirement plan liabilities	308,711	319,597
Other liabilities	41,941	42,001
Total liabilities	1,437,901	1,443,775
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	140,639	140,625
Additional paid-in capital	176,297	172,101
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(589,723)	(606,722)
Retained earnings	1,158,869	1,150,688
Treasury stock	(760,444)	(760,391)
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders' equity	125,638	96,301
Noncontrolling interests	42,895	41,262
Total equity	168,533	137,563
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,606,434	$ 1,581,338

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Mar. 31, 2016

Revenues from continuing operations:

Service revenues

$ 240,609

$ 225,494

Product revenues

131,932

127,787

Total revenues

372,541

353,281

Costs and expenses from continuing operations:

Cost of services sold

188,901

189,817

Cost of products sold

98,866

93,244

Selling, general and administrative expenses

55,141

50,784

Research and development expenses

831

882

Other expenses

894

9,123

Total costs and expenses

344,633

343,850

Operating income from continuing operations

27,908

9,431

Interest income

512

535

Interest expense

(11,653)

(12,363)

Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment

(12,217)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income

16,767

(14,614)

Income tax (expense) benefit

(6,253)

2,166

Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net

3,175

Income (loss) from continuing operations

10,514

(9,273)

Discontinued operations:

Loss on disposal of discontinued business

(588)

(506)

Income tax benefit related to discontinued business

211

187

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

(377)

(319)

Net income (loss)

10,137

(9,592)

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(1,247)

(1,277)

Net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation

8,890

(10,869)

Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

9,267

(10,550)

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

(377)

(319)

Net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation

$ 8,890

$ (10,869)

Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)

80,385

80,238

Basic earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:

Continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$ 0.12

$ (0.13)

Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

0.00

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share)

^[1]

$ 0.11

$ (0.14)

Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)

82,263

80,238

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:

Continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$ 0.11

$ (0.13)

Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

0.00

Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share)

$ 0.11

$ (0.14)

^[1]

[1]	Does not total due to rounding

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 10,137	$ (9,592)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $393 and $(3,577) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	16,561	11,621
Net loss on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $256 and $14 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	(387)	(2,407)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(522) and $(685) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	1,205	10,440
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(3) and $4 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	6	(7)
Total other comprehensive income	17,385	19,647
Total comprehensive income	27,522	10,055
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,633)	(1,548)
Comprehensive income attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 25,889	$ 8,507

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, deferred income taxes	$ 393	$ (3,577)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, deferred income taxes	256	14
Pension liability adjustments, deferred income taxes	(522)	(685)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, deferred income taxes	$ (3)	$ 4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 10,137	$ (9,592)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation	30,207	33,081
Amortization	2,021	2,964
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment	0	12,217
Deferred income tax benefit	(221)	(567)
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	0	(3,175)
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	19	16
Other, net	5,131	(9,875)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(27,882)	15,952
Inventories	(755)	(12,408)
Accounts payable	(541)	(15,851)
Accrued interest payable	286	6,668
Accrued compensation	(12,352)	(3,777)
Advances on contracts and other customer advances	(4,998)	(8,995)
Retirement plan liabilities, net	(8,381)	(10,238)
Other assets and liabilities	1,205	605
Net cash used by operating activities	(6,124)	(2,975)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(16,989)	(16,951)
Proceeds from sales of assets	1,006	2,819
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(26)
Other investing activities, net	33	5,427
Net cash used by investing activities	(15,950)	(8,731)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	3,655	(366)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	24,000	29,010
Reductions	(14,345)	(42,921)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	0	(4,105)
Stock-based compensation - Employee taxes paid	(53)	0
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap termination	0	16,625
Deferred financing costs	(36)	(894)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	13,221	(2,651)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	1,403	5,006
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(7,450)	(9,351)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	71,879	79,756
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 64,429	$ 70,405

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock Issued	Common Stock Treasury	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 310,803	$ 140,503	$ (760,299)	$ 170,699	$ 1,236,355	$ (515,688)	$ 39,233
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	(9,592)				(10,869)		1,277
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $124 and $(4,244) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	19,647					19,376	271
Amortization of unearned portion of stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	1,475			1,475
Balances at Mar. 31, 2016	322,333	140,503	(760,299)	172,174	1,225,486	(496,312)	40,781
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Adoption of new accounting standard (See Note 2)	397			1,106	(709)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016	137,563	140,625	(760,391)	172,101	1,150,688	(606,722)	41,262
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	10,137				8,890		1,247
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $124 and $(4,244) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	17,385					16,999	386
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 7,254 shares in 2017	(53)	14	(53)	(14)
Amortization of unearned portion of stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	3,104			3,104
Balances at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 168,533	$ 140,639	$ (760,444)	$ 176,297	$ 1,158,869	$ (589,723)	$ 42,895

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$ 124	$ (4,244)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other (in shares)	7,254	0

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Harsco Corporation (the "Company") has prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (all of which are of a normal recurring nature) that are necessary for a fair statement are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The December 31, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was derived from the 2016 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for an annual report. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Operating results and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year classifications.

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 2017: On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") related to the simplification of the measurement of inventory. The changes required entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the previous guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The changes did not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The adoption of these changes did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB that required deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. The changes applied to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount was not affected. The adoption of these changes resulted in the Company reclassifying approximately $27 million from reported current assets to Deferred income tax assets based on balances at December 31, 2016. On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB amending the accounting for stock-based compensation and requiring excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be recognized as a component of income tax expense rather than equity. These changes also required excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be presented as an operating activity on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and allowed an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. These changes resulted in the Company recording the cumulative impact of approximately $1 million pre-tax on January 1, 2017 to retained earnings, related to the Company electing to not estimate forfeitures on stock compensation plans but rather recognize forfeitures as they occur. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and shortfalls as a component of the Company’s income tax expense will increase volatility within the provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards are dependent on the Company's stock price at the date an award vests. The impact to income tax expense resulting from this change was not material for the first three months of 2017. The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date: 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. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of these changes by one year, but will permit entities to adopt one year earlier. During 2016, the FASB clarified the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations; identifying performance obligations; accounting for intellectual property licenses; collectability; non-cash consideration; and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The FASB also introduced practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations and other technical corrections and improvements. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management is currently finalizing its evaluation, but currently believes the most significant impact will be with regard to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the air-cooled heat exchanger business of the Harsco Industrial Segment and limited equipment sales in the Harsco Rail Segment. The Company currently recognizes revenues on such arrangements upon the completion of the efforts associated with these arrangements, but as a result of these changes, revenue from these arrangements will be recognized over time and increase revenue in earlier periods. Management does not currently believe that there will be any significant impact with regards to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment or the industrial grating and fencing or heat transfer businesses of the Harsco Industrial Segment, but continues to evaluate the effect of these changes. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method of implementation with the cumulative effect of initially applying the changes recognized in retained earnings at the date of initial application. In February 2016, the FASB issued changes in accounting for leases. The changes introduce a lessee model that brings most leases onto the balance sheet. The changes also align many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard. Furthermore, the changes address other concerns related to the current leases model such as eliminating the requirement in current guidance for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. The changes also require lessors to increase the transparency of their exposure to changes in value of their residual assets and how they manage that exposure. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued changes that remove the second step of the annual goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The changes provide that the amount of goodwill impairment will be equal to the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance remains largely unchanged. The same one-step impairment test will be applied to goodwill at all reporting units, even those with zero or negative carrying amounts. Entities will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill at reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. However, should the Company be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in future periods, the amount recorded may differ compared to current practice. In March 2017, the FASB issued changes to how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans present the net periodic pension cost ("NPPC") in the statement of operations. An employer will be required to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Other components of NPPC are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside of the subtotal of income from operations. The changes also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507316

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510796

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56949863&loc=d3e22583-107794

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515603

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56949863&loc=d3e22580-107794

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.10-01.(b)(6))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27015980&loc=d3e46468-122699

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Accounting Change
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503790

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56949863&loc=d3e22499-107794

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Retrospective Application
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523989

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655806&loc=d3e765-108305

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655806&loc=d3e725-108305

+ Details

Accounts Receivable and Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Accounts Receivable And Inventories

Accounts Receivable and Inventories

Accounts receivable consist of the following:



(In thousands)	March 31 2017			December 31 2016
Trade accounts receivable	$	279,800		$	248,354
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(11,801		)	(11,800		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	267,999		$	236,554

Other receivables (a)	$	21,192		$	21,053

(a) Other receivables include insurance claim receivables, employee receivables, tax claim receivables and other miscellaneous receivables not included in Trade accounts receivable, net.

The provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable was as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	(22	)	$	(146	)

Inventories consist of the following:



(In thousands)	March 31 2017		December 31 2016
Finished goods	$	23,175	$	26,464
Work-in-process	18,172		22,815
Contracts-in-process	65,693		54,044
Raw materials and purchased parts	58,987		61,450
Stores and supplies	24,404		22,908
Total inventories	$	190,431	$	187,681

Contracts-in-process consist of the following:



(In thousands)	March 31 2017			December 31 2016
Contract costs accumulated to date	$	98,240		$	90,276
Estimated forward loss provisions for contracts-in-process (b)	(32,547		)	(36,232		)
Contracts-in-process (c)	$	65,693		$	54,044


(b)	To the extent that the estimated forward loss provision exceeds accumulated contract costs it is included in the caption Other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 this amount totaled $6.8 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

(c) At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has $102.5 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of customer advances related to contracts-in-process. These amounts are included in the caption Advances on contracts and other customer advances on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company recognized an estimated forward loss provision related to the contracts with the federal railway system of Switzerland ("SBB") of $45.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 in Costs of products sold on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. There was no additional estimated forward loss provision recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The estimated forward loss provision represents the Company's best estimate based on currently available information. It is possible that the Company's overall estimate of costs to complete these contracts may increase, which would result in an additional estimated forward loss provision at such time, but the Company is unable to estimate any further possible loss or range of loss at March 31, 2017.

The Company did not recognize any revenue for the contracts with SBB for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, under the percentage-of-completion (units-of-delivery) method and accordingly, there was no impact on the Company's gross margins or results of operations for these periods. The Company has not yet recognized any revenue associated with the major equipment deliveries under the contracts with SBB. The majority of the equipment deliveries and related revenue recognition under these contracts are expected through 2020.

Equity Method Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments

In November 2013, the Company sold the Company's Harsco Infrastructure Segment into a strategic venture with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R") as part of a transaction that combined the Harsco Infrastructure Segment with Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., which CD&R simultaneously acquired (the "Infrastructure Transaction"). As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company retained an equity interest in Brand Energy & Infrastructure Service, Inc. and Subsidiaries ("Brand" or the "Infrastructure strategic venture") which was accounted for as an equity method investment in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

As part of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company was required to make a quarterly payment 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 3% of the Company's ownership interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture on an annual basis (the "unit adjustment liability"). The Company recognized the change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability each period until the Company was no longer required to make these payments or chose not to make these payments. The change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability was a non-cash expense.

In March 2016, the Company elected not to make the quarterly cash payments to the Company's partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture for the remainder of 2016. Instead, the Company transferred approximately 3% of its ownership interest in satisfaction of the Company's 2016 obligation related to the unit adjustment liability. As a result of not making the quarterly cash payments for 2016, the Company's ownership interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture decreased by approximately 3% and the value of the unit adjustment liability was updated to reflect this change. Accordingly, the book value of the Company's equity method investment in Brand decreased by $29.4 million and the unit adjustment liability decreased by

$19.1 million. The resulting net loss of $10.3 million was recognized in Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. This net loss was a non-cash expense.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 the Company recognized $1.9 million of change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability exclusive of the fair value adjustment resulting from the decision not to make the quarterly payments in 2016, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations caption Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment.

In September 2016, the Company sold its remaining approximate 26% interest in Brand. Accordingly, there has been no activity related to Brand subsequent to the date of sale.

The Company’s proportionate share of Brand's net income was recorded one quarter in arrears. Accordingly, Brand’s results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2015 were utilized by the Company to record its proportional share of income in the first quarter of 2016. There was no equity income recorded for Brand in the first quarter of 2017 due to the sale of the interest in Brand. Brand's results of operations are summarized as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2015
Net revenues	$	800,752
Gross profit	180,577
Net income attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	11,060
Harsco's equity in income of Brand	3,175

Property, Plant and Equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:



(In thousands)	March 31 2017			December 31 2016
Land	$	10,707		$	10,606
Land improvements	15,233			15,032
Buildings and improvements	187,435			185,657
Machinery and equipment	1,559,320			1,525,156
Uncompleted construction	19,039			21,035
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,791,734			1,757,486
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,308,463		)	(1,267,231		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	483,271		$	490,255

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2017:



(In thousands)	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		Harsco Industrial Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	362,386	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	382,251
Foreign currency translation	2,561		—		—		2,561
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	364,947	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	384,812

The Company’s 2016 annual goodwill impairment testing did not result in any impairment of the Company’s goodwill. The fair value of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment exceeded the carrying value by approximately 12%. The Company tests for goodwill impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business. The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 and monitors for triggering events on an ongoing basis. The Company determined that, as of March 31, 2017, no interim goodwill impairment testing was necessary.

Intangible assets included in the captions, Other current assets and Intangible assets, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:



	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	147,784	$	114,386	$	146,840	$	112,610
Patents	5,750		5,606		5,729		5,534
Technology related	25,739		25,711		25,687		25,634
Trade names	8,308		4,607		8,306		4,529
Other	8,546		5,348		8,512		5,200
Total	$	196,127	$	155,658	$	195,074	$	153,507

Amortization expense for intangible assets was as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$	1,318	$	2,105

The estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets is as follows:



(In thousands)	2017		2018		2019		2020		2021
Estimated amortization expense (a)	$	5,000	$	4,750	$	4,500	$	4,250	$	4,000

(a) These estimated amortization expense amounts do not reflect the potential effect of future foreign currency exchange fluctuations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Employee Benefit Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
Defined Benefit Pension Plans Net Periodic Pension Cost	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Service costs	$	942		$	946		$	411		$	404
Interest cost	2,469			2,545			5,734			7,123
Expected return on plan assets	(3,552		)	(3,601		)	(10,424		)	(11,463		)
Recognized prior service costs	8			16			45			44
Recognized loss	1,425			1,372			4,042			3,218
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	$	1,292		$	1,278		$	(192	)	$	(674	)



	Three Months Ended
Company Contributions	March 31
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Defined benefit pension plans (U.S.)	$	471	$	470
Defined benefit pension plans (International)	8,337		9,798
Multiemployer pension plans	485		521
Defined contribution pension plans	2,560		2,826

The Company's estimate of expected contributions to be paid during the remainder of 2017 for the U.S. and international defined benefit pension plans are $5.8 million and $8.4 million, respectively.

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The income tax expense related to continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $6.3 million. The income tax benefit related to continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $2.2 million. An income tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, based on technical merits, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes. The reserve for uncertain tax positions at March 31, 2017 was $5.3 million, including interest and penalties. Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that $0.8 million of unrecognized income tax benefits will be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations.

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2017
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 Company did not have any material accruals or record any material expenses related to environmental matters during the periods presented. 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 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 March 31, 2017, 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 for the year ended December 31, 2016 is due to an increase in assessed interest and statutorily mandated legal fees for the period, 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. The aggregate amount assessed by the tax authorities in August 2005 was $8.0 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 $1.9 million, with penalty and interest assessed through that date increasing such amount by an additional $6.1 million. All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation. The Company continues to believe that it is not probable that 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 law. 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 condensed 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 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has established reserves of $8.7 million and $7.9 million, respectively, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts considered to be probable and estimable. As the Company continues to evaluate these claims and takes actions to address them, the amount of established reserves may be impacted. Customer Disputes The Company, through its Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, may, in the normal course of business, become involved in commercial disputes with subcontractors or customers. During the first quarter of 2015, a rail grinder manufactured by the Company's Harsco Rail Segment and operated by a subcontractor caught fire, causing a customer to incur monetary damages. Depending on the cause of the fire and the extent of insurance coverage, the Company's results of operations and cash flows may be impacted in future periods. 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 or 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. Lima Refinery Litigation On April 8, 2016, Lima Refining Company filed a lawsuit against the Company in the District Court of Harris County, Texas related to a January 2015 explosion at an oil refinery operated by Lima Refining Company. The action seeks approximately $106 million in property damages and approximately $289 million in lost profits and business interruption damages. The action alleges the explosion occurred because of a defect in a heat exchange cooler manufactured by Hammco Corporation ("Hammco") in 2009, prior to the Company’s acquisition of Hammco in 2014. The Company is vigorously contesting the allegations against it, both as to liability for the accident and the amount of the claimed damages. As a result, the Company believes the situation will not result in a probable loss. The Company has both an indemnity right from the sellers of Hammco and liability insurance coverage under various primary and excess policies that the Company believes will be available, if necessary, to cover substantially all of any such liability that might ultimately be incurred in the above action. U.K. Health and Safety Executive Matter In the third quarter of 2016, a subsidiary in the Company’s Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, along with one of its customers, was named as a co-defendant in an action brought by the U.K. Health and Safety Executive in the U.K. Crown Court Sitting at Kingston-Upon-Hull. The action relates to a fatal accident involving one of the customer’s employees in 2010. The action seeks to levy a fine against the Company. The Company believes it is not responsible for the accident and is defending the action vigorously. A loss provision related to this action has not been recorded in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, because the Company believes that a loss is not probable. However, if the outcome of the proceedings is unfavorable, the Company does not believe it would have a material adverse affect 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 U.S. 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 March 31, 2017, there were 17,159 pending asbestos personal injury actions filed against the Company. Of those actions, 16,754 were filed in the New York Supreme Court (New York County), 111 were filed in other New York State Supreme Court Counties and 294 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 March 31, 2017, 16,732 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 22 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 U.S., 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 March 31, 2017, the Company has obtained dismissal in 27,915 cases by stipulation or summary judgment prior to trial. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related actions in the U.S. due to the unpredictable nature of this litigation, and no loss provision has been recorded in the Company's condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for additional information on Accrued insurance and loss reserves.

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2017		2016
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	9,267	$	(10,550	)

Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	80,385		80,238
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	1,878		—
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	82,263		80,238

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.12	$	(0.13	)

Diluted	$	0.11	$	(0.13	)

The following average outstanding stock-based compensation units were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the effect was antidilutive:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017	2016
Restricted stock units	—	430
Stock options	55	90
Stock appreciation rights	1,263	1,088
Performance share units	467	309

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities And Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses derivative instruments, including foreign currency exchange forward contracts, interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps ("CCIRs"), to manage certain foreign currency 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 Condensed 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 in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, 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 March 31, 2017, deferred gains and losses related to asset purchases are reclassified to earnings over 10 to 15 years from the balance sheet date, and those related to revenue are deferred until the revenue is recognized. 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:



	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
March 31, 2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	191	Other current liabilities	$	195
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	Other current assets	307			—
Interest rate swaps	Other current assets	—		Other current liabilities	117
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	178		Other liabilities	582
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	676		$	894
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	3,601	Other current liabilities	$	996



	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
December 31, 2016
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	473	Other current liabilities	$	166
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	Other current assets	514			—
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	987		$	166
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	4,459	Other current liabilities	$	3,372

All of the Company's derivatives are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at gross amounts and not offset. All of the Company's interest rate swaps, CCIRs and certain foreign currency exchange forward 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 asset or net liability at either March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

The effect of derivative instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, was as follows:

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments



(In thousands)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) on Derivative - Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	(236	)	Cost of services and products sold	$	(1	)		$	—
Interest rate swaps	(522		)		—				—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	358			Interest expense	(242		)	Cost of services and products sold	(210		)	(a)
	$	(400	)		$	(243	)		$	(210	)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	(325	)	Product revenues	$	408			$	—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	(2,561		)	Interest expense	57			Cost of services and products sold	4,261			(a)
	$	(2,886	)		$	465			$	4,261

(a) These gains 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 Three Months Ended March 31 (b)
(In thousands)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	2017		2016
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	1,550	$	(6,844	)

(b) These gains (losses) offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third party foreign currency exposures.

Foreign Currency Exchange Forward 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 exchange forward 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 exchange forward 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 exchange forward contracts in U.S. dollars. 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 March 31, 2017:



(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	60,602	April 2017	$	336
British pounds sterling	Buy	7,287		April 2017 through June 2017	40
Euros	Sell	306,209		April 2017 through December 2017	1,315
Euros	Buy	150,326		April 2017 through May 2018	858
Other currencies	Sell	57,635		April 2017 through October 2017	20
Other currencies	Buy	13,413		April 2017 through September 2017	32
Total		$	595,472		$	2,601

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2016:



(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	55,120	January 2017	$	(228	)
British pounds sterling	Buy	827		March 2017	(14		)
Euros	Sell	326,797		January 2017 through December 2017	628
Euros	Buy	171,578		January 2017 through January 2018	(468		)
Other currencies	Sell	43,455		January 2017 through September 2017	1,477
Other currencies	Buy	3,106		March 2017	(1		)
Total		$	600,883		$	1,394

In addition to foreign currency exchange forward contracts, the Company designates certain loans as hedges of net investments in international subsidiaries. The Company recorded pre-tax net gains of $1.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and pre-tax net losses of $3.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company uses interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed interest rate. The interest rate swaps are recorded on the Condensed 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 Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

In January 2017, the Company entered into a series of fixed to floating interest rate swaps that cover the period from 2018 through 2021, and had the effect of converting $300.0 million of the Term Loan Facility from floating-rate to fixed-rate beginning in 2018. The fixed rates provided by the swaps replace the adjusted LIBOR rate in the interest calculation, range from 1.65% for 2018 to 2.71% for 2021.

The following table indicates the notional amounts of the Company's interest rate swaps at March 31, 2017:



	Annual Notional Amount		Interest Rates
(In millions)	Annual Notional Amount		Receive	Pay
Maturing 2018 through 2021	$	300.0	Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed U.S. dollar rate

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps (CCIRs)

The Company uses CCIRs in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed local currency interest rate. Under these CCIRs, 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 CCIRs are recorded on the Condensed 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 Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's CCIRs at March 31, 2017:



			Interest Rates
(In millions)	Contractual Amount		Receive	Pay
Maturing 2017	$	2.0	Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed rupee rate

During March 2016, the Company effected the early termination of the British pound sterling CCIR with an original maturity date of 2020. The Company received $16.6 million in cash related to this termination. There was no gain or loss recorded on the termination, as any change in value attributable to the effect of foreign currency translation was previously recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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 give 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:



Level 2 Fair Value Measurements (In thousands)	March 31 2017		December 31 2016
Assets
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	3,792	$	4,932
Interest rate swaps	178		—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	307		514
Liabilities
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	1,191		3,538
Interest rate swaps	699		—

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3):



Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability (c) for the Three Months Ended March 31 (In thousands)	Three Months Ended
	March 31
	2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	79,934
Reduction in the fair value related to election not to make 2016 payments	(19,145		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	1,913
Balance at end of period	$	62,702

(c)

During the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Company decided that it would not make the four quarterly payments to CD&R for 2016. This resulted in the Company revaluing the Unit Adjustment Liability. The Company sold its investment in Brand in September 2016 and the unit adjustment liability ceased at that time. See Note 4, Equity Method Investment, 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. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts, interest rate swaps and CCIRs 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the total fair value of long-term debt (excluding deferred financing costs), including current maturities, was $695.4 million and $682.9 million, respectively, compared with a carrying value of $683.3 million and $673.4 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 (Level 2).

Review of Operations by Segment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Review of Operations by Segment



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Revenues From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	247,034		$	229,672
Harsco Industrial	65,885			61,869
Harsco Rail	59,588			61,740
Corporate	34			—
Total Revenues From Continuing Operations	$	372,541		$	353,281
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	26,429		$	6,941
Harsco Industrial	2,804			6,471
Harsco Rail	5,986			4,906
Corporate	(7,311		)	(8,887		)
Total Operating Income From Continuing Operations	$	27,908		$	9,431
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	27,880		$	31,025
Harsco Industrial	1,840			1,718
Harsco Rail	1,037			1,434
Corporate	1,471			1,868
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	32,228		$	36,045
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	15,472		$	15,420
Harsco Industrial	752			1,134
Harsco Rail	220			372
Corporate	545			25
Total Capital Expenditures	$	16,989		$	16,951

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Segment operating income	$	35,219		$	18,318
General Corporate expense	(7,311		)	(8,887		)
Operating income from continuing operations	27,908			9,431
Interest income	512			535
Interest expense	(11,653		)	(12,363		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment	—			(12,217		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	16,767		$	(14,614	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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+ Details

Other Expenses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Expenses

The major components of this Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Employee termination benefit costs	$	753		$	5,772
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs	—			3,287
Net gains (a)	(122		)	(652		)
Other costs to exit activities	100			182
Impaired asset write-downs	—			93
Other	163			441
Other expenses	$	894		$	9,123


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

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2017 was 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 Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(125,561	)		$	(400	)		$	(389,696	)		$	(31	)	$	(515,688	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	9,501			(a)	(2,356		)	(b)	6,168			(a)	(7		)	13,306
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				(300		)		4,133				—			3,833
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)	3,079				106				(148		)		—			3,037
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	(959		)		143				287				—			(529		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	11,621				(2,407		)		10,440				(7		)	19,647
Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(267		)		(4		)		—				—			(271		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	11,354				(2,411		)		10,440				(7		)	19,376
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(114,207	)		$	(2,811	)		$	(379,256	)		$	(38	)	$	(496,312	)



	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 Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(144,534	)		$	(1,089	)		$	(461,094	)		$	(5	)	$	(606,722	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16,561			(a)	(536		)	(b)	(3,793		)	(a)	6			12,238
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				149				4,998				—			5,147
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	16,561				(387		)		1,205				6			17,385
Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(386		)		—				—				—			(386		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	16,175				(387		)		1,205				6			16,999
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	(128,359	)		$	(1,476	)		$	(459,889	)		$	1		$	(589,723	)


(a)	Principally foreign currency fluctuation.


(b)	Net change from periodic revaluations.

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:



(In thousands)	Three Months Ended						Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)	March 31 2017			March 31 2016
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	—		$	(408	)	Product revenues
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	1			—			Cost of services and products sold
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	242			(57		)	Interest expense
Total before tax	243			(465		)
Tax expense	(94		)	165
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax	$	149		$	(300	)
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (c):
Actuarial losses	$	2,652		$	2,376		Selling, general and administrative expenses
Actuarial losses	2,815			2,214			Cost of services and products sold
Prior-service costs (benefits)	(12		)	(1		)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Prior-service costs	65			61			Cost of services and products sold
Total before tax	5,520			4,650
Tax benefit	(522		)	(517		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	4,998		$	4,133

(c) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. See Note 7, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment are as follows:



(In thousands)	Three Months Ended			Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)	March 31 2016
Foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	4,880		Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Cash flow hedging instruments	168			Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Defined benefit pension obligations	(235		)	Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Total before tax	4,813
Tax benefit	(1,776		)
Total amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment	$	3,037

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

+ Details

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Harsco Corporation (the "Company") has prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (all of which are of a normal recurring nature) that are necessary for a fair statement are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The December 31, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was derived from the 2016 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for an annual report. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Operating results and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year classifications.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2017: On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") related to the simplification of the measurement of inventory. The changes required entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the previous guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The changes did not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The adoption of these changes did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB that required deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. The changes applied to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount was not affected. The adoption of these changes resulted in the Company reclassifying approximately $27 million from reported current assets to Deferred income tax assets based on balances at December 31, 2016. On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB amending the accounting for stock-based compensation and requiring excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be recognized as a component of income tax expense rather than equity. These changes also required excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be presented as an operating activity on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and allowed an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. These changes resulted in the Company recording the cumulative impact of approximately $1 million pre-tax on January 1, 2017 to retained earnings, related to the Company electing to not estimate forfeitures on stock compensation plans but rather recognize forfeitures as they occur. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and shortfalls as a component of the Company’s income tax expense will increase volatility within the provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards are dependent on the Company's stock price at the date an award vests. The impact to income tax expense resulting from this change was not material for the first three months of 2017. The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date: 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. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of these changes by one year, but will permit entities to adopt one year earlier. During 2016, the FASB clarified the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations; identifying performance obligations; accounting for intellectual property licenses; collectability; non-cash consideration; and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The FASB also introduced practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations and other technical corrections and improvements. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management is currently finalizing its evaluation, but currently believes the most significant impact will be with regard to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the air-cooled heat exchanger business of the Harsco Industrial Segment and limited equipment sales in the Harsco Rail Segment. The Company currently recognizes revenues on such arrangements upon the completion of the efforts associated with these arrangements, but as a result of these changes, revenue from these arrangements will be recognized over time and increase revenue in earlier periods. Management does not currently believe that there will be any significant impact with regards to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment or the industrial grating and fencing or heat transfer businesses of the Harsco Industrial Segment, but continues to evaluate the effect of these changes. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method of implementation with the cumulative effect of initially applying the changes recognized in retained earnings at the date of initial application. In February 2016, the FASB issued changes in accounting for leases. The changes introduce a lessee model that brings most leases onto the balance sheet. The changes also align many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard. Furthermore, the changes address other concerns related to the current leases model such as eliminating the requirement in current guidance for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. The changes also require lessors to increase the transparency of their exposure to changes in value of their residual assets and how they manage that exposure. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued changes that remove the second step of the annual goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The changes provide that the amount of goodwill impairment will be equal to the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance remains largely unchanged. The same one-step impairment test will be applied to goodwill at all reporting units, even those with zero or negative carrying amounts. Entities will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill at reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. However, should the Company be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in future periods, the amount recorded may differ compared to current practice. In March 2017, the FASB issued changes to how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans present the net periodic pension cost ("NPPC") in the statement of operations. An employer will be required to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Other components of NPPC are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside of the subtotal of income from operations. The changes also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Accounts Receivable And Inventories

Schedule of accounts receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following:



(In thousands)	March 31 2017			December 31 2016
Trade accounts receivable	$	279,800		$	248,354
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(11,801		)	(11,800		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	267,999		$	236,554

Other receivables (a)	$	21,192		$	21,053

(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 provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable was as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	(22	)	$	(146	)

Schedule of inventories

Inventories consist of the following:



(In thousands)	March 31 2017		December 31 2016
Finished goods	$	23,175	$	26,464
Work-in-process	18,172		22,815
Contracts-in-process	65,693		54,044
Raw materials and purchased parts	58,987		61,450
Stores and supplies	24,404		22,908
Total inventories	$	190,431	$	187,681

Schedule of contracts-in-process

Contracts-in-process consist of the following:



(In thousands)	March 31 2017			December 31 2016
Contract costs accumulated to date	$	98,240		$	90,276
Estimated forward loss provisions for contracts-in-process (b)	(32,547		)	(36,232		)
Contracts-in-process (c)	$	65,693		$	54,044


(b)	To the extent that the estimated forward loss provision exceeds accumulated contract costs it is included in the caption Other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 this amount totaled $6.8 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

Equity Method Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments

Brand's results of operations are summarized as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2015
Net revenues	$	800,752
Gross profit	180,577
Net income attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	11,060
Harsco's equity in income of Brand	3,175

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:



(In thousands)	March 31 2017			December 31 2016
Land	$	10,707		$	10,606
Land improvements	15,233			15,032
Buildings and improvements	187,435			185,657
Machinery and equipment	1,559,320			1,525,156
Uncompleted construction	19,039			21,035
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,791,734			1,757,486
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,308,463		)	(1,267,231		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	483,271		$	490,255

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2017:



(In thousands)	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		Harsco Industrial Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	362,386	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	382,251
Foreign currency translation	2,561		—		—		2,561
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	364,947	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	384,812

Schedule of intangible assets by class

Intangible assets included in the captions, Other current assets and Intangible assets, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:



	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	147,784	$	114,386	$	146,840	$	112,610
Patents	5,750		5,606		5,729		5,534
Technology related	25,739		25,711		25,687		25,634
Trade names	8,308		4,607		8,306		4,529
Other	8,546		5,348		8,512		5,200
Total	$	196,127	$	155,658	$	195,074	$	153,507

Schedule of amortization expense

Amortization expense for intangible assets was as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$	1,318	$	2,105

Schedule of estimated amortization expense

The estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets is as follows:



(In thousands)	2017		2018		2019		2020		2021
Estimated amortization expense (a)	$	5,000	$	4,750	$	4,500	$	4,250	$	4,000

(a) These estimated amortization expense amounts do not reflect the potential effect of future foreign currency exchange fluctuations.

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of net benefit costs



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
Defined Benefit Pension Plans Net Periodic Pension Cost	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Service costs	$	942		$	946		$	411		$	404
Interest cost	2,469			2,545			5,734			7,123
Expected return on plan assets	(3,552		)	(3,601		)	(10,424		)	(11,463		)
Recognized prior service costs	8			16			45			44
Recognized loss	1,425			1,372			4,042			3,218
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	$	1,292		$	1,278		$	(192	)	$	(674	)

Schedule of contributions to pension plans



	Three Months Ended
Company Contributions	March 31
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Defined benefit pension plans (U.S.)	$	471	$	470
Defined benefit pension plans (International)	8,337		9,798
Multiemployer pension plans	485		521
Defined contribution pension plans	2,560		2,826

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of basic and diluted shares



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2017		2016
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	9,267	$	(10,550	)

Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	80,385		80,238
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	1,878		—
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	82,263		80,238

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.12	$	(0.13	)

Diluted	$	0.11	$	(0.13	)

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 (loss) per share because the effect was antidilutive:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017	2016
Restricted stock units	—	430
Stock options	55	90
Stock appreciation rights	1,263	1,088
Performance share units	467	309

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities And Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative contracts

The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:



	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
March 31, 2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	191	Other current liabilities	$	195
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	Other current assets	307			—
Interest rate swaps	Other current assets	—		Other current liabilities	117
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	178		Other liabilities	582
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	676		$	894
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	3,601	Other current liabilities	$	996



	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
December 31, 2016
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	473	Other current liabilities	$	166
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	Other current assets	514			—
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	987		$	166
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	4,459	Other current liabilities	$	3,372

Schedule of effect of derivative instruments

The effect of derivative instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, was as follows:

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments



(In thousands)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) on Derivative - Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	(236	)	Cost of services and products sold	$	(1	)		$	—
Interest rate swaps	(522		)		—				—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	358			Interest expense	(242		)	Cost of services and products sold	(210		)	(a)
	$	(400	)		$	(243	)		$	(210	)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	(325	)	Product revenues	$	408			$	—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	(2,561		)	Interest expense	57			Cost of services and products sold	4,261			(a)
	$	(2,886	)		$	465			$	4,261

(a) These gains 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 Three Months Ended March 31 (b)
(In thousands)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	2017		2016
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	1,550	$	(6,844	)

(b) These gains (losses) offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third party foreign currency exposures.

Summary of notional amount of foreign currency exchange contracts and cross-currency interest rate swaps

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at March 31, 2017:



(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	60,602	April 2017	$	336
British pounds sterling	Buy	7,287		April 2017 through June 2017	40
Euros	Sell	306,209		April 2017 through December 2017	1,315
Euros	Buy	150,326		April 2017 through May 2018	858
Other currencies	Sell	57,635		April 2017 through October 2017	20
Other currencies	Buy	13,413		April 2017 through September 2017	32
Total		$	595,472		$	2,601

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2016:



(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	55,120	January 2017	$	(228	)
British pounds sterling	Buy	827		March 2017	(14		)
Euros	Sell	326,797		January 2017 through December 2017	628
Euros	Buy	171,578		January 2017 through January 2018	(468		)
Other currencies	Sell	43,455		January 2017 through September 2017	1,477
Other currencies	Buy	3,106		March 2017	(1		)
Total		$	600,883		$	1,394

The following table indicates the notional amounts of the Company's interest rate swaps at March 31, 2017:



	Annual Notional Amount		Interest Rates
(In millions)	Annual Notional Amount		Receive	Pay
Maturing 2018 through 2021	$	300.0	Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed U.S. dollar rate

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps (CCIRs)

The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's CCIRs at March 31, 2017:



			Interest Rates
(In millions)	Contractual Amount		Receive	Pay
Maturing 2017	$	2.0	Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed rupee rate

Schedule of fair value of financial instruments

The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company:



Level 2 Fair Value Measurements (In thousands)	March 31 2017		December 31 2016
Assets
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	3,792	$	4,932
Interest rate swaps	178		—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	307		514
Liabilities
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	1,191		3,538
Interest rate swaps	699		—

Schedule of the reconciliation of liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3):



Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability (c) for the Three Months Ended March 31 (In thousands)	Three Months Ended
	March 31
	2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	79,934
Reduction in the fair value related to election not to make 2016 payments	(19,145		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	1,913
Balance at end of period	$	62,702

(c)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pertinent information about a derivative or group of derivatives on a disaggregated basis, such as for individual instruments, or small groups of similar instruments. May include a combination of the type of instrument, risks being hedged, notional amount, hedge designation, related hedged item, inception date, maturity date, or other relevant item.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41678-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Review of Operations by Segment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of operations by segment



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Revenues From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	247,034		$	229,672
Harsco Industrial	65,885			61,869
Harsco Rail	59,588			61,740
Corporate	34			—
Total Revenues From Continuing Operations	$	372,541		$	353,281
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	26,429		$	6,941
Harsco Industrial	2,804			6,471
Harsco Rail	5,986			4,906
Corporate	(7,311		)	(8,887		)
Total Operating Income From Continuing Operations	$	27,908		$	9,431
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	27,880		$	31,025
Harsco Industrial	1,840			1,718
Harsco Rail	1,037			1,434
Corporate	1,471			1,868
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	32,228		$	36,045
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	15,472		$	15,420
Harsco Industrial	752			1,134
Harsco Rail	220			372
Corporate	545			25
Total Capital Expenditures	$	16,989		$	16,951

Reconciliation of segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Segment operating income	$	35,219		$	18,318
General Corporate expense	(7,311		)	(8,887		)
Operating income from continuing operations	27,908			9,431
Interest income	512			535
Interest expense	(11,653		)	(12,363		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment	—			(12,217		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	16,767		$	(14,614	)

Other Expenses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of other expenses

The major components of this Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Employee termination benefit costs	$	753		$	5,772
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs	—			3,287
Net gains (a)	(122		)	(652		)
Other costs to exit activities	100			182
Impaired asset write-downs	—			93
Other	163			441
Other expenses	$	894		$	9,123


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

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2017 was 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 Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(125,561	)		$	(400	)		$	(389,696	)		$	(31	)	$	(515,688	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	9,501			(a)	(2,356		)	(b)	6,168			(a)	(7		)	13,306
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				(300		)		4,133				—			3,833
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)	3,079				106				(148		)		—			3,037
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	(959		)		143				287				—			(529		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	11,621				(2,407		)		10,440				(7		)	19,647
Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(267		)		(4		)		—				—			(271		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	11,354				(2,411		)		10,440				(7		)	19,376
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(114,207	)		$	(2,811	)		$	(379,256	)		$	(38	)	$	(496,312	)



	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 Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(144,534	)		$	(1,089	)		$	(461,094	)		$	(5	)	$	(606,722	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16,561			(a)	(536		)	(b)	(3,793		)	(a)	6			12,238
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				149				4,998				—			5,147
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	16,561				(387		)		1,205				6			17,385
Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(386		)		—				—				—			(386		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	16,175				(387		)		1,205				6			16,999
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	(128,359	)		$	(1,476	)		$	(459,889	)		$	1		$	(589,723	)


(a)	Principally foreign currency fluctuation.


(b)	Net change from periodic revaluations.

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:



(In thousands)	Three Months Ended						Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)	March 31 2017			March 31 2016
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	—		$	(408	)	Product revenues
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	1			—			Cost of services and products sold
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	242			(57		)	Interest expense
Total before tax	243			(465		)
Tax expense	(94		)	165
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax	$	149		$	(300	)
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (c):
Actuarial losses	$	2,652		$	2,376		Selling, general and administrative expenses
Actuarial losses	2,815			2,214			Cost of services and products sold
Prior-service costs (benefits)	(12		)	(1		)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Prior-service costs	65			61			Cost of services and products sold
Total before tax	5,520			4,650
Tax benefit	(522		)	(517		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	4,998		$	4,133

(c) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. See Note 7, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.

Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity investment [Table Text Block]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment are as follows:



(In thousands)	Three Months Ended			Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)	March 31 2016
Foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	4,880		Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Cash flow hedging instruments	168			Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Defined benefit pension obligations	(235		)	Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Total before tax	4,813
Tax benefit	(1,776		)
Total amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment	$	3,037

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards Details (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Change in Working Capital	$ 27,000
Adoption of new accounting standard (See Note 2)	397
Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adoption of new accounting standard (See Note 2)	$ (709)

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts receivable
Trade accounts receivable	$ 279,800,000		$ 248,354,000
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(11,801,000)		(11,800,000)
Trade accounts receivable, net	267,999,000		236,554,000
Other receivables	21,192,000		21,053,000
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	(22,000)	$ (146,000)
Inventories
Finished goods	23,175,000		26,464,000
Work-in-process	18,172,000		22,815,000
Contracts-in-process	65,693,000		54,044,000
Raw materials and purchased parts	58,987,000		61,450,000
Stores and supplies	24,404,000		22,908,000
Inventories	190,431,000		187,681,000
Inventory for Contracts
Contract costs accumulated to date	98,240,000		90,276,000
Estimated loss provisions for contracts-in-process	(32,547,000)		(36,232,000)
Contracts-in-process	65,693,000		54,044,000
Loss provision that exceeds accumulated contract costs	6,800,000		6,700,000
Customer Advances and Deposits	102,500,000		101,100,000
Loss on Contracts	0		$ 45,100,000
Contracts Revenue	$ 0	$ 0

Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Decrease in investment			$ 29,400
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net		$ 0	(3,175)
Change in Fair Value of the Unit Adjustment Liability, exclusive of not making quarterly payments			1,900
Unit Adjustment Liability, Infrastructure Transaction
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unit adjustment liability decrease			19,145
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total annual payments to acquire joint venture, before tax	$ 22,000
Total annual payments to acquire joint venture, after tax	$ 15,000
Transfer of ownership interest	3.00%
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net				$ (3,175)
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture \| Harsco Infrastructure
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net			$ 10,300
Percentage of ownership in Brand					26.00%

Equity Method Investments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Net revenues			$ 800,752
Gross profit			180,577
Net income attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries			11,060
Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net	$ 0	$ 3,175
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net			$ 3,175

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References + Details

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 1,791,734	$ 1,757,486
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,308,463)	(1,267,231)
Property, plant and equipment, net	483,271	490,255
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	10,707	10,606
Land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	15,233	15,032
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	187,435	185,657
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,559,320	1,525,156
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 19,039	$ 21,035

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2016	$ 382,251
Foreign currency translation	2,561
Balance at March 31, 2017	384,812
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2016	362,386
Foreign currency translation	2,561
Balance at March 31, 2017	364,947
Harsco Industrial Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2016	6,839
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at March 31, 2017	6,839
Harsco Rail Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2016	13,026
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at March 31, 2017	$ 13,026

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 196,127		$ 195,074
Accumulated Amortization	155,658		153,507
Amortization expense for intangible assets	1,318	$ 2,105
Estimated amortization expense for next 5 years
2017	5,000
2018	4,750
2019	4,500
2020	4,250
2021	4,000
Customer related
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	147,784		146,840
Accumulated Amortization	114,386		112,610
Patents
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	5,750		5,729
Accumulated Amortization	5,606		5,534
Technology related
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	25,739		25,687
Accumulated Amortization	25,711		25,634
Trade names
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	8,308		8,306
Accumulated Amortization	4,607		4,529
Other
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	8,546		8,512
Accumulated Amortization	$ 5,348		$ 5,200

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Defined benefit plans:
Multiemployer pension plans	$ 485	$ 521
Defined contribution pension plans	2,560	2,826
U. S. Plans
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	942	946
Interest cost	2,469	2,545
Expected return on plan assets	(3,552)	(3,601)
Recognized prior service costs	8	16
Recognized loss	1,425	1,372
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	1,292	1,278
Defined benefit pension plan	471	470
Anticipated contributions to defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of the fiscal year	5,800
International Plans
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	411	404
Interest cost	5,734	7,123
Expected return on plan assets	(10,424)	(11,463)
Recognized prior service costs	45	44
Recognized loss	4,042	3,218
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	(192)	(674)
Defined benefit pension plan	8,337	$ 9,798
Anticipated contributions to defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of the fiscal year	$ 8,400

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$ 6,253	$ (2,166)
Unrecognized income tax benefits including interest and penalties	5,300
Portion of unrecognized income tax benefits, expected to be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations within next twelve months	$ 800

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2005 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($) claim defendant case	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 08, 2016 USD ($)
Lima Refinery Litigation
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency damages sought				$ 106.0
Lima Refinery property damages				$ 289.0
Brazilian Tax Disputes - Jan 2004 through May 2005 \| Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority
Commitments and Contingencies
Damages sought - principal		$ 2.0
Damages sought - interest, penalties and fees		25.0
Brazilian Tax Disputes - Jan 2002 through Dec 2003 \| Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority
Commitments and Contingencies
Damages sought - principal	$ 1.9
Damages sought - interest, penalties and fees	6.1
Amount of damages sought	$ 8.0
Brazilian Labor Claims
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss contingency reserves		$ 8.7	$ 7.9
Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Approximate number of defendants that includes the company named in legal actions \| defendant		90
Number of pending claims \| claim		17,159
Number of claims dismissed to date by stipulation or summary judgment prior to trial \| case		27,915
Other \| Active or In Extremis docket
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| claim		22
Other \| Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Amount of damages sought		$ 20.0
Other \| Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Amount of damages sought		$ 25.0
Other \| New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| case		16,754
Other \| New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court \| Pending And Future Litigation, Deferred Or Inactive Docket
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| claim		16,732
Other \| New York State Supreme Court, Counties Excluding New York County
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| case		111
Other \| Courts Located In States Other Than New York
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| case		294

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 9,267	$ (10,550)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	80,385	80,238
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	1,878	0
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	82,263	80,238
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ (0.13)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.11	$ (0.13)

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares (Details 2) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	430
Stock options
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	55	90
Stock appreciation rights
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	1,263	1,088
Performance share units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	467	309

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Designated as hedging instrument
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	$ 676	$ 987
Liability Derivatives	$ 894	166
Designated as hedging instrument \| Minimum
Derivative contracts
Period over which gains and losses are reclassified to earnings	10 years
Designated as hedging instrument \| Maximum
Derivative contracts
Period over which gains and losses are reclassified to earnings	15 years
Designated as hedging instrument \| Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Other current assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	$ 191	473
Designated as hedging instrument \| Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Other current liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	195	166
Designated as hedging instrument \| Cross currency interest rate swaps \| Other current assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	307	514
Designated as hedging instrument \| Cross currency interest rate swaps \| Noncurrent liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Designated as hedging instrument \| Interest rate swaps \| Other current assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	0
Designated as hedging instrument \| Interest rate swaps \| Other current liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	117
Designated as hedging instrument \| Interest rate swaps \| Other assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	178
Designated as hedging instrument \| Interest rate swaps \| Other liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	582
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Other current assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	3,601	4,459
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Other current liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	$ 996	$ 3,372

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative - Effective Portion	$ (400)	$ (2,886)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	(243)	465
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	(210)	4,261
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative - Effective Portion	(236)	(325)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	0	0
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Cost of services and products sold
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	(1)	408
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	1,550	(6,844)
Interest rate swaps
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative - Effective Portion	(522)
Cross currency interest rate swaps
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative - Effective Portion	358	(2,561)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	(242)	57
Cross currency interest rate swaps \| Cost of services and products sold
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	$ (210)	$ 4,261

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Foreign Currency Derivatives
Pre-tax net gains (losses) on certain loans designated as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries	$ 1,900	$ (3,900)
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap termination	0	16,625
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	595,472					$ 600,883
Recognized Gain (Loss)	2,601	1,394
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| British pounds sterling \| Sell
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	60,602					55,120
Recognized Gain (Loss)	336	(228)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| British pounds sterling \| Buy
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	7,287					827
Recognized Gain (Loss)	40	(14)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Euros \| Sell
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	306,209					326,797
Recognized Gain (Loss)	1,315	628
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Euros \| Buy
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	150,326					171,578
Recognized Gain (Loss)	858	(468)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Other currencies \| Sell
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	57,635					43,455
Recognized Gain (Loss)	20	1,477
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Other currencies \| Buy
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	13,413					$ 3,106
Recognized Gain (Loss)	$ 32	$ (1)
Term Loan Facility, Fixed-Rate \| Term Loan
Foreign Currency Derivatives
Principal amount					$ 300,000
LIBOR \| Scenario, Forecast \| Term Loan Facility, Fixed-Rate \| Subsequent Event \| Term Loan
Foreign Currency Derivatives
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			2.71%	1.65%

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 4) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap termination	$ 0	$ 16,625,000
Designated as hedging instrument \| Maturing 2017
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Contractual Amount	$ 2,000,000.0

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Unit Adjustment Liability, Infrastructure Transaction
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 79,934
Reduction in the fair value related to election not to make 2016 payments	(19,145)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	1,913
Balance at end of period	$ 62,702
Fair value measurements recurring \| Level 2
Assets
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$ 3,792		$ 4,932
Cross-currency interest rate swaps				514
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		1,191		$ 3,538
Term Loan Facility, Fixed-Rate \| Term Loan
Fair value of financial instruments
Principal amount			$ 300,000
Interest rate swaps \| Fair value measurements recurring \| Level 2
Assets
Cross-currency interest rate swaps		178
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value		699
Cross currency interest rate swaps \| Fair value measurements recurring \| Level 2
Assets
Cross-currency interest rate swaps		$ 307

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 6) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities And Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Net derivative asset subject to master netting arrangements	$ 0	$ 0
Long-term debt, including current maturities
Fair value of long-term debt	695,400,000	682,900,000
Carrying value of long-term debt	$ 683,300,000	$ 673,400,000

Review of Operations by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operations by segment
Total revenues	$ 372,541	$ 353,281
Operating income from continuing operations	27,908	9,431
Interest income	512	535
Interest expense	(11,653)	(12,363)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment	0	(12,217)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	16,767	(14,614)
Depreciation and Amortization	32,228	36,045
Capital Expenditures	16,989	16,951
Operating Segments
Operations by segment
Operating income from continuing operations	35,219	18,318
Corporate
Operations by segment
Total revenues	34	0
Operating income from continuing operations	(7,311)	(8,887)
Depreciation and Amortization	1,471	1,868
Capital Expenditures	545	25
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment \| Operating Segments
Operations by segment
Total revenues	247,034	229,672
Operating income from continuing operations	26,429	6,941
Depreciation and Amortization	27,880	31,025
Capital Expenditures	15,472	15,420
Harsco Industrial Segment \| Operating Segments
Operations by segment
Total revenues	65,885	61,869
Operating income from continuing operations	2,804	6,471
Depreciation and Amortization	1,840	1,718
Capital Expenditures	752	1,134
Harsco Rail Segment \| Operating Segments
Operations by segment
Total revenues	59,588	61,740
Operating income from continuing operations	5,986	4,906
Depreciation and Amortization	1,037	1,434
Capital Expenditures	$ 220	$ 372

Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Employee termination benefit costs	$ 753	$ 5,772
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs	0	3,287
Net gains	(122)	(652)
Other costs to exit activities	100	182
Impaired asset write-downs	0	93
Other	163	441
Other expenses	$ 894	$ 9,123

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances	$ 137,563	$ 310,803
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	12,238	13,306
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,147	3,833
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)		3,037
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee		(529)
Total other comprehensive income	17,385	19,647
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(386)	(271)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	16,999	19,376
Balances	168,533	322,333
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances	(144,534)	(125,561)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16,561	9,501
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)		3,079
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee		(959)
Total other comprehensive income	16,561	11,621
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(386)	(267)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	16,175	11,354
Balances	(128,359)	(114,207)
Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances	(1,089)	(400)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(536)	(2,356)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	149	(300)
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)		106
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee		143
Total other comprehensive income	(387)	(2,407)
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(4)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(387)	(2,411)
Balances	(1,476)	(2,811)
Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances	(461,094)	(389,696)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3,793)	6,168
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,998	4,133
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)		(148)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee		287
Total other comprehensive income	1,205	10,440
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	1,205	10,440
Balances	(459,889)	(379,256)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances	(5)	(31)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6	(7)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee		0
Total other comprehensive income	6	(7)
Less: Other Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	6	(7)
Balances	1	(38)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances	(606,722)	(515,688)
Total other comprehensive income	16,999	19,376
Balances	$ (589,723)	$ (496,312)

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 55,141	$ 50,784
Interest Expense	11,653	12,363
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	16,767	(14,614)
Income tax expense	6,253	(2,166)
Net income (loss)	10,137	(9,592)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense		(1,776)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss \| Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	5,520	4,650
Income tax expense	(522)	(517)
Net income (loss)	4,998	4,133
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss \| Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	149	(300)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss \| Actuarial losses
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,652	2,376
Cost of services and products sold	2,815	2,214
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss \| Prior service costs (benefits)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(12)	(1)
Cost of services and products sold	65	61
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts \| Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss \| Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Revenues	0	(408)
Cost of services and products sold	1	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	243	(465)
Income tax expense	(94)	165
Cross currency interest rate swaps \| Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss \| Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest Expense	$ 242	$ (57)

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Dilution of Equity Method Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 6,253	$ (2,166)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total before tax		4,813
Income tax expense		(1,776)
Total amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment		3,037
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss \| Foreign exchange translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total before tax		4,880
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss \| Cash flow hedging instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total before tax		168
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss \| Defined benefit pension obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total before tax		$ (235)