0000045876-20-000026 | 10-K | XBRL Viewer

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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-03970
Entity Registrant Name	HARSCO CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	23-1483991
Entity Address, Address Line One	350 Poplar Church Road,
Entity Address, City or Town	Camp Hill,
Entity Address, State or Province	PA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	17011
City Area Code	717
Local Phone Number	763-7064
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, par value $1.25 per share
Trading Symbol	HSC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 2,202,849,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		78,514,758
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Central Index Key	0000045876
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 57,259	$ 64,260
Restricted cash	2,473	2,886
Trade accounts receivable, net	309,990	246,427
Insurance claim receivable	0	30,000
Other receivables	21,265	23,770
Inventories	156,991	116,185
Current portion of contract assets	31,166	12,130
Current portion of assets held-for-sale	22,093	75,232
Other current assets	51,575	34,144
Total current assets	652,812	605,034
Property, plant and equipment, net	561,786	432,793
Right-of-use assets, net	52,065	0
Goodwill	738,369	404,713
Intangible assets, net	299,082	69,207
Deferred income tax assets	14,288	48,551
Assets held-for-sale	32,029	55,331
Other assets	17,036	17,238
Total assets	2,367,467	1,632,867
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	3,647	10,078
Current maturities of long-term debt	2,666	6,489
Accounts payable	176,755	124,984
Accrued compensation	37,992	50,201
Income taxes payable	18,692	2,634
Insurance liabilities	10,140	40,774
Current portion of advances on contracts	53,906	29,407
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	12,544	0
Other current liabilities	137,208	113,019
Total current liabilities	464,894	416,996
Long-term debt	775,498	585,662
Insurance liabilities	18,515	19,575
Retirement plan liabilities	189,954	213,578
Advances on contracts	6,408	37,675
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	36,974	0
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	12,152	555
Other liabilities	73,413	45,450
Total liabilities	1,577,808	1,319,491
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	0	0
Common stock, par value $1.25 (issued 114,720,347 and 113,473,951 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively)	143,400	141,842
Additional paid-in capital	200,595	190,597
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(587,622)	(567,107)
Retained earnings	1,824,100	1,298,752
Treasury stock, at cost (36,205,589 and 33,928,928 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively)	(838,893)	(795,821)
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders' equity	741,580	268,263
Noncontrolling interests	48,079	45,113
Total equity	789,659	313,376
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,367,467	$ 1,632,867

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common stock, shares issued	114,720,347		113,473,951	112,888,126	112,499,874
Treasury stock, shares	36,205,589		33,928,928	32,434,274	32,324,911

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
shares in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Revenues from continuing operations:

Product revenues

$ 1,503,742,000

$ 1,347,672,000

$ 1,307,470,000

Costs and expenses from continuing operations:

Selling, general and administrative costs

252,970,000

202,713,000

194,906,000

Research and development expenses

4,824,000

3,925,000

2,736,000

Other expenses

(2,621,000)

(2,201,000)

7,327,000

Total costs and expenses

1,399,463,000

1,216,977,000

1,202,815,000

Operating income from continuing operations

104,279,000

130,695,000

104,655,000

Interest income

1,975,000

2,155,000

2,469,000

Interest expense

(36,586,000)

(21,531,000)

(26,862,000)

Defined benefit pension income (expense)

(5,493,000)

3,457,000

(2,595,000)

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

(7,704,000)

(1,127,000)

(2,265,000)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income

56,471,000

113,649,000

75,402,000

Income tax expense

(20,214,000)

(5,499,000)

(78,190,000)

Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net

273,000

384,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations

36,530,000

108,534,000

(2,788,000)

Discontinued operations:

Income from discontinued businesses

569,135,000

Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax

27,531,000

43,942,000

20,379,000

Income tax expense from discontinued businesses

(120,978,000)

(7,463,000)

(5,747,000)

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

475,688,000

36,479,000

14,632,000

Net income

512,218,000

145,013,000

11,844,000

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(8,299,000)

(7,956,000)

(4,022,000)

Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation

503,919,000

137,057,000

7,822,000

Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

28,231,000

100,578,000

(6,810,000)

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

475,688,000

36,479,000

14,632,000

Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders

$ 503,919,000

$ 137,057,000

$ 7,822,000

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

79,632

80,716

80,553

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

Continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$ 0.35

$ 1.25

$ (0.08)

Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

5.97

0.45

0.18

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

$ 6.33

$ 1.70

^[1]

$ 0.10

^[1]

Diluted weighted average shares of stock outstanding

81,375

83,595

80,553

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

Continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$ 0.35

$ 1.20

$ (0.08)

Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

5.85

0.44

0.18

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

$ 6.19

$ 1.64

$ 0.10

^[1]

Services

Revenues from continuing operations:

Product revenues

$ 1,081,473,000

$ 955,464,000

$ 934,282,000

Product

Revenues from continuing operations:

Product revenues

422,269,000

392,208,000

373,188,000

Costs and expenses from continuing operations:

Cost of services and products sold

$ 305,134,000

$ 266,792,000

$ 260,347,000

[1]	Does not total due to rounding.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 512,218	$ 145,013	$ 11,844
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $2,507, $(2,167) and $3,471 in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively	15,498	(50,743)	36,011
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $1,438, $(1,130) and $(759) in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively	(5,106)	2,101	1,897
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(3,244), $854 and $(4,084) in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively	(10,478)	27,185	25,254
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(11), $16 and $(12) in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively	28	(48)	22
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(58)	(21,505)	63,184
Total comprehensive income	512,160	123,508	75,028
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,327)	(5,454)	(7,068)
Comprehensive income attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 504,833	$ 118,054	$ 67,960

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, deferred income taxes	$ 2,507	$ (2,167)	$ 3,471
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, deferred income taxes	1,438	(1,130)	(759)
Pension liability adjustments, deferred income taxes	(3,244)	854	(4,084)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, deferred income taxes	$ (11)	$ 16	$ (12)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 512,218,000	$ 145,013,000	$ 11,844,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation	119,803,000	122,135,000	121,839,000
Amortization	18,592,000	10,650,000	8,098,000
Gain (loss) on Extinguishment of debt, Cash Flow	5,314,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	7,704,000	1,127,000	2,265,000
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	6,815,000	(6,522,000)	57,349,000
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(273,000)	(384,000)	0
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	125,000	88,000	93,000
Gain on Sale from discontinued business	(569,135,000)
Other, net	1,764,000	2,666,000	749,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(3,464,000)	(16,881,000)	(32,012,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Settlements Receivable	195,000,000	0	0
Inventories	(42,484,000)	(14,706,000)	19,557,000
Contract assets	(21,795,000)	(3,312,000)	0
Increase (Decrease) In Right-Of_Use Assets	15,164,000	0	0
Accounts payable	13,407,000	18,347,000	12,554,000
Accrued interest payable	14,723,000	(154,000)	438,000
Accrued compensation	(15,759,000)	(1,127,000)	11,126,000
Advances on contracts and other customer advances	(4,172,000)	3,057,000	(16,811,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities	(14,740,000)	0	0
Insurance liability	(195,000,000)	0	0
Income taxes payable - gain on sale of discontinued businesses	12,373,000	0	0
Retirement plan liabilities, net	(24,022,000)	(33,321,000)	(21,300,000)
Other assets and liabilities	(24,617,000)	(33,527,000)	3,368,000
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	(163,000)	192,022,000	176,892,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(184,973,000)	(132,168,000)	(98,314,000)
Proceeds from sales of assets	17,022,000	11,887,000	13,418,000
Expenditures for intangible assets	(1,311,000)	0	0
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	658,414,000	0	0
Net cash used to acquire businesses	(623,495,000)	(56,389,000)	0
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	(2,364,000)	0	0
Payments for Hedge, Investing Activities	(2,758,000)	0	0
Net proceeds (payments) from settlement of foreign currency forward exchange contracts	7,273,000	15,527,000	(18,429,000)
Net cash used by investing activities	(132,192,000)	(161,143,000)	(103,325,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	(5,398,000)	1,932,000	5,061,000
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	848,314,000	128,858,000	27,985,000
Reductions	(661,620,000)	(116,988,000)	(108,280,000)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(4,712,000)	(5,480,000)	(2,445,000)
Noncontrolling Interest - purchase or sale	4,026,000	477,000	(3,412,000)
Stock-based compensation - Employee taxes paid	(11,234,000)	(3,730,000)	(1,688,000)
Common stock acquired for treasury	(31,838,000)	(30,011,000)	0
Deferred financing costs	(11,272,000)	(596,000)	(42,000)
Other financing activities, net	(532,000)	0	(894,000)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	125,734,000	(25,538,000)	(83,715,000)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, including restricted cash	(793,000)	(4,404,000)	4,478,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect	(7,414,000)	937,000	(5,670,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at beginning of period	67,146,000	66,209,000	71,879,000
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at end of period	59,732,000	67,146,000	66,209,000
Change in accrual for purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable	5,164,000	7,567,000	(666,000)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
Working Capital Acquired	(26,663,000)	1,295,000
Working capital			0
Property, plant and equipment	(77,295,000)	(3,327,000)	0
Goodwill	(330,230,000)	(22,518,000)	0
Long-term debt acquired	605,000	335,000
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	(189,912,000)	(32,174,000)	0
Net cash used to acquire businesses	$ (623,495,000)	(56,389,000)	0
Restructuring Costs, Program Two		$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock Issued	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interests
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 [Roll Forward]
Net income	11,844				7,822		4,022
Cash dividends declared:
Noncontrolling interests	(2,445)						(2,445)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $(1,384) $(2,427) and $690 in 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively	63,184					60,140	3,044
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest	(3,436)			(2,242)			(1,194)
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	25						25
Stock appreciation rights exercised, net 8,965 shares, net 28,109 and net 11,246 shares in 2017 and 2018 and 2019, respectively	(63)	16	(63)	(16)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 269,924 shares, 384,134 shares and 196,102 shares in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively	(1,625)	469	(1,625)	(469)
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	9,721			9,721
Balances at Dec. 31, 2017	215,165	141,110	(762,079)	180,201	1,157,801	(546,582)	44,714
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	145,013				137,057		7,956
Cash dividends declared:
Noncontrolling interests	(5,534)						(5,534)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $(1,384) $(2,427) and $690 in 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively	(21,505)					(19,005)	(2,500)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest	477						477
Stock appreciation rights exercised, net 8,965 shares, net 28,109 and net 11,246 shares in 2017 and 2018 and 2019, respectively	(282)	50	(282)	(50)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 269,924 shares, 384,134 shares and 196,102 shares in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively	(3,449)	682	(3,449)	(682)
Treasury shares repurchased, 1,321,072 shares and 1,766,826 shares in 2018 and 2019 respectively	(30,011)		(30,011)
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	11,128			11,128
Balances at Dec. 31, 2018	313,376	141,842	(795,821)	190,597	1,298,752	(567,107)	45,113
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	512,218				503,919		8,299
Cash dividends declared:
Noncontrolling interests	(4,693)						(4,693)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $(1,384) $(2,427) and $690 in 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively	(58)					914	(972)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest	4,026						4,026
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation	(3,694)						(3,694)
Stock appreciation rights exercised, net 8,965 shares, net 28,109 and net 11,246 shares in 2017 and 2018 and 2019, respectively	(117)	20	(117)	(20)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 269,924 shares, 384,134 shares and 196,102 shares in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively	(2,882)	402	(2,882)	(402)
Vesting of performance share units, net 529,213 shares in 2019	(8,248)	1,136	(8,235)	(1,149)
Treasury shares repurchased, 1,321,072 shares and 1,766,826 shares in 2018 and 2019 respectively	(31,838)		(31,838)
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	11,569			11,569
Balances at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 789,659	$ 143,400	$ (838,893)	$ 200,595	$ 1,824,100	$ (587,622)	$ 48,079

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash dividends declared, Common, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$ 690	$ (2,427)	$ (1,384)
Vesting of restricted stock units, shares	196,102	384,134	269,924
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	0	0
Vesting of Performance Shares	529,213	0	0
SARS exercised, shares	11,246	28,109	8,965
Treasury Stock
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	1,766,826	1,321,072	0

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities. The Company's management has evaluated all activity of the Company and concluded that subsequent events are properly reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes as required by U.S. GAAP.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year classifications.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of three months or less.

Restricted Cash

The Company had restricted cash of $2.5 million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and the restrictions are primarily related to collateral provided for certain guarantees of the Company’s performance.

Inventories

Inventories in the U.S. are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method and are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company's remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost methods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. See Note 4, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, for additional information.

Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using, principally, the straight-line method. When property, plant and equipment is retired from service, the cost of the retirement is charged to the allowance for depreciation to the extent of the accumulated depreciation and the balance is charged to income. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are not depreciated while they are classified as held-for-sale.

Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. The Company determines if a contract or arrangement contains a lease at inception. All leases are evaluated and classified as either an operating or finance lease. A lease is classified as a finance lease if any of the following criteria are met: (i) ownership of the underlying asset transfers to the Company by the end of the lease term; (ii) the lease contains an option to purchase the underlying asset that the Company is reasonably expected to exercise; (iii) the lease term is for a major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset; (iv) the present value of the sum of lease payments and any residual value guaranteed by the Company equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset; or (v) the underlying asset is of a specialized nature that it is expected to have no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the lease term. A lease that does not meet any of the criteria to be classified as a finance lease is classified as an operating lease.

Operating leases are included as Right-of-use assets, net, Current portion of operating lease liabilities, and Operating lease liabilities on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Right-of-use ("ROU") assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate for use in determining the present value of future payments, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate. This incremental borrowing rate reflects the creditworthiness of the Company for a lending period commensurate to the term of the lease and the standard lending practices related to such loans in the respective jurisdiction where the underlying assets are located. ROU assets also include any lease payments made and exclude any lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays. Certain of the Company's leases are subject to annual changes in an index or are subject to adjustments for which the amounts are not readily

determinable at lease inception. While lease liabilities are not remeasured as a result of changes to these costs, changes are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred.

Finance leases are included as Property, plant and equipment, net; Current maturities of long-term debt and Long-term debt on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance lease costs are split between depreciation expense related to the asset and interest expense on the lease liability, using the effective rate charged by the lessor.

The Company has lease agreements with both lease and non-lease components, which the Company has elected to account for as a single lease component. Additionally, the Company has elected not to record short-term leases, those with expected terms of twelve months or less, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain lease agreements include fixed escalations, while others include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. See Note 2, Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards; Note 7, Debt and Credit Agreements; and Note 8, Leases, for additional information on leases.

Business Combinations and Goodwill

The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that once control is obtained, all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, be recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess of purchase price over the fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. The determination of fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires numerous estimates and assumptions with respect to the timing and amounts of cash flow projections, revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates, discount rates and useful lives. Such estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, and when appropriate, include assistance from independent third-party valuation firms. During the measurement period, which is up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with corresponding offsets to goodwill.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist or if a decision is made to dispose of a business. Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include declining cash flows or operating losses at the reporting unit level, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel or a more likely than not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of, among others.

In applying the goodwill impairment test, the Company has the option to perform a qualitative test (“Step 0”) or a quantitative test (“Step 1”). Under Step 0, the Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other entity and reporting unit specific events. If after assessing these qualitative factors, the Company determines it is “more-likely-than-not” that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the Company would perform Step 1.

The Step 1 approach of testing for goodwill impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to the net book value, including goodwill. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) to estimate the current fair value of reporting units, as management believes forecasted operating cash flows are the best indicator of current fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the preparation of DCF models including future revenues and operating margin growth, the weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”), tax rates, capital spending, pension funding, the impact of business initiatives and working capital projections. These assumptions and estimates may vary significantly among reporting units. DCF models are based on approved long-range plans for the early years and historical relationships and projections for later years. WACC rates are derived from internal and external factors including, but not limited to, the average market price of the Company's stock, shares outstanding, book value of the Company's debt, the long-term risk-free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums. Due to the many variables noted above and the relative size of the Company's goodwill, differences in assumptions may have a material impact on the results of the Company's annual goodwill impairment testing. If the net book value of a reporting unit were to exceed the current fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test (“Step 2”) would currently be required to determine if an impairment existed and the amount of goodwill impairment to record, if any.

Step 2 compares the net book value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the excess of fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value amounts assigned to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit if it were to be acquired in a hypothetical business combination and the current fair

value of the reporting unit represented the purchase price. As necessary, the Company may use independent third-party valuation firms to assist with the Step 2 assessment. See Note 6, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information.

Long-Lived Assets Impairments (Other than Goodwill)

Long-lived assets (or asset groups) are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets (or asset groups) are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate the book value of an asset (or asset group) may be impaired. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset (or asset group) and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a DCF model. Long-lived assets (or asset groups) to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. See Note 17, Other (Income) Expenses, Net for additional information.

Deferred Financing Costs

The Company has incurred debt issuance costs which are recognized as a reduction of Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Debt issuance costs are amortized and recognized as interest expense over the contractual term of the related indebtedness or shorter period if appropriate based upon contractual terms. Whenever indebtedness is modified from its original terms, an evaluation is made whether an accounting modification or extinguishment has occurred in order to determine the accounting treatment for debt issuance costs related to the debt modification.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenues to depict the transfer of promised services and products to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services or products. Service revenues include the Harsco Clean Earth Segment and the service components of the Harsco Environmental and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include portions of Harsco Environmental and Harsco Rail Segments.

Harsco Environmental - This Segment provides on-site services, under long-term contracts, for material logistics; product quality improvement and resource recovery from iron, steel and metals manufacturing; manufactures and sells industrial abrasives and roofing granule products; and manufactures aluminum dross and scrap processing systems.

•

Service revenues are recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives the benefits provided by the Company's performance. The Company utilizes an output method based on work performed (liquid steel tons processed, weight of material handled, etc.) to measure progress, which is deemed to best depict the transfer of value to the customer and revenue earned by the Company. Transaction prices are based on contractual terms, which may include both fixed and variable portions. The fixed portion is recognized as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable portion is recognized as services are performed and differs based on the volume of services performed. Given the long-term nature of these arrangements, most contracts permit periodic adjustment of either the variable or both the fixed and variable portions based on the changes in macroeconomic indicators, including changes in commodity prices. Transaction prices, when the standalone selling price is not directly observable, are allocated to performance obligations utilizing an expected cost plus a margin approach. Amounts are typically billed and payable on a monthly basis as services are performed.

•

Product revenues are recognized at the point when control transfers to the customer. Control generally transfers at the point of shipment for domestic orders and in accordance with the international commercial terms included in contracts for export sales. Transaction prices are based on contractual terms, which are generally fixed and when the standalone selling price is not directly observable, allocated to performance obligations utilizing an adjusted market assessment approach. Amounts are billed and payable upon completion of each transaction.

•

Product revenues in the aluminum dross and scrap process systems business are generally recognized over time as control is transferred to the customer. Control transfers over time because aluminum dross and scrap systems are customized, have no alternate use and the Company has an enforceable right to payment. The Company utilizes an input method based on costs incurred ("cost-to-cost method") to measure progress, which is deemed to best depict the transfer of value to the customer and revenue earned by the Company. Transaction prices are based on contractual terms, which are generally fixed, and when the standalone selling price is not directly observable, allocated to performance obligations utilizing an adjusted market assessment approach. The Company may receive periodic payments associated with key milestones with any remaining consideration billed and payable upon completion of the transaction.

Harsco Clean Earth - This Segment provides specialty waste processing and beneficial reuse solutions for hazardous wastes, contaminated materials and dredged volumes.

•

Revenues are recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives the benefits provided by the Company's performance. The Company utilizes an output method based on the amount of materials received for processing to measure progress, which is deemed to best depict the transfer of value to the customer and revenue earned by the Company. Transaction prices are based on contractual terms which are generally fixed for hazardous waste and contaminated materials and which is variable (based on volumes) for dredged material. Fixed amounts are recognized as earned over the contractual period and variable amounts are recognized as services are performed and differ based on the volume of services performed. Transaction prices, when the standalone selling price is not directly observable, are allocated to performance obligations utilizing an expected cost plus a margin approach. Amounts are typically billed and payable on a monthly basis.

Harsco Rail - This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, after-market parts, Protran/safety equipment and provides railway track maintenance services.

•

For the majority of railway track maintenance equipment sales, revenue is recognized at the point when control transfers to the customer. Control generally transfers at the point of shipment for domestic orders and in accordance with the international commercial terms included in contracts for export sales. In certain railway track maintenance equipment sales, revenue is recognized over time because such equipment is highly customized, has no alternate use and the Company has an enforceable right to payment. The Harsco Rail Segment uses the cost-to-cost method to measure progress because it is the measure that best depicts the transfer of control to the customer, which occurs as the Harsco Rail Segment incurs costs under the contracts. Under the cost-to-cost method, the extent of progress towards completion is based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion which includes both actual costs already incurred and the estimated costs to complete. Accounting for contracts with customers using the cost-to-cost method requires significant judgment relative to assessing risks, estimating contract revenues (including estimates of variable consideration, if applicable), estimating contract costs (including estimating any liquidating damages or penalties related to performance, engineering costs to design the machine and the material, labor and overhead manufacturing costs to build the machine); making assumptions for schedule and technical items; properly executing the engineering and design phases consistent with customer expectations; the availability and costs of labor and material resources; productivity; and evaluating whether a significant financing component is present. Due to the number of years it may take to complete certain contracts and the scope and nature of the work required to be performed on those contracts, primarily in the Harsco Rail Segment, estimating total revenues and costs at completion is inherently complicated and subject to many variables. Transaction prices are based on contracted terms, which are generally fixed, and when the standalone selling price is not directly observable, allocated to performance obligations utilizing either the adjusted market assessment or expected cost plus a margin approach. For certain transactions, the Company receives periodic payments associated with key milestones. In limited instances, those payments are intended to provide financing with such transactions being treated as including a significant financing component. Any remaining consideration is billed and payable upon completion of the transaction.

•

For after-market parts sales and safety equipment, revenue is recognized at the point when control transfers to the customer. Control generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment for domestic orders and in accordance with the international commercial terms included in contracts for export sales. Transaction prices are based on contracted terms, which are generally fixed, and when the standalone selling price is not directly observable, allocated to performance obligations utilizing an adjusted market assessment approach. Amounts are billed and payable upon completion of each contract.

•

For railway track maintenance services, revenue is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives the benefits provided by the Company's performance. The Company utilizes an appropriate output method based on work performed (feet, miles, shifts worked, etc.) to measure progress, which is deemed to best depict the transfer of value to the customer and revenue earned by the Company. Transaction prices are based on contracted terms, which are generally variable. The variable portion is recognized as services are performed and differs based on the value of services. Given the long-term nature of these arrangements, most contracts permit periodic adjustment based on the changes in macroeconomic indicators. Transaction prices, when the standalone selling price is not directly observable, are allocated to performance obligations utilizing an expected cost plus a margin approach. Amounts are typically billed and payable on a monthly basis as services are performed.

The Company has elected to utilize the following practical expedients on an ongoing basis:


•	The Company has not adjusted the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the Company expects, at contract inception, that the period between when the Company transfers the promised good or services to the customer and when the customer pays for that good or service would be one year or less; and

•

The Company has elected to exclude disclosures related to unsatisfied performance obligations where the related contract has a duration of one year or less; or where the consideration is entirely variable. Accordingly, the Company's disclosure related to unsatisfied performance obligations is limited to the railway track maintenance equipment in the Harsco Rail Segment and the fixed portion of fees related to metals services in the Harsco Environmental Segment.

Taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by the Company from a customer, are excluded from revenue. Additionally, in certain contracts, the Company facilitates shipping and handling activities after control has transferred to the customer. The Company has elected to record all shipping and handling activities as costs to fulfill a contract. In situations where the shipping and handling costs have not been incurred at the time revenue is recognized, the respective shipping and handling costs are accrued.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted changes, with subsequent amendments, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The Company chose to implement the impact of the FASB changes utilizing the modified retrospective method. Comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under U.S. GAAP in effect for those periods (2017).

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of the events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results. In the event the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The Company prepares and files tax returns based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations and records its provision for income taxes based on these interpretations. Uncertainties may exist in estimating the Company's tax provisions and in filing tax returns in the many jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and as a result these interpretations may give rise to an uncertain tax position. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on its technical merits. Each subsequent period the Company determines if existing or new uncertain tax positions meet a more likely than not recognition threshold and adjust accordingly.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The significant assumptions and estimates described in the preceding paragraphs are important contributors to the effective tax rate each year.

See Note 10, Income Taxes, for additional information.

Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves

The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $15.4 million, $13.5 million and $16.0 million, respectively. Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net income (loss) in the period determined. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $1.5 million, $2.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively. At

December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has recorded liabilities of $28.7 million and $60.3 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balances at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $3.7 million and $34.2 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been included in current caption, Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current caption, Insurance liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Warranties

The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold. The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2019, 2018 and 2017:



(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$	5,243		$	5,486		$	6,001
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	4,134			3,837			4,533
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(2,748		)	(3,320		)	(3,428		)
Acquisitions (See Note 3)	—			249			—
Warranties paid	(649		)	(942		)	(1,637		)
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(60		)	(67		)	17
Warranty reserves, end of the year	$	5,920		$	5,243		$	5,486

Warranty expense and payments are incurred principally in the Harsco Rail Segment. Warranty activity may vary from year to year depending upon the mix of revenues and contractual terms related to product warranties.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the U.S., except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in Operating income from continuing operations. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in Operating income from continuing operations.

Financial Instruments and Hedging

The Company has operations throughout the world that are exposed to fluctuations in related foreign currencies in the normal course of business. The Company seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes and it is the Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.

The Company executes foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge transactions for firm purchase commitments, to hedge variable cash flows of forecasted transactions and for export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are generally for 90 days or less; however, where appropriate, longer-term contracts may be utilized. For those contracts that are designated as qualified cash flow hedges, gains or losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company uses 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 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.

Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are reclassified into operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects income. The cash flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged (e.g., the cash flows related to contracts to hedge the purchase of fixed assets are included in cash flows from investing activities, etc.). The Company also enters into certain forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in operations based on changes in fair market value. For fair value hedges of a firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment are recognized currently in operations.

See Note 14, Financial Instruments, for additional information.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. Dilutive securities are not included in the computation of loss per share when the Company reports a net loss from continuing operations as the impact would be anti-dilutive. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements. See Note 12, Capital Stock, for additional information.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 2019: On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB related to 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 lease 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 Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition, which among other items, allowed the carry forward of the historical lease classification. The Company has elected to apply the transition requirements at the January 1, 2019 effective date and therefore, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under U.S. GAAP in effect for those periods. The changes had a significant impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon adoption and the Company recorded ROU assets and lease liabilities of $34.0 million and $34.2 million, respectively. The difference between the ROU assets and lease liabilities was recorded primarily as adjustments to other assets and liabilities where prepaid rent and deferred expenses were previously recorded. Additionally, the Company's accounting for finance leases remained consistent. The changes did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The discount rates used to calculate the ROU assets and lease liabilities as of the effective date were based on the remaining lease terms as of the effective date. See Note 8, Leases, for additional information. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB which expand and refine hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedged items in the financial statements and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Upon adoption, the Company’s recognition model for the excluded component was modified from a mark-to-market approach to an amortization approach for hedging relationships. Hedging relationships entered into on or after January 1, 2019 will be under the amortization approach while those entered into before January 1, 2019 will continue to be recognized under the mark-to-market approach. As such, there was no effect of applying this election reflected as an adjustment to Accumulated other comprehensive loss with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of Retained earnings. Presentation and disclosure amendments are required to be applied prospectively. Other than required expanded disclosures, the adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB which allow entities to reclassify stranded income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in the consolidated financial statements. Under the Tax Act, deferred taxes were adjusted to reflect the reduction of the historical corporate income tax rate to the newly enacted corporate income tax rate, which left the tax effects on items within accumulated other comprehensive income stranded at historical tax rates. The adoption of these changes resulted in the Company reclassifying approximately $21 million of stranded income tax effects into Retained earnings. The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date: In June 2016, the FASB issued changes, as amended, which update the impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses rather than incurred losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. This may result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Other than required expanded disclosures, the adoption of these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued changes that remove Step 2 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 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 any amounts that might be recorded under current practice. In August 2018, the FASB issued changes which modify the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The amendments in this update remove the requirement to disclose the amount of, and reasons for, transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The changes require disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (loss) for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Other than required expanded disclosures, the adoption of these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued changes which modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans. The changes remove the requirements to disclose: amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year; the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer and the effects of a one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates. The update also requires disclosure of an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. Management does not believe these changes will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued changes which are intended to reduce complexity and simplify the accounting for income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP by removing certain exceptions related to investments, intraperiod allocations and interim calculations and clarifying existing guidance to improve consistent application. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Clean Earth

On June 28, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Clean Earth, one of the largest U.S. providers of specialty waste processing and beneficial reuse solutions for hazardous wastes, contaminated materials and dredged volumes, for an enterprise valuation of approximately $625 million on a cash free, debt free basis, subject to normal working capital adjustments. The Company transferred approximately $628 million of cash consideration and agreed to reimburse the sellers for any usage of assumed net operating losses in a post-closing period for up to five years, the present value of which is estimated at approximately $8 million. Clean Earth provides solutions that analyze, treat, document and recycle waste streams generated by multiple end-markets such as infrastructure, chemicals, aerospace and defense, non-public/private development, medical, industrial and dredging. Clean Earth treatment processes include thermal desorption, dredged material stabilization, bioremediation, physical treatment/screen and chemical fixation. Clean Earth operates 27 permitted facilities in the U.S. and maintains a portfolio of more than 200 permits with a 100% permit renewal success rate to date. In addition, Clean Earth owns 9 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Part B Permits which include 6 Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) permits that enable the Company to process complex and highly recurring hazardous waste streams.

The fair value recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Clean Earth is as follows:



	Preliminary Valuation
(In millions)	June 28, 2019			Measurement Period Adjustments (a)			December 31 2019
Cash and cash equivalents (b)	$	42.8		$	(39.2	)	$	3.6
Trade accounts receivable, net	63.7			(1.2		)	62.5
Other receivables	0.8			1.3			2.1
Other current assets	8.7			(1.4		)	7.3
Property, plant and equipment	75.6			1.7			77.3
Right-of-use assets	14.4			11.4			25.8
Goodwill	313.8			16.4			330.2
Intangible assets	261.1			(18.9		)	242.2
Other assets	4.0			(3.0		)	1.0
Accounts payable	(23.0		)	(0.1		)	(23.1		)
Acquisition consideration payable (b)	(39.2		)	39.2			—
Other current liabilities	(18.0		)	(1.3		)	(19.3		)
Net deferred taxes liabilities	(51.2		)	5.4			(45.8		)
Operating lease liabilities	(11.1		)	(8.4		)	(19.5		)
Other liabilities	(6.5		)	(2.1		)	(8.6		)
Total identifiable net assets of Clean Earth	$	635.9		$	(0.2	)	$	635.7


(a)	The measurement period adjustments did not have a material impact on the Company's previously reported operating results.


(b)	Acquisition consideration payable represents a portion of the cash consideration not paid out until July 2019.

The goodwill is attributable to strategic benefits, including enhanced operational and financial scale, as well as product and market diversification that the Company expects to realize. The Company expects $16.3 million of goodwill to be deductible for income tax purposes through 2033.

The following table details the preliminary valuation of identifiable intangible assets and amortization periods for Clean Earth:



		Preliminary Valuation
(Dollars in millions)	Weighted-Average Amortization Period	Preliminary Valuation June 28, 2019		Measurement Period Adjustments (c)			December 31 2019
Permits	18 years	$	176.1	$	(6.0	)	$	170.1
Customer relationships and backlog	7.5 years	33.4		(12.9		)	20.5
Air rights	Usage based (d)	25.6		—			25.6
Trade names	11.5 years	26.0		—			26.0
Total identifiable intangible assets of Clean Earth		$	261.1	$	(18.9	)	$	242.2


(c)	The measurement period adjustments did not have a material impact on the Company's previously reported operating results.


(d)	The Company estimates that based on current usage that the expected useful life would be 26.5 years.

The Company valued the identifiable intangible assets using an income-based approach that utilized either the multi-period excess earnings method or the relief from royalty method. The purchase price allocation for Clean Earth is not final, primarily due to certain tax related matters, and the fair value of intangible assets and goodwill may vary from those reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2019.

The year ended December 31, 2019 include Clean Earth direct acquisition costs of $15.2 million which are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition to the acquisition costs reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, the debt issuance costs associated with the issuance of debt to fund the acquisition are reflected, net of amortization subsequent to the acquisition date, as Long-term debt on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 7, Debt and Credit Agreements, for additional information.

Included in the liabilities acquired was a contingent consideration liability resulting from a prior Clean Earth acquisition. Any changes in the fair value of contingent consideration related to updated assumptions and estimates will be recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the period in which the change occurs. The following table reflects the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration which occurred since acquisition:



(In thousands)	2019
Balance at June 28, 2019	$	3,100
Payment	(525		)
Fair value adjustment	825
Balance at end of year	$	3,400

The pro forma information below gives effect to the Clean Earth acquisition as if it had been completed on January 1, 2018. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the Company’s results of operations had the acquisition been completed on the above date, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results. The pro forma information does not reflect any cost savings from operating efficiencies or synergies that could result from the acquisition and does not reflect the additional revenue opportunities following the acquisition. The pro forma information below includes adjustments to reflect additional depreciation and amortization expense based on the estimated fair value and useful lives of intangible assets and fixed assets acquired; includes additional interest expense of approximately $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and approximately $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 on the acquisition related borrowings used to finance the Clean Earth acquisition and excludes certain directly attributable transaction costs and historic Clean Earth interest expense. The values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on preliminary valuations and are subject to change as the Company obtains additional information during the measurement period.



	Year Ended December 31
(In millions)	2019		2018
Pro forma revenues	$	1,635.9	$	1,614.6
Pro forma net income (including discontinued operations) (e)	517.6		116.1


(e)	Pro forma net income for 2019 includes a $453.6 million after-tax gain on the sale of AXC and PK.

Altek

In May 2018, the Company acquired Altek Europe Holdings Limited and its affiliated entities (collectively, "Altek"), a U.K.-based manufacturer of market-leading products that enable aluminum producers and recyclers to manage and efficiently extract value from critical byproduct streams, reduce byproduct generation and improve operating productivity. The Company acquired Altek, on a debt and cash free basis, for a purchase price of £45 million (approximately $60 million) in cash, with the potential for up to £25 million (approximately $33 million) in additional contingent consideration through 2021 subject to the future financial performance of Altek. The cash consideration transferred included payments of $57.4 million, inclusive of normal working capital adjustments. In addition, the Company recognized contingent consideration with an initial fair value of $12.1 million as of the acquisition date. Altek's revenues and operating results have been included in the results of the Harsco Environmental Segment. Inclusion of pro forma financial information for this transaction is not necessary as the acquisition is immaterial to the Company's results of operations.

The fair value recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Altek is as follows:



	Final Valuation
(In millions)	June 30 2018			Measurement Period Adjustments (f)		March 31 2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1.7		$	—	$	1.7
Net working capital	(1.5		)	0.2		(1.3		)
Property, plant and equipment	3.3			—		3.3
Intangible assets	52.5			0.2		52.7
Goodwill	20.9			1.6		22.5
Net deferred tax liabilities	(8.5		)	—		(8.5		)
Other liabilities	(0.3		)	—		(0.3		)
Total identifiable net assets of Altek	$	68.1		$	2.0	$	70.1


(f)	The measurement period adjustments did not have a material impact on the Company's previously reported operating results.

The initial fair value of contingent consideration was estimated using a probability simulation model which uses assumptions and estimates to forecast a range of outcomes for the contingent consideration. Key inputs to the model include projected earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization; the discount rate; the projection risk neutralization rate; and volatility, which are Level 3 data. The Company will continue to assess these assumptions and estimates on a quarterly basis as additional data impacting the assumptions is obtained. Any changes in the fair value of contingent consideration related to updated assumptions and estimates will be recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the period in which the change occurs. The following table reflects the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration:



(In thousands)	2019			2018
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,420		$	—
Recognition of contingent consideration	—			10,097
Measurement period adjustment (g)	—			1,958
Fair value adjustment (h)	(8,506		)	(2,939		)
Foreign currency translation	86			(696		)
Balance at end of year	$	—		$	8,420


(g)	Measurement period adjustment was recorded to goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.


(h)	The fair value adjustment resulted from the decreased probability of Altek achieving cumulative financial and non-financial performance goals within the required time frame. This amount is recorded in Other expenses, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Harsco Industrial Segment

In May 2019, the Company announced the intent to divest the businesses that comprised the Harsco Industrial Segment; Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers ("AXC"), Harsco Industrial IKG ("IKG") and Harsco Industrial Patterson-Kelley ("PK"). These disposals represent a strategic shift and accelerate the transformation of the Company's portfolio of businesses into a leading provider of environmental solutions and services. In July 2019, the Company sold AXC for $600 million in cash and recognized a gain on sale of $527.9 million pre-tax (or approximately $421 million after-tax). In November 2019, the Company sold PK for approximately $60 million in cash and recognized a gain on sale of $41.2 million pre-tax (or approximately $33 million after-tax). These gains have been recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. In January 2020, the Company sold IKG for $85 million in cash and notes, subject to post-closing adjustments.

The former Harsco Industrial Segment's balance sheet positions as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are presented as Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are summarized as follows:



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019(i)		December 31 2018
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	10,982	$	44,786
Other receivables	78		412
Inventories	9,838		16,926
Current portion of contract assets	—		12,124
Other current assets	655		984
Property, plant and equipment, net	20,703		37,107
Right-of-use assets, net	11,230		—
Goodwill	—		6,839
Intangible assets, net	—		10,618
Deferred income tax assets	—		563
Other assets	96		204
Total assets	$	53,582	$	130,563

Accounts payable	$	5,060	$	24,426
Accrued compensation	2,324		7,385
Current portion of advances on contracts	1,168		1,910
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	1,575		—
Other current liabilities	1,218		5,689
Operating lease liabilities	9,837		—
Other liabilities	2,314		555
Total liabilities	$	23,496	$	39,965


(i)	The decrease from December 31, 2018 is primarily related to the sale of AXC and PK.

The Harsco Industrial Segment has historically been a separate reportable segment with primary operations in North America and Latin America. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the results of the former Harsco Industrial Segment are presented as discontinued operations and, as such, have been excluded from both continuing operations and segment results for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Certain key selected financial information included in net income from discontinued operations for the former Harsco Industrial Segment is as follows:



	Years ended December 31
(In millions)	2019		2018		2017
Amounts directly attributable to the former Harsco Industrial Segment:
Total revenues	$	306,972	$	374,707	$	299,592
Cost of products sold	224,811		276,198		225,163
Gain on sale from discontinued businesses	569,135		—		—
Income from discontinued business	27,823		43,593		20,049
Additional amounts allocated to the former Harsco Industrial Segment:
Selling, general and administrative expenses (j)	$	8,429	$	—	$	—
Interest expense (k)	11,237		16,613		20,689
Loss on early extinguishment of debt (l)	5,314		—		—

(j) The Company has allocated directly attributable transaction costs to discontinued operations.

(k) The Company has allocated interest expense, including a portion of the amount reclassified into income for the Company's interest rate swaps, amortization of deferred financing costs, and $2.7 million related to interest rate swap terminations which occurred during the year ended December 31, 2019, all of which were directly attributed with the mandatory repayment of the Company's Term Loan Facility, resulting from the AXC disposal, as part of discontinued operations.


(l)	The Company has allocated the $5.3 million write-off of deferred financing costs to discontinued operations as it is directly attributed to the mandatory repayment of the Term Loan Facility that resulted from the AXC disposal.

The Company has retained corporate overhead expenses previously allocated to the Harsco Industrial Segment of $4.0 million, $5.6 million and $5.6 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, as part of Selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following is selected financial information included on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows attributable to the former Harsco Industrial Segment:



	Years Ended December 31
(In millions)	2019		2018		2017
Non-cash operating items
Depreciation and amortization	$	3,301	$	7,729	$	7,360
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	8,372		7,561		6,895

Accounts Receivable and Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable and Inventories

Accounts receivable consist of the following:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019			December 31 2018
Trade accounts receivable	$	323,502		$	251,013
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(13,512		)	(4,586		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	309,990		$	246,427
Insurance claim receivable (a)	$	—		$	30,000
Other receivables (b)	$	21,265		$	23,770


(a)	Relates to the Lima Refinery litigation. See Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional information.


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

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



	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	7,507	$	380	$	5,211

The increase in the provision for doubtful accounts for the year ended 2019 primarily resulted from a provision for doubtful accounts in the Harsco Environmental Segment related to a customer in the U.K. entering administration. The Company continues to provide services to the customer and continues to collect on post-administration invoices timely while the customer seeks a buyer for their operations. Depending on the outcome of any potential transactions, there could be an impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows and asset valuations in the future, which may be material in any one period. The provision for doubtful accounts for the year ended 2017 relates principally to the write-off of certain pre-administration receivable balances for one of the Company's customers in Australia in the Harsco Environmental Segment.

Inventories consist of the following:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019		December 31 2018
Finished goods	$	14,550	$	11,892
Work-in-process	13,088		20,839
Raw materials and purchased parts	104,488		61,547
Stores and supplies	24,865		21,907
Total inventories	$	156,991	$	116,185
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	$	101,465	$	66,650
FIFO basis	7,473		5,719
Average cost basis	48,053		43,816
Total inventories	$	156,991	$	116,185

Inventories valued on the LIFO basis at both December 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately $23 million less than the amounts of such inventories valued at current costs. During 2018 and 2017 as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on a LIFO basis, net income (loss) was favorably impacted compared to that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively. There was no impact during 2019.

The Company recognized an initial 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. The Company recorded an additional forward loss provision of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2019, the entire remaining estimated forward loss provision of $6.4 million is included in the caption Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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.

The Company recognized $23.4 million and $24.2 million of revenues for the contracts with SBB, on an over time basis, utilizing a cost-to-cost method for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2017 $42.5 million of revenue based on the percentage-of-completion (units-of-delivery) method of accounting, whereby revenues and estimated average costs of the units to be produced under the contracts are recognized as deliveries are made or accepted. The Company has substantially completed the first contract and is approximately 42% complete on the second contract with SBB as of December 31, 2019.

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:



(In thousands)	Estimated Useful Lives	December 31 2019			December 31 2018
Land	—	$	30,409		$	10,143
Land improvements	5-20 years	19,155			15,961
Buildings and improvements (a)	5-40 years	182,795			163,037
Machinery and equipment	3-20 years	1,518,652			1,470,620
Uncompleted construction	—	55,592			36,968
Gross property, plant and equipment		1,806,603			1,696,729
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,244,817		)	(1,263,936		)
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	561,786		$	432,793

(a) Buildings and improvements include leasehold improvements that are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the initial term of the lease.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill by Segment

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:



(In thousands)	Harsco Environmental Segment			Harsco Clean Earth Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	381,893		$	—	$	13,026	$	394,919
Changes to goodwill (a)	22,518			—		—		22,518
Foreign currency translation	(12,724		)	—		—		(12,724		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	391,687			—		13,026		404,713
Changes to goodwill (b)	—			330,230		—		330,230
Foreign currency translation	3,426			—		—		3,426
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	395,113		$	330,230	$	13,026	$	738,369


(a)	Changes to goodwill in the Harsco Environmental Segment relate to the acquisition of Altek. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.


(b)	The changes to goodwill related to the acquisition of Clean Earth. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.

The Company's methodology for determining reporting unit fair value is described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Performance of the Company's 2019 annual impairment test did not result in impairment of any of the Company's reporting units.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets totaled $299.1 million, net of accumulated amortization of $113.6 million at December 31, 2019 and

$69.2 million, net of accumulated amortization of $101.4 million at December 31, 2018. The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:



	December 31, 2019				December 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	143,996	$	99,327	$	122,378	$	93,577
Permits	170,322		4,694		—		—
Technology related	36,467		5,635		35,831		2,681
Trade names	31,719		2,182		5,565		682
Air rights	26,139		411		—		—
Patents	249		168		2,598		2,503
Other	3,765		1,158		4,214		1,936
Total	$	412,657	$	113,575	$	170,586	$	101,379

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $15.5 million, $5.9 million and $3.3 million for 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets.



(In thousands)	2020		2021		2022		2023		2024
Estimated amortization expense (a)	$	23,500	$	22,400	$	22,000	$	22,000	$	22,000

(a)

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

Debt and Credit Agreements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Credit Agreements

The Company's long-term debt consists of the following:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019			December 31 2018
Senior Secured Credit Facilities (a):
Term Loan Facility with an interest rate of 4.1% and 4.8% at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	$	218,188		$	541,788
Revolving Credit Facility with an average interest rate of 5.0% and 4.6% at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	67,000			62,000
5.75% notes due July 31, 2027	500,000			—
Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2020 with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.9% at December 31, 2019 and 2018.	9,827			1,606
Total debt obligations	795,015			605,394
Less: deferred financing costs	(16,851		)	(13,243		)
Total debt obligations, net of deferred financing costs	778,164			592,151
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	(2,666		)	(6,489		)
Long-term debt	$	775,498		$	585,662


(a)	All amounts related to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities were reflected as Long-term debt at December 31, 2019. The current portion of long-term debt related to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities was $5.4 million with the remainder reflected as Long-term debt at December 31, 2018.

The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2020 are as follows:



(In thousands)
2021	$	2,191
2022	1,956
2023	1,846
2024	286,354

Cash payments for interest on debt were $27.6 million, $34.2 million and $44.3 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

The Company's Senior Secured Credit Facilities are comprised of a Term Loan Facility and a Revolving Credit Facility.

In December 2017, the Company amended the Credit Agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (the "Credit Agreement") to, among other things, reduce the interest rate applicable to the Term Loan Facility, improve certain covenants and extend the maturity date by a year until December 2024. As a result of this amendment, a charge of $2.3 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2017 consisting principally of fees associated with the transaction and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and is reflected in the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as part of Net income.

In June 2018, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to, among other things, reduce the interest rate applicable to the Term Loan Facility and to increase the limit of the Revolving Credit Facility. A charge of $1.1 million was recorded during 2018 consisting principally of fees associated with the transaction and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs.

In June 2019, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to, among other things, increase the borrowing capacity of the Revolving Credit Facility by $200 million to a total of $700 million, extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility until June 2024 and increase the maximum net debt to consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ratio from 3.5 to 4.5, which decreases to 4.0 for the second quarter of 2020 and periods thereafter. As of December 31, 2019, $1.0 million of expenses were recognized related to the amended Credit Agreement. The Company has capitalized $2.6 million of fees related to the amendment of the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Credit Agreement imposes certain restrictions including, but not limited to, restrictions as to types and amounts of debt of liens that may be incurred by the Company; limitations on increases in dividend payments; limitations on repurchases of the Company's stock and limitations on certain acquisitions by the Company.

The Credit Agreement contains a consolidated net debt to consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") ratio covenant, which is not to exceed 4.5 to 1.0, as of December 31, 2019, and a minimum consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest charges ratio covenant, which is not to be less than 3.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with these and all other covenants.

With respect to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the obligations of the Company are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s current and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (“Guarantors”). All obligations under the Senior Credit Facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of the Guarantors.

Term Loan Facility

Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate per annum of 225 basis points over the adjusted LIBOR rate, subject to a 1% floor, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Term Loan Facility matures on December 8, 2024.

The Credit Agreement requires certain mandatory prepayments of the Term Loan Facility, subject to certain exceptions, based on net cash proceeds of certain sales or distributions of assets, as well as certain casualty and condemnation events, in some cases subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; net cash proceeds of any issuance of debt, excluded permitted debt issuances; and a percentage of excess cash flow, as defined by the Credit Agreement, during a fiscal year.

In July 2019, the Company made a prepayment of $320.9 million on the $550 million Term Loan Facility, using proceeds from the sale of AXC. The remainder of the proceeds from the sale were used to pay down the Revolving Credit Facility. As a result of this prepayment, the Company wrote off $5.3 million of previously recorded deferred financing costs on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. The prepayment satisfied all future quarterly principal payment requirements under the Term Loan Facility; the remaining principal is due at maturity.

Revolving Credit Facility

Borrowings under the $700 million Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum ranging from 50 to 125 basis points over the base rate or 150 to 225 basis points over the adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") as defined in the Credit Agreement, subject to a 0% floor. Any principal amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility is due and payable on the maturity of the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on June 28, 2024.

The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and available credit at December 31, 2019.



	December 31, 2019
(In thousands)	Facility Limit		Outstanding Balance		Outstanding Letters of Credit		Available Credit
Revolving Credit Facility (a U.S.-based program)	$	700,000	$	67,000	$	25,352	$	607,648

5.75% Notes due July 31, 2027

During June 2019, the Company completed a private placement of $500.0 million principal amount of senior unsecured notes (the "Notes"). The Notes are due July 31, 2027 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.75%, which is payable on January 31 and July 31 of each year, beginning on January 31, 2020. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by all of the wholly owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company that guarantee the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The indenture governing the Notes contains provisions that (i) allow the Company to redeem some or all of the Notes prior to maturity; (ii) require the Company to offer to repurchase all of the Notes upon a change in control; and (iii) require adherence to certain covenants which are generally less restrictive than those included in the Company's Credit Agreement. The Notes were used, together with borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility, to fund the acquisition of Clean Earth. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information. The Company has capitalized $9.0 million of fees related to the issuance of the Notes.

Other

In addition, during the second quarter of 2019, the Company recognized $6.7 million of expenses for fees and other costs related to bridge financing commitments that the Company arranged in the event that the Notes were not issued prior to the acquisition of Clean Earth. Because the Notes were issued prior to completion of the Clean Earth acquisition, the bridge financing commitments were not utilized.

Short-term borrowings amounted to $3.6 million and $10.1 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, Short-term borrowings consist primarily of bank overdrafts and other third-party debt. The weighted-average interest rate for short-term borrowings at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was 5.6% and 3.0%, respectively.

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

The components of lease expense were as follows:



	Year Ended
(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Finance leases:
Amortization expense	$	1,234
Interest on lease liabilities	50
Operating leases	16,083
Short-term leases	22,281
Variable lease expense	1,189
Sublease income	(198		)
Total lease expense from continuing operations	$	40,639

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:



	Year Ended
(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Cash flows from operating activities - Operating leases	$	15,143
Cash flows from financing activities - Finance leases	1,317
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases (a)	$	65,525
Finance leases	2,658


(a)	Includes ROU assets of approximately $34 million that were recorded upon adoption at January 1, 2019 and $25.8 million that were recorded upon the acquisition of Clean Earth. See Note 2, Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards, and Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Operating Leases:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	52,065
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	12,544
Operating lease liabilities	36,974
Finance Leases:
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	3,519
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,237
Long-term debt	2,218

Supplemental additional information related to leases is as follows:



	December 31 2019
Other information:
Weighted average remaining lease term - Operating leases (in years)	11.57
Weighted average remaining lease term - Finance leases (in years)	4.01
Weighted average discount rate - Operating leases	6.3	%
Weighted average discount rate - Finance leases	4.2	%

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:



(In thousand)	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
Year Ending December 31^st:
2020	$	15,045		$	1,360
2021	11,159			908
2022	7,166			655
2023	5,044			477
2024	2,991			312
After 2024	31,932			3
Total lease payments	73,337			3,715
Less: Imputed interest	(23,819		)	(260		)
Total	$	49,518		$	3,455

As previously disclosed, under then in effect lease accounting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms were as follows as of December 31, 2018:



(In thousands)
2019	$	10,761
2020	8,938
2021	6,235
2022	4,602
2023	3,083
After 2023	17,170

The Company's leases, excluding short-term leases, have remaining terms of less than one year to 30.8 years, some of which include options to extend for up to 10 years, and some of which include options to terminate within one year. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had no material operating leases that had not yet commenced. There are no material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants in any of the Company's leases.

Leases

The components of lease expense were as follows:



	Year Ended
(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Finance leases:
Amortization expense	$	1,234
Interest on lease liabilities	50
Operating leases	16,083
Short-term leases	22,281
Variable lease expense	1,189
Sublease income	(198		)
Total lease expense from continuing operations	$	40,639

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:



	Year Ended
(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Cash flows from operating activities - Operating leases	$	15,143
Cash flows from financing activities - Finance leases	1,317
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases (a)	$	65,525
Finance leases	2,658


(a)	Includes ROU assets of approximately $34 million that were recorded upon adoption at January 1, 2019 and $25.8 million that were recorded upon the acquisition of Clean Earth. See Note 2, Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards, and Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Operating Leases:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	52,065
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	12,544
Operating lease liabilities	36,974
Finance Leases:
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	3,519
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,237
Long-term debt	2,218

Supplemental additional information related to leases is as follows:



	December 31 2019
Other information:
Weighted average remaining lease term - Operating leases (in years)	11.57
Weighted average remaining lease term - Finance leases (in years)	4.01
Weighted average discount rate - Operating leases	6.3	%
Weighted average discount rate - Finance leases	4.2	%

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:



(In thousand)	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
Year Ending December 31^st:
2020	$	15,045		$	1,360
2021	11,159			908
2022	7,166			655
2023	5,044			477
2024	2,991			312
After 2024	31,932			3
Total lease payments	73,337			3,715
Less: Imputed interest	(23,819		)	(260		)
Total	$	49,518		$	3,455



(In thousands)
2019	$	10,761
2020	8,938
2021	6,235
2022	4,602
2023	3,083
After 2023	17,170

Leases

The components of lease expense were as follows:



	Year Ended
(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Finance leases:
Amortization expense	$	1,234
Interest on lease liabilities	50
Operating leases	16,083
Short-term leases	22,281
Variable lease expense	1,189
Sublease income	(198		)
Total lease expense from continuing operations	$	40,639

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:



	Year Ended
(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Cash flows from operating activities - Operating leases	$	15,143
Cash flows from financing activities - Finance leases	1,317
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases (a)	$	65,525
Finance leases	2,658


(a)	Includes ROU assets of approximately $34 million that were recorded upon adoption at January 1, 2019 and $25.8 million that were recorded upon the acquisition of Clean Earth. See Note 2, Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards, and Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Operating Leases:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	52,065
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	12,544
Operating lease liabilities	36,974
Finance Leases:
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	3,519
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,237
Long-term debt	2,218

Supplemental additional information related to leases is as follows:



	December 31 2019
Other information:
Weighted average remaining lease term - Operating leases (in years)	11.57
Weighted average remaining lease term - Finance leases (in years)	4.01
Weighted average discount rate - Operating leases	6.3	%
Weighted average discount rate - Finance leases	4.2	%

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:



(In thousand)	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
Year Ending December 31^st:
2020	$	15,045		$	1,360
2021	11,159			908
2022	7,166			655
2023	5,044			477
2024	2,991			312
After 2024	31,932			3
Total lease payments	73,337			3,715
Less: Imputed interest	(23,819		)	(260		)
Total	$	49,518		$	3,455



(In thousands)
2019	$	10,761
2020	8,938
2021	6,235
2022	4,602
2023	3,083
After 2023	17,170

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

Pension Benefits

The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering a substantial number of employees. The defined benefits for salaried employees generally are based on years of service and the employee's level of compensation during specified periods of employment. Defined benefit pension plans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. The multiemployer pension plans ("MEPPs"), in which the Company participates, provide benefits to certain unionized employees. The Company's funding policy for qualified plans is consistent with statutory regulations and customarily equals the amount deducted for income tax purposes. Periodic voluntary contributions are made, as recommended, by the Company's Pension Committee.

For most U.S. defined benefit pension plans and a majority of international defined benefit pension plans, accrued service is no longer granted. In place of these plans, the Company has established defined contribution plans providing for the Company to contribute a specified matching amount for participating employees' contributions to the plan. For U.S. employees, this match is made on employee contributions up to 4% of eligible compensation. Additionally, the Company may provide a discretionary contribution for eligible employees. There have been no discretionary contributions provided for the years 2019, 2018 and 2017. For non-U.S. employees, this match is up to 6% of eligible compensation with an additional 2% going towards insurance and administrative costs.

NPPC for U.S. and international plans for 2019, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:



	U.S. Plans									International Plans
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
Defined benefit pension plans:
Service cost	$	39		$	42		$	43		$	1,447		$	1,669		$	1,724
Interest cost	10,551			9,562			9,878			22,280			21,589			21,459
Expected return on plan assets	(10,297		)	(12,068		)	(10,485		)	(37,430		)	(42,685		)	(40,469		)
Recognized prior service costs	—			1			33			326			(140		)	186
Recognized losses	5,585			5,207			5,701			14,345			14,807			16,283
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	129			285			—			19			(36		)	(20		)
Defined benefit pension plan cost (income)	6,007			3,029			5,170			987			(4,796		)	(837		)
Multiemployer pension plans	727			686			650			1,167			1,313			1,306
Defined contribution plans	4,178			3,466			3,021			6,031			5,608			5,905
Net periodic pension cost	$	10,912		$	7,181		$	8,841		$	8,185		$	2,125		$	6,374

The change in the financial status of the defined benefit pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2019			2018
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	286,027		$	314,861		$	874,679		$	1,015,586
Service cost	39			42			1,447			1,669
Interest cost	10,551			9,562			22,280			21,589
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			36			49
Amendments	—			—			1,254			11,238
Actuarial (gain) loss	20,064			(21,474		)	93,330			(78,658		)
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			(343		)	(313		)
Benefits paid	(15,842		)	(16,964		)	(37,396		)	(37,721		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			33,010			(58,760		)
Acquisitions/divestitures	(6,146		)	—			(9		)	—
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	294,693		$	286,027		$	988,288		$	874,679



	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2019			2018
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	205,388		$	229,941		$	744,538		$	842,717
Actual return on plan assets	37,665			(17,883		)	108,235			(30,004		)
Employer contributions	8,306			10,294			21,121			18,415
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			36			49
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			(343		)	(313		)
Benefits paid	(15,842		)	(16,964		)	(37,217		)	(37,570		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			28,275			(48,756		)
Acquisitions/divestitures	(9,249		)	—			(9		)	—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	226,268		$	205,388		$	864,636		$	744,538
Funded status at end of year	$	(68,425	)	$	(80,639	)	$	(123,652	)	$	(130,141	)

Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for defined benefit pension plans consist of the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2019		2018
Noncurrent assets	$	—	$	1,953	$	987	$	2,379
Current liabilities	1,980		1,954		697		643
Noncurrent liabilities	64,465		80,638		123,942		131,876
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	1,980		—		—		—
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	133,806		149,326		415,781		391,849

Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, for defined benefit pension plans consist of the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	U.S. Plans				International Plans
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2019		2018
Net actuarial loss	$	133,806	$	149,326	$	408,709	$	384,666
Prior service cost	—		—		7,072		7,183
Total	$	133,806	$	149,326	$	415,781	$	391,849

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit pension plan NPPC in 2020 are as follows:



(In thousands)	U.S. Plans		International Plans
Net actuarial loss	$	5,085	$	15,137
Prior service cost	—		392
Total	$	5,085	$	15,529

The Company's estimate of expected contributions to be paid in 2020 for the U.S. and international defined benefit plans are $11.2 million and $22.4 million, respectively.

Future Benefit Payments

The expected benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans over the next ten years are as follows:



(In millions)	2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		2025-2029
U.S. Plans	$	25.7	$	17.5	$	17.6	$	17.5	$	17.4	$	84.7
International Plans	38.9		39.8		40.2		41.3		42.1		224.8

Net Periodic Pension Cost and Defined Benefit Pension Obligation Assumptions

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan NPPC for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:



	U.S. Plans December 31						International Plans December 31						Global Weighted-Average December 31
	2019		2018		2017		2019		2018		2017		2019		2018		2017
Discount rates	4.2	%	3.5	%	4.0	%	2.9	%	2.6	%	2.8	%	3.2	%	2.8	%	3.1	%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.3	%	7.3	%	7.3	%	5.5	%	5.6	%	5.9	%	5.9	%	6.0	%	6.2	%

The expected long-term rates of return on defined benefit pension plan assets for the 2020 NPPC are 7.0% for the U.S. plans and 5.2% for the international plans. The expected global long-term rate of return on assets for 2020 is 5.6%.

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at

December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:



	U.S. Plans				International Plans				Global Weighted-Average
	December 31				December 31				December 31
	2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018
Discount rates	3.2	%	4.2	%	2.1	%	2.9	%	2.4	%	3.2	%

Since accrued service is no longer granted to the U.S. defined benefit plans and the majority of the international defined benefit pension plans, the rate of compensation increase did not have a significant impact on the defined benefit pension obligation at December 31, 2019 and 2018 or the defined benefit pension plan NPPC for the years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017.

The U.S. discount rate was determined using a yield curve that was produced from a universe containing approximately 1,100 U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable (or callable with make-whole provisions) and excluding the 10% of the bonds with the highest deviation from the expected yield and the 10% with the lowest deviation from the expected yield within each duration group. The discount rate was then developed as the level-equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates to discount the projected benefit payments. For international plans, the discount rate is aligned to corporate bond yields in the local markets, normally AA-rated corporations. The process and selection seek to approximate the cash inflows with the timing and amounts of the expected benefit payments.

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:



	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2019		2018		2019		2018
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	294.7	$	286.0	$	982.7	$	869.4

Defined Benefit Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:



	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2019		2018		2019		2018
Projected benefit obligation	$	294.7	$	279.2	$	966.3	$	831.7
Accumulated benefit obligation	294.7		279.2		961.1		828.9
Fair value of plan assets	226.3		196.6		841.9		701.4

The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:



	Target Long-Term Allocation	Percentage of Plan Assets December 31
U.S. Plans Asset Category	Target Long-Term Allocation	2019		2018
Domestic equity securities	26%-36%	30.8	%	30.6	%
International equity securities	20%-30%	25.3	%	22.0	%
Fixed income securities	31%-41%	34.8	%	42.9	%
Cash and cash equivalents	Less than 5%	0.8	%	0.7	%
Other (a)	4%-14%	8.3	%	3.8	%


(a)	Investments within this caption include diversified global asset allocation funds and credit collection fund.

Defined benefit pension plan assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts an asset/liability modeling study and accordingly adjusts investments among and within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.

The Company reviews the long-term expected return on asset assumption on a periodic basis taking considering variety of factors including the historical investment returns achieved over a long-term period, the targeted allocation of plan assets and future expectations based on a model of asset returns for an actively managed portfolio. The model simulates 1,000 different capital market results over 20 years. The expected return-on-asset assumption for U.S. defined benefit pension plans for 2020 and 2019 are 7.0% and 7.3%, respectively.

The U.S. defined benefit pension plans' assets include 360,000 shares at December 31, 2019 and 450,000 shares at December 31, 2018 of the Company's common stock, valued at $8.3 million and $8.9 million, respectively. These shares represented 3.7% and 4.4% of total U.S. plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:



International Plans Asset Category	Target Long-Term Allocation		Percentage of Plan Assets December 31
International Plans Asset Category	Target Long-Term Allocation		2019		2018
Equity securities	29.0	%	31.6	%	29.2	%
Fixed income securities	50.0	%	48.5	%	50.7	%
Cash and cash equivalents	—		0.3	%	0.3	%
Other (b)	21.0	%	19.6	%	19.8	%


(b)	Investments within this caption include diversified growth funds and real estate funds.

International defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2019 in the U.K. defined benefit pension plan amounted to approximately 95% of the international defined benefit pension plan assets. The U.K. plan assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts asset/liability modeling studies and accordingly adjusts investment amounts within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.

For the international long-term rate of return assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns in risk-free investments (primarily government bonds); the historical level of the risk premium associated with other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested; and the expectations for future returns of each asset class and plan expenses. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets. The expected return on asset assumption for the U.K. plan at December 31, 2019 is 5.2% and 5.5% at December 31, 2018. The remaining international defined benefit pension plans, with plan assets representing approximately 5% of the international defined benefit pension plan assets, are under the guidance of professional investment managers and have similar investment objectives.

The fair values of the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans' assets at December 31, 2019 by asset class are as follows:



(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Investments Valued at Net Asset Value (c)
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	8,285	$	8,285	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	61,346		61,346		—
International equities:
Mutual funds—equities	57,188		57,188		—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	78,685		78,685		—
Other—mutual funds	8,764		8,764		—
Cash and money market accounts	1,816		1,816		—
Other—partnerships/joint ventures	10,184		—		10,184
Total	$	226,268	$	216,084	$	10,184


(c)	Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the Net Asset Value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

The fair values of the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans' assets at December 31, 2018 by asset class are as follows:



(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Investments Valued at Net Asset Value
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	8,937	$	8,937	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	54,002		54,002		—
International equities:
Mutual funds—equities	45,195		45,195		—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	88,107		88,107		—
Other—mutual funds	7,703		7,703		—
Cash and money market accounts	1,444		1,444		—
Total	$	205,388	$	205,388	$	—

The fair values of the Company's international defined benefit pension plans' assets at December 31, 2019 by asset class are as follows:



(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	273,568	$	—	$	273,568
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	413,249		—		413,249
Insurance contracts	5,705		—		5,705
Other:
Other mutual funds	169,886		—		169,886
Cash and money market accounts	2,228		2,228		—
Total	$	864,636	$	2,228	$	862,408

The fair values of the Company's international defined benefit pension plans' assets at December 31, 2018 by asset class are as follows:



(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	217,321	$	—	$	217,321
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	372,094		—		372,094
Insurance contracts	5,620				5,620
Other:
Other mutual funds	147,313		—		147,313
Cash and money market accounts	2,190		2,190		—
Total	$	744,538	$	2,190	$	742,348

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the defined benefit pension plans' investments measured at fair value:

•

Level 1 Fair Value Measurements—Investments in interest-bearing cash are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The fair values of money market accounts and certain mutual funds are based on quoted net asset values of the shares held by the plan at year-end. The fair values of domestic and international stocks and corporate bonds, notes and convertible debentures are valued at the closing price reported in the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

•

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements—The fair values of investments in mutual funds for which quoted net asset values in an active market are not available are valued by the investment advisor based on the current market values of the underlying assets of the mutual fund based on information reported by the investment consistent with audited financial statements of the mutual fund. Further information concerning these mutual funds may be obtained from their separate audited financial statements. Investments in U.S. Treasury notes and collateralized securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

The Company, through the Harsco Environmental Segment, contributes to several MEPPs under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover union-represented employees, many of whom are temporary in nature. The Company's total contributions to MEPPs were $1.9 million, $2.0 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Current income tax expense represents the amounts expected to be reported on the Company's income tax returns, and deferred income tax expense or benefit represents the change in net deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted income tax rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse. Valuation allowances are recorded as appropriate to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount considered more likely than not to be realized.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. The Tax Act significantly changed U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Tax Act permanently reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018.

Included in the Tax Act were the global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") provisions. The Company elected to account for GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred. The GILTI provisions require the Company to include in its U.S. income tax return foreign subsidiary earnings in excess of an allowable return on the foreign subsidiary's tangible assets.

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:



(In thousands)	2019			2018		2017
U.S.	$	(13,934	)	$	28,281	$	(9,235	)
International	70,405			85,368		84,637
Total income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	56,471		$	113,649	$	75,402

Income tax expense as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:



(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Income tax expense (benefit):
Currently payable:
U.S. federal	$	903		$	(7	)	$	654
U.S. state	233			177			54
International	23,775			17,127			19,763
Total income taxes currently payable	24,911			17,297			20,471
Deferred U.S. federal	(5,924		)	1,854			46,372
Deferred U.S. state	(1,303		)	(10,911		)	1,121
Deferred international	2,530			(2,741		)	10,226
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	$	20,214		$	5,499		$	78,190

Cash payments for income taxes were $115.6 million, $26.8 million and $24.9 million for 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in cash payments for 2019 primarily relates to payments associated with the gain on the sale of AXC.

A reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax expense (benefit) to the actual Income tax expense from continuing operations as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows:



(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
U.S. federal income tax expense	$	11,859		$	23,866		$	26,391
U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(274		)	566			642
U.S. other domestic deductions and credits	(1,322		)	(2,407		)	(364		)
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	9,550			5,394			647
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	310			(1,180		)	(1,518		)
Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,343			(6,937		)	1,983
U.S. non-deductible expenses	2,554			1,128			609
Impact of U.S. tax reform	1,643			(11,686		)	49,811
State deferred tax rate change	(3,353		)	—			623
Foreign derived intangible income deduction	—			(2,366		)	—
Employee share-based payments	(3,064		)	(736		)	(346		)
Other, net	(32		)	(143		)	(288		)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	$	20,214		$	5,499		$	78,190

At December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company's annual effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations was 35.8%, 4.8% and 103.7%, respectively.

The Company’s international income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) was

$70.4 million and $85.4 million for 2019 and 2018, respectively. In 2018, the Company recorded an $8.3 million income tax benefit in the second quarter of 2018 arising from the adjustment to certain existing deferred tax asset valuation allowances as the result of the Altek acquisition. The Company's total international income tax expense increased from $14.4 million in 2018 to $26.3 million in 2019 primarily due to the Altek adjustment in 2018 not recurring in 2019, the change in mix of income and withholding taxes on remitted earnings.

The Company’s differences in effective income tax rates for 2019 and 2018 on international earnings and remittances was

$9.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively, which included U.S income tax expense on international deemed remittances of $1.0 million and $3.5 million respectively. This increase is primarily due to the change in mix of income and withholding taxes on remitted earnings.

The Company's U.S. income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income was a $13.9 million loss for 2019 and $28.3 million of income for 2018. In 2018, the Company finalized the impact of the Tax Act and recognized a

$11.7 million income tax benefit because of the change in expected realization of foreign tax credit and state net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs"). The Company's total U.S. income tax benefit decreased from $8.9 million in 2018 to $6.1 million in 2019 primarily due to the impact of the Tax Act in 2018 and the foreign derived intangible income deduction not recurring in 2019, partially offset by decreased U.S. income from continuing operations, and the increased income tax benefit recognized for the stock grants vested in 2019.

The income tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



	2019					2018
(In thousands)	Asset			Liability		Asset			Liability
Depreciation and amortization (a)	$	—		$	58,229	$	—		$	8,714
Expense accruals	18,421			—		18,827			—
Inventories	4,568			—		3,071			—
Provision for receivables	1,109			—		689			—
Deferred revenue	—			3,222		—			3,122
Operating loss carryforwards	85,378			—		81,755			—
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	24,219			—		25,814			—
Capital loss carryforwards	—			—		9,759			—
Pensions	38,766			—		40,442			—
Currency adjustments	462			—		3,796			—
Deferred financing costs	—			566		—			2,226
Post-retirement benefits	411			—		471			—
Stock based compensation	6,572			—		5,832			—
Other	—			769		5,477			—
Subtotal	179,906			62,786		195,933			14,062
Valuation allowance	(127,074		)	—		(137,450		)	—
Total deferred income taxes	$	52,832		$	62,786	$	58,483		$	14,062


(a)	The increase in 2019 is primarily related to the Clean Earth acquisition. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information.

The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



(In thousands)	2019		2018
Deferred income tax assets	$	14,288	$	48,551
Other liabilities	24,242		4,130

At December 31, 2019, the tax-effected amount of NOLs totaled $85.4 million. Tax-effected NOLs from international operations are $66.5 million. Of that amount, $57.0 million can be carried forward indefinitely and $9.5 million will expire at various times between 2020 and 2040. Tax-effected U.S. state NOLs are $12.9 million. Of that amount, $3.3 million expire at various times between 2020 and 2024, $1.9 million expire at various times between 2025 and 2029, $3.2 million expire at various times between 2030 and 2034 and $4.5 million expire at various times between 2035 and 2039. At December 31, 2019, the tax-effected amount of U.S. Federal NOLs totaled $6.0 million which can be carried forward indefinitely.

Valuation allowances of $127.1 million and $137.5 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related principally to deferred tax assets for pension liabilities, NOLs, foreign tax credit carryforwards, capital loss carryforwards and foreign currency translation that are uncertain as to realizability. In 2019, the Company recorded a valuation allowance reduction of $12.5 million related to capital loss carryforwards, foreign tax credit carryforwards and state net operating loss carryforwards due to the losses and foreign tax credit carryforwards being utilized to reduce the tax liabilities on the capital gain realized as a result of the sale of AXC and PK. In addition, the Company recorded a valuation allowance reduction (and corresponding reduction to deferred tax assets) of $5.6 million due to the merger and liquidation of certain foreign dormant entities resulting in the loss of certain tax attributes, offset by a net increase of $7.9 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. In 2018, the Company finalized the impact of the Tax Act and reduced the provisional valuation allowance by $15.2 million because of the expected realization of foreign tax credits and state NOLs. In addition, the U.K. valuation allowance was reduced by $13.6 million as a result of the Altek acquisition and a change in estimate of interest deductions. The Company recorded a valuation allowance reduction of $8.7 million from the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by the net increase related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized.

The Tax Act introduced a transition tax and a territorial tax system, which was effective beginning in 2018. The territorial tax system impacts the Company's overall global capital and legal entity structure, working capital, and repatriation plan on a go-forward basis. The Company asserts that all foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested to the extent of local needs and earnings that would be distributed in a taxable manner. The Company therefore intends to limit distributions to earnings previously taxed in the U.S., or earnings that would qualify for the 100 percent dividends received deduction provided for in the Tax Act, and earnings that would not result in any significant foreign taxes. Therefore, the Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability on its investment in foreign subsidiaries.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company recognized an income tax expense of $0.3 million during 2019 and an income tax benefit of

$0.2 million during 2018 for interest and penalties primarily due to the expiration of statutes of limitation and resolution of examinations. The Company did not recognize any income tax expense or benefit for interest and penalties during 2017. The Company has accrued $1.2 million, $0.9 million and $1.1 million for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 is as follows:



(In thousands)	Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits			Deferred Income Tax Benefits			Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits, Net of Deferred Income Tax Benefits
Balances, January 1, 2017	$	4,582		$	(30	)	$	4,552
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	658			(2		)	656
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(321		)	—			(321		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(1,296		)	1			(1,295		)
Balance at December 31, 2017	3,623			(31		)	3,592
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	196			(1		)	195
Statutes of limitation expirations	(1,397		)	6			(1,391		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	2,422			(26		)	2,396
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	414			(7		)	407
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	681			—			681
Statutes of limitation expirations	(326		)	2			(324		)
Settlements	(62		)	9			(53		)
Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2019	$	3,129		$	(22	)	$	3,107

Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that up to $0.3 million of unrecognized income tax benefits will be recognized upon settlement of income tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations.

The Company files income tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S and international income tax examinations by tax authorities through 2013.

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2019
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 byproduct 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. Other than set forth herein, 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. As previously disclosed, the Company has had ongoing meetings with the Supreme Council for Environment in Bahrain (“SCE”) over processing a byproduct (“salt cakes”) stored at the Al Hafeerah site. The Company’s Bahrain operations that produced the salt cakes has ceased operations and are owned under a strategic venture for which its strategic venture partner owns a 35% minority interest. An Environmental Impact Assessment and Technical Feasibility Study were approved by the SCE during the first quarter of 2018. The Company is constructing facilities to process the salt cakes, and the Company currently expects those facilities to come online in 2020. The Company has previously established a reserve of $7.0 million, which represents the Company's best estimate of the ultimate costs to be incurred to resolve this matter. The Company continues to evaluate this reserve and any future change in estimated costs could be material to the Company’s results of operations in any one period. On July 27, 2018, Brazil’s Federal and Rio de Janeiro State Public Prosecution Offices (MPF and MPE) filed a Civil Public Action against one of the Company's customers (CSN), the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary, the Municipality of Volta Redonda, Brazil, and the Instituto Estadual do Ambiente (local environmental protection agency) seeking the implementation of various measures to limit and reduce the accumulation of customer-owned slag at the site in Brazil. On August 6, 2018, the 3rd Federal Court in Volta Redonda granted the MPF and MPE an injunction against the same parties requiring, among other things, CSN and the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary to limit the volume of slag sent to the site. Because the customer owns the site and the slag located on the site, the Company believes that complying with this injunction is the steel producer’s responsibility. On March 18, 2019, the Court issued an order fining the Company 5,000 Brazilian reais per day (or approximately $1,300 per day) and CSN 20,000 Brazilian reais per day until the requirements of the injunction are met. On November 1, 2019, the Court issued an additional order increasing the fines assessed to the Company to 25,000 Brazilian reais per day (or approximately $6,000 per day) and raising the fines assessed to CSN to 100,000 Brazilian reais per day (or approximately $25,000 per day). The Court also assessed an additional fine of 10,000,000 Brazilian reais (or approximately $2.5 million) against CSN and the Company jointly. The Company is appealing the fines and the underlying injunction. Both the Company and CSN continue to have discussions with the governmental authorities on the injunction and the possible resolution of the underlying case. The Company does not believe that a loss relating to this matter is probable or estimable at this point. On October 19, 2018, local environmental authorities issued an enforcement action against the Company concerning the Company’s operations at a customer site in Ijmuiden, Netherlands. The enforcement action alleges violations of the Company’s environmental permit at the site, which restricts the release of any visible dust emissions. The enforcement action ordered the Company to cease all violations of the permit by October 31, 2018. The authorities have issued fines of approximately $0.5 million which the Company has recorded, with the possibility of additional fines for any future violations. The Company is vigorously contesting the enforcement action and fines and is also working with its customer to ensure the control of emissions. The Company has contractual indemnity rights from its customer, should it be required to pay the assessed fines. On June 13, 2019, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“PA DEP”) indicated to the Company and a landowner who received processed slag from the Company that it plans to require action to bring the landowner’s site into compliance and to assess a civil penalty against the Company and the landowner. The Company is working with the landowner and PA DEP to determine the most effective way to address PA DEP’s concerns about the site and has established a $0.4 million reserve, which represents the Company’s best estimate of the costs to bring the landowner's site into compliance. On March 24, 2017, the Allegheny County Health Department issued a notice of violation against the Company concerning the Company’s operations at a customer site in Natrona, Pennsylvania. On January 21, 2020, the Company paid $107,020 to settle the civil penalties accrued up to that date. It is possible the Company could incur additional penalties for future violations. The Company and its customer continue to consider possible avenues for potential resolution of the matter. 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. Many 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 December 31, 2019, 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 $21 million. On June 4, 2018, the Appellate Court of the State of Sao Paulo ruled in favor of the SPRA but ruled that the assessed penalty should be reduced to approximately $2 million. After calculating the interest accrued on the penalty, the Company estimates that this ruling reduces the current overall potential liability for this case to approximately $9 million. The Company has appealed the ruling in favor of the SPRA to the Superior Court of Justice. Due to multiple court precedents in the Company's favor, as well as the Company's ability to appeal, the Company does not believe a loss is probable. Another ICMS tax case involving the SPRA refers to the tax period from January 2002 to December 2003. In December 2018, the administrative tribunal hearing the case upheld the Company's liability. The Company has appealed to the judicial phase. The aggregate amount assessed by the tax authorities in August 2005 was $6.3 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 $1.5 million, with penalty and interest assessed through that date increasing such amount by an additional $4.8 million. On December 6, 2018, the administrative tribunal reduced the applicable penalties to $1.2 million. After calculating the interest accrued on the current penalty, the Company estimates that the current overall liability for this case to be approximately $12 million. All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation. Due to multiple court precedents in the Company's favor the Company does not believe a loss is probable. The Company continues to believe that sufficient coverage for these claims exists as a result of the indemnification obligations of the Company's customer 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 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 ongoing collective bargaining and individual labor claims in Brazil through the Harsco Environmental 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. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has established reserves of $6.5 million and $7.1 million, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts considered to be probable and estimable. Customer Disputes The Company may, in the normal course of business, become involved in commercial disputes with subcontractors or customers. Although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by a negative outcome in these or other lawsuits, claims or proceedings, management believes that the ultimate outcome of any ongoing 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. In September 2019, the Company and Lima Refining Company agreed to settle the lawsuit for $195 million. The settlement and defense costs were fully covered by insurance. 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 December 31, 2019, there were approximately 17,142 pending asbestos personal injury actions filed against the Company. Of those actions, approximately 16,595 were filed in the New York Supreme Court (New York County), approximately 117 were filed in other New York State Supreme Court Counties and approximately 430 were filed in courts located in other states. The complaints in most of those actions generally follow a form that contains a standard damages demand of $20 million or $25 million, regardless of the individual plaintiff's alleged medical condition, and without identifying any specific Company product. At December 31, 2019, approximately 16,550 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 approximately 45 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 costs and expenses of the asbestos actions are being 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 December 31, 2019, the Company has obtained dismissal in approximately 28,227 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 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 Insurance claim receivable and Other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for additional information on Accrued insurance and loss reserves.

Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Capital Stock

The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both having a par value of $1.25 per share. The preferred stock is issuable in series with terms as fixed by the Board of Directors (the "Board"). No preferred stock has been issued. The following table summarizes the Company's common stock:



	Shares Issued	Treasury Shares (a)	Outstanding Shares
Outstanding, January 1, 2017	112,499,874	32,324,911	80,174,963
Shares issued for vested restricted stock units	375,355	105,431	269,924
Stock appreciation rights exercised	12,897	3,932	8,965
Outstanding, December 31, 2017	112,888,126	32,434,274	80,453,852
Shares issued for vested restricted stock units	545,908	161,774	384,134
Stock appreciation rights exercised	39,917	11,808	28,109
Treasury shares purchased	—	1,321,072	(1,321,072	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2018	113,473,951	33,928,928	79,545,023
Shares issued for vested restricted stock units	321,965	125,863	196,102
Shares issued for vested performance stock units	908,566	379,353	529,213
Stock appreciation rights exercised	15,865	4,619	11,246
Treasury shares purchased	—	1,766,826	(1,766,826	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2019	114,720,347	36,205,589	78,514,758


(a)	The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs and in accordance with Board authorized share repurchase programs.

The following is a reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share as shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations:



(In thousands, except per share data)	2019		2018		2017
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	28,231	$	100,578	$	(6,810	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	79,632		80,716		80,553
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	1,743		2,879		—
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	81,375		83,595		80,553
Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.35	$	1.25	$	(0.08	)
Diluted	$	0.35	$	1.20	$	(0.08	)

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



(In thousands)	2019	2018	2017
Restricted stock units	—	—	934
Stock options	—	—	52
Stock appreciation rights	491	306	1,737
Performance share units	124	—	948

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

The 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan as amended (the "2013 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 7.8 million shares of the Company's common stock for use in paying incentive compensation awards in the form of stock options or other equity awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), stock appreciation rights ("SARs") or performance share units ("PSUs"). Of the 7.8 million shares authorized, a maximum of 4.6 million shares may be issued for awards other than option rights or SARs, as defined in the 2013 Plan. The 2016 Non-Employee Directors' Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan (the "2016 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 400 thousand shares of the Company's common stock for equity awards. Both plans have been approved by the Company's stockholders. At December 31, 2019, there were 2.6 million shares available for granting equity awards under the 2013 Plan, of which 1.5 million shares were available for awards other than option rights or SARs. At December 31, 2019, there were 158 thousand shares available for granting equity awards under the 2016 Plan.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company's Board approves the granting of performance-based RSUs as the long-term equity component of director, officer and certain key employee compensation. The RSUs require no payment from the recipient and compensation cost is measured based on the market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date and is generally recorded over the vesting period. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2017, 2018 and 2019 either vest on a pro-rata basis over three years or upon obtainment of specified retirement or years of service criteria. The vesting period for RSUs granted to non-employee directors is one year and each RSU is exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company's common stock upon vesting for awards issued under the 2016 Plan and following the termination of the participant's service as a director under prior plans. RSUs do not have an option for cash payment.

The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:



	RSUs (a)	Weighted Average Fair Value		Expense
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)	RSUs (a)	Weighted Average Fair Value		2019		2018		2017
Directors:
2016	109,998	$	7.00	$	—	$	—	$	257
2017	56,203	13.70		—		179		641
2018	43,821	20.54		280		511		—
2019	14,211	25.33		240		—		—
Employees:
2014	190,832	25.21		—		—		295
2015	239,679	16.53		—		193		498
2016	536,773	7.09		290		835		909
2017	286,251	13.70		832		910		1,325
2018	242,791	19.93		1,208		1,546		—
2019	270,864	22.25		1,620		—		—
Total				$	4,470	$	4,174	$	3,925


(a)	Represents number of awards originally issued.

RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2018	583,380		$	15.08
Granted	285,075		22.40
Vested	(348,572	)	13.38
Forfeited	(53,274	)	20.01
Non-vested at December 31, 2019	466,609		20.26

At December 31, 2019, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs was $5.4 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Stock Appreciation Rights

The Company's Board approves the granting of SARs to officers and certain key employees under the 2013 Plan. The SARs generally vest on a pro-rata three-year basis from the grant date or upon specified retirement or years of service criteria and expire no later than ten years after the grant date. The exercise price of the SARs is equal to the fair value of Harsco common stock on the grant date. Upon exercise, shares of the Company's common stock are issued based on the increase in the fair value of the Company's common stock over the exercise price of the SAR. SARs do not have an option for cash payment.

During 2017, the Company issued SARS covering 266,540 shares in March under the 2013 Plan. During 2018, the Company issued SARS covering 221,818 shares in March and 7,622 in July under the 2013 Plan. During 2019, the Company issued SARS covering 216,100 shares in March and 13,244 shares in July under the 2013 Plan.

The fair value of each SAR grant was estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:



	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		SAR Grant Price		Fair Value of SAR
March 2017 Grant	2.17	%	—	%	6.0	43.9	%	$	13.70	$	6.13
March 2018 Grant	2.69	%	—	%	6.0	44.6	%	19.80		9.16
July 2018 Grant	2.87	%	—	%	6.0	44.7	%	24.65		11.48
March 2019 Grant	2.52	%	—	%	6.0	46.2	%	22.51		10.62
July 2019 Grant	1.84	%	—	%	6.0	47.1	%	27.39		12.80

SARs activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (b)
Outstanding, December 31, 2018	1,745,447		$	15.73	$	8.9
Granted	229,344		22.79
Exercised	(43,594	)	15.87
Forfeited/Expired	(22,977	)	26.94
Outstanding, December 31, 2019	1,908,220		16.44		13.0


(b)	Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those SARs where the market price exceeds the exercise price.

The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised in 2019 and 2018 was $0.3 million and $0.5 million respectively.

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2019:



	SARs Outstanding					SARs Exercisable
Range of exercisable prices	Vested	Non-vested	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	Number Exercisable	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
$7.00 - $13.70	624,693	83,654	$	9.42	6.65	624,693	$	8.85
$16.53 - $22.70	584,950	361,000	19.45		6.60	584,950	18.23
$23.03 - $26.92	248,841	5,082	24.78		4.45	248,841	24.79
	1,458,484	449,736	16.44		6.33	1,458,484	15.33

Total compensation expense related to SARs was $1.9 million, $1.8 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested SARs was $2.4 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested SARs for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2018	467,478		$	6.65
Granted	229,344		10.75
Vested	(233,842	)	5.17
Forfeited	(13,244	)	12.80
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2019	449,736		9.32

Performance Share Units

The Company's Board approves the granting of PSUs to officers and certain key employees that may be earned based on the Company's total shareholder return over the three-year performance period. PSUs are paid out at the end of each performance period based on the Company’s performance, which is measured by determining the percentile rank of the total shareholder return of the Company's common stock in relation to the total shareholder return of a specific peer group of companies. The peer group of companies utilized is the S&P 600 Industrial Index. The payment of PSUs following the performance period will be based in accordance with the scale set forth in the PSU agreements, and may range from 0% to 200% of the initial grant. PSUs do not have an option for cash payment.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company granted 286,251 shares in March under the 2013 Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company granted 233,266 shares in March and 6,742 shares in July under the 2013 Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company granted 233,112 shares in March, 6,189 shares in July and 38,006 shares in August under the 2013 Plan. The fair value of PSUs granted was estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo pricing model with the following assumptions:



	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		Fair Value of PSU
March 2017 Grant	1.54	%	—	%	2.83	34.2	%	$	17.05
March 2018 Grant	2.36	%	—	%	2.83	34.7	%	29.56
July 2018 Grant	2.69	%	—	%	2.42	33.1	%	39.06
March 2019 Grant	2.48	%	—	%	2.82	33.8	%	29.04
July 2019 Grant	1.75	%	—	%	2.50	34.3	%	40.07
August 2019 Grant	1.57	%	—	%	2.41	34.9	%	23.38

Total compensation expense related to PSUs was $5.1 million, $4.3 million and $3.2 million for the years ended

December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested PSUs was $6.5 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

A summary of the Company's non-vested PSU activity during the year ending December 31, 2019 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2018	494,882		$	23.13
Granted	277,307		28.51
Forfeited	(70,391	)	26.23
Vested, not issued (c)	(236,214	)	17.05
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2019	465,584		28.95

(c) The measurement period for PSUs issued in 2017 ended on December 31, 2019 and these shares vested but will not be issued until the Board certifies the measurement period results in early 2020. A total of 472,428 shares are expected to be issued and have been included in the Company's calculation of diluted weighted average shares at the end of December 31, 2019.

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

As collateral for the Company's performance and to insurers, the Company is contingently liable under standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees in the amounts of $281.8 million, $285.4 million and $275.4 million at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees are generally in force for up to 2 years. Certain issues have no scheduled expiration date. The Company pays fees to various banks and insurance companies that range from 0.4% to 3.7% per annum of the instrument's face value. If the Company were required to obtain replacement standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees at December 31, 2019 for those currently outstanding, it is the Company's opinion that the replacement costs would be within the present fee structure.

The Company has currency exposures in approximately 30 countries. The Company's primary foreign currency exposures during 2019 were in the European Union, the U.K., Brazil and China.

Off-Balance Sheet Risk—Third-Party Guarantees

During June 2014, the Company provided a guarantee to Brand as part of the net working capital settlement related to the Infrastructure Transaction, for certain matters occurring prior to closing. The remaining term of this guarantee is 1 year at December 31, 2019. The maximum potential amount of future payments related to this guarantee is approximately $3 million at December 31, 2019. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

Any liabilities related to the Company's obligation to stand ready to act on third-party guarantees are included in Other current liabilities or Other liabilities (as appropriate) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any recognition of these liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations for 2019, 2018 or 2017.

In the normal course of business, legal indemnifications are provided related primarily to the performance of the Company's products and services and patent and trademark infringement of the products and services sold. These indemnifications generally relate to the performance (regarding function, not price) of the respective products or services and therefore no liability is recognized related to the fair value of such guarantees.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses derivative instruments, including foreign currency 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply, or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

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 based upon pricing models using market-based inputs (Level 2). Model inputs can be verified and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment.

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



(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments		Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments		Total Fair Value
December 31, 2019
Asset derivatives (Level 2):
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	2,039	$	946	$	2,985
Total		$	2,039	$	946	$	2,985
Liability derivatives (Level 2):
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current liabilities	$	140	$	3,733	$	3,873
Interest rate swaps	Other current liabilities	2,098		—		2,098
Interest rate swaps	Other liabilities	4,281		—		4,281
Total		$	6,519	$	3,733	$	10,252
December 31, 2018
Asset derivatives (Level 2):
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	2,970	$	589	$	3,559
Interest rate swaps	Other current assets	1,331		—		1,331
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	128		—		128
Total		$	4,429	$	589	$	5,018
Liability derivatives (Level 2):
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current liabilities	$	24	$	2,910	$	2,934
Interest rate swaps	Other liabilities	1,849		—		1,849
Total		$	1,873	$	2,910	$	4,783

All of the Company's derivatives are recorded on the 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 liability at December 31, 2019 and resulted in a 0.1 million net liability at December 31, 2018.

The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments



	Amount Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) on Derivatives								Location of Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion or Equity
(In thousands)	2019			2018		2017				2019			2018			2017
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	(1,227	)	$	1,935	$	3,547		Product revenues/Cost of services sold	$	(506	)	$	(374	)	$	(954	)
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts (a)	—			—		—			Retained earnings (b)	—			(1,520		)	—
Interest rate swaps	—			—		—			Income from discontinued businesses	2,741			—			—
Interest rate swaps	(8,209		)	1,451		(734		)	Interest expense	(520		)	(1,108		)	—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps (a)	(42		)	63		(205		)	Interest expense	1,219			1,264			1,002
	$	(9,478	)	$	3,449	$	2,608			$	2,934		$	(1,738	)	$	48


(a)	Amounts represent changes in foreign currency translation related to balances in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.


(b)	The Company adopted the new revenue recognition standard utilizing the modified retrospective transition method, including use of practical expedients in 2018.

The location and amount of gain (loss) recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations:



	2019
(in thousands)	Product Revenues		Cost of Services Sold			Interest Expense			Income From Discontinued Businesses
Total amounts of line items presented in the statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded	$	422,269	$	839,156		$	(36,586	)	$	27,531
Interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—		—			520			—
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring	—		—			—			(2,741		)
Foreign exchange contracts:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	550		(44		)	—			—
Amount excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in earnings based on changes in fair value	509		—			—			—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—		—			(1,219		)	—



	2018
(in thousands)	Product Revenues			Cost of Services Sold		Interest Expense
Total amounts of line items presented in the statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded	$	392,208		$	745,748	$	(21,531	)
Interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—			—		1,108
Foreign exchange contracts:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	374			—		—
Amount excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in earnings based on changes in fair value	(440		)	1		—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—			—		(1,264		)



	2017
(in thousands)	Product Revenues			Cost of Services Sold		Interest Expense
Total amounts of line items presented in the statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded	$	373,188		$	737,499	$	(26,862	)
Foreign exchange contracts:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	936			18		—
Amount excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in earnings based on changes in fair value	(105		)	—		—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—			—		(1,002		)
Amount excluded from the effectiveness testing recognized in earnings based an amortization approach	—			—		(420		)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments



	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for the Twelve Months Ended December 31(c)
(In thousands)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	2019		2018		2017
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	6,807	$	17,262	$	(23,572	)


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

Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts

The Company conducts business in multiple currencies and, accordingly, is subject to the inherent risks associated with foreign exchange rate movements. 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 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.

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 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. The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

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. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the notional amounts of foreign currency exchange forward contracts were $496.3 million and $423.9 million, respectively. These contracts primarily hedge British pounds sterling and euros against other currencies and mature through October 2021.

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 $7.7 million, pre-tax net losses of $9.9 million and pre-tax net gains of $17.4 million related to hedges of net investments during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company uses interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain variable rate debt issuances in order to secure a fixed interest rate. Changes in the fair value attributed to the effect of the swaps’ interest spread and changes in the credit worthiness of the counter-parties are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

In January 2017 and February 2018, the Company entered into a series of interest rate swaps that cover the period from 2018 through 2022 and had the effect of converting $300.0 million of the Term Loan Facility from floating-rate to fixed-rate. The fixed rates provided by the swaps replace the adjusted LIBOR rate in the interest calculation, ranging from 2.12% for 2018 to 3.12% for 2022.

During June 2019, the Company effected the early termination of interest rate swaps that covered the period from 2019 through 2022 and had the effect of converting $100.0 million of the Term Loan Facility from floating-rate to fixed-rate. This termination was conducted as a result of the Company's new Notes offering and required repayment of a portion of the Term Loan Facility with proceeds from the AXC disposal. The Company paid $2.8 million and recognized a loss of $2.7 million related to these terminations in Income from discontinued businesses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The total notional of the Company's interest rate swaps was $200.0 million as of December 31, 2019.

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps

The Company may use 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. Changes in the fair value attributed to the effect of the swaps' interest spread and changes in the credit worthiness of the counter-parties are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal. The Company had no outstanding CCIRs at December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the total fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $827.2 million and $592.0 million, respectively, compared with a carrying value of $795.0 million and $605.4 million, respectively. Fair values for debt are based upon pricing models using market-based inputs (Level 2) for similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places cash and cash equivalents with high-quality financial institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any single institution.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable exist in the Company's Harsco Environmental Segment and, to a lesser extent, the Harsco Rail Segment have several large customers throughout the world with significant accounts receivable balances. Consolidation in the global steel or rail industries could result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company.

The Company generally does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. If a receivable from one or more of the Company's larger customers becomes uncollectible, it could have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

Information by Segment and Geographic Area

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Information by Segment and Geographic Area

The Company reports information about operating segments using the "management approach," which is based on the way management organizes and reports the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are identified based upon differences in products, services and markets served. In 2019, the Company had three reportable segments. These segments and the types of products and services offered include the following:

Harsco Environmental

The Segment provides environmental services and material processing to the global steel and metals industries. The Segment partners with its global customer base to deliver production-critical on-site operational support and resource recovery services, through management of its customers’ primary waste or byproduct streams. The Segment's services support the metal manufacturing process, generating significant operational and financial efficiencies for its customers and allowing them to focus on their core steelmaking businesses. In addition, this Segment creates value-added downstream products from industrial waste streams.

Harsco Clean Earth

The Segment is one of the largest specialty waste processing companies in the U.S. providing processing and beneficial reuse solutions for hazardous wastes, contaminated materials, and dredged volumes.

Harsco Rail Segment

The Segment is a supplier of equipment, after-market parts and services for the construction and maintenance of railway track. The Segment manufactures highly-engineered railway track maintenance equipment and supports a large installed-base of Harsco equipment with a full suite of aftermarket parts. The Segment is a leading supplier of collision avoidance and warning systems to enhance passenger, rail worker, and pedestrian safety, and pioneered a number of measurement and diagnostic technologies that further support railway maintenance programs.

Other Information

The measurement basis of segment profit or loss is operating income. There are no significant inter-segment sales. Corporate assets, at December 31, 2019 and 2018, include principally cash, prepaid taxes, fair value of derivative instruments and U.S. deferred income taxes. Countries with revenues from unaffiliated customers or net property, plant and equipment of ten percent or more of the consolidated totals (in at least one period presented) are as follows:

Information by Geographic Area (a)



	Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
	Year Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2017
U.S.	$	640,390	$	458,383	$	423,888
U.K.	144,689		143,346		146,624
All Other	718,663		745,943		736,958
Totals including Corporate	$	1,503,742	$	1,347,672	$	1,307,470


(a)	Revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the facility generating the revenue.



	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
	Balances at December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2017
U.S.	$	193,692	$	98,851	$	86,266
China	99,369		89,502		95,562
Brazil	37,047		36,960		54,704
All Other	231,678		207,480		208,151
Totals including Corporate	$	561,786	$	432,793	$	444,683

One customer provided in excess of 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

In 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Harsco Environmental Segment had one customer that provided in excess of 10% of this Segment's revenues under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites. Should additional consolidations occur involving some of the steel industry's larger companies which are customers of the Company, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company. The loss of any one of the contracts would not have a material adverse effect upon the Company's financial position or cash flows; however, it could have a significant effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.

In 2019, Harsco Clean Earth had no customers in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Harsco Rail Segment had one customer that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. The loss of any of these customers would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial positions or cash flows; however, it could have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.

Operating Information by Segment:



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Revenues
Harsco Environmental	$	1,034,847		$	1,068,304		$	1,011,328
Harsco Clean Earth	169,522			—			—
Harsco Rail	299,373			279,294			295,999
Corporate	—			74			143
Total Revenues	$	1,503,742		$	1,347,672		$	1,307,470
Operating Income (Loss)
Harsco Environmental	$	112,298		$	121,195		$	102,362
Harsco Clean Earth	20,009			—			—
Harsco Rail	23,708			37,341			32,953
Corporate	(51,736		)	(27,841		)	(30,660		)
Total Operating Income	$	104,279		$	130,695		$	104,655



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Total Assets
Harsco Environmental	$	1,296,061	$	1,230,152	$	1,184,280
Harsco Clean Earth	745,410		—		—
Harsco Rail	246,377		186,049		237,135
Corporate	26,037		53,342		43,860
Discontinued Operations	53,582		163,324		113,410
Total Assets	$	2,367,467	$	1,632,867	$	1,578,685
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Environmental	$	112,126	$	115,059	$	112,329
Harsco Clean Earth	12,855		—		—
Harsco Rail	4,875		4,287		4,221
Corporate	5,238		5,710		6,027
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	135,094	$	125,056	$	122,577
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Environmental	$	153,694	$	114,142	$	87,526
Harsco Clean Earth	5,870		—		—
Harsco Rail	15,274		9,152		2,403
Corporate	1,762		1,313		1,490
Total Capital Expenditures	$	176,600	$	124,607	$	91,419

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Consolidated Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income:



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Segment operating income	$	156,015		$	158,536		$	135,315
General Corporate expense	(51,736		)	(27,841		)	(30,660		)
Operating income from continuing operations	104,279			130,695			104,655
Interest income	1,975			2,155			2,469
Interest expense	(36,586		)	(21,531		)	(26,862		)
Defined benefit pension income (expense)	(5,493		)	3,457			(2,595		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(7,704		)	(1,127		)	(2,265		)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	56,471		$	113,649		$	75,402

Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

A summary of the Company's revenues by primary geographical markets as well as by key product and service groups is as follows:



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, 2019
(In thousands)	Harsco Environmental Segment		Harsco Clean Earth Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Corporate		Consolidated Totals
Primary Geographical Markets (a):
North America	$	294,367	$	169,522	$	221,724	$	—	$	685,613
Western Europe	386,593		—		44,569		—		431,162
Latin America (b)	146,040		—		2,588		—		148,628
Asia-Pacific	128,949		—		30,492		—		159,441
Middle East and Africa	60,402		—		—		—		60,402
Eastern Europe	18,496		—		—		—		18,496
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,034,847	$	169,522	$	299,373	$	—	$	1,503,742
Key Product and Service Groups:
Environmental services related to resource recovery for metals manufacturing; and related logistical services	$	881,696	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	881,696
Applied products	127,875		—		—		—		127,875
Environmental systems for aluminum dross and scrap processing	25,276		—		—		—		25,276
Railway track maintenance equipment	—		—		145,968		—		145,968
After-market parts and services; safety and diagnostic technology	—		—		132,249		—		132,249
Railway contracting services	—		—		21,156		—		21,156
Waste processing and reuse solutions	—		169,522		—		—		169,522
General Corporate	—		—		—		—		—
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,034,847	$	169,522	$	299,373	$	—	$	1,503,742



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Harsco Environmental Segment		Harsco Clean Earth Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Corporate		Consolidated Totals
Primary Geographical Markets (a):
North America	$	302,238	$	—	$	205,212	$	74	$	507,524
Western Europe	390,840		—		48,016		—		438,856
Latin America (b)	151,886		—		3,977		—		155,863
Asia-Pacific	145,761		—		22,089		—		167,850
Middle East and Africa	50,003		—		—		—		50,003
Eastern Europe	27,576		—		—		—		27,576
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,068,304	$	—	$	279,294	$	74	$	1,347,672
Key Product and Service Groups:
Environmental services related to resource recovery for metals manufacturing; and related logistical services	$	924,766	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	924,766
Applied products	128,488		—		—		—		128,488
Environmental systems for aluminum dross and scrap processing	15,050		—		—		—		15,050
Railway track maintenance equipment	—		—		112,547		—		112,547
After-market parts and services; safety and diagnostic technology	—		—		139,020		—		139,020
Railway contracting services	—		—		27,727		—		27,727
Waste processing and reuse solutions	—		—		—		—		—
General Corporate	—		—		—		74		74
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,068,304	$	—	$	279,294	$	74	$	1,347,672



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, 2017
(In thousands)	Harsco Environmental Segment		Harsco Clean Earth Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Corporate		Consolidated Totals
Primary Geographical Markets (a):
North America	$	274,476	$	—	$	196,567	$	143	$	471,186
Western Europe	369,763		—		78,698		—		448,461
Latin America (b)	159,130		—		2,827		—		161,957
Asia-Pacific	138,311		—		17,907		—		156,218
Middle East and Africa	42,700		—		—		—		42,700
Eastern Europe	26,948		—		—		—		26,948
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,011,328	$	—	$	295,999	$	143	$	1,307,470
Key Product and Service Groups:
Environmental services related to resource recovery for metals manufacturing; and related logistical services	$	890,371	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	890,371
Applied products	120,957		—		—		—		120,957
Environmental systems for aluminum dross and scrap processing	—		—		—		—		—
Railway track maintenance equipment	—		—		146,267		—		146,267
After-market parts and services; safety and diagnostic technology	—		—		110,195		—		110,195
Railway contracting services	—		—		39,537		—		39,537
Waste processing and reuse solutions	—		—		—		—		—
General Corporate	—		—		—		143		143
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,011,328	$	—	$	295,999	$	143	$	1,307,470


(a)	Revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the facility generating the revenue.


(b)	Includes Mexico.


(c)	The Company has adopted the new revenue recognition standard utilizing the modified retrospective transition method, including use of practical expedients. Comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under U.S. GAAP in effect for those periods. See Note 2, Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards for additional information.

The Company may receive payments in advance of earning revenue, which are treated as Advances on contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company may recognize revenue in advance of being able to contractually invoice the customer, which is treated as Contract assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contract assets are transferred to Trade accounts receivable, net when right to payment becomes unconditional. Contract assets and Contract liabilities are reported as a net position, on a contract-by-contract basis, at the end of each reporting period. These instances are primarily related to the Harsco Rail Segment.

The Company had Contract assets totaling $31.2 million at December 31, 2019 and $12.1 million at December 31, 2018. The increase is due principally to additional contract assets recognized in excess of the transfer of contract assets to accounts receivable. The Company had Advances on contracts totaling $60.3 million at December 31, 2019 and $67.1 million at December 31, 2018. The decrease is due principally to the recognition of revenue on previously received advances on contracts in excess of receipts of new advances on contracts during the period, primarily in the Harsco Rail Segment. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized approximately $67 million of revenue related to amounts previously included in Advances on Contracts. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized decreased revenue of approximately $1 million, in the Harsco Rail Segment, related to performance obligations partially satisfied in prior periods, resulting from the changes in estimated costs for certain projects where revenue is recognized on an over time basis.

At December 31, 2019, the Harsco Environmental Segment had remaining, fixed, unsatisfied performance obligations, where the expected contract duration exceeds one year totaling $152.5 million. Of this amount, $43.5 million is expected to be fulfilled by December 31, 2020, $35.0 million by December 31, 2021, $33.8 million by December 31, 2022, $20.4 million by December 31, 2023 and the remainder thereafter. These amounts exclude any variable fees, fixed fees subject to indexation and any performance obligations expected to be satisfied within one year. The increase from September 30, 2019 is primarily related to a three-year contract extension related for one of the impacted locations.

At December 31, 2019, the Harsco Rail Segment had remaining, fixed, unsatisfied performance obligations, where the expected contract duration exceeds one year totaling $296.2 million. Of this amount, $75.9 million is expected to be fulfilled by December 31, 2020, $83.0 million by December 31, 2021, $74.3 million by December 31, 2022, $52.5 million by December 31, 2023 and the remainder thereafter. These amounts exclude any variable fees, fixed fees subject to indexation and any performance obligations expected to be satisfied within one year.

The Company provides assurance type warranties primarily for product sales in the Harsco Rail Segments. These warranties are typically not priced or negotiated separately (there is no option to separately purchase the warranty) or the warranty does not provide customers with a service in addition to the assurance that the product complies with agreed-upon specifications. Accordingly, such warranties do not represent separate performance obligations. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information on warranties.

Other Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Expenses

Other (Income) Expenses, Net

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



(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Net gains
Harsco Environmental Segment	$	(6,303	)	$	(2,650	)	$	(1,354	)
Corporate	—			(1,218		)	—
Total net gains	(6,303		)	(3,868		)	(1,354		)
Employee termination benefit costs
Harsco Environmental Segment	1,254			2,853			4,411
Clean Earth Segment	1,960			—			—
Harsco Rail Segment	2,393			704			1,133
Corporate	1,012			1,206			1,189
Total employee termination benefit costs	6,619			4,763			6,733
Other costs to exit activities
Harsco Environmental Segment	970			352			706
Harsco Rail Segment	3,042			—			—
Corporate	196			(182		)	556
Total other costs to exit activities	4,208			170			1,262
Impaired asset write-downs
Harsco Environmental Segment	632			104			706
Harsco Rail Segment	141			—			—
Corporate	—			—			168
Total impaired asset write-downs	773			104			874
Contingent consideration adjustments
Harsco Environmental Segment	(8,506		)	(2,939		)	—
Harsco Clean Earth Segment	825			—			—
Total contingent consideration adjustments	(7,681		)	(2,939		)	—
Other income	(237		)	(431		)	(188		)
Total other (income) expenses, net	$	(2,621	)	$	(2,201	)	$	7,327

Net Gains

Net gains result from the sales of redundant properties (primarily land, buildings and related equipment) and non-core assets. In 2019, gains related to assets sold principally in Asia Pacific and North America; as well as a cumulative translation adjustment resulting from the substantial liquidation of a subsidiary in Western Europe. In 2018, gains related to assets sold principally in Eastern Europe, Western Europe and Asia Pacific. In 2017, gains related to assets sold principally in Latin America and Western Europe.

Employee Termination Benefit Costs

Costs and the related liabilities associated with involuntary termination benefit costs associated with one-time benefit arrangements provided as part of an exit or disposal activity are recognized by the Company when a formal plan for reorganization is approved at the appropriate level of management and communicated to the affected employees. Additionally, costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements, or in certain countries where statutory requirements dictate a minimum required benefit, are recognized when they are probable and estimable. The employee termination benefits costs in 2019 principally related to the Harsco Rail Segment's consolidation of facilities in North America; the Harsco Clean Earth Segment

primarily in North America; and the Harsco Environmental Segment primarily in Asia Pacific and Western Europe. The employee termination benefits costs in 2018 related principally to the Harsco Environmental Segment, primarily in Asia Pacific and Western Europe and Corporate in North America. The employee termination benefits costs in 2017 related principally to the Harsco Environmental Segment, primarily in Latin America and Western Europe.

Other Costs to Exit Activities

Costs associated with exit or disposal activities include costs to terminate a contract and other costs associated with exit or disposal activities. Costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease are recognized when an entity terminates the contract or when an entity ceases using the right conveyed by the contract. This includes the costs to terminate the contract before the end of its term or the costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the entity (e.g., lease run-out costs). Other costs associated with exit or disposal activities (e.g., costs to consolidate or close facilities and relocate equipment or employees) are recognized and measured at their fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. In 2019, $4.2 million of exit costs were incurred in the Harsco Rail Segment, principally in North America due to the consolidation of facilities. In 2018, $0.2 million of exit costs were incurred across several regions. In 2017, $1.3 million of exit costs were incurred, principally in Western Europe and North America.

Impaired Asset Write-downs

Impaired asset write-downs are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value is estimated based upon the expected future realizable cash flows including anticipated selling prices. Non-cash impaired asset write-downs are included in, Other, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities. In 2019, $0.8 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred principally in the Harsco Environmental Segment, mostly in Western Europe. In 2017, $0.9 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred principally in the Harsco Environmental Segment, mostly in the Asia Pacific and North America regions.

Contingent Consideration Adjustments

The Company acquired Altek during 2018 and the purchase price included contingent consideration based on the performance of Altek through 2021. During 2019, the Company's assessment of these performance goals resulted in a $8.5 million reduction to the previously recognized contingent consideration liability in the Harsco Environmental Segment. During 2018, the Company's assessment of these performance goals resulted in a $2.9 million reduction to the previously recognized contingent consideration liability for Altek. In addition, during 2019, the Company acquired Clean Earth and included in the liabilities acquired was a contingent consideration liability resulting from a prior Clean Earth acquisition. During 2019, the Company recorded an increase to this liability of $0.8 million. Each quarter until settlement of the contingency, the Company will assess the likelihood that the acquired businesses will achieve the performance goals and the resulting fair value of the contingent consideration and any future adjustments (increases or decreases) will be included in operating results.

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	(111,567	)		$	808			$	(435,840	)		$	17		$	(546,582	)
Adoption of new accounting standard	—				(1,520		)		—				—			(1,520		)
Balance at January 1, 2018	(111,567		)		(712		)		(435,840		)		17			(548,102		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(50,743		)	(a)	2,466			(b)	8,450			(c)	(48		)	(39,875		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				(365		)		18,735				—			18,370
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(50,743		)		2,101				27,185				(48		)	(21,505		)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,500				—				—				—			2,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(48,243		)		2,101				27,185				(48		)	(19,005		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	(159,810	)		$	1,389			$	(408,655	)		$	(31	)	$	(567,107	)



	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	(159,810	)		$	1,389			$	(408,655	)		$	(31	)	$	(567,107	)
Adoption of new accounting standard (c)	—				—				(21,429		)		—			(21,429		)
Balance at January 1, 2019	(159,810		)		1,389				(430,084		)		(31		)	(588,536		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	17,261			(a)	(7,050		)	(b)	(32,274		)	(c)	28			(22,035		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(1,763		)		1,944				21,796				—			21,977
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	15,498				(5,106		)		(10,478		)		28			(58		)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	972				—				—				—			972
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	16,470				(5,106		)		(10,478		)		28			914
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	(143,340	)		$	(3,717	)		$	(440,562	)		$	(3	)	$	(587,622	)


(a)	Principally foreign currency fluctuation.


(b)	Principally net change from periodic revaluations.


(c)	Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements and foreign currency translation.

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31 2019			Year Ended December 31 2018			Affected Caption on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31 2019			Year Ended December 31 2018
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (d):
Actuarial losses	$	19,806		$	20,014		Defined benefit pension income (expense)
Prior-service costs	326			(139		)	Defined benefit pension income (expense)
Pension asset transfer - discontinued businesses	3,200			—			Gain on sale of discontinued businesses
Settlement/curtailment losses	19			249			Defined benefit pension income (expense)
Total before tax	23,351			20,124
Tax benefit	(1,555		)	(1,389		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	21,796		$	18,735
Recognition of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments:
Gain on substantial liquidation of subsidiaries (e)	$	(2,425	)	$	—		Other (income) expenses, net
Loss on substantial liquidation of subsidiaries (e)	662			—			Gain on sale of discontinued business
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	(550	)	$	(374	)	Product revenues
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	44			—			Cost of services and products sold
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	1,219			1,264			Interest expense
Interest rate swaps	(520		)	(1,108		)	Interest expense
Interest rate swaps	2,741			—			Income from discontinued businesses
Total before tax	2,934			(218		)
Tax benefit	(990		)	(147		)
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	1,944		$	(365	)


(d)	These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of NPPC. See Note 9, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional information.

(e)

No tax impact.

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Continuing Operations

(In thousands)



COLUMN A	COLUMN B		COLUMN C			COLUMN D							COLUMN E
			Additions (Deductions)			Additions (Deductions)
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Cost and Expenses			Due to Currency Translation Adjustments			Other				Balance at End of Period
For the year 2019:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	4,586	$	7,507		$	370		$	1,049		(a)	$	13,512
Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance	137,450		(7,395		)	448			(3,429		)	(b)	127,074
For the year 2018:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	4,470	$	380		$	(149	)	$	(115	)	(a)	$	4,586
Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance	172,846		(20,104		)	(8,612		)	(6,680		)	(b)	137,450
For the year 2017:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	11,558	$	5,211		$	524		$	(12,823	)	(a)	$	4,470
Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance	145,216		32,785			9,853			(15,008		)	(b)	172,846


(a)	Includes the write-off of previously reserved accounts receivable balances. Also, 2019 includes the acquisition of Clean Earth.

(b)

Includes a decrease of $5.6 million related to the loss of certain tax attributes in certain foreign dormant entities due to merger and liquidation, an increase of $0.9 million related to pension adjustments recorded through Accumulate other comprehensive loss and an increase of $0.8 million related to the investment tax credit which is unlikely to be used before expiration in certain foreign jurisdictions in 2019. Includes a decrease of $5.4 million related to a change in estimate of interest deductions and a decrease of $1.1 million due to capital loss carryforward expiring in the U.S. in 2018. Includes a decrease of $11.6 million related to pension adjustments recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and a $4.6 million decrease related to a U.S. tax rate change in 2017.

Subsequent Event (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Notes)	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	19. Subsequent Events On February 7, 2020, the Company announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Stericycle Environmental Solutions Business ("ESOL"), an established hazardous waste transportation and processing solutions provider from Stericycle, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will acquire ESOL for $462.5 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. The transaction has been approved by the Company's Board and is expected to close by March 31, 2020 subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year classifications.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of three months or less.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)

Long-Lived Assets Impairments (Other than Goodwill)

Deferred Financing Costs

Revenue Recognition

•

Harsco Clean Earth - This Segment provides specialty waste processing and beneficial reuse solutions for hazardous wastes, contaminated materials and dredged volumes.

•

Harsco Rail - This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, after-market parts, Protran/safety equipment and provides railway track maintenance services.

•

The Company has elected to utilize the following practical expedients on an ongoing basis:


•	The Company has not adjusted the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the Company expects, at contract inception, that the period between when the Company transfers the promised good or services to the customer and when the customer pays for that good or service would be one year or less; and

•

Income Taxes

The significant assumptions and estimates described in the preceding paragraphs are important contributors to the effective tax rate each year.

Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves

Warranties

The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold.

Foreign Currency Translation

Financial Instruments and Hedging

Earnings Per Share

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2019:

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB related to 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 lease 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 Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition, which among other items, allowed the carry forward of the historical lease classification. The Company has elected to apply the transition requirements at the January 1, 2019 effective date and therefore, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under U.S. GAAP in effect for those periods. The changes had a significant impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon adoption and the Company recorded ROU assets and lease liabilities of $34.0 million and $34.2 million, respectively. The difference between the ROU assets and lease liabilities was recorded primarily as adjustments to other assets and liabilities where prepaid rent and deferred expenses were previously recorded. Additionally, the Company's accounting for finance leases remained consistent. The changes did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The discount rates used to calculate the ROU assets and lease liabilities as of the effective date were based on the remaining lease terms as of the effective date. See Note 8, Leases, for additional information.

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB which expand and refine hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedged items in the financial statements and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Upon adoption, the Company’s recognition model for the excluded component was modified from a mark-to-market approach to an amortization approach for hedging relationships. Hedging relationships entered into on or after January 1, 2019 will be under the amortization approach while those entered into before

January 1, 2019 will continue to be recognized under the mark-to-market approach. As such, there was no effect of applying this election reflected as an adjustment to Accumulated other comprehensive loss with a corresponding adjustment to the

opening balance of Retained earnings. Presentation and disclosure amendments are required to be applied prospectively. Other than required expanded disclosures, the adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB which allow entities to reclassify stranded income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in the consolidated financial statements. Under the Tax Act, deferred taxes were adjusted to reflect the reduction of the historical corporate income tax rate to the newly enacted corporate income tax rate, which left the tax effects on items within accumulated other comprehensive income stranded at historical tax rates. The adoption of these changes resulted in the Company reclassifying approximately $21 million of stranded income tax effects into Retained earnings.

The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date:

In June 2016, the FASB issued changes, as amended, which update the impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses rather than incurred losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. This may result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Other than required expanded disclosures, the adoption of these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued changes that remove Step 2 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 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 any amounts that might be recorded under current practice.

In August 2018, the FASB issued changes which modify the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The amendments in this update remove the requirement to disclose the amount of, and reasons for, transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The changes require disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (loss) for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Other than required expanded disclosures, the adoption of these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued changes which modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans. The changes remove the requirements to disclose: amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year; the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer and the effects of a one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates. The update also requires disclosure of an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. Management does not believe these changes will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued changes which are intended to reduce complexity and simplify the accounting for income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP by removing certain exceptions related to investments, intraperiod allocations and interim calculations and clarifying existing guidance to improve consistent application. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability

The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2019, 2018 and 2017:



(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$	5,243		$	5,486		$	6,001
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	4,134			3,837			4,533
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(2,748		)	(3,320		)	(3,428		)
Acquisitions (See Note 3)	—			249			—
Warranties paid	(649		)	(942		)	(1,637		)
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(60		)	(67		)	17
Warranty reserves, end of the year	$	5,920		$	5,243		$	5,486

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Cumulative Effect of Changes

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]

Certain key selected financial information included in net income from discontinued operations for the former Harsco Industrial Segment is as follows:



	Years ended December 31
(In millions)	2019		2018		2017
Amounts directly attributable to the former Harsco Industrial Segment:
Total revenues	$	306,972	$	374,707	$	299,592
Cost of products sold	224,811		276,198		225,163
Gain on sale from discontinued businesses	569,135		—		—
Income from discontinued business	27,823		43,593		20,049
Additional amounts allocated to the former Harsco Industrial Segment:
Selling, general and administrative expenses (j)	$	8,429	$	—	$	—
Interest expense (k)	11,237		16,613		20,689
Loss on early extinguishment of debt (l)	5,314		—		—

(j) The Company has allocated directly attributable transaction costs to discontinued operations.

(l)

The Company has allocated the $5.3 million write-off of deferred financing costs to discontinued operations as it is directly attributed to the mandatory repayment of the Term Loan Facility that resulted from the AXC disposal.



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019(i)		December 31 2018
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	10,982	$	44,786
Other receivables	78		412
Inventories	9,838		16,926
Current portion of contract assets	—		12,124
Other current assets	655		984
Property, plant and equipment, net	20,703		37,107
Right-of-use assets, net	11,230		—
Goodwill	—		6,839
Intangible assets, net	—		10,618
Deferred income tax assets	—		563
Other assets	96		204
Total assets	$	53,582	$	130,563

Accounts payable	$	5,060	$	24,426
Accrued compensation	2,324		7,385
Current portion of advances on contracts	1,168		1,910
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	1,575		—
Other current liabilities	1,218		5,689
Operating lease liabilities	9,837		—
Other liabilities	2,314		555
Total liabilities	$	23,496	$	39,965


(i)	The decrease from December 31, 2018 is primarily related to the sale of AXC and PK.

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]

The values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on preliminary valuations and are subject to change as the Company obtains additional information during the measurement period.



	Year Ended December 31
(In millions)	2019		2018
Pro forma revenues	$	1,635.9	$	1,614.6
Pro forma net income (including discontinued operations) (e)	517.6		116.1

(e)

Pro forma net income for 2019 includes a $453.6 million after-tax gain on the sale of AXC and PK.

Summary of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The fair value recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Clean Earth is as follows:



	Preliminary Valuation
(In millions)	June 28, 2019			Measurement Period Adjustments (a)			December 31 2019
Cash and cash equivalents (b)	$	42.8		$	(39.2	)	$	3.6
Trade accounts receivable, net	63.7			(1.2		)	62.5
Other receivables	0.8			1.3			2.1
Other current assets	8.7			(1.4		)	7.3
Property, plant and equipment	75.6			1.7			77.3
Right-of-use assets	14.4			11.4			25.8
Goodwill	313.8			16.4			330.2
Intangible assets	261.1			(18.9		)	242.2
Other assets	4.0			(3.0		)	1.0
Accounts payable	(23.0		)	(0.1		)	(23.1		)
Acquisition consideration payable (b)	(39.2		)	39.2			—
Other current liabilities	(18.0		)	(1.3		)	(19.3		)
Net deferred taxes liabilities	(51.2		)	5.4			(45.8		)
Operating lease liabilities	(11.1		)	(8.4		)	(19.5		)
Other liabilities	(6.5		)	(2.1		)	(8.6		)
Total identifiable net assets of Clean Earth	$	635.9		$	(0.2	)	$	635.7


(a)	The measurement period adjustments did not have a material impact on the Company's previously reported operating results.


(b)	Acquisition consideration payable represents a portion of the cash consideration not paid out until July 2019.

The fair value recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Altek is as follows:



	Final Valuation
(In millions)	June 30 2018			Measurement Period Adjustments (f)		March 31 2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1.7		$	—	$	1.7
Net working capital	(1.5		)	0.2		(1.3		)
Property, plant and equipment	3.3			—		3.3
Intangible assets	52.5			0.2		52.7
Goodwill	20.9			1.6		22.5
Net deferred tax liabilities	(8.5		)	—		(8.5		)
Other liabilities	(0.3		)	—		(0.3		)
Total identifiable net assets of Altek	$	68.1		$	2.0	$	70.1

(f)

The measurement period adjustments did not have a material impact on the Company's previously reported operating results.

Summary of intangible assets and amortization periods

The following table details the preliminary valuation of identifiable intangible assets and amortization periods for Clean Earth:



		Preliminary Valuation
(Dollars in millions)	Weighted-Average Amortization Period	Preliminary Valuation June 28, 2019		Measurement Period Adjustments (c)			December 31 2019
Permits	18 years	$	176.1	$	(6.0	)	$	170.1
Customer relationships and backlog	7.5 years	33.4		(12.9		)	20.5
Air rights	Usage based (d)	25.6		—			25.6
Trade names	11.5 years	26.0		—			26.0
Total identifiable intangible assets of Clean Earth		$	261.1	$	(18.9	)	$	242.2


(c)	The measurement period adjustments did not have a material impact on the Company's previously reported operating results.

(d)

The Company estimates that based on current usage that the expected useful life would be 26.5 years.

Summary of changes in fair value of contingent consideration

The following table reflects the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration:



(In thousands)	2019			2018
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,420		$	—
Recognition of contingent consideration	—			10,097
Measurement period adjustment (g)	—			1,958
Fair value adjustment (h)	(8,506		)	(2,939		)
Foreign currency translation	86			(696		)
Balance at end of year	$	—		$	8,420


(g)	Measurement period adjustment was recorded to goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(h)

The fair value adjustment resulted from the decreased probability of Altek achieving cumulative financial and non-financial performance goals within the required time frame. This amount is recorded in Other expenses, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table reflects the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration which occurred since acquisition:



(In thousands)	2019
Balance at June 28, 2019	$	3,100
Payment	(525		)
Fair value adjustment	825
Balance at end of year	$	3,400

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

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+ Details

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]

Schedule of accounts receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019			December 31 2018
Trade accounts receivable	$	323,502		$	251,013
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(13,512		)	(4,586		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	309,990		$	246,427
Insurance claim receivable (a)	$	—		$	30,000
Other receivables (b)	$	21,265		$	23,770


(a)	Relates to the Lima Refinery litigation. See Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional information.

(b)

Other receivables include employee receivables, tax claim receivables and other miscellaneous receivables not included in Trade accounts receivable, ne

Schedule of provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable

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



	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	7,507	$	380	$	5,211

Schedule of inventories

Inventories consist of the following:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019		December 31 2018
Finished goods	$	14,550	$	11,892
Work-in-process	13,088		20,839
Raw materials and purchased parts	104,488		61,547
Stores and supplies	24,865		21,907
Total inventories	$	156,991	$	116,185
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	$	101,465	$	66,650
FIFO basis	7,473		5,719
Average cost basis	48,053		43,816
Total inventories	$	156,991	$	116,185

Schedule of contracts in process

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:



(In thousands)	Estimated Useful Lives	December 31 2019			December 31 2018
Land	—	$	30,409		$	10,143
Land improvements	5-20 years	19,155			15,961
Buildings and improvements (a)	5-40 years	182,795			163,037
Machinery and equipment	3-20 years	1,518,652			1,470,620
Uncompleted construction	—	55,592			36,968
Gross property, plant and equipment		1,806,603			1,696,729
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,244,817		)	(1,263,936		)
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	561,786		$	432,793

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:



(In thousands)	Harsco Environmental Segment			Harsco Clean Earth Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	381,893		$	—	$	13,026	$	394,919
Changes to goodwill (a)	22,518			—		—		22,518
Foreign currency translation	(12,724		)	—		—		(12,724		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	391,687			—		13,026		404,713
Changes to goodwill (b)	—			330,230		—		330,230
Foreign currency translation	3,426			—		—		3,426
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	395,113		$	330,230	$	13,026	$	738,369

Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:



	December 31, 2019				December 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	143,996	$	99,327	$	122,378	$	93,577
Permits	170,322		4,694		—		—
Technology related	36,467		5,635		35,831		2,681
Trade names	31,719		2,182		5,565		682
Air rights	26,139		411		—		—
Patents	249		168		2,598		2,503
Other	3,765		1,158		4,214		1,936
Total	$	412,657	$	113,575	$	170,586	$	101,379

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense

The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets.



(In thousands)	2020		2021		2022		2023		2024
Estimated amortization expense (a)	$	23,500	$	22,400	$	22,000	$	22,000	$	22,000

(a)

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

Debt and Credit Agreements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities

The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and available credit at December 31, 2019.



	December 31, 2019
(In thousands)	Facility Limit		Outstanding Balance		Outstanding Letters of Credit		Available Credit
Revolving Credit Facility (a U.S.-based program)	$	700,000	$	67,000	$	25,352	$	607,648

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments

The Company's long-term debt consists of the following:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019			December 31 2018
Senior Secured Credit Facilities (a):
Term Loan Facility with an interest rate of 4.1% and 4.8% at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	$	218,188		$	541,788
Revolving Credit Facility with an average interest rate of 5.0% and 4.6% at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	67,000			62,000
5.75% notes due July 31, 2027	500,000			—
Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2020 with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.9% at December 31, 2019 and 2018.	9,827			1,606
Total debt obligations	795,015			605,394
Less: deferred financing costs	(16,851		)	(13,243		)
Total debt obligations, net of deferred financing costs	778,164			592,151
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	(2,666		)	(6,489		)
Long-term debt	$	775,498		$	585,662

(a)

All amounts related to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities were reflected as Long-term debt at December 31, 2019. The current portion of long-term debt related to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities was $5.4 million with the remainder reflected as Long-term debt at December 31, 2018.

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt

The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2020 are as follows:



(In thousands)
2021	$	2,191
2022	1,956
2023	1,846
2024	286,354

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

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+ Details

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]

Supplemental additional information related to leases is as follows:



	December 31 2019
Other information:
Weighted average remaining lease term - Operating leases (in years)	11.57
Weighted average remaining lease term - Finance leases (in years)	4.01
Weighted average discount rate - Operating leases	6.3	%
Weighted average discount rate - Finance leases	4.2	%

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:



	Year Ended
(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Cash flows from operating activities - Operating leases	$	15,143
Cash flows from financing activities - Finance leases	1,317
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases (a)	$	65,525
Finance leases	2,658

(a)

Includes ROU assets of approximately $34 million that were recorded upon adoption at January 1, 2019 and $25.8 million that were recorded upon the acquisition of Clean Earth. See Note 2, Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards, and Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:



(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Operating Leases:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	52,065
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	12,544
Operating lease liabilities	36,974
Finance Leases:
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	3,519
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,237
Long-term debt	2,218

The components of lease expense were as follows:



	Year Ended
(In thousands)	December 31 2019
Finance leases:
Amortization expense	$	1,234
Interest on lease liabilities	50
Operating leases	16,083
Short-term leases	22,281
Variable lease expense	1,189
Sublease income	(198		)
Total lease expense from continuing operations	$	40,639

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases



(In thousands)
2019	$	10,761
2020	8,938
2021	6,235
2022	4,602
2023	3,083
After 2023	17,170

Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:



(In thousand)	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
Year Ending December 31^st:
2020	$	15,045		$	1,360
2021	11,159			908
2022	7,166			655
2023	5,044			477
2024	2,991			312
After 2024	31,932			3
Total lease payments	73,337			3,715
Less: Imputed interest	(23,819		)	(260		)
Total	$	49,518		$	3,455

Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:



(In thousand)	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
Year Ending December 31^st:
2020	$	15,045		$	1,360
2021	11,159			908
2022	7,166			655
2023	5,044			477
2024	2,991			312
After 2024	31,932			3
Total lease payments	73,337			3,715
Less: Imputed interest	(23,819		)	(260		)
Total	$	49,518		$	3,455

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs

NPPC for U.S. and international plans for 2019, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:



	U.S. Plans									International Plans
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
Defined benefit pension plans:
Service cost	$	39		$	42		$	43		$	1,447		$	1,669		$	1,724
Interest cost	10,551			9,562			9,878			22,280			21,589			21,459
Expected return on plan assets	(10,297		)	(12,068		)	(10,485		)	(37,430		)	(42,685		)	(40,469		)
Recognized prior service costs	—			1			33			326			(140		)	186
Recognized losses	5,585			5,207			5,701			14,345			14,807			16,283
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	129			285			—			19			(36		)	(20		)
Defined benefit pension plan cost (income)	6,007			3,029			5,170			987			(4,796		)	(837		)
Multiemployer pension plans	727			686			650			1,167			1,313			1,306
Defined contribution plans	4,178			3,466			3,021			6,031			5,608			5,905
Net periodic pension cost	$	10,912		$	7,181		$	8,841		$	8,185		$	2,125		$	6,374

Schedule of Net Funded Status

The change in the financial status of the defined benefit pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2019			2018
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	286,027		$	314,861		$	874,679		$	1,015,586
Service cost	39			42			1,447			1,669
Interest cost	10,551			9,562			22,280			21,589
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			36			49
Amendments	—			—			1,254			11,238
Actuarial (gain) loss	20,064			(21,474		)	93,330			(78,658		)
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			(343		)	(313		)
Benefits paid	(15,842		)	(16,964		)	(37,396		)	(37,721		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			33,010			(58,760		)
Acquisitions/divestitures	(6,146		)	—			(9		)	—
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	294,693		$	286,027		$	988,288		$	874,679



	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2019			2018
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	205,388		$	229,941		$	744,538		$	842,717
Actual return on plan assets	37,665			(17,883		)	108,235			(30,004		)
Employer contributions	8,306			10,294			21,121			18,415
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			36			49
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			(343		)	(313		)
Benefits paid	(15,842		)	(16,964		)	(37,217		)	(37,570		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			28,275			(48,756		)
Acquisitions/divestitures	(9,249		)	—			(9		)	—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	226,268		$	205,388		$	864,636		$	744,538
Funded status at end of year	$	(68,425	)	$	(80,639	)	$	(123,652	)	$	(130,141	)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet

Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for defined benefit pension plans consist of the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2019		2018
Noncurrent assets	$	—	$	1,953	$	987	$	2,379
Current liabilities	1,980		1,954		697		643
Noncurrent liabilities	64,465		80,638		123,942		131,876
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	1,980		—		—		—
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	133,806		149,326		415,781		391,849

Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized

Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, for defined benefit pension plans consist of the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	U.S. Plans				International Plans
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2019		2018
Net actuarial loss	$	133,806	$	149,326	$	408,709	$	384,666
Prior service cost	—		—		7,072		7,183
Total	$	133,806	$	149,326	$	415,781	$	391,849

Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit pension plan NPPC in 2020 are as follows:



(In thousands)	U.S. Plans		International Plans
Net actuarial loss	$	5,085	$	15,137
Prior service cost	—		392
Total	$	5,085	$	15,529

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments

The expected benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans over the next ten years are as follows:



(In millions)	2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		2025-2029
U.S. Plans	$	25.7	$	17.5	$	17.6	$	17.5	$	17.4	$	84.7
International Plans	38.9		39.8		40.2		41.3		42.1		224.8

Schedule of Assumptions Used

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at

December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:



	U.S. Plans				International Plans				Global Weighted-Average
	December 31				December 31				December 31
	2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018
Discount rates	3.2	%	4.2	%	2.1	%	2.9	%	2.4	%	3.2	%

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan NPPC for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:



	U.S. Plans December 31						International Plans December 31						Global Weighted-Average December 31
	2019		2018		2017		2019		2018		2017		2019		2018		2017
Discount rates	4.2	%	3.5	%	4.0	%	2.9	%	2.6	%	2.8	%	3.2	%	2.8	%	3.1	%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.3	%	7.3	%	7.3	%	5.5	%	5.6	%	5.9	%	5.9	%	6.0	%	6.2	%

Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:



	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2019		2018		2019		2018
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	294.7	$	286.0	$	982.7	$	869.4

Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets



	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2019		2018		2019		2018
Projected benefit obligation	$	294.7	$	279.2	$	966.3	$	831.7
Accumulated benefit obligation	294.7		279.2		961.1		828.9
Fair value of plan assets	226.3		196.6		841.9		701.4

U.S. Plans | Pension Plan

Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets

The fair values of the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans' assets at December 31, 2018 by asset class are as follows:



(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Investments Valued at Net Asset Value
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	8,937	$	8,937	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	54,002		54,002		—
International equities:
Mutual funds—equities	45,195		45,195		—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	88,107		88,107		—
Other—mutual funds	7,703		7,703		—
Cash and money market accounts	1,444		1,444		—
Total	$	205,388	$	205,388	$	—



	Target Long-Term Allocation	Percentage of Plan Assets December 31
U.S. Plans Asset Category	Target Long-Term Allocation	2019		2018
Domestic equity securities	26%-36%	30.8	%	30.6	%
International equity securities	20%-30%	25.3	%	22.0	%
Fixed income securities	31%-41%	34.8	%	42.9	%
Cash and cash equivalents	Less than 5%	0.8	%	0.7	%
Other (a)	4%-14%	8.3	%	3.8	%

(a)

Investments within this caption include diversified global asset allocation funds and credit collection fund.

The fair values of the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans' assets at December 31, 2019 by asset class are as follows:



(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Investments Valued at Net Asset Value (c)
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	8,285	$	8,285	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	61,346		61,346		—
International equities:
Mutual funds—equities	57,188		57,188		—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	78,685		78,685		—
Other—mutual funds	8,764		8,764		—
Cash and money market accounts	1,816		1,816		—
Other—partnerships/joint ventures	10,184		—		10,184
Total	$	226,268	$	216,084	$	10,184

International Plans | Pension Plan

Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets



International Plans Asset Category	Target Long-Term Allocation		Percentage of Plan Assets December 31
International Plans Asset Category	Target Long-Term Allocation		2019		2018
Equity securities	29.0	%	31.6	%	29.2	%
Fixed income securities	50.0	%	48.5	%	50.7	%
Cash and cash equivalents	—		0.3	%	0.3	%
Other (b)	21.0	%	19.6	%	19.8	%

(b)

Investments within this caption include diversified growth funds and real estate funds.

The fair values of the Company's international defined benefit pension plans' assets at December 31, 2018 by asset class are as follows:



(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	217,321	$	—	$	217,321
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	372,094		—		372,094
Insurance contracts	5,620				5,620
Other:
Other mutual funds	147,313		—		147,313
Cash and money market accounts	2,190		2,190		—
Total	$	744,538	$	2,190	$	742,348

The fair values of the Company's international defined benefit pension plans' assets at December 31, 2019 by asset class are as follows:



(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	273,568	$	—	$	273,568
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	413,249		—		413,249
Insurance contracts	5,705		—		5,705
Other:
Other mutual funds	169,886		—		169,886
Cash and money market accounts	2,228		2,228		—
Total	$	864,636	$	2,228	$	862,408

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:



(In thousands)	2019			2018		2017
U.S.	$	(13,934	)	$	28,281	$	(9,235	)
International	70,405			85,368		84,637
Total income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	56,471		$	113,649	$	75,402

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax expense as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:



(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Income tax expense (benefit):
Currently payable:
U.S. federal	$	903		$	(7	)	$	654
U.S. state	233			177			54
International	23,775			17,127			19,763
Total income taxes currently payable	24,911			17,297			20,471
Deferred U.S. federal	(5,924		)	1,854			46,372
Deferred U.S. state	(1,303		)	(10,911		)	1,121
Deferred international	2,530			(2,741		)	10,226
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	$	20,214		$	5,499		$	78,190

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation



(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
U.S. federal income tax expense	$	11,859		$	23,866		$	26,391
U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(274		)	566			642
U.S. other domestic deductions and credits	(1,322		)	(2,407		)	(364		)
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	9,550			5,394			647
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	310			(1,180		)	(1,518		)
Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,343			(6,937		)	1,983
U.S. non-deductible expenses	2,554			1,128			609
Impact of U.S. tax reform	1,643			(11,686		)	49,811
State deferred tax rate change	(3,353		)	—			623
Foreign derived intangible income deduction	—			(2,366		)	—
Employee share-based payments	(3,064		)	(736		)	(346		)
Other, net	(32		)	(143		)	(288		)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	$	20,214		$	5,499		$	78,190

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The income tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



	2019					2018
(In thousands)	Asset			Liability		Asset			Liability
Depreciation and amortization (a)	$	—		$	58,229	$	—		$	8,714
Expense accruals	18,421			—		18,827			—
Inventories	4,568			—		3,071			—
Provision for receivables	1,109			—		689			—
Deferred revenue	—			3,222		—			3,122
Operating loss carryforwards	85,378			—		81,755			—
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	24,219			—		25,814			—
Capital loss carryforwards	—			—		9,759			—
Pensions	38,766			—		40,442			—
Currency adjustments	462			—		3,796			—
Deferred financing costs	—			566		—			2,226
Post-retirement benefits	411			—		471			—
Stock based compensation	6,572			—		5,832			—
Other	—			769		5,477			—
Subtotal	179,906			62,786		195,933			14,062
Valuation allowance	(127,074		)	—		(137,450		)	—
Total deferred income taxes	$	52,832		$	62,786	$	58,483		$	14,062


(a)	The increase in 2019 is primarily related to the Clean Earth acquisition. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information.

The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



(In thousands)	2019		2018
Deferred income tax assets	$	14,288	$	48,551
Other liabilities	24,242		4,130

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 is as follows:



(In thousands)	Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits			Deferred Income Tax Benefits			Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits, Net of Deferred Income Tax Benefits
Balances, January 1, 2017	$	4,582		$	(30	)	$	4,552
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	658			(2		)	656
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(321		)	—			(321		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(1,296		)	1			(1,295		)
Balance at December 31, 2017	3,623			(31		)	3,592
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	196			(1		)	195
Statutes of limitation expirations	(1,397		)	6			(1,391		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	2,422			(26		)	2,396
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	414			(7		)	407
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	681			—			681
Statutes of limitation expirations	(326		)	2			(324		)
Settlements	(62		)	9			(53		)
Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2019	$	3,129		$	(22	)	$	3,107

Capital Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward

The following table summarizes the Company's common stock:



	Shares Issued	Treasury Shares (a)	Outstanding Shares
Outstanding, January 1, 2017	112,499,874	32,324,911	80,174,963
Shares issued for vested restricted stock units	375,355	105,431	269,924
Stock appreciation rights exercised	12,897	3,932	8,965
Outstanding, December 31, 2017	112,888,126	32,434,274	80,453,852
Shares issued for vested restricted stock units	545,908	161,774	384,134
Stock appreciation rights exercised	39,917	11,808	28,109
Treasury shares purchased	—	1,321,072	(1,321,072	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2018	113,473,951	33,928,928	79,545,023
Shares issued for vested restricted stock units	321,965	125,863	196,102
Shares issued for vested performance stock units	908,566	379,353	529,213
Stock appreciation rights exercised	15,865	4,619	11,246
Treasury shares purchased	—	1,766,826	(1,766,826	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2019	114,720,347	36,205,589	78,514,758

(a)

The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs and in accordance with Board authorized share repurchase programs.

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted



(In thousands, except per share data)	2019		2018		2017
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	28,231	$	100,578	$	(6,810	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	79,632		80,716		80,553
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	1,743		2,879		—
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	81,375		83,595		80,553
Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.35	$	1.25	$	(0.08	)
Diluted	$	0.35	$	1.20	$	(0.08	)

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

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



(In thousands)	2019	2018	2017
Restricted stock units	—	—	934
Stock options	—	—	52
Stock appreciation rights	491	306	1,737
Performance share units	124	—	948

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of restricted stock units issued and compensation expense

The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:



	RSUs (a)	Weighted Average Fair Value		Expense
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)	RSUs (a)	Weighted Average Fair Value		2019		2018		2017
Directors:
2016	109,998	$	7.00	$	—	$	—	$	257
2017	56,203	13.70		—		179		641
2018	43,821	20.54		280		511		—
2019	14,211	25.33		240		—		—
Employees:
2014	190,832	25.21		—		—		295
2015	239,679	16.53		—		193		498
2016	536,773	7.09		290		835		909
2017	286,251	13.70		832		910		1,325
2018	242,791	19.93		1,208		1,546		—
2019	270,864	22.25		1,620		—		—
Total				$	4,470	$	4,174	$	3,925


(a)	Represents number of awards originally issued.

Schedule of restricted stock unit activity

RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2018	583,380		$	15.08
Granted	285,075		22.40
Vested	(348,572	)	13.38
Forfeited	(53,274	)	20.01
Non-vested at December 31, 2019	466,609		20.26

Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights award activity

SARs activity for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (b)
Outstanding, December 31, 2018	1,745,447		$	15.73	$	8.9
Granted	229,344		22.79
Exercised	(43,594	)	15.87
Forfeited/Expired	(22,977	)	26.94
Outstanding, December 31, 2019	1,908,220		16.44		13.0

(b)

Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those SARs where the market price exceeds the exercise price.

Schedule of nonvested awards activity

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2019:



	SARs Outstanding					SARs Exercisable
Range of exercisable prices	Vested	Non-vested	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	Number Exercisable	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
$7.00 - $13.70	624,693	83,654	$	9.42	6.65	624,693	$	8.85
$16.53 - $22.70	584,950	361,000	19.45		6.60	584,950	18.23
$23.03 - $26.92	248,841	5,082	24.78		4.45	248,841	24.79
	1,458,484	449,736	16.44		6.33	1,458,484	15.33

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of stock appreciation rights valuation assumptions

he fair value of each SAR grant was estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:



	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		SAR Grant Price		Fair Value of SAR
March 2017 Grant	2.17	%	—	%	6.0	43.9	%	$	13.70	$	6.13
March 2018 Grant	2.69	%	—	%	6.0	44.6	%	19.80		9.16
July 2018 Grant	2.87	%	—	%	6.0	44.7	%	24.65		11.48
March 2019 Grant	2.52	%	—	%	6.0	46.2	%	22.51		10.62
July 2019 Grant	1.84	%	—	%	6.0	47.1	%	27.39		12.80

Schedule of weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options

Weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested SARs for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2018	467,478		$	6.65
Granted	229,344		10.75
Vested	(233,842	)	5.17
Forfeited	(13,244	)	12.80
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2019	449,736		9.32

Performance Stock Units

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of stock appreciation rights valuation assumptions

The fair value of PSUs granted was estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo pricing model with the following assumptions:



	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		Fair Value of PSU
March 2017 Grant	1.54	%	—	%	2.83	34.2	%	$	17.05
March 2018 Grant	2.36	%	—	%	2.83	34.7	%	29.56
July 2018 Grant	2.69	%	—	%	2.42	33.1	%	39.06
March 2019 Grant	2.48	%	—	%	2.82	33.8	%	29.04
July 2019 Grant	1.75	%	—	%	2.50	34.3	%	40.07
August 2019 Grant	1.57	%	—	%	2.41	34.9	%	23.38

Schedule of weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options

A summary of the Company's non-vested PSU activity during the year ending December 31, 2019 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2018	494,882		$	23.13
Granted	277,307		28.51
Forfeited	(70,391	)	26.23
Vested, not issued (c)	(236,214	)	17.05
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2019	465,584		28.95

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities

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



(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments		Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments		Total Fair Value
December 31, 2019
Asset derivatives (Level 2):
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	2,039	$	946	$	2,985
Total		$	2,039	$	946	$	2,985
Liability derivatives (Level 2):
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current liabilities	$	140	$	3,733	$	3,873
Interest rate swaps	Other current liabilities	2,098		—		2,098
Interest rate swaps	Other liabilities	4,281		—		4,281
Total		$	6,519	$	3,733	$	10,252
December 31, 2018
Asset derivatives (Level 2):
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	2,970	$	589	$	3,559
Interest rate swaps	Other current assets	1,331		—		1,331
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	128		—		128
Total		$	4,429	$	589	$	5,018
Liability derivatives (Level 2):
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current liabilities	$	24	$	2,910	$	2,934
Interest rate swaps	Other liabilities	1,849		—		1,849
Total		$	1,873	$	2,910	$	4,783

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments



	Amount Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) on Derivatives								Location of Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion or Equity
(In thousands)	2019			2018		2017				2019			2018			2017
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	(1,227	)	$	1,935	$	3,547		Product revenues/Cost of services sold	$	(506	)	$	(374	)	$	(954	)
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts (a)	—			—		—			Retained earnings (b)	—			(1,520		)	—
Interest rate swaps	—			—		—			Income from discontinued businesses	2,741			—			—
Interest rate swaps	(8,209		)	1,451		(734		)	Interest expense	(520		)	(1,108		)	—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps (a)	(42		)	63		(205		)	Interest expense	1,219			1,264			1,002
	$	(9,478	)	$	3,449	$	2,608			$	2,934		$	(1,738	)	$	48


(a)	Amounts represent changes in foreign currency translation related to balances in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

(b)

The Company adopted the new revenue recognition standard utilizing the modified retrospective transition method, including use of practical expedients in 2018.

Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]

The location and amount of gain (loss) recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations:



	2019
(in thousands)	Product Revenues		Cost of Services Sold			Interest Expense			Income From Discontinued Businesses
Total amounts of line items presented in the statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded	$	422,269	$	839,156		$	(36,586	)	$	27,531
Interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—		—			520			—
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring	—		—			—			(2,741		)
Foreign exchange contracts:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	550		(44		)	—			—
Amount excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in earnings based on changes in fair value	509		—			—			—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—		—			(1,219		)	—



	2018
(in thousands)	Product Revenues			Cost of Services Sold		Interest Expense
Total amounts of line items presented in the statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded	$	392,208		$	745,748	$	(21,531	)
Interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—			—		1,108
Foreign exchange contracts:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	374			—		—
Amount excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in earnings based on changes in fair value	(440		)	1		—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—			—		(1,264		)



	2017
(in thousands)	Product Revenues			Cost of Services Sold		Interest Expense
Total amounts of line items presented in the statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded	$	373,188		$	737,499	$	(26,862	)
Foreign exchange contracts:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	936			18		—
Amount excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in earnings based on changes in fair value	(105		)	—		—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income	—			—		(1,002		)
Amount excluded from the effectiveness testing recognized in earnings based an amortization approach	—			—		(420		)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments



	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for the Twelve Months Ended December 31(c)
(In thousands)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	2019		2018		2017
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	6,807	$	17,262	$	(23,572	)


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

- 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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 50
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Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-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

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas

Countries with revenues from unaffiliated customers or net property, plant and equipment of ten percent or more of the consolidated totals (in at least one period presented) are as follows:

Information by Geographic Area (a)



	Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
	Year Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2017
U.S.	$	640,390	$	458,383	$	423,888
U.K.	144,689		143,346		146,624
All Other	718,663		745,943		736,958
Totals including Corporate	$	1,503,742	$	1,347,672	$	1,307,470

(a)

Revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the facility generating the revenue.

Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]



	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
	Balances at December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2017
U.S.	$	193,692	$	98,851	$	86,266
China	99,369		89,502		95,562
Brazil	37,047		36,960		54,704
All Other	231,678		207,480		208,151
Totals including Corporate	$	561,786	$	432,793	$	444,683

Schedule of Segment Operating Information by Segment

Operating Information by Segment:



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Revenues
Harsco Environmental	$	1,034,847		$	1,068,304		$	1,011,328
Harsco Clean Earth	169,522			—			—
Harsco Rail	299,373			279,294			295,999
Corporate	—			74			143
Total Revenues	$	1,503,742		$	1,347,672		$	1,307,470
Operating Income (Loss)
Harsco Environmental	$	112,298		$	121,195		$	102,362
Harsco Clean Earth	20,009			—			—
Harsco Rail	23,708			37,341			32,953
Corporate	(51,736		)	(27,841		)	(30,660		)
Total Operating Income	$	104,279		$	130,695		$	104,655



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Total Assets
Harsco Environmental	$	1,296,061	$	1,230,152	$	1,184,280
Harsco Clean Earth	745,410		—		—
Harsco Rail	246,377		186,049		237,135
Corporate	26,037		53,342		43,860
Discontinued Operations	53,582		163,324		113,410
Total Assets	$	2,367,467	$	1,632,867	$	1,578,685
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Environmental	$	112,126	$	115,059	$	112,329
Harsco Clean Earth	12,855		—		—
Harsco Rail	4,875		4,287		4,221
Corporate	5,238		5,710		6,027
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	135,094	$	125,056	$	122,577
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Environmental	$	153,694	$	114,142	$	87,526
Harsco Clean Earth	5,870		—		—
Harsco Rail	15,274		9,152		2,403
Corporate	1,762		1,313		1,490
Total Capital Expenditures	$	176,600	$	124,607	$	91,419

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Consolidated Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income:



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Segment operating income	$	156,015		$	158,536		$	135,315
General Corporate expense	(51,736		)	(27,841		)	(30,660		)
Operating income from continuing operations	104,279			130,695			104,655
Interest income	1,975			2,155			2,469
Interest expense	(36,586		)	(21,531		)	(26,862		)
Defined benefit pension income (expense)	(5,493		)	3,457			(2,595		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(7,704		)	(1,127		)	(2,265		)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	56,471		$	113,649		$	75,402

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Summary of revenues by primary geographical markets

A summary of the Company's revenues by primary geographical markets as well as by key product and service groups is as follows:



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, 2019
(In thousands)	Harsco Environmental Segment		Harsco Clean Earth Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Corporate		Consolidated Totals
Primary Geographical Markets (a):
North America	$	294,367	$	169,522	$	221,724	$	—	$	685,613
Western Europe	386,593		—		44,569		—		431,162
Latin America (b)	146,040		—		2,588		—		148,628
Asia-Pacific	128,949		—		30,492		—		159,441
Middle East and Africa	60,402		—		—		—		60,402
Eastern Europe	18,496		—		—		—		18,496
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,034,847	$	169,522	$	299,373	$	—	$	1,503,742
Key Product and Service Groups:
Environmental services related to resource recovery for metals manufacturing; and related logistical services	$	881,696	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	881,696
Applied products	127,875		—		—		—		127,875
Environmental systems for aluminum dross and scrap processing	25,276		—		—		—		25,276
Railway track maintenance equipment	—		—		145,968		—		145,968
After-market parts and services; safety and diagnostic technology	—		—		132,249		—		132,249
Railway contracting services	—		—		21,156		—		21,156
Waste processing and reuse solutions	—		169,522		—		—		169,522
General Corporate	—		—		—		—		—
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,034,847	$	169,522	$	299,373	$	—	$	1,503,742



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Harsco Environmental Segment		Harsco Clean Earth Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Corporate		Consolidated Totals
Primary Geographical Markets (a):
North America	$	302,238	$	—	$	205,212	$	74	$	507,524
Western Europe	390,840		—		48,016		—		438,856
Latin America (b)	151,886		—		3,977		—		155,863
Asia-Pacific	145,761		—		22,089		—		167,850
Middle East and Africa	50,003		—		—		—		50,003
Eastern Europe	27,576		—		—		—		27,576
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,068,304	$	—	$	279,294	$	74	$	1,347,672
Key Product and Service Groups:
Environmental services related to resource recovery for metals manufacturing; and related logistical services	$	924,766	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	924,766
Applied products	128,488		—		—		—		128,488
Environmental systems for aluminum dross and scrap processing	15,050		—		—		—		15,050
Railway track maintenance equipment	—		—		112,547		—		112,547
After-market parts and services; safety and diagnostic technology	—		—		139,020		—		139,020
Railway contracting services	—		—		27,727		—		27,727
Waste processing and reuse solutions	—		—		—		—		—
General Corporate	—		—		—		74		74
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,068,304	$	—	$	279,294	$	74	$	1,347,672



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, 2017
(In thousands)	Harsco Environmental Segment		Harsco Clean Earth Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Corporate		Consolidated Totals
Primary Geographical Markets (a):
North America	$	274,476	$	—	$	196,567	$	143	$	471,186
Western Europe	369,763		—		78,698		—		448,461
Latin America (b)	159,130		—		2,827		—		161,957
Asia-Pacific	138,311		—		17,907		—		156,218
Middle East and Africa	42,700		—		—		—		42,700
Eastern Europe	26,948		—		—		—		26,948
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,011,328	$	—	$	295,999	$	143	$	1,307,470
Key Product and Service Groups:
Environmental services related to resource recovery for metals manufacturing; and related logistical services	$	890,371	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	890,371
Applied products	120,957		—		—		—		120,957
Environmental systems for aluminum dross and scrap processing	—		—		—		—		—
Railway track maintenance equipment	—		—		146,267		—		146,267
After-market parts and services; safety and diagnostic technology	—		—		110,195		—		110,195
Railway contracting services	—		—		39,537		—		39,537
Waste processing and reuse solutions	—		—		—		—		—
General Corporate	—		—		—		143		143
Total Revenues (c)	$	1,011,328	$	—	$	295,999	$	143	$	1,307,470


(a)	Revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the facility generating the revenue.


(b)	Includes Mexico.

(c)

The Company has adopted the new revenue recognition standard utilizing the modified retrospective transition method, including use of practical expedients. Comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under U.S. GAAP in effect for those periods. See Note 2, Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards for additional information.

Other Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of other expenses (income)

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



(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Net gains
Harsco Environmental Segment	$	(6,303	)	$	(2,650	)	$	(1,354	)
Corporate	—			(1,218		)	—
Total net gains	(6,303		)	(3,868		)	(1,354		)
Employee termination benefit costs
Harsco Environmental Segment	1,254			2,853			4,411
Clean Earth Segment	1,960			—			—
Harsco Rail Segment	2,393			704			1,133
Corporate	1,012			1,206			1,189
Total employee termination benefit costs	6,619			4,763			6,733
Other costs to exit activities
Harsco Environmental Segment	970			352			706
Harsco Rail Segment	3,042			—			—
Corporate	196			(182		)	556
Total other costs to exit activities	4,208			170			1,262
Impaired asset write-downs
Harsco Environmental Segment	632			104			706
Harsco Rail Segment	141			—			—
Corporate	—			—			168
Total impaired asset write-downs	773			104			874
Contingent consideration adjustments
Harsco Environmental Segment	(8,506		)	(2,939		)	—
Harsco Clean Earth Segment	825			—			—
Total contingent consideration adjustments	(7,681		)	(2,939		)	—
Other income	(237		)	(431		)	(188		)
Total other (income) expenses, net	$	(2,621	)	$	(2,201	)	$	7,327

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	(111,567	)		$	808			$	(435,840	)		$	17		$	(546,582	)
Adoption of new accounting standard	—				(1,520		)		—				—			(1,520		)
Balance at January 1, 2018	(111,567		)		(712		)		(435,840		)		17			(548,102		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(50,743		)	(a)	2,466			(b)	8,450			(c)	(48		)	(39,875		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				(365		)		18,735				—			18,370
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(50,743		)		2,101				27,185				(48		)	(21,505		)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,500				—				—				—			2,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(48,243		)		2,101				27,185				(48		)	(19,005		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	(159,810	)		$	1,389			$	(408,655	)		$	(31	)	$	(567,107	)



	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	(159,810	)		$	1,389			$	(408,655	)		$	(31	)	$	(567,107	)
Adoption of new accounting standard (c)	—				—				(21,429		)		—			(21,429		)
Balance at January 1, 2019	(159,810		)		1,389				(430,084		)		(31		)	(588,536		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	17,261			(a)	(7,050		)	(b)	(32,274		)	(c)	28			(22,035		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(1,763		)		1,944				21,796				—			21,977
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	15,498				(5,106		)		(10,478		)		28			(58		)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	972				—				—				—			972
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	16,470				(5,106		)		(10,478		)		28			914
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	(143,340	)		$	(3,717	)		$	(440,562	)		$	(3	)	$	(587,622	)


(a)	Principally foreign currency fluctuation.


(b)	Principally net change from periodic revaluations.

(c)

Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements and foreign currency translation.

Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31 2019			Year Ended December 31 2018			Affected Caption on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31 2019			Year Ended December 31 2018
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (d):
Actuarial losses	$	19,806		$	20,014		Defined benefit pension income (expense)
Prior-service costs	326			(139		)	Defined benefit pension income (expense)
Pension asset transfer - discontinued businesses	3,200			—			Gain on sale of discontinued businesses
Settlement/curtailment losses	19			249			Defined benefit pension income (expense)
Total before tax	23,351			20,124
Tax benefit	(1,555		)	(1,389		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	21,796		$	18,735
Recognition of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments:
Gain on substantial liquidation of subsidiaries (e)	$	(2,425	)	$	—		Other (income) expenses, net
Loss on substantial liquidation of subsidiaries (e)	662			—			Gain on sale of discontinued business
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	(550	)	$	(374	)	Product revenues
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	44			—			Cost of services and products sold
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	1,219			1,264			Interest expense
Interest rate swaps	(520		)	(1,108		)	Interest expense
Interest rate swaps	2,741			—			Income from discontinued businesses
Total before tax	2,934			(218		)
Tax benefit	(990		)	(147		)
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	1,944		$	(365	)


(d)	These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of NPPC. See Note 9, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional information.


(e)	No tax impact.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Restricted cash		$ 2,473	$ 2,886
SBB [Member]
Customer [Line Items]
Change in Margin	2.00%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Warranty activity
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$ 5,243	$ 5,486	$ 6,001
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	4,134	3,837	4,533
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(2,748)	(3,320)	(3,428)
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition	0	249	0
Warranties paid	(649)	(942)	(1,637)
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(60)	(67)	17
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	5,920	5,243	5,486
Self-insurance
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance expense from continuing operations	15,400	13,500	16,000
Decrease in pre-tax insurance expense due to retrospective insurance reserve adjustments from continuing operations	1,500	2,000	$ 1,500
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims	28,700	60,300
Liabilities covered by insurance carriers	$ 3,700	$ 34,200

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)	Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum typical term of foreign currency forward exchange contracts (in days)	90 days

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Right-of-use assets, net	$ 52,065	$ 34,000	$ 0
Stranded income tax effects		21,000
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 49,518	$ 34,200

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands, £ in Millions							1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2019 USD ($) facility	Jun. 28, 2019 USD ($) facility	Jun. 28, 2019 USD ($) facility permit	Jun. 28, 2019 USD ($) facility	Jun. 28, 2019 USD ($) facility TSDF_permits	Jun. 28, 2019 USD ($) facility RCRA_permits	Jan. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2019 USD ($)	May 31, 2018 GBP (£)	May 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2019 USD ($)	May 31, 2018 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number Of Permits Acquired \| permit			200
Interest expense											$ (36,586)	$ (21,531)	$ (26,862)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired											623,495	56,389	0
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses											658,414	0	0
Clean Earth
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred				$ 625,000
Purchase price				628,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Post-Closing Period	5 years
Estimated preliminary fair value	$ 8,000	$ 8,000	$ 8,000	$ 8,000	$ 8,000	$ 8,000
Number of Stores \| facility	27	27	27	27	27	27
Number Of Permits Acquired		1			6	9
Tax deductible Goodwill (less than)	$ 16,300	$ 16,300	$ 16,300	$ 16,300	$ 16,300	$ 16,300
Costs associated with the acquisition											15,200
Altek
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price										$ 57,400
Estimated preliminary fair value															$ 12,100
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired									£ 45	$ 60,000
Additional contingent consideration									£ 25						$ 33,000
Harsco Industrial \| Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Corporate Overhead											4,000	5,600	$ 5,600
Harsco Industrial Patterson-Kelley [Member] \| Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Net Gain on Disposal, After Tax								$ 41,200
Disposal Group, Net Gain on Disposal								33,000
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses								$ 60,000
Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers Business [Member] \| Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration														$ 600,000
Disposal Group, Net Gain on Disposal, After Tax														527,900
Disposal Group, Net Gain on Disposal														$ 421,000
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Harsco Industrial IKG [Member] \| Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses							$ 85,000
Acquisition-related Costs [Member] \| Clean Earth
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest expense											$ (18,000)	$ (36,000)

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Summary of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Final Valuation
Goodwill	$ 738,369			$ 404,713		$ 394,919
Clean Earth
Final Valuation
Intangible assets	242,200		$ 261,100
Altek
Final Valuation
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 1,700			$ 1,700
Net working capital		(1,300)			(1,500)
Property, plant and equipment		3,300			3,300
Intangible assets		52,700			52,500
Goodwill		22,500			20,900
Net deferred tax liabilities		(8,500)			(8,500)
Other liabilities		(300)			(300)
Total identifiable net assets of Altek		70,100			$ 68,100
Measurement Period Adjustments
Net working capital		200
Intangible assets		200
Goodwill		1,600
Total identifiable net assets of Altek		$ 2,000
Clean Earth
Final Valuation
Goodwill	330,230			$ 0		$ 0
Measurement Period Adjustments
Intangible assets	(18,900)
Clean Earth \| Clean Earth
Final Valuation
Cash and cash equivalents	3,600		42,800
Property, plant and equipment	77,300		75,600
Intangible assets	242,200		261,100
Goodwill	330,200		313,800
Net deferred tax liabilities	(45,800)		(51,200)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Trade Receivables	62,500		63,700
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Receivables	2,100		800
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other	7,300		8,700
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	25,800		14,400
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets	1,000		4,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable	(23,100)		(23,000)
Business Combination, Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Payable	(100)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Acquisition Consideration Payable	0		(39,200)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other	(19,300)		(18,000)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed, Lease Obligation	(19,500)		(11,100)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other	(8,600)		(6,500)
Total identifiable net assets of Altek	635,700		$ 635,900
Measurement Period Adjustments
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Cash	(39,200)
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment	(1,200)
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment, Other Receivables	1,300
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Other Current Assets	(1,400)
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment	1,700
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Right of Use Asset	11,400
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Other Assets	(3,000)
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Acquisition Consideration Payable	39,200
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Other Current Liabilities	(1,300)
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Net deferred Taxes Liability	5,400
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Operating lease liabilities	(8,400)
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Other Liabilities	(2,100)
Intangible assets	(18,900)
Goodwill	16,400
Total identifiable net assets of Altek	$ (200)

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Summary of Intangible Assets and Amortization Periods (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Clean Earth
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Customer Relationships		$ (12.9)
Business Combination Provisional Information Initial Accounting Incomplete Adjustment Permits		(6.0)
Measurement Period Adjustments		(18.9)
Clean Earth
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total identifiable intangible assets of Altek	$ 261.1	242.2
Clean Earth \| Permits And Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period	18 years
Total identifiable intangible assets of Altek	$ 176.1	170.1
Clean Earth \| Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period	7 years 6 months
Total identifiable intangible assets of Altek	$ 33.4	20.5
Clean Earth \| Air Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period	26 years 6 months
Total identifiable intangible assets of Altek	$ 25.6	25.6
Clean Earth \| Trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period	11 years 6 months
Total identifiable intangible assets of Altek	$ 26.0	26.0
Clean Earth \| Clean Earth
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total identifiable intangible assets of Altek	$ 261.1	242.2
Measurement Period Adjustments		$ (18.9)

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Contingent Consideration Liability [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 3,100
Payment	(525)
Fair value adjustment	825
Balance, end of period	3,400	$ 3,100
Altek
Contingent Consideration Liability [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	8,420	0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Recognition Of Contingent Consideration	0	10,097
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change In Amount Of Contingent Consideration, Measurement Period Adjustment	0	1,958
Fair value adjustment	(8,506)	(2,939)
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change In Amount Of Contingent Consideration, Foreign Currency Translation	86	(696)
Balance, end of period	$ 0	$ 8,420

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gain on Sale from discontinued business	$ (569,135)
Clean Earth
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	1,635,900	$ 1,614,600
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	517,600	$ 116,100
Gain on Sale from discontinued business	$ 453,600

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	$ 11,344	$ 39,410
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] \| Harsco Industrial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net	10,982	44,786
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Receivables, Current	78	412
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current	9,838	16,926
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Contract With Customer, Asset, Net, Current	0	12,124
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current	655	984
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent	20,703	37,107
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Right-Of-Use Assets, Noncurrent	11,230	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Noncurrent	0	6,839
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Noncurrent	0	10,618
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Assets	0	563
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent	96	204
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	53,582	130,563
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current	5,060	24,426
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current	2,324	7,385
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Revenue, Current	1,168	1,910
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Lease, Liability, Current	1,575	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current	1,218	5,689
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	9,837	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	2,314	555
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	$ 23,496	$ 39,965

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Summary of Key Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Income from discontinued businesses			$ 569,135,000	$ 0	$ 0
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax			27,531,000	43,942,000	20,379,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		$ (2,300,000)	7,704,000	1,127,000	2,265,000
Air-cooled heat exchangers
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Loss on early extinguishment of debt			(5,300,000)
Harsco Industrial \| Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue			306,972,000	374,707,000	299,592,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold			224,811,000	276,198,000	225,163,000
Income from discontinued businesses			569,135,000	0	0
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax			27,823,000	43,593,000	20,049,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense			8,429,000	0	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense			11,237,000	16,613,000	20,689,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt			(5,314,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Interest rate swaps \| Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ (2,700,000)		$ (2,741,000)

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Summary of Cash Flow Information (Details) - Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] - Harsco Industrial - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization, Discontinued Operations	$ 3,301	$ 7,729	$ 7,360
Capital Expenditure, Discontinued Operations	$ 8,372	$ 7,561	$ 6,895

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 323,502	$ 251,013
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(13,512)	(4,586)
Trade accounts receivable, net	309,990	246,427
Insurance claim receivable	0	30,000
Other receivables	21,265	23,770
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	7,507	380	$ 5,211
Inventories
Finished goods	14,550	11,892
Work-in-process	13,088	20,839
Raw materials and purchased parts	104,488	61,547
Stores and supplies	24,865	21,907
Total inventories	156,991	116,185
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	101,465	66,650
FIFO basis	7,473	5,719
Average cost basis	48,053	43,816
Total inventories	156,991	116,185
Excess of inventories valued at current costs over LIFO	0	23,000
Change in income as a result of LIFO basis inventory valuation over FIFO basis valuation	0	600	400
Provision for Loss on Contracts	6,400
Contract estimated forward loss provision for Harsco Rail Segment		1,800		$ 45,100
Revenues	1,503,742	1,347,672	1,307,470
SBB [Member]
Valued at lower of cost or market:
Revenues	$ 23,400	$ 24,200	$ 42,500
Contract 2 \| SBB [Member]
Valued at lower of cost or market:
Percentage Complete	42.00%

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment		$ 1,806,603	$ 1,696,729
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,244,817)	(1,263,936)
Property, plant and equipment, net		561,786	432,793	$ 444,683
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment		30,409	10,143
Land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment		19,155	15,961
Land improvements \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Land improvements \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment		182,795	163,037
Buildings and improvements \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Buildings and improvements \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	40 years
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment		1,518,652	1,470,620
Machinery and equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years
Machinery and equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years
Uncompleted construction
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment		$ 55,592	$ 36,968

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 404,713	$ 394,919
Changes to goodwill	330,230	22,518
Foreign currency translation	3,426	(12,724)
Balance at the end of the period	738,369	404,713
Harsco Environmental
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	391,687	381,893
Changes to goodwill	0	22,518
Foreign currency translation	3,426	(12,724)
Balance at the end of the period	395,113	391,687
Clean Earth
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	0
Changes to goodwill	330,230	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	330,230	0
Harsco Rail
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	13,026	13,026
Changes to goodwill	0	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 13,026	$ 13,026

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 412,657	$ 170,586
Accumulated Amortization	113,575	101,379
Intangible assets, net	299,082	69,207
Amortization expense for intangible assets	15,500	5,900	$ 3,300
Estimated amortization expense for the next five years
2020	23,500
2021	22,400
2022	22,000
2023	22,000
2024	22,000
Customer related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	143,996	122,378
Accumulated Amortization	99,327	93,577
Permits And Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	170,322	0
Accumulated Amortization	4,694	0
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	249	2,598
Accumulated Amortization	168	2,503
Technology related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	36,467	35,831
Accumulated Amortization	5,635	2,681
Trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	31,719	5,565
Accumulated Amortization	2,182	682
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	3,765	4,214
Accumulated Amortization	1,158	1,936
Air Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	26,139	0
Accumulated Amortization	$ 411	$ 0

Debt and Credit Agreements - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 778,164	$ 592,151
Long-term Debt, Gross	795,015	605,394
Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net	16,851	13,243
Current maturities of long-term debt	2,666	6,489
Long-term debt	775,498	585,662
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	67,000	62,000
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current maturities of long-term debt		5,400
Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	218,188	541,788
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	9,827	1,606
5.75% notes due May 15,2018 \| Senior Notes
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 500,000	$ 0

Debt and Credit Agreements - Schedule of Maturities of Long Term Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2021	$ 2,191
2022	1,956
2023	1,846
2024	$ 286,354

Debt and Credit Agreements - Narrative (Details)		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Debt and Credit Agreements - Narrative (Details)	May 31, 2019	Jul. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities									$ 27,600,000	$ 34,200,000	$ 44,300,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt							$ (2,300,000)		7,704,000	1,127,000	2,265,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant Minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, Numerator						3.0
Payments of Financing Costs									11,272,000	596,000	$ 42,000
Short-term borrowings									$ 3,647,000	$ 10,078,000
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time									5.60%	3.00%
Maximum \| LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate									2.25%
Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Floor						1.00%
Term Loan \| New Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		$ 320,900,000
Principle amount												$ 550,000,000
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost		$ 5,300,000
Term Loan \| Fixed-Rate Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principle amount									$ 200,000,000.0				$ 300,000,000.0
Term Loan \| Fixed-Rate Term Loan \| LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate										2.12%
Term Loan \| Fixed-Rate Term Loan \| LIBOR \| Forecast
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate								3.12%
Unsecured Debt [Member] \| Senior Unsecured Notes 5.75%, Due 2027 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross			$ 9,000,000.0		$ 9,000,000.0
Principle amount			$ 500,000,000.0		$ 500,000,000.0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			5.75%		5.75%
Bridge Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Payments of Financing Costs					$ 6,700,000
Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity									$ 700,000,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant Minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, Numerator									4.5
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net			$ 200,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 700,000,000		$ 700,000,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant Minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, Numerator	3.5		4.5
Gains (Losses) on Restructuring of Debt									$ 1,000,000.0
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross									$ 2,600,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Floor									0.00%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Forecast
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant Minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, Numerator				4.0
Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum \| Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate									0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum \| LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate									1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum \| Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate									1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum \| LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate									2.25%

Debt and Credit Agreements - Outstanding Amounts Under Revolving Credit Facility (Details) - Line of Credit [Member] $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 607,648
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	700,000
Long-term Line of Credit	67,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 25,352

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References + Details

Leases - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Payments		$ 15,143
Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability		1,317
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability	$ 34,000	65,525
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability		$ 2,658
Clean Earth
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability	$ 25,800

Leases - Supplemental Income Statement Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization	$ 1,234
Finance Lease, Interest Expense	50
Operating Lease, Cost	16,083
Short-term Lease, Cost	22,281
Variable Lease, Cost	1,189
Sublease Income	(198)
Lease, Cost	$ 40,639

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets, net	$ 52,065	$ 34,000	$ 0
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	12,544		0
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	36,974		$ 0
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	3,519
Finance Lease, Liability, Current	1,237
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	$ 2,218

Leases - Supplemental Lease Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	11 years 6 months 25 days
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	4 years 3 days
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	6.30%
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.20%

Leases - Schedule of Future Lease Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	$ 15,045
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	1,360
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	11,159
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	908
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	7,166
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	655
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	5,044
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	2,991
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	477
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	31,932
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	3
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	312
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	73,337
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due	3,715
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	(23,819)
Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	(260)
Operating Lease, Liability	49,518	$ 34,200
Finance Lease, Liability	$ 3,455

Leases - Schedule of Future Minimum Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Operating leases
2019	$ 10,761
2020	8,938
2021	6,235
2022	4,602
2023	3,083
After 2023	$ 17,170

Leases - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
Leases - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating And Finance Leases, Excluding Short Term Leases, Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term	30 years 9 months 18 days
Operating And Finance Leases, Excluding Short Term Leases, Renewal Option	10 years

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
U.S. Plans
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Discretionary contributions	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	39,000	42,000	43,000
Interest cost	10,551,000	9,562,000	9,878,000
Expected return on plan assets	(10,297,000)	(12,068,000)	(10,485,000)
Recognized prior service costs	0	1,000	33,000
Recognized losses	5,585,000	5,207,000	5,701,000
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	129,000	285,000	0
Defined benefit plans pension cost	6,007,000	3,029,000	5,170,000
Defined contribution plans	4,178,000	3,466,000	3,021,000
Net periodic pension cost, U.S. Plans	$ 10,912,000	7,181,000	8,841,000
U.S. Plans \| Maximum
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	4.00%
U.S. Plans \| Multiemployer Plans, Pension, Domestic [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Multiemployer plans	$ 727,000	686,000	650,000
International Plans
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Additional contribution towards insurance and administrative costs (as a percent)	2.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 1,447,000	1,669,000	1,724,000
Interest cost	22,280,000	21,589,000	21,459,000
Expected return on plan assets	(37,430,000)	(42,685,000)	(40,469,000)
Recognized prior service costs	326,000	(140,000)	186,000
Recognized losses	14,345,000	14,807,000	16,283,000
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	19,000	(36,000)	(20,000)
Defined benefit plans pension cost	987,000	(4,796,000)	(837,000)
Defined contribution plans	6,031,000	5,608,000	5,905,000
Net periodic pension cost, International Plans	$ 8,185,000	2,125,000	6,374,000
International Plans \| Maximum
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	6.00%
International Plans \| Multiemployer Plans, Pension, Domestic [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Multiemployer plans	$ 1,167,000	$ 1,313,000	$ 1,306,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Noncurrent liabilities	$ 189,954	$ 213,578
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	$ 12,152	$ 555
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.20%	2.80%	3.10%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	5.90%	6.00%	6.20%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	5.60%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	2.40%	3.20%
U.S. Plans \| Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 286,027	$ 314,861
Service cost	39	42	$ 43
Interest cost	10,551	9,562	9,878
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Amendments	0	0
Actuarial loss	20,064	(21,474)
Settlements/curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	(15,842)	(16,964)
Effect of foreign currency	0	0
Change in benefit obligation, Acquisition	6,146
Change in benefit obligation, Infrastructure transaction		0
Benefit obligation at end of year	294,693	286,027	314,861
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	205,388	229,941
Actual return on plan assets	37,665	(17,883)
Employer contributions	8,306	10,294
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Settlements/curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	(15,842)	(16,964)
Effect of foreign currency	0	0
Acquisitions/divestitures	(9,249)	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	226,268	205,388	$ 229,941
Funded status at end of year	(68,425)	(80,639)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Noncurrent assets	0	1,953
Current liabilities	1,980	1,954
Noncurrent liabilities	64,465	80,638
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	1,980	0
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	133,806	149,326
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	133,806	149,326
Prior service cost	0	0
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	133,806	$ 149,326
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	5,085
Prior service cost	0
Total	5,085
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	11,200
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2020	25,700
2021	17,500
2022	17,600
2023	17,500
2024	17,400
2025-2029	$ 84,700
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	4.20%	3.50%	4.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.30%	7.30%	7.30%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.20%	4.20%
Highest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve universe (as a percent)	10.00%
Lowest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve universe (as a percent)	10.00%
International Plans \| Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 874,679	$ 1,015,586
Service cost	1,447	1,669	$ 1,724
Interest cost	22,280	21,589	21,459
Plan participants' contributions	36	49
Amendments	1,254	11,238
Actuarial loss	93,330	(78,658)
Settlements/curtailments	(343)	(313)
Benefits paid	(37,396)	(37,721)
Effect of foreign currency	33,010	(58,760)
Change in benefit obligation, Acquisition		0
Change in benefit obligation, Infrastructure transaction	9
Benefit obligation at end of year	988,288	874,679	1,015,586
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	744,538	842,717
Actual return on plan assets	108,235	(30,004)
Employer contributions	21,121	18,415
Plan participants' contributions	36	49
Settlements/curtailments	(343)	(313)
Benefits paid	(37,217)	(37,570)
Effect of foreign currency	28,275	(48,756)
Acquisitions/divestitures	(9)	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	864,636	744,538	$ 842,717
Funded status at end of year	(123,652)	(130,141)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Noncurrent assets	987	2,379
Current liabilities	697	643
Noncurrent liabilities	123,942	131,876
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	0	0
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	415,781	391,849
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	408,709	384,666
Prior service cost	7,072	7,183
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	415,781	$ 391,849
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	15,137
Prior service cost	392
Total	15,529
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	22,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2020	38,900
2021	39,800
2022	40,200
2023	41,300
2024	42,100
2025-2029	$ 224,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	2.90%	2.60%	2.80%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	5.50%	5.60%	5.90%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	5.20%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	2.10%	2.90%

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) - Pension Plan $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) market	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	5.60%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	5.90%	6.00%	6.20%
International, Other Than United Kingdom [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets				5.00%
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation				$ 294,700	$ 286,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation				294,700	279,200
Accumulated benefit obligation				294,700	279,200
Fair value of plan assets				$ 226,300	$ 196,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Number of capital market results simulated in the model for expected return on plan assets \| market	1,000
Period for which results of capital markets are simulated	20 years
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.30%	7.30%	7.30%
Number of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets \| shares				360,000	450,000
Value of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets				$ 8,300	$ 8,900
Fair values of plan assets	$ 226,268	$ 229,941	$ 229,941	$ 226,268	$ 205,388
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	205,388	229,941
Employer contributions	8,306	10,294
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	226,268	205,388	$ 229,941
U.S. Plans \| Domestic equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				30.80%	30.60%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	8,937	8,937		$ 8,285	$ 8,937
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	8,937
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,285	8,937
U.S. Plans \| Domestic equity securities \| Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				27.00%
U.S. Plans \| Domestic equity securities \| Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				37.00%
U.S. Plans \| Domestic mutual funds—equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	54,002	54,002		$ 61,346	$ 54,002
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	54,002
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	61,346	54,002
U.S. Plans \| International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				25.30%	22.00%
U.S. Plans \| International equity securities \| Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				20.00%
U.S. Plans \| International equity securities \| Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				30.00%
U.S. Plans \| International equities—mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	45,195	45,195		$ 57,188	$ 45,195
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	45,195
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	57,188	45,195
U.S. Plans \| Harsco common stock
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				3.70%	4.40%
U.S. Plans \| Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				34.80%	42.90%
U.S. Plans \| Fixed income securities \| Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				35.00%
U.S. Plans \| Fixed income securities \| Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				45.00%
U.S. Plans \| Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	88,107	88,107		$ 78,685	$ 88,107
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	88,107
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	78,685	88,107
U.S. Plans \| Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				8.30%	3.80%
U.S. Plans \| Other \| Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				0.00%
U.S. Plans \| Other \| Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				10.00%
U.S. Plans \| Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	7,703	7,703		$ 8,764	$ 7,703
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,703
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,764	7,703
U.S. Plans \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				0.80%	0.70%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	1,444	1,444		$ 1,816	$ 1,444
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,444
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,816	1,444
U.S. Plans \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				0.00%
U.S. Plans \| Partnership [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	10,184			$ 10,184
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	10,184
U.S. Plans \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	205,388	205,388		216,084	205,388
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	205,388
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	216,084	205,388
U.S. Plans \| Level 1 \| Domestic equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	8,937	8,937		8,285	8,937
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	8,937
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,285	8,937
U.S. Plans \| Level 1 \| Domestic mutual funds—equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	54,002	54,002		61,346	54,002
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	54,002
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	61,346	54,002
U.S. Plans \| Level 1 \| International equities—mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	45,195	45,195		57,188	45,195
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	45,195
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	57,188	45,195
U.S. Plans \| Level 1 \| Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	88,107	88,107		78,685	88,107
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	88,107
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	78,685	88,107
U.S. Plans \| Level 1 \| Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	7,703	7,703		8,764	7,703
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,703
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,764	7,703
U.S. Plans \| Level 1 \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	1,444	1,444		1,816	1,444
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,444
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,816	$ 1,444
U.S. Plans \| Level 1 \| Partnership [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0			0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0
U.S. Plans \| Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	10,184			10,184
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	10,184
U.S. Plans \| Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] \| Partnership [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	10,184			10,184
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 10,184
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation				982,700	869,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation				966,300	831,700
Accumulated benefit obligation				961,100	828,900
Fair value of plan assets				841,900	701,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	5.20%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	5.50%	5.60%	5.90%
Fair values of plan assets	$ 864,636	$ 842,717	$ 842,717	$ 864,636	$ 744,538
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	744,538	842,717
Employer contributions	21,121	18,415
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	864,636	744,538	$ 842,717
International Plans \| Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				31.60%	29.20%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				29.00%
International Plans \| Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	217,321	217,321		$ 273,568	$ 217,321
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	217,321
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	273,568	217,321
International Plans \| Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				48.50%	50.70%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				50.00%
International Plans \| Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	372,094	372,094		$ 413,249	$ 372,094
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	372,094
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	413,249	372,094
International Plans \| Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	5,620	5,620		$ 5,705	$ 5,620
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	5,620
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	5,705	5,620
International Plans \| Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				19.60%	19.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				21.00%
International Plans \| Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	147,313	147,313		$ 169,886	$ 147,313
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	147,313
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	169,886	147,313
International Plans \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				0.30%	0.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation (less than 5% for Cash and cash equivalents)				0.00%
Fair values of plan assets	2,190	2,190		$ 2,228	$ 2,190
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,190
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,228	2,190
International Plans \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	2,190	2,190		2,228	2,190
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,190
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,228	2,190
International Plans \| Level 1 \| Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans \| Level 1 \| Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans \| Level 1 \| Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets				0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0
International Plans \| Level 1 \| Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans \| Level 1 \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	2,190	2,190		2,228	2,190
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,190
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,228	2,190
International Plans \| Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	742,348	742,348		862,408	742,348
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	742,348
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	862,408	742,348
International Plans \| Level 2 \| Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	217,321	217,321		273,568	217,321
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	217,321
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	273,568	217,321
International Plans \| Level 2 \| Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	372,094	372,094		413,249	372,094
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	372,094
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	413,249	372,094
International Plans \| Level 2 \| Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	5,620	5,620		5,705	5,620
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	5,620
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	5,705	5,620
International Plans \| Level 2 \| Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	147,313	147,313		169,886	147,313
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	147,313
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	169,886	147,313
International Plans \| Level 2 \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0		$ 0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 0	$ 0
United Kingdom
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	5.20%	5.50%
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets				95.00%

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Contributions By The Company	$ 1.9	$ 2.0	$ 2.0

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act of 2017, Impact Including Lower Tax Rate, On U.S. Income Tax Expense		$ 0.21
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense	$ 0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income
U.S.		(13,934,000)	$ 28,281,000	$ (9,235,000)
International		70,405,000	85,368,000	84,637,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income		56,471,000	113,649,000	75,402,000
Currently payable:
U.S. federal		903,000	(7,000)	654,000
U.S. state		233,000	177,000	54,000
International		23,775,000	17,127,000	19,763,000
Total income taxes currently payable		24,911,000	17,297,000	20,471,000
Deferred U.S. federal		(5,924,000)	1,854,000	46,372,000
Deferred U.S. state		(1,303,000)	(10,911,000)	1,121,000
Deferred international		2,530,000	(2,741,000)	10,226,000
Total income tax expense from continuing operations		20,214,000	5,499,000	78,190,000
Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on gain or loss from discontinued business		$ 115,600,000	$ 26,800,000	$ 24,900,000

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act of 2017, Impact Including Lower Tax Rate, On U.S. Income Tax Expense	$ 0.21
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Amount	1,643,000	$ (11,686,000)	$ 49,811,000
Foreign earnings before tax	70,405,000	85,368,000	84,637,000
Differences on international earnings and remittances	9,600,000	5,400,000
Total international income tax expense	23,775,000	17,127,000	19,763,000
Provisional tax expense from revaluing the U.S. ending net deferred tax assets		11,700,000
Operating loss carryforwards	85,378,000	81,755,000
Capital loss carryforwards	0	9,759,000
Valuation Allowance	127,074,000	137,450,000
Valuation allowance related to foreign tax credit carryfowards		15,200,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Decrease Due to Altek Acquisition		13,600,000
Increase from foreign currency translation		8,700,000
Interest and penalties recognized	300,000	200,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	1,200,000	900,000	$ 1,100,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	300,000
Valuation allowance adjustment related to the acquisition of Altek		8,300,000
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	26,300,000	14,400,000
International operations
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	66,500,000
Operating loss carryforwards not subject to expiration	57,000,000.0
Operating losses subject to expiration	9,500,000
U.S. state
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	12,900,000
U.S. state \| Tax Years 2029 Through 2033
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	3,200,000
United States
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Differences on international earnings and remittances	$ 1,000,000.0	$ 3,500,000

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
U.S. federal income tax expense	$ 11,859	$ 23,866	$ 26,391
U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(274)	566	642
U.S. other domestic deductions and credits	(1,322)	(2,407)	(364)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential and Repatriation of Foreign Earnings	(9,550)	(5,394)	(647)
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	310	(1,180)	(1,518)
Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,343	(6,937)	1,983
U.S. non-deductible expenses	2,554	1,128	609
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Amount	1,643	(11,686)	49,811
State deferred tax rate change	(3,353)	0	623
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Foreign derived intangible income deduction	0	(2,366)	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Expense (Benefit), Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount	(3,064)	(736)	(346)
Other, net	(32)	(143)	(288)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 20,214	$ 5,499	$ 78,190
Annual effective income tax rate	35.80%	4.80%	103.70%
International	$ 70,405	$ 85,368	$ 84,637
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	26,300	14,400
Differences on international earnings and remittances	9,600	5,400
U.S.	(13,934)	28,281	$ (9,235)
Provisional tax expense from revaluing the U.S. ending net deferred tax assets		11,700
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Increase (Decrease) From Prior Year	$ 6,100	$ 8,900

Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
U.S.	$ 13,934	$ (28,281)	$ 9,235
Interest and penalties recognized	300	200
Asset
Depreciation and amortization (a)	0	0
Expense accruals	18,421	18,827
Inventories	4,568	3,071
Provision for receivables	1,109	689
Operating loss carryforwards	85,378	81,755
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	24,219	25,814
Capital loss carryforwards	0	9,759
Pensions	38,766	40,442
Currency adjustments	462	3,796
Post-retirement benefits	411	471
Stock based compensation	6,572	5,832
Other	0	5,477
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	769
Subtotal	179,906	195,933
Valuation allowance	(127,074)	(137,450)
Total deferred income taxes	52,832	58,483
Liability
Depreciation and amortization (a)	58,229	8,714
Deferred revenue	3,222	3,122
Deferred financing costs	566	2,226
Total deferred income taxes	62,786	14,062
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets	14,288	48,551
Other liabilities	24,242	$ 4,130
Sale of Businesses Reduction of Tax Paid, Change in Capital Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards, State Net Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards	12,500
Merger and Liquidation of Foreign Dormant Entities, Valuation Allowance Reduction, Reduction to Deferred Tax Assets	5,600
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	7,900
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Asset
Operating loss carryforwards	6,000
International operations
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards not subject to expiration	57,000
Asset
Operating loss carryforwards	66,500
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Operating losses subject to expiration	9,500
U.S. state
Asset
Operating loss carryforwards	12,900
U.S. state \| Tax Years 2020 Through 2024 [Member]
Asset
Operating loss carryforwards	3,300
U.S. state \| Tax Years 2025 Through 2029 [Member]
Asset
Operating loss carryforwards	1,900
U.S. state \| Tax Years 2030 Through 2034
Asset
Operating loss carryforwards	3,200
U.S. state \| Tax Years 2035 Through 2039 [Member]
Asset
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 4,500

Income Taxes (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 2,422	$ 3,623	$ 4,582
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	414	196	658
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	681
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years			(321)
Statutes of limitations expirations	(326)	(1,397)	(1,296)
Settlements	(62)
Balance at the end of the period	3,129	2,422	3,623
Reconciliation of Deferred Income Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(26)	(31)	(30)
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	(7)	(1)	(2)
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	0
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years			0
Statutes of limitation expirations	2	6	1
Settlements	9
Balance at the end of the period	(22)	(26)	(31)
Reconciliation of Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	2,396	3,592	4,552
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	407	195	656
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	681
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years			(321)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(324)	(1,391)	(1,295)
Settlements	(53)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 3,107	$ 2,396	$ 3,592

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Aug. 31, 2005 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) claim defendant case	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 01, 2019 USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2019 BRL (R$)	Mar. 19, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 19, 2019 BRL (R$)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party		$ 195,000,000
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies		$ 7,000,000.0
Penalties per day					$ 6,000	R$ 25,000	$ 1,300	R$ 5,000
Penalties					2,500,000	10,000,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners		35.00%
Loss contingency, Brazilian labor claims
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims		$ 6,500,000							$ 7,100,000
Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| claim		17,142
Loss provision		$ 0
Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants \| defendant		90
Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number \| case		28,227
Other \| Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value		$ 20,000,000
Other \| Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value		$ 25,000,000
Pending Litigation, Active Or In Extremis Docket \| Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| claim		45
Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority \| Value-Added Tax Assessments January 2004 To May 2005
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Principal Amount		$ 2,000,000
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount		21,000,000
Loss Contingency, Reduced Penalty		2,000,000
Loss Contingency, Reduced Penalty, Including Interest		9,000,000
Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority \| Value-Added Tax Assessments January 2002 To December 2003
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Principal Amount	$ 1,500,000
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount	4,800,000
Loss Contingency, Reduced Penalty		1,200,000
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 6,300,000	12,000,000
Loss provision		$ 0
New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court \| Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| case		16,595
New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court \| Pending And Future Litigation, Deferred Or Inactive Docket \| Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| claim		16,550
New York State Supreme Court, Counties Excluding New York County [Member] \| Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| case		117
Courts Located In States Other Than New York \| Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims \| case		430
NETHERLANDS
Commitments and Contingencies
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount		$ 500,000
Allegheny County Health Department [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount		107,020
Pennsylvania Department Of Environmental Protection, Processed Slag [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims		$ 400,000
Consolidated Revenue, Net [Member] \| Subsidiary Concentration Risk [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies
Concentration risk			2.00%	2.00%
CSN [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies
Penalties per day					$ 25,000	R$ 100,000		R$ 20,000

Capital Stock (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Common stock authorized (in shares)	150,000,000
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	4,000,000
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Preferred stock authorized, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0

Capital Stock (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common Stock
Shares outstanding at the beginning of the period	114,720,347	113,473,951	112,888,126	112,499,874
Treasury stock, shares	36,205,589	33,928,928	32,434,274	32,324,911
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	78,514,758	79,545,023	80,453,852	80,174,963
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	321,965	545,908	375,355
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other	908,566
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights (in shares)	15,865	39,917	12,897
Treasury shares purchased	0	0
Shares outstanding at the end of the period	114,720,347	113,473,951	112,888,126
Treasury Stock, Shares	36,205,589	33,928,928	32,434,274
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	78,514,758	79,545,023	80,453,852
Reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (in dollars)	$ 28,231	$ 100,578	$ (6,810)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	79,632,000	80,716,000	80,553,000
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	1,743,000	2,879,000	0
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted (in shares)	81,375,000	83,595,000	80,553,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 1.25	$ (0.08)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	$ 0.35	$ 1.20	$ (0.08)
Treasury Stock
Common Stock
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	125,863	161,774	105,431
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other	379,353
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights (in shares)	4,619	11,808	3,932
Treasury shares purchased	1,766,826	1,321,072	0
Outstanding Shares
Common Stock
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	196,102	384,134	269,924
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other	529,213
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights (in shares)	11,246	28,109	8,965
Treasury shares purchased	1,766,826	1,321,072

Capital Stock (Details 3) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Capital Stock (Details 3) - shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	0	934
Stock options
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	0	52
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	491	306	1,737
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	124	0	948

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)			277,307
Restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	494,882		494,882
Granted (in shares)			277,307
Forfeited (in shares)			(70,391)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)			465,584	494,882
Additional disclosures
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		$ 0
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)			285,075
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 22.40
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			$ 4,470,000	$ 4,174,000	$ 3,925,000
Restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	583,380		583,380
Granted (in shares)			285,075
Vested (in shares)			(348,572)
Forfeited (in shares)			(53,274)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)			466,609	583,380
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 15.08		$ 15.08
Granted (in dollars per share)			22.40
Vested (in dollars per share)			13.38
Forfeited (in dollars per share)			20.01
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)			$ 20.26	$ 15.08
Additional disclosures
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense			$ 5,400,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition			1 year 10 months 24 days
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance			7,800,000
Number of shares available for grant			2,600,000
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan \| Equity Awards, Other Than Options And Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized			4,600,000
Number of shares available for grant			1,500,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance			400,000
Number of shares available for grant			158,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan \| Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Granted (in shares)			14,211	43,821	56,203	109,998
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 25.33	$ 20.54	$ 13.70	$ 7.00
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)			14,211	43,821	56,203	109,998
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 25.33	$ 20.54	$ 13.70	$ 7.00
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan \| Restricted stock units \| 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			$ 0	$ 0	$ 257,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan \| Restricted stock units \| 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			0	179,000	641,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan \| Restricted stock units \| 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			280,000	511,000	0
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan \| Restricted stock units \| Issue Period Eight [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			$ 240,000	$ 0	$ 0
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan \| Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)			270,864	242,791	286,251	536,773	239,679	190,832
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 22.25	$ 19.93	$ 13.70	$ 7.09	$ 16.53	$ 25.21
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)			270,864	242,791	286,251	536,773	239,679	190,832
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 22.25	$ 19.93	$ 13.70	$ 7.09	$ 16.53	$ 25.21
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan \| Restricted stock units \| 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			$ 0	$ 0	$ 295,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan \| Restricted stock units \| 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			0	193,000	498,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan \| Restricted stock units \| 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			290,000	835,000	909,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan \| Restricted stock units \| 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			832,000	910,000	1,325,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan \| Restricted stock units \| 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			1,208,000	1,546,000	0
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan \| Restricted stock units \| Issue Period Eight [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense			$ 1,620,000	$ 0	$ 0

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Appreciation Rights) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 30, 2018
Number of Shares
Granted (in shares)								229,344
SARS exercised, shares								(43,594)
Forfeited (in shares)								(22,977)
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)								1,458,484
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares								449,736
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)								$ 16.44
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms								6 years 3 months 29 days
Number of exercisable options (in shares)								1,458,484
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)								$ 15.33
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)								277,307
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)								465,584	494,882
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period								(70,391)
$7.00-$13.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)								624,693
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares								83,654
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)								$ 9.42
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms								6 years 7 months 24 days
Number of exercisable options (in shares)								624,693
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)								$ 8.85
$16.53 - $22.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)								584,950
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares								361,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)								$ 19.45
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms								6 years 7 months 6 days
Number of exercisable options (in shares)								584,950
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)								$ 18.23
$23.03 - $26.92
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)								248,841
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares								5,082
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)								$ 24.78
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms								4 years 5 months 12 days
Number of exercisable options (in shares)								248,841
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)								$ 24.79
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)						3 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Recognized stock-based compensation expense							$ 0				$ 0
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense									$ 0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Stock options exercised							0				0
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised							$ 0				$ 0
Stock options \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period (in years)						7 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercised in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price								$ 15.87
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.84%	2.52%	2.87%	2.69%	2.17%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected life	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Volatility (as a percent)	47.10%	46.20%	44.70%	44.60%	43.90%
SAR grant price (usd per share)		$ 22.51		$ 19.80	$ 13.70	$ 22.51	$ 19.80					$ 27.39	$ 24.65
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)						1,745,447		1,745,447
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)								1,908,220	1,745,447
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (usd per share)						$ 15.73		$ 15.73
Granted (usd per share)								22.79
Forfeited/expired (usd per share)								26.94
Outstanding at end of period								$ 16.44	$ 15.73
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value								$ 13,000,000.0	$ 8,900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised								300,000	500,000		$ 0
Recognized stock-based compensation expense								1,900,000	$ 1,800,000	$ 1,900,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense								$ 2,400,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition								1 year 9 months 18 days
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)								229,344
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)								449,736	467,478
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)						$ 6.65		$ 6.65
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 12.80	$ 10.62	$ 11.48	$ 9.16	$ 6.13			10.75
Vested (in dollars per share)								5.17
Forfeited (in dollars per share)								12.80
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)								$ 9.32	$ 6.65
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period								(233,842)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period								(13,244)
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)						3 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) \| $7.00-$13.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)						$ 7
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)						13.70
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) \| $16.53 - $22.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)						16.53
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)						22.70
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) \| $23.03 - $26.92
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)						23.03
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)						$ 26.92
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan \| Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period (in years)						10 years
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)	13,244	216,100	7,622	221,818	266,540
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan \| Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)						5 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Performance Stock Units) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Jul. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)							494,882	494,882
Granted (in shares)								277,307
Forfeited (in shares)								(70,391)
Cancellations (in shares)								(22,977)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)								465,584	494,882
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment awary, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Cancellations								236,214
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period							3 years
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.57%	1.75%	2.48%	2.69%	2.36%	1.54%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected Life (Years)	2 years 4 months 28 days	2 years 6 months	2 years 9 months 25 days	2 years 5 months 1 day	2 years 9 months 29 days	2 years 9 months 29 days
Volatility	34.90%	34.30%	33.80%	33.10%	34.70%	34.20%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)	$ 23.38	$ 40.07	$ 29.04	$ 39.06	$ 29.56	$ 17.05		$ 28.51
Recognized stock-based compensation expense								$ 5.1	$ 4.3	$ 3.2
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense								$ 6.5
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition								1 year 8 months 12 days
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)	38,006	6,189	233,112	6,742	233,266	286,251
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)							$ 23.13	$ 23.13
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 23.38	$ 40.07	$ 29.04	$ 39.06	$ 29.56	$ 17.05		28.51
Forfeited (in dollars per share)								26.23
Cancellations (in dollars per share)								17.05
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)								$ 28.95	$ 23.13
Shares expected to be issued (in shares)								472,428
Performance Stock Units \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout of PSUs (percent of initial grant)								0.00%
Performance Stock Units \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout of PSUs (percent of initial grant)								200.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options) (Details) - Stock options - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Exercised (in shares)		0	0
Recognized stock-based compensation expense		$ 0	$ 0
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense				$ 0
Proceeds from stock options exercised		$ 0	$ 0
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period (in years)	7 years

Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) country	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Pre-tax gains (losses)			$ 7,700,000	$ (9,900,000)	$ 17,400,000
Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit	$ 2,800,000
Fair value of long-term debt			827,200,000	592,000,000.0
Long-term Debt, Gross			795,015,000	$ 605,394,000
Fixed-Rate Term Loan \| Term Loan
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Principle amount			200,000,000.0			$ 300,000,000.0
LIBOR \| Fixed-Rate Term Loan \| Term Loan
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				2.12%
Forecast \| LIBOR \| Fixed-Rate Term Loan \| Term Loan
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		3.12%
Subject to Master Netting Agreements
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Net derivative liability				$ 100,000
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Notional amounts			$ 496,300,000	423,900,000
Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity has currency exposures \| country			30
Maximum \| LIBOR
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			2.25%
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Contingent liability outstanding			$ 281,800,000	$ 285,400,000	$ 275,400,000
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees \| Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Fees paid to various banks and insurance companies on face amount of instruments (as a percent)			0.40%
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees \| Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee term			2 years
Fees paid to various banks and insurance companies on face amount of instruments (as a percent)			3.70%
Net Working Capital Settlement
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee remaining term			1 year
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum			$ 3,000,000
Recognition of potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements			0
Indemnification Agreement
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Recognition of potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements			0
Floating-Rate To Fixed-Rate [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount	100,000,000.0
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation [Member] \| Interest rate swaps
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ (2,700,000)		$ (2,741,000)

Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Outstanding Derivative Contracts Recorded as Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):	$ 2,985	$ 5,018
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	10,252	4,783
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):	2,985	3,559
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	3,873	2,934
Interest rate swaps \| Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):		1,331
Interest rate swaps \| Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):		128
Interest rate swaps \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	2,098
Interest rate swaps \| Other liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	4,281	1,849
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):	2,039	4,429
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	6,519	1,873
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):	2,039	2,970
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	140	24
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swaps \| Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):		1,331
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swaps \| Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):		128
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swaps \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	2,098
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swaps \| Other liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	4,281	1,849
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):	946	589
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	3,733	2,910
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):	946	589
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	3,733	2,910
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swaps \| Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):		0
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swaps \| Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives (Level 2):		0
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swaps \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	0
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swaps \| Other liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives (Level 2)	$ 0	$ 0

Financial Instruments - Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Product revenues		$ 1,503,742	$ 1,347,672	$ 1,307,470
Interest expense		(36,586)	(21,531)	(26,862)
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax		27,531	43,942	20,379
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		(2,934)
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Product revenues / Cost of services and products sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		506
Derivative Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31		6,807	17,262	(23,572)
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Retained Earnings
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Interest rate swaps \| Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax			0
Interest rate swaps \| Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		520
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax			1,108
Interest rate swaps \| Cost of Goods and Service Benchmark [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax			0
Interest rate swaps \| Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ (2,700)	(2,741)
Cross-currency interest rate swaps \| Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax			0	0
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing				0
Cross-currency interest rate swaps \| Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		(1,219)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax			(1,264)	(1,002)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing				(420)
Cross-currency interest rate swaps \| Cost of Goods and Service Benchmark [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax			0	0
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing				0
Cross-currency interest rate swaps \| Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		550
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), before Adjustments and Tax		509
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax			374	936
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing			(440)	(105)
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), before Adjustments and Tax		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax			0	0
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing			0	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Cost of Goods and Service Benchmark [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		(44)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), before Adjustments and Tax		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax			0	18
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing			1	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), before Adjustments and Tax		0
Product
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Product revenues		422,269	392,208	373,188
Cost of services and products sold		305,134	266,792	260,347
Products And Services, Service Revenue [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Cost of services and products sold		$ 839,156	$ 745,748	$ 737,499

Financial Instruments - Effect of Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax		$ (9,478)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax			$ 3,449	$ 2,608
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		2,934
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			(1,738)	48
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax		(1,227)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax			1,935	3,547
Foreign Exchange Forward Two [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax			0	0
Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax			0	0
Interest Rate Swap Two [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax		(8,209)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax			1,451	(734)
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax		(42)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax			63	(205)
Product revenues / Cost of services and products sold \| Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		(506)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			(374)	(954)
Retained Earnings \| Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			(1,520)	0
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation [Member] \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 2,700	2,741
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			0	0
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation [Member] \| Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		0
Interest expense \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		(520)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			(1,108)	0
Interest expense \| Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax		$ 1,219
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			$ 1,264	$ 1,002

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) segment Customer	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) Customer	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues \| $	$ 1,503,742	$ 1,347,672	$ 1,307,470
Number of reportable segments \| segment	3
Number of major customers	1	1,000	1,000
Harsco Environmental
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	1
Harsco Environmental
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers		1	1
Clean Earth
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	0
Harsco Rail
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	1	1	1
All Other
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues \| $	$ 718,663	$ 745,943	$ 736,958
U.S. Plans
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues \| $	640,390	458,383	423,888
United Kingdom
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues \| $	$ 144,689	$ 143,346	$ 146,624

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 561,786	$ 432,793	$ 444,683
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	193,692	98,851	86,266
China
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	99,369	89,502	95,562
Brazil
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	37,047	36,960	54,704
All Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 231,678	$ 207,480	$ 208,151

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 3) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,503,742,000	$ 1,347,672,000	$ 1,307,470,000
Operating income from continuing operations		104,279,000	130,695,000	104,655,000
Total assets	$ 1,578,685,000	2,367,467,000	1,632,867,000	1,578,685,000
Depreciation and Amortization		135,094,000	125,056,000	122,577,000
Capital Expenditures		176,600,000	124,607,000	91,419,000
Interest income		1,975,000	2,155,000	2,469,000
Interest expense		(36,586,000)	(21,531,000)	(26,862,000)
Defined benefit pension income (expense)		(5,493,000)	3,457,000	(2,595,000)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	2,300,000	(7,704,000)	(1,127,000)	(2,265,000)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income		56,471,000	113,649,000	75,402,000
Clean Earth
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income from continuing operations		20,009,000	0	0
Total assets	0	745,410,000	0	0
Depreciation and Amortization		12,855,000	0	0
Capital Expenditures		5,870,000	0	0
Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income from continuing operations		156,015,000	158,536,000	135,315,000
Operating segments \| Harsco Environmental
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		1,034,847,000	1,068,304,000	1,011,328,000
Operating income from continuing operations		112,298,000	121,195,000	102,362,000
Total assets	1,184,280,000	1,296,061,000	1,230,152,000	1,184,280,000
Depreciation and Amortization		112,126,000	115,059,000	112,329,000
Capital Expenditures		153,694,000	114,142,000	87,526,000
Operating segments \| Clean Earth
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		169,522,000	0	0
Operating segments \| Harsco Industrial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	113,410,000	53,582,000	163,324,000	113,410,000
Operating segments \| Harsco Rail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		299,373,000	279,294,000	295,999,000
Operating income from continuing operations		23,708,000	37,341,000	32,953,000
Total assets	237,135,000	246,377,000	186,049,000	237,135,000
Depreciation and Amortization		4,875,000	4,287,000	4,221,000
Capital Expenditures		15,274,000	9,152,000	2,403,000
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		0	74,000	143,000
Operating income from continuing operations		(51,736,000)	(27,841,000)	(30,660,000)
Total assets	$ 43,860,000	26,037,000	53,342,000	43,860,000
Depreciation and Amortization		5,238,000	5,710,000	6,027,000
Capital Expenditures		$ 1,762,000	$ 1,313,000	$ 1,490,000

Revenue Recognition - Performance Obligation Period Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2019
Harsco Environmental \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period	1 year
Harsco Environmental \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period	1 year
Harsco Environmental \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period	1 year
Harsco Environmental \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period	1 year
Harsco Environmental \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period
Harsco Rail \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period	1 year
Harsco Rail \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period	1 year
Harsco Rail \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period	1 year
Harsco Rail \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period	1 year
Harsco Rail \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance period

Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains		$ (6,303)	$ (3,868)	$ (1,354)
Employee termination benefit costs		6,619	4,763	6,733
Costs to exit activities		4,208	170	1,262
Impaired asset write-downs		773	104	874
Contingent Consideration Adjustments		7,681	2,939	0
Other expense		(237)	(431)	(188)
Total		$ (2,621)	(2,201)	7,327
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners		35.00%
Clean Earth
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Employee termination benefit costs		$ 1,960	0	0
Contingent Consideration Adjustments		825	0
Harsco Rail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Employee termination benefit costs		2,393	704	1,133
Costs to exit activities		3,042	0	0
Impaired asset write-downs		141	0	0
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains		0	(1,218)	0
Employee termination benefit costs		1,012	1,206	1,189
Costs to exit activities		196	(182)	556
Impaired asset write-downs		0	0	168
Harsco Environmental
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains		(6,303)	(2,650)	(1,354)
Employee termination benefit costs		1,254	2,853	4,411
Costs to exit activities		970	352	706
Impaired asset write-downs		632	104	706
Contingent Consideration Adjustments	$ 8,500	$ 8,506	$ (2,939)	$ 0

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	$ 313,376	$ 215,165	$ 137,563
Adoption of new accounting standard				$ 0	$ 2,374
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(22,035)	(39,875)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	21,977	18,370
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(58)	(21,505)	63,184
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	972	2,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	914	(19,005)
Balances	789,659	313,376	215,165
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	(159,810)	(111,567)
Adoption of new accounting standard				0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	17,261	(50,743)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(1,763)	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	15,498	(50,743)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	972	2,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	16,470	(48,243)
Balances	(143,340)	(159,810)	(111,567)
Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	1,389	808
Adoption of new accounting standard				0	(1,520)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(7,050)	2,466
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	1,944	(365)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,106)	2,101
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(5,106)	2,101
Balances	(3,717)	1,389	808
Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	(408,655)	(435,840)
Adoption of new accounting standard				(21,429)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(32,274)	8,450
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	21,796	18,735
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,478)	27,185
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(10,478)	27,185
Balances	(440,562)	(408,655)	(435,840)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	(31)	17
Adoption of new accounting standard				0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	28	(48)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	28	(48)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	28	(48)
Balances	(3)	(31)	17
Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	(567,107)	(546,582)	(606,722)
Adoption of new accounting standard				$ (21,429)	$ (1,520)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	914	(19,005)	60,140
Balances	(587,622)	(567,107)	(546,582)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	(588,536)	(548,102)
Balances		(588,536)	(548,102)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 \| Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	(159,810)	(111,567)
Balances		(159,810)	(111,567)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 \| Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	1,389	(712)
Balances		1,389	(712)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 \| Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	(430,084)	(435,840)
Balances		(430,084)	(435,840)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 \| Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	$ (31)	17
Balances		$ (31)	$ 17

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,503,742	$ 1,347,672	$ 1,307,470
Interest expense		(36,586)	(21,531)	(26,862)
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax		27,531	43,942	20,379
Total costs and expenses		1,399,463	1,216,977	1,202,815
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		56,471	113,649	75,402
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		20,214	5,499	78,190
Net income (loss)		(512,218)	(145,013)	(11,844)
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net		2,621	2,201	$ (7,327)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Total costs and expenses		23,351	20,124
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(1,555)	(1,389)
Net income (loss)		21,796	18,735
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Amortization of Actuarial Losses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost)		19,806	20,014
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Amortization of Prior Service Costs
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost)		326	(139)
Cost of services and products sold		3,200	0
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Settlement/Curtailment Losses [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost)		19	249
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net		(2,425)	0
Discontinued Operation, Gain From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation, Before Income Tax		$ 662	0
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (990)		(147)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Foreign currency exchange forward contracts \| Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenues	(550)		(374)
Cost of services and products sold	44		0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	2,934		(218)
Net income (loss)	1,944		(365)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Cross-currency interest rate swaps \| Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Interest expense	(1,219)		(1,264)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Interest rate swaps \| Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Interest expense	520		1,108
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	$ 2,741		$ 0

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Decrease in valuation allowance	$ (7,900)
Change in Estimate of Interest Deductions
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Decrease in valuation allowance		$ (5,400)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	4,586	4,470	$ 11,558
Charged to Cost and Expenses	7,507	380	5,211
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments	370	(149)	524
Other	1,049	(115)	(12,823)
Balance at End of Period	13,512	4,586	4,470
Deferred Tax Assets - Valuation Allowance
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	137,450	172,846	145,216
Charged to Cost and Expenses	(7,395)	(20,104)	32,785
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments	448	(8,612)	9,853
Other	(3,429)	(6,680)	(15,008)
Balance at End of Period	127,074	137,450	172,846
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, liquidation and Merger of Entities [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Decrease in valuation allowance	(5,600)
Capital Loss Carryforward
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Decrease in valuation allowance		$ (1,100)
Pension Adjustments
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Decrease in valuation allowance	(900)		(11,600)
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Tax Credit [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Decrease in valuation allowance	$ (800)
US tax rate change
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Decrease in valuation allowance			$ (4,600)

Subsequent Event (Details) $ in Millions	Feb. 07, 2020 USD ($)
ESOL [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 462.5

Label	Element	Value
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (709,000)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	3,894,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	21,429,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	1,106,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption