Enviri (NVRI) 10-K 26 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 29, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HARSCO CORP
Entity Central Index Key	45,876
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		80,094,365
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1,321,550

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 79,756	$ 62,843
Trade accounts receivable, net	254,877	325,104
Other receivables	30,395	28,145
Inventories	216,967	178,922
Other current assets	82,527	88,465
Total current assets	664,522	683,479
Investments	252,609	288,505
Property, plant and equipment, net	564,035	663,244
Goodwill	400,367	416,155
Intangible assets, net	53,043	58,524
Other assets	136,751	159,320
Total assets	2,071,327	2,269,227
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	30,229	16,748
Current maturities of long-term debt	25,084	25,188
Accounts payable	136,018	146,506
Accrued compensation	38,899	53,780
Income taxes payable	4,408	1,985
Dividends payable	4,105	16,535
Insurance liabilities	11,420	12,415
Advances on contracts	107,250	117,398
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	7,733	8,142
Due to related party	22,320	22,320
Other current liabilities	118,657	144,543
Total current liabilities	506,123	565,560
Long-term debt	855,751	829,709
Deferred income taxes	12,095	6,379
Insurance liabilities	30,400	35,470
Retirement plan liabilities	241,972	350,889
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	13,674	20,169
Due to related party	57,614	71,442
Other liabilities	42,895	37,699
Total liabilities	$ 1,760,524	$ 1,917,317
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, par value $1.25 (issued 112,405,302 and 112,357,348 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	140,503	140,444
Additional paid-in capital	170,699	165,666
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(515,688)	(532,256)
Retained earnings	1,236,355	1,283,549
Treasury stock, at cost (32,310,937 and 31,697,498 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	(760,299)	(749,815)
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders' equity	271,570	307,588
Noncontrolling interests	39,233	44,322
Total equity	310,803	351,910
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,071,327	$ 2,269,227

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common stock, par value	$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common stock, shares issued	112,405,302	112,357,348
Treasury stock, shares	32,310,937	31,697,498

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from continuing operations:
Service revenues	$ 1,092,725	$ 1,366,246	$ 2,229,416
Product revenues	630,367	700,042	666,554
Total revenues	1,723,092	2,066,288	2,895,970
Costs and expenses from continuing operations:
Cost of services sold	909,995	1,149,360	1,771,078
Cost of products sold	446,366	494,510	467,816
Selling, general and administrative expenses	242,112	284,737	482,117
Research and development expenses	4,510	5,467	10,166
Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	1,000	5,103	292,326
Other expenses	30,573	57,824	15,110
Total costs and expenses	1,634,556	1,997,001	3,038,613
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	88,536	69,287	(142,643)
Interest income	1,574	1,702	2,087
Interest expense	(46,804)	(47,111)	(49,654)
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	(8,491)	(9,740)	(966)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	34,815	14,138	(191,176)
Income tax expense	(27,678)	(30,366)	(31,975)
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated entities, net	175	(1,558)	1,548
Income (loss) from continuing operations	7,312	(17,786)	(221,603)
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) on disposal of discontinued business	(1,553)	176	(2,398)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to discontinued business	573	(66)	906
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(980)	110	(1,492)
Net income (loss)	6,332	(17,676)	(223,095)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(144)	(4,495)	(9,753)
Net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	6,188	(22,171)	(232,848)
Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	7,168	(22,281)	(231,356)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(980)	110	(1,492)
Net Income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$ 6,188	$ (22,171)	$ (232,848)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	80,234	80,884	80,755
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$ 0.09	$ (0.28)	$ (2.86)
Discontinued operations	(0.01)	0	(0.02)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$ 0.08	$ (0.27)	$ (2.88)
Diluted weighted average shares of stock outstanding	80,365	80,884	80,755
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$ 0.09	$ (0.28)	$ (2.86)
Discontinued operations	(0.01)	0	(0.02)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$ 0.08	$ (0.27)	$ (2.88)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income (loss)	$ 6,332	$ (17,676)	$ (223,095)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(2,314), $7,151 and $(5,924) in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(88,255)	(47,695)	(55,827)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(975), $(338) and $(1,410) in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	8,617	(1,957)	1,047
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(14,240), $13,454 and $(11,095) in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	93,582	(113,596)	95,604
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $10, $(3) and $(18) in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(16)	5	31
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	13,928	(163,243)	40,855
Total comprehensive income (loss)	20,260	(180,919)	(182,240)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,496	(2,893)	(10,055)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 22,756	$ (183,812)	$ (192,295)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	$ (2,314)	$ 7,151	$ (5,924)
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, deferred income taxes	(975)	(338)	(1,410)
Pension liability adjustments, deferred income taxes	(14,240)	13,454	(11,095)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, deferred income taxes	$ 10	$ (3)	$ (18)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 6,332	$ (17,676)	$ (223,095)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	144,652	164,588	221,266
Amortization	11,823	11,738	15,775
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	8,491	9,740	966
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	5,174	7,241	(24,277)
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(175)	1,558	(1,548)
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	28	0	37
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	0	2,911	272,250
Other, net	(6,429)	39,376	2,735
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	41,650	6,475	(33,953)
Inventories	(44,806)	(20,788)	18,740
Accounts payable	(401)	(29,416)	14,834
Accrued interest payable	(2,753)	70	(1,836)
Accrued compensation	(10,319)	5,699	(9,860)
Advances on contracts	(795)	92,769	(21,365)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	0	0	(6,788)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(398)	(2,672)	(17,705)
Other assets and liabilities	(30,567)	(44,886)	(18,517)
Net cash provided by operating activities	121,507	226,727	187,659
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(123,552)	(208,859)	(245,551)
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	0	15,699	303,039
Proceeds from sales of assets	25,966	14,976	18,984
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	7,788	26,336	2,849
Payment of unit adjustment liability	(22,320)	(22,320)	(2,123)
Other investing activities, net	(2,679)	(2,721)	(8,219)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(130,373)	(229,561)	63,281
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	18,875	8,851	(1,901)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	427,996	177,499	316,804
Reductions	(399,533)	(131,007)	(498,600)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(65,730)	(66,322)	(66,211)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(4,498)	(2,186)	(3,381)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(395)	0	(166)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	0	0	4,825
Common stock issued-options	0	0	371
Common stock acquired for treasury	(12,143)	(941)	0
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap termination	75,057	0	0
Deferred pension underfunding payment to unconsolidated affiliate	(7,688)	(7,688)	0
Other financing activities, net	(9,487)	0	(405)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	22,454	(21,794)	(248,664)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	3,325	(6,134)	(3,921)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	16,913	(30,762)	(1,645)
Cash and cash equivalents	79,756	62,843	93,605
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	79,756	62,843	93,605
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
Working capital	(560)	(1,107)	0
Propery, plant and equipment	(72)	(330)	(2,437)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	(3,490)	(6,839)	0
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	(4,078)	(17,575)	0
Other noncurrent assets and liabilites, net	412	(485)	(412)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	$ 7,788	$ 26,336	$ 2,849

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock Issued	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 857,251	$ 140,080	$ (745,205)	$ 152,645	$ 1,671,117	$ (411,168)	$ 49,782
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(223,095)				(232,848)		9,753
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.666 per share in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively	(66,228)				(66,228)
Noncontrolling interests	(4,764)						(4,764)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $(18,447), $20,264, and $(17,519) in 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively	40,855					40,553	302
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,825						4,825
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest	(185)			(292)			107
Noncontrolling interests transferred in the Infrastructure Transaction	(15,909)			1,003			(16,912)
Stock options exercised, net 20,000 shares 2013, respectively	400	25		375
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 74,297 shares, 130,925 shares and 31,147 shares in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively	1,185	143	(1,032)	2,074
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	3,220			3,220
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	597,555	140,248	(746,237)	159,025	1,372,041	(370,615)	43,093
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(17,676)				(22,171)		4,495
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.666 per share in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively	(66,321)				(66,321)
Noncontrolling interests	(2,319)						(2,319)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $(18,447), $20,264, and $(17,519) in 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively	(163,243)					(161,641)	(1,602)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,560						1,560
Noncontrolling interests transferred in the Infrastructure Transaction	(905)						(905)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 74,297 shares, 130,925 shares and 31,147 shares in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively	1,551	196	(714)	2,069
Treasury shares repurchased, 150,000 and 596,632 shares in 2014 and 2015 respectively	(2,864)		(2,864)
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	4,572			4,572
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	351,910	140,444	(749,815)	165,666	1,283,549	(532,256)	44,322
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	6,332				6,188		144
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.666 per share in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively	(53,382)				(53,382)
Noncontrolling interests	(4,498)						(4,498)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $(18,447), $20,264, and $(17,519) in 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively	13,928					16,568	(2,640)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	2,100						2,100
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest	(398)			(3)			(395)
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	200						200
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 74,297 shares, 130,925 shares and 31,147 shares in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively	(304)	59	(264)	(99)
Treasury shares repurchased, 150,000 and 596,632 shares in 2014 and 2015 respectively	(10,220)		(10,220)
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	5,135			5,135
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 310,803	$ 140,503	$ (760,299)	$ 170,699	$ 1,236,355	$ (515,688)	$ 39,233

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$ (17,519)	$ 20,264	$ (18,447)
Cash dividends declared, Common, per share	$ 0.666	$ 0.82	$ 0.82
Stock options exercised, net, shares	0	0	20,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award Net of Forfeitures and Tax Obligations Settled in Shares	31,147	130,925	74,297
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	0	0
Treasury Stock [Member]
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	596,632	150,000	0

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the 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. Equity Method Investments The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value. Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment. See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the U.S. are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The Company's remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost methods. See Note 4, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, for additional information on inventories. Depreciation Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using, principally, the straight-line method. When property, 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. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays. See Note 6, Property, Plant and Equipment, and Note 8, Debt and Credit Agreements, for additional information on capital leases and Note 9, Operating Leases, for additional information on operating leases. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business. Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below for which discrete financial information is available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include declining cash flows or operating losses at the reporting unit level, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, or a more likely than not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of, among others. The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 . The Company has five reporting units, only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2015 . Almost all of the Company's goodwill is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment. The evaluation of potential goodwill impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to the net book value, including goodwill. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) to estimate the current fair value of reporting units, as management believes forecasted operating cash flows are the best indicator of current fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the preparation of DCF models including future revenues and operating margin growth, the weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”), tax rates, capital spending, pension funding, the impact of business initiatives, and working capital projections. These assumptions and estimates may vary significantly between reporting units. DCF models are based on approved long-range plans for the early years and historical relationships and projections for later years. WACC rates are derived from internal and external factors including, but not limited to, the average market price of the Company's stock, shares outstanding, book value of the Company's debt, the long-term risk free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums. Due to the many variables noted above and the relative size of the Company's goodwill, differences in assumptions may have a material impact on the results of the Company's annual goodwill impairment testing. If the net book value of a reporting unit were to exceed the current fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test would be required to determine if an impairment existed and the amount of goodwill impairment to record, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the net book value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the excess of fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value amounts assigned to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit if it were to be acquired in a hypothetical business combination and the current fair value of the reporting unit represented the purchase price. As necessary, the Company may use valuation experts to assist with the second step of the goodwill impairment test. See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information on goodwill. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill) Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate the book value of an asset may be impaired. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a DCF model. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, and Note 17, Other Expenses, for additional information on impairment of long-lived assets (other than goodwill). Deferred Financing Costs The Company has incurred debt issuance costs which are recognized as Other assets in 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 Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the service components of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment —This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granule products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Harsco Industrial Segment —This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract or purchase order. Harsco Rail Segment —This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, after-market parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations, revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of the events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results. In the event the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations and records its provision for income taxes based on these interpretations. Uncertainties may exist in estimating the Company's tax provisions and in filing tax returns in the many jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and as a result these interpretations may give rise to an uncertain tax position. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on its technical merits. Each subsequent period the Company determines if existing or new uncertain tax positions meet a more likely than not recognition threshold and adjust accordingly. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits. The significant assumptions and estimates described in the preceding paragraphs are important contributors to the effective tax rate each year. See Note 11, Income Taxes, for additional information on income taxes. Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $13.6 million , $19.1 million and $32.3 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 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $8.5 million , $7.0 million and $4.9 million , respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company has recorded liabilities of $41.8 million and $47.9 million , respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balances at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $3.4 million and $3.8 million , respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been included in current caption, Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current caption, Insurance liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Warranties The Company has recorded product warranty reserves of $7.8 million , $8.9 million and $9.5 million at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold. The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Warranty reserves, beginning of the year $ 8,886 $ 9,548 $ 8,628 Accruals for warranties issued during the year 3,656 3,208 5,016 Reductions related to pre-existing warranties (3,042 ) (2,680 ) (1,502 ) Warranties paid (1,629 ) (1,186 ) (2,573 ) Other (principally foreign currency translation) (27 ) (4 ) (21 ) Warranty reserves, end of the year $ 7,844 $ 8,886 $ 9,548 Warranty expense and payments are incurred principally in the Harsco Industrial and Harsco Rail Segments. Warranty activity may vary from year to year depending upon the mix of revenues and contractual terms related to product warranties. Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the 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 (loss) from continuing operations. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies. Financial Instruments and Hedging The Company has operations throughout the world that are exposed to fluctuations in related foreign currencies in the normal course of business. The Company seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets periodically to monitor foreign currency risks. The Company executes foreign currency 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 cross-currency interest rate swaps ("CCIRs") in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these CCIRs, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or floating U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively. Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are reclassified into operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects income. The cash flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged (e.g., the cash flows related to contracts to hedge the purchase of fixed assets are included in cash flows from investing activities, etc.). The Company also enters into certain forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in operations based on changes in fair market value. For fair value hedges of a firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment are recognized currently in operations. See Note 15, Financial Instruments, for additional information on financial instruments and hedging. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements. See Note 13, Capital Stock, for additional information on earnings per share. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Adopted and Recently I

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 2015: On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (" FASB") related to reporting discontinued operations and the disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The changes modify the criteria related to what transactions constitute discontinued operations and expand disclosure requirements. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date: In May 2014, the FASB issued changes related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The changes clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard. The core principle of the changes is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The changes also require additional disclosures related to revenue recognition. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of these changes by one year, but will permit entities to adopt one year earlier. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating these changes. In August 2014, the FASB issued changes related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2015, the FASB issued changes related to reporting extraordinary and unusual items. The changes simplify income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued changes related to consolidation. The changes update consolidation analysis and affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued changes related to simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The changes require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. In August 2015, the FASB added guidance about the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued changes related to the determination of whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement is determined to include a software license, then the customer accounts for the software license element consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement is determined not to contain a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued changes related to the simplification of the measurement of inventory. The changes require entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The changes do not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued changes simplifying the accounting for measurement period adjustments for business combinations. The changes result in an acquirer no longer being required to retrospectively reflect adjustments to provisional amounts during the measurement period as if they were recognized as of the acquisition date. Instead the acquirer would record the effect of the change to the provisional amounts during the measurement period in which the adjustment is identified. The changes also require additional disclosure related to such measurement period adjustments. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued changes that require deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The changes apply to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Had these changes been adopted at December 31, 2015, the Company's working capital would have decreased by $38.1 million .

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions In January 2014, the Company acquired Hammco Corporation ("Hammco"), a U.S. manufacturer of high specification air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas and petrochemical processing markets. Hammco has been included in the results of the Harsco Industrial Segment. In March 2015, the Company acquired Protran Technology ("Protran"), a U.S. designer and producer of safety systems for transportation and industrial applications; and in April 2015, the Company acquired JK Rail Products, LLC ("JK Rail"), a provider of after-market parts for railroad track maintenance. Protran and JK Rail have been included in the results of the Harsco Rail Segment. Inclusion of pro forma financial information for these transactions is not necessary as the acquisitions are immaterial. The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions are final. Dispositions Infrastructure Transaction In November 2013, the Company consummated the previously announced transaction to sell the Company's Harsco Infrastructure Segment into a strategic venture with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R") as part of a transaction that combines the Harsco Infrastructure Segment with Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., which CD&R simultaneously acquired (the "Infrastructure Transaction"). The Company has contributed substantially all of the Company's equity interest in, and the net assets of, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to the strategic venture in exchange for $300 million , subject to working capital and other adjustments, and an approximate 29% equity interest in the resulting entity (the "Infrastructure strategic venture" or "Brand"). The Company's equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting as prescribed by U.S. GAAP. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments. As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company recorded an estimated loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment of $ 272.3 million during 2013 and recorded additional losses of $ 2.9 million and $1.0 million during 2014 and 2015, respectively. Further adjustment to the loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment may be necessary as the result of the final valuation of certain items. The Company does not expect that the ultimate conclusion of these items will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment represents the difference between the book value of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, less costs to sell, and the sum of the cash consideration plus the fair value of the Company's approximate 29% equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture. The fair value of the equity interest was determined based on the expected future discounted cash flows of the Infrastructure strategic venture. Additionally, the Company incurred $2.2 million and $20.1 million of transaction costs during the years ended 2014 and 2013, respectively, in conjunction with the Infrastructure Transaction.

Accounts Receivable and Invento

Accounts Receivable and Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable and Inventories	Accounts Receivable and Inventories Accounts receivable consist of the following: Accounts Receivable (In thousands) December 31 December 31 Trade accounts receivable $ 280,526 $ 340,223 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (25,649 ) (15,119 ) Trade accounts receivable, net $ 254,877 $ 325,104 Other receivables (a) $ 30,395 $ 28,145 (a) Other receivables include insurance claim receivables, employee receivables, tax claim receivables and other miscellaneous receivables not included in Trade accounts receivable, net. The following table reflects the provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Years Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable $ 13,047 $ 9,892 $ 10,175 Inventories consist of the following: Inventories (In thousands) December 31 December 31 Finished goods $ 32,586 $ 30,525 Work-in-process 86,745 28,690 Raw materials and purchased parts 70,755 87,985 Stores and supplies 26,881 31,722 Total inventories $ 216,967 $ 178,922 Valued at lower of cost or market: LIFO basis $ 102,309 $ 109,348 FIFO basis 64,760 13,383 Average cost basis 49,898 56,191 Total inventories $ 216,967 $ 178,922 Inventories valued on the LIFO basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $32 million and $31 million , respectively, less than the amounts of such inventories valued at current costs. During 2015 , there was no significant impact on net income as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on a LIFO basis. During 2014 , as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis, net income (loss) decreased from that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $0.1 million . During 2013 , there was no significant impact on net income (loss) as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on a LIFO basis.

Equity Method Investments (Note

Equity Method Investments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company owns an approximate 29% equity interest in Brand at December 31, 2015 . See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction. The book value of the Company's equity method investment in Brand at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $250.1 million and $285.7 million , respectively. The Company's initial underlying equity in the net assets of Brand, upon consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction, was approximately $225 million . The difference between the initial fair value of the Company's equity method investment in Brand and the Company's underlying equity in the net assets of Brand was determined to be equity method goodwill and is not amortized. No instances of impairment were noted on the Company's equity method investment at December 31, 2015 . The Company's proportionate share of Brand's net income or loss is recorded one quarter in arrears. Accordingly, the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 does not include any amounts related to the Infrastructure strategic venture in the caption, Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated entities, net. Brand's summarized balance sheet information at September 30, 2015 and 2014 and summarized statement of operations information for the year ended September 30, 2015 and the period from November 27, 2013 through September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows: (In thousands) September 30 September 30 Summarized Balance Sheet Information of Brand: Current assets $ 806,510 $ 815,809 Property and equipment , net 894,537 923,056 Other noncurrent assets 1,519,722 1,594,669 Total assets $ 3,220,769 $ 3,333,534 Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt $ 68,687 $ 68,748 Other current liabilities 397,759 360,714 Long-term debt 1,736,081 1,747,522 Other noncurrent liabilities 383,638 406,636 Total liabilities 2,586,165 2,583,620 Equity 634,604 749,914 Total liabilities and equity $ 3,220,769 $ 3,333,534 (In thousands) Year Ended September 30 2015 Period From November 27 2013 Through September 30 2014 (a) Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand: Net revenues $ 2,976,471 $ 2,559,556 Gross profit 649,596 559,376 Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries 605 (4,848 ) Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand 175 (1,595 ) (a) The Company's equity method investment in Brand began on November 26, 2013; accordingly, there is only approximately ten months of related equity income (loss). The results of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from January 1, 2013 through the date of closing are reported in the Company's results of operations for 2013. The Company is required to make quarterly payments to the Company's partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture, either (at the Company's election) (i) in cash, with total payments to equal approximately $22 million per year on a pre-tax basis (approximately $15 million per year after-tax), or (ii) in kind through the transfer of approximately 2.5% of the Company's ownership interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture on an annual basis (the "unit adjustment liability"). The Company will recognize the change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability each period until the Company is no longer required to make these payments or chooses not to make these payments. The change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability is a non-cash expense. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company recognized $8.5 million and $9.7 million , respectively, of change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability. The Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 include balances related to the unit adjustment liability of $79.9 million and $93.8 million , respectively, in the current and non-current captions, Unit adjustment liability. A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances related to the unit adjustment liability is included in Note 15, Financial Instruments. The Company will continue to evaluate the implications of making payments in cash or in kind based upon performance of the Infrastructure strategic venture and the Company's liquidity and capital resources. In the future, should the Company decide not to make the cash payment, the value of both the equity method investment in Brand and the related unit adjustment liability may be impacted, and the change may be reflected in earnings in that period. Balances related to transactions between the Company and Brand are as follows: (In thousands) December 31 December 31 Balances due from Brand $ 1,557 $ 1,860 Balances due to Brand 21,407 28,311 The remaining balances between the Company and Brand, at December 31, 2015 , relate primarily to transition services and the funding of certain transferred defined benefit pension plan obligations through 2018. There is not expected to be any significant level of revenue or expense between the Company and Brand on an on-going basis once all aspects of the Infrastructure Transaction have been finalized.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment consist of the following: (In thousands) Estimated Useful Lives December 31 December 31 Land — $ 10,932 $ 15,721 Land improvements 5-20 years 15,277 15,898 Buildings and improvements (a) 5-40 years 191,356 205,409 Machinery and equipment 3-20 years 1,661,914 1,861,965 Uncompleted construction — 36,990 87,414 Gross property, plant and equipment 1,916,469 2,186,407 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,352,434 ) (1,523,163 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 564,035 $ 663,244 (a) Buildings and improvements include leasehold improvements that are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the initial term of the lease. Included in the amounts are $16.0 million and $22.3 million of property, plant and equipment under capital leases at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill by Segment The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (In thousands) Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment Harsco Industrial Segment Harsco Rail Segment Consolidated Totals Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 421,955 $ — $ 9,310 $ 431,265 Changes to goodwill (300 ) 6,839 (a) — 6,539 Foreign currency translation (21,649 ) — — (21,649 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 400,006 6,839 9,310 416,155 Changes to goodwill (493 ) (33 ) 3,490 (b) 2,964 Foreign currency translation (18,752 ) — — (18,752 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 380,761 $ 6,806 $ 12,800 $ 400,367 (a) Changes to goodwill relate to the initial acquisition of Hammco and related purchase price adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP occurring during the measurement period. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. (b) Changes to goodwill in the Harsco Rail Segment relate to the acquisitions of Protran and JK Rail. 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 2015 annual impairment test did not result in impairment of any of the Company's reporting units. Intangible Assets Intangible assets totaled $53.0 million , net of accumulated amortization of $149.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $58.5 million , net of accumulated amortization of $147.9 million at December 31, 2014 . The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Customer related $ 153,287 $ 111,227 $ 157,530 $ 112,211 Non-compete agreements 1,092 1,092 1,107 1,039 Patents 5,882 5,495 6,079 5,399 Technology related 25,559 23,089 26,548 21,233 Trade names 8,303 4,194 7,745 3,733 Other 8,701 4,669 7,420 4,290 Total $ 202,824 $ 149,766 $ 206,429 $ 147,905 As part of the acquisition of Protran and JK Rail as discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, the Company acquired the following finite-lived intangible assets (by major class): (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Residual Value Weighted-average amortization period Customer related $ 3,398 None 19 years Trade names 580 None 20 years Other 100 None 1 year Total $ 4,078 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $8.8 million , $9.9 million and $13.8 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets. (In thousands) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Estimated amortization expense (a) $ 8,000 $ 5,500 $ 5,250 $ 4,750 $ 4,500 (a) These estimated amortization expense amounts do not reflect the potential effect of future foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Debt and Credit Agreements

Debt and Credit Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Credit Agreements	Debt and Credit Agreements The Company has a multi-year revolving credit facility that is available for use throughout the world. The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the multi-year revolving credit facility and available credit at December 31, 2015 . The multi-year revolving credit facility is described in more detail below the table. Summary of Revolving Credit Facility December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Facility Limit Outstanding Balance Outstanding Letters of Credit Available Credit Multi-year revolving credit facility (a U.S.-based program) $ 350,000 $ 165,000 $ 44,400 $ 140,600 In March 2012, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement (the "Initial Credit Agreement") providing for $525 million of borrowing capacity through a syndicate of 14 banks. On September 12, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No.1 ("Amendment No. 1") to the Initial Credit Agreement. In addition to certain administrative and conforming modifications, Amendment No. 1 replaced the total consolidated debt to total consolidated capital ratio debt covenant. On December 20, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 ("Amendment No. 2") to the Initial Credit Agreement. Amendment No. 2 modified certain defined terms to reflect the impact of the Infrastructure Transaction. On March 27, 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 ("Amendment No. 3") to the Initial Credit Agreement. Amendment No. 3 provided for (i) decreased borrowing capacity; (ii) contingent extension of the termination date; (iii) modified certain debt covenants; and (iv) modified certain defined terms. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company expensed $0.6 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 3. On December 2, 2015, the Company, entered into (i) an amendment and restatement agreement (the “Amendment Agreement”) and (ii) a second amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement” and, together with the Amendment Agreement, the “Financing Agreements”). The Financing Agreements increased the Company's overall borrowing capacity from $500 million to $600 million by (i) amending and restating the Company’s existing credit agreement, (ii) establishing a term loan facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of $250 million , by converting a portion of the outstanding balance under the Initial Credit Agreement on a dollar-for-dollar basis (such facility, the “Term Loan Facility”) and (iii) reducing the revolving credit facility limit to $350 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). Borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities bear interest at a rate per annum ranging from 87.5 to 200 basis points over the Base Rate or 187.5 to 300 basis points over the Adjusted LIBOR Rate (for borrowings in US dollars or Sterling) or the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate (for borrowing in Euro), each as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities impose certain restrictions including, but not limited to, restrictions as to types and amounts of debt or liens that may be incurred by the Company; limitations on increases in dividend payments and limitations on certain acquisitions by the Company. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities mature on June 2, 2019, provided that if the notes issued by the Company on May 15, 2008 have not been tendered, repurchased, redeemed, discharged or refinanced in full prior to February 13, 2018, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities become due on such date. The Term Loan Facility requires scheduled quarterly payments, each equal to (i) with respect to quarterly payments made in 2016, 1.25% of the original principal amount of the loans under the Term Loan Facility made at closing and (ii) with respect to quarterly payments made in any year thereafter, 2.50% of the original principal amount of the loans under the Term Loan Facility made at closing. These payments are reduced by the application of any prepayments, and any remaining balance is due and payable at maturity. The Credit Agreement requires certain mandatory prepayments of outstanding loans under the Term Loan Facility, subject to certain exceptions, based on the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales and casualty and condemnation events, in some cases subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions, and the net cash proceeds of any issuance of debt, excluding permitted debt issuances. 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 (the “Guarantors”). All obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all of the parent company’s assets and the assets of the Guarantors. At December 31, 2015 , the Company had $415.0 million of borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities consisting of $250.0 million under the Term Loan Facility and $165.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2015, of this balance $380.5 million was classified as long-term debt, $22.0 million was classified as short-term borrowings and $12.5 million was classified as current maturities of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $98.5 million of borrowings under the Initial Credit Agreement and all such balances were classified as long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Classification of such balances is based on the Company's ability and intent to repay such amounts over the subsequent twelve months, as well as reflects the Company's ability and intent to borrow for a period longer than a year. To the extent the Company expects to repay any amounts within the subsequent twelve months, the amounts are classified as short-term borrowings or current maturities of long-term debt. Short-term borrowings amounted to $30.2 million and $16.7 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. At December 31, 2015, Short-term borrowings consist primarily of $22.0 million of Revolving Credit Facility borrowings and bank overdrafts and at December 31, 2014, such borrowings consist primarily of bank overdrafts. The weighted-average interest rate for short-term borrowings at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was 4.3% and 11.7% , respectively. Long-Term Debt (In thousands) December 31 December 31 5.75% notes due May 15, 2018 $ 449,005 $ 448,626 Senior Secured Credit Facilities: Term Loan Facility 250,000 — Revolving Credit Facility (long-term portion) 143,000 — 2.7% Notes due October 15, 2015 — 249,733 Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2017 with a weighted-average interest rate of 5.6% and 4.0% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively 38,830 156,538 Total debt 880,835 854,897 Less: current maturities (25,084 ) (25,188 ) Total long-term debt $ 855,751 $ 829,709 The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2016 are as follows: (In thousands) 2017 $ 45,294 2018 479,012 2019 331,225 2020 189 Cash payments for interest on all debt were $44.4 million , $44.2 million and $50.1 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Credit Agreement contains a consolidated net debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio covenant, which is not to exceed 4.0 to 1.0 , and a minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest charges ratio covenant, which is not to be less than 3.0 to 1.0 . The consolidated net debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio covenant is reduced to 3.75 to 1.0 after December 31, 2016 and to 3.5 to 1.0 after June 30, 2017. The Company’s 5.75% notes include covenants that require the Company to offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of par in the event of a change of control of the Company or disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets in combination with a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating to non-investment grade. At December 31, 2015 , the Company was in compliance with these and all other covenants. Additionally, upon the completion of the potential separation of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, the Company would be required to repay the Term Loan Facility and the consolidated net debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio would be reduced to 3.0 to 1.0 for the Credit Agreement.

Operating Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases	Operating Leases The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Rental expense under such operating leases was $18.9 million , $19.7 million and $51.7 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows: (In thousands) 2016 $ 12,918 2017 9,245 2018 6,709 2019 5,271 2020 4,935 After 2020 20,643 Total minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases at December 31, 2015 are $0.4 million . The decrease in 2014 rental expense under operating leases is due to the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Pension Benefits The Company has defined benefit pension retirement plans covering a substantial number of employees. The defined benefits for salaried employees generally are based on years of service and the employee's level of compensation during specified periods of employment. Defined benefit plans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. The multiemployer 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. The Company's policy is to amortize prior service costs of defined benefit pension plans over the average future service period of active plan participants. For most U.S. defined benefit pension plans and a majority of international defined benefit pension plans, accrued service is no longer granted. In place of these plans, the Company has established defined contribution pension plans providing for the Company to contribute a specified matching amount for participating employees' contributions to the plan. For U.S. employees, this match is made on employee contributions up to 4% of their eligible compensation. Additionally, the Company may provide a discretionary contribution for eligible employees. There have been no discretionary contributions provided for the years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . For non-U.S. employees, this match is up to 6% of eligible compensation with an additional 2% going towards insurance and administrative costs. Net periodic pension cost ("NPPC") for U.S. and international pension plans for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Defined benefit plans: Service cost $ 2,889 $ 2,233 $ 2,565 $ 1,648 $ 1,610 $ 3,457 Interest cost 12,357 12,868 11,767 36,282 43,230 42,707 Expected return on plan assets (16,812 ) (16,786 ) (15,642 ) (50,091 ) (49,927 ) (46,920 ) Recognized prior service costs 81 90 248 188 184 335 Recognized losses 4,919 3,352 5,052 16,875 14,102 16,447 Settlement/curtailment loss (gain) — — — (23 ) 60 (372 ) Defined benefit plans pension cost 3,434 1,757 3,990 4,879 9,259 15,654 Multiemployer plans 853 1,199 12,444 1,463 1,762 5,449 Defined contribution plans 3,921 4,704 4,945 6,765 8,033 11,139 Net periodic pension cost $ 8,208 $ 7,660 $ 21,379 $ 13,107 $ 19,054 $ 32,242 The change in the financial status of the defined benefit pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 325,319 $ 283,571 $ 1,049,603 $ 958,705 Service cost 2,889 2,233 1,648 1,610 Interest cost 12,357 12,868 36,282 43,230 Plan participants' contributions — — 61 75 Amendments — — 47 — Actuarial (gain) loss (14,417 ) 49,939 (85,028 ) 150,289 Settlements/curtailments — — (250 ) (589 ) Benefits paid (18,758 ) (23,292 ) (38,197 ) (41,522 ) Effect of foreign currency — — (64,062 ) (62,250 ) Other — — — 55 Benefit obligation at end of year $ 307,390 $ 325,319 $ 900,104 $ 1,049,603 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 233,350 $ 233,579 $ 791,045 $ 770,911 Actual return on plan assets (8,011 ) 15,465 22,602 80,518 Employer contributions 2,289 7,598 27,402 28,112 Plan participants' contributions — — 61 75 Settlements/curtailments — — (250 ) — Benefits paid (18,758 ) (23,292 ) (37,693 ) (40,948 ) Effect of foreign currency — — (47,201 ) (47,623 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 208,870 $ 233,350 $ 755,966 $ 791,045 Funded status at end of year $ (98,520 ) $ (91,969 ) $ (144,138 ) $ (258,558 ) Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : U.S. Plans International Plans December 31 December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Noncurrent assets $ 229 $ 615 $ 1,229 $ 1,746 Current liabilities 2,072 2,102 479 524 Noncurrent liabilities 96,678 90,482 144,888 259,780 Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax 162,571 157,165 376,641 479,382 Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, consist of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : U.S. Plans International Plans (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial loss $ 162,475 $ 156,989 $ 375,725 $ 478,396 Prior service cost 96 176 916 986 Total $ 162,571 $ 157,165 $ 376,641 $ 479,382 The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit NPPC in 2016 are as follows: (In thousands) U.S. Plans International Plans Net actuarial loss $ 5,489 $ 13,139 Prior service cost 63 173 Total $ 5,552 $ 13,312 The Company's estimate of expected contributions to be paid in 2016 for the U.S. and international defined benefit plans are $2.1 million and $21.6 million , respectively. Future Benefit Payments The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows: (In millions) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021-2025 U.S. Plans $ 19.1 $ 19.1 $ 18.9 $ 18.7 $ 18.8 $ 94.8 International Plans 39.7 40.3 41.2 42.6 44.5 244.4 Net Periodic Pension Cost and Defined Benefit Pension Obligation Assumptions The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the NPPC for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were as follows: U.S. Plans December 31 International Plans December 31 Global Weighted-Average December 31 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rates 3.9 % 4.7 % 3.8 % 3.7 % 4.7 % 4.3 % 3.7 % 4.7 % 4.2 % Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets 7.5 % 7.5 % 7.5 % 6.8 % 6.8 % 6.6 % 7.0 % 7.0 % 6.8 % Rates of compensation increase 3.0 % 3.0 % 3.0 % 3.2 % 3.4 % 2.8 % 3.2 % 3.4 % 2.8 % The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for the 2016 NPPC are 7.25% for the U.S. plans and 6.5% for the international plans. The expected global long-term rate of return on assets for 2016 is 6.7% . The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans Global Weighted-Average December 31 December 31 December 31 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rates 4.2 % 3.9 % 3.8 % 3.7 % 3.9 % 3.7 % Rates of compensation increase 3.0 % 3.0 % 3.2 % 3.2 % 3.2 % 3.2 % The U.S. discount rate was determined using a yield curve that was produced from a universe containing approximately 700 U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable (or callable with make-whole provisions), and excluding the 10% of the bonds with the highest yields and the 10% with the lowest yields within each maturity group. The discount rate was then developed as the level-equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates to discount the projected benefit payments. For international plans, the discount rate is aligned to corporate bond yields in the local markets, normally AA-rated corporations. The process and selection seeks to approximate the cash inflows with the timing and amounts of the expected benefit payments. The Company has changed the method utilized to estimate the 2016 service cost and interest cost components of NPPC for defined benefit pension plans. The more precise application of discount rates for measuring both service costs and interest costs employs yield curve spot rates on a year-by-year expected cash flow basis, using the same yield curves that the Company has previously used. This change in method represents a change in accounting estimate and will be accounted for in the period of change. Accumulated Benefit Obligation The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans December 31 December 31 (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 307.4 $ 325.3 $ 894.8 $ 1,043.2 Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans December 31 December 31 (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 297.5 $ 314.9 $ 876.9 $ 1,032.1 Accumulated benefit obligation 297.5 314.9 871.9 1,026.0 Fair value of plan assets 198.8 222.3 731.6 771.8 The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows: Target Long-Term Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31 U.S. Plans Asset Category 2015 2014 Domestic equity securities 32%-42% 37.2 % 39.1 % International equity securities 15%-25% 18.5 % 18.2 % Fixed income securities 28%-38% 32.6 % 30.3 % Cash and cash equivalents Less than 5% 1.7 % 3.1 % Other 5%-15% 10.0 % 9.3 % Plan assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts an asset/liability modeling study and accordingly adjusts investments among and within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations. The Company reviews the long-term expected return on asset assumption on a periodic basis taking into account a variety of factors including the historical investment returns achieved over a long-term period, the targeted allocation of plan assets and future expectations based on a model of asset returns for an actively managed portfolio. The model simulates 1,000 different capital market results over 20 years. For 2016 and 2015 , the expected return-on-asset assumption for U.S. plans was 7.25% and 7.5% , respectively. The U.S. defined benefit pension plans assets include 450,000 shares of the Company's common stock at both December 31, 2015 and 2014, valued at $3.5 million and $8.5 million , respectively. These shares represented 1.7% and 3.6% of total plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Dividends paid to the pension plans on the Company's common stock amounted to $0.4 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 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 at December 31 2015 2014 Equity securities 32.5 % 33.7 % 36.9 % Fixed income securities 42.5 % 43.3 % 45.3 % Cash and cash equivalents — 0.3 % 0.3 % Other (a) 25.0 % 22.7 % 17.5 % (a) Investments within this caption include diversified growth funds, real estate funds and infrastructure funds. Plan assets at December 31, 2015 in the U.K. defined benefit pension plan amounted to approximately 95% of the international pension assets. These assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts asset/liability modeling studies and accordingly adjusts investment amounts within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations. For the international long-term rate of return assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns in risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class and plan expenses. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets. The 2016 and 2015 , the expected return on asset assumption for the U.K. plan was 6.6% and 6.8% , respectively. The remaining international pension plans, with assets representing approximately 5% of the international pension assets, are under the guidance of professional investment managers and have similar investment objectives. The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2015 by asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Domestic equities: Common stocks $ 35,619 $ 35,619 $ — Mutual funds—equities 42,093 11,595 30,498 International equities—mutual funds 38,787 38,787 — Fixed income investments: U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities 15,506 — 15,506 Corporate bonds and notes 12,987 12,987 — Mutual funds—bonds 39,594 12,094 27,500 Other—mutual funds 20,803 20,803 — Cash and money market accounts 3,481 3,481 — Total $ 208,870 $ 135,366 $ 73,504 The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Domestic equities: Common stocks $ 44,064 $ 44,064 $ — Mutual funds—equities 47,313 13,335 33,978 International equities—mutual funds 42,446 42,446 — Fixed income investments: U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities 18,759 — 18,759 Corporate bonds and notes 11,347 11,347 — Mutual funds—bonds 40,568 11,936 28,632 Other—mutual funds 21,700 21,700 — Cash and money market accounts 7,153 7,153 — Total $ 233,350 $ 151,981 $ 81,369 The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2015 by asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities: Mutual funds—equities $ 255,937 $ — $ 255,937 $ — Fixed income investments: Mutual funds—bonds 320,259 — 320,259 — Insurance contracts 7,306 — 7,306 — Other: Real estate funds/limited partnerships 52,313 — 27,951 24,362 Other mutual funds 117,646 — 117,646 — Cash and money market accounts 2,505 2,505 — — Total $ 755,966 $ 2,505 $ 729,099 $ 24,362 The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities: Mutual funds—equities $ 292,150 $ — $ 292,150 $ — Fixed income investments: Mutual funds—bonds 350,073 — 350,073 — Insurance contracts 8,233 — 8,233 — Other: Real estate funds / limited partnerships 53,926 — 31,279 22,647 Other mutual funds 84,120 — 84,120 — Cash and money market accounts 2,543 2,543 — — Total $ 791,045 $ 2,543 $ 765,855 $ 22,647 The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Level 3 Asset Changes for the Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Real Estate Limited Partnership: Balance at beginning of year $ 22,647 $ 20,423 $ 17,746 Contributions to partnership 109 385 838 Cash distributions received (10,062 ) (1,614 ) (1,380 ) Actual return on plan assets: Related to asset still held at end of year 11,668 3,453 3,219 Balance at end of year $ 24,362 $ 22,647 $ 20,423 Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the plans' investments measured at fair value: • Level 1 Fair Value Measurements—Investments in interest-bearing cash are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The fair values of money market accounts and certain mutual funds are based on quoted net asset values of the shares held by the plan at year-end. The fair values of domestic and international stocks and corporate bonds, notes and convertible debentures are valued at the closing price reported in the active market on which the individual securities are traded. • Level 2 Fair Value Measurements—The fair values of investments in mutual funds for which quoted net asset values in an active market are not available are valued by the investment advisor based on the current market values of the underlying assets of the mutual fund based on information reported by the investment consistent with audited financial statements of the mutual fund. Further information concerning these mutual funds may be obtained from their separate audited financial statements. Investments in U.S. Treasury notes and collateralized securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. • Level 3 Fair Value Measurements—Real estate limited partnership interests are valued by the general partners based on the underlying assets. The limited partnership interests are valued using unobservable inputs and have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Multiemployer Plans The Company, through the Harsco Metals & Minerals 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 $2.5 million , $3.0 million and $17.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The decrease in contributions by the Company for 2014 and 2015 primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 16,169 $ 22,951 $ (30,422 ) International 18,646 (8,813 ) (160,754 ) Total income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss) $ 34,815 $ 14,138 $ (191,176 ) Income tax expense as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Income tax expense (benefit): Currently payable: U.S. federal $ 408 $ 5,622 $ 9,822 U.S. state 546 557 1,375 International 23,095 14,569 41,015 Total income taxes currently payable 24,049 20,748 52,212 Deferred U.S. federal 2,651 3,447 (18,615 ) Deferred U.S. state 812 893 473 Deferred international 166 5,278 (2,095 ) Total income tax expense $ 27,678 $ 30,366 $ 31,975 Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on the gain or loss from discontinued business, were $18.9 million , $36.0 million and $44.4 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax expense (benefit) to the actual income tax expense as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. federal income tax $ 12,185 $ 4,949 $ (66,912 ) U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 496 713 (917 ) U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits (2,504 ) (1,882 ) (4,700 ) Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction — — 13,181 Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances 5,095 4,397 581 Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements 1,416 (5,298 ) (5,548 ) Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets 923 2,283 20,125 Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits 8,508 21,969 — U.S. nondeductible items 874 1,216 2,953 Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction 580 2,592 73,819 Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws 340 246 (370 ) Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities 62 (587 ) — Other, net (297 ) (232 ) (237 ) Total income tax expense $ 27,678 $ 30,366 $ 31,975 At December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company's annual effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations was 79.5% , 214.8% and (16.7)% , respectively. The income tax expense for 2015 compared with 2014 decreased primarily due to a reduction in restructuring and asset impairment charges in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment for which no tax benefit was recorded. Total income tax expense changed between 2013 and 2014 primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of the $272.3 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and for the tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction recorded in 2013 compared with the restructuring and asset impairment charges recorded in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment for which no tax benefit was recorded in 2014. The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Asset Liability Asset Liability Depreciation and amortization $ — $ 11,474 $ — $ 16,026 Expense accruals 24,538 — 27,737 — Inventories 5,588 — 4,396 — Provision for receivables 1,049 — 798 — Deferred revenue — 1,904 — 1,708 Operating loss carryforwards 77,151 — 75,635 — Foreign tax credit carryforwards 19,199 — 16,476 — Capital loss carryforwards 2,102 — 2,102 — Pensions 66,675 — 91,377 — Currency adjustments 28,589 — 35,386 — Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture — 10,688 — 23,885 Unit adjustment liability 29,491 — 34,675 — Post-retirement benefits 869 — 905 — Other 8,446 — 9,079 — Subtotal 263,697 24,066 298,566 41,619 Valuation allowance (110,680 ) — (131,422 ) — Total deferred income taxes $ 153,017 $ 24,066 $ 167,144 $ 41,619 The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (In thousands) 2015 2014 Other current assets $ 38,899 $ 39,003 Other assets 102,914 94,021 Other current liabilities 767 1,120 Deferred income taxes 12,095 6,379 At December 31, 2015 , the tax-effected amount of net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") totaled $77.2 million . Tax-effected NOLs from international operations are $67.2 million . Of that amount, $46.8 million can be carried forward indefinitely, and $20.4 million will expire at various times between 2016 and 2031. Tax-effected U.S. state NOLs are $10.0 million . Of that amount, $0.4 million expire at various times between 2016 and 2019, $4.3 million expire at various times between 2020 and 2024, $1.5 million expire at various times between 2025 and 2029, and $3.8 million expire at various times between 2030 and 2035. At December 31, 2015 , the tax-effected amount of capital loss carryforwards totaled $2.1 million which expire in 2018. The valuation allowances of $110.7 million and $131.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, related principally to deferred tax assets for pension liabilities, NOLs, capital losses, foreign currency translation and foreign investment tax credits that are uncertain as to realizability. In 2015, the Company recorded a net decrease in the valuation allowance of $16.1 million related to current year pension adjustments recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss, the current year decrease from foreign currency translation in the amount of $11.5 million and a $6.3 million decrease related to a U.K. tax rate change. This was partially offset by a net increase of $13.2 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. Additionally, in 2014, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $8.0 million related to pension adjustments recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and a net increase of $6.6 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. This was partially offset by a $9.3 million reduction in valuation allowance from the effects of foreign currency translation and a reduction of $1.1 million related to usage of a capital loss carryforward. The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on certain non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as such amounts are indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , such earnings were approximately $547 million and $705 million , respectively. It is not practical to determine the deferred income tax liability on these earnings if, in the future, they are remitted to the U.S. because the income tax liability to be incurred, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing when remittance occurs. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company did not recognize any income tax benefit for interest and penalties during 2015. During 2014 and 2013 , the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $2.1 million and $3.1 million , respectively, for interest and penalties primarily due to the expiration of statutes of limitation and resolution of examinations. The Company has accrued $2.8 million , $2.8 million and $4.9 million for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 respectively. A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 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, 2013 $ 24,918 $ (369 ) $ 24,549 Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment) 500 (5 ) 495 Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment) 145 (4 ) 141 Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years (3,050 ) — (3,050 ) Statutes of limitation expirations (3,348 ) 180 (3,168 ) Settlements (1,616 ) — (1,616 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 17,549 (198 ) 17,351 Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment) 288 (2 ) 286 Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment) 156 (55 ) 101 Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years (3,056 ) — (3,056 ) Statutes of limitation expirations (2,481 ) 143 (2,338 ) Settlements — — — Balance at December 31, 2014 12,456 (112 ) 12,344 Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment) (483 ) (2 ) (485 ) Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment) 1,249 (4 ) 1,245 Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years (7,846 ) — (7,846 ) Statutes of limitation expirations (173 ) 59 (114 ) Settlements (42 ) 15 (27 ) Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2015 $ 5,161 $ (44 ) $ 5,117 Included in the other reductions for tax positions related to prior years for 2015 is $7.8 million resulting from the adjustment by a foreign tax authority as a result of tax audit. The unrecognized tax benefit was related to a net operating loss carryforward that carried a full valuation allowance. As a result, the related deferred tax asset was decreased by the same amount. Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that up to $2.3 million of unrecognized income tax benefits will be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations. The Company files income tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S and international income tax examinations by tax authorities through 2009.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Environmental The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations and cleanups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a "potentially responsible party" for certain waste disposal sites. While each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the Company. The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected. The Company did not have any material accruals or record any material expenses related to environmental matters during the periods presented. The Company evaluates its liability for future environmental remediation costs on a quarterly basis. Although actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates (given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures), the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts accrued would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Brazilian Tax Disputes The Company is involved in a number of tax disputes with federal, state and municipal tax authorities in Brazil. These disputes are at various stages of the legal process, including the administrative review phase and the collection action phase, and include assessments of fixed amounts of principal and penalties, plus interest charges that increase at statutorily determined amounts per month and are assessed on the aggregate amount of the principal and penalties. In addition, the losing party at the collection action or court of appeals phase could be subject to a charge to cover statutorily mandated legal fees, which are generally calculated as a percentage of the total assessed amounts due, inclusive of penalty and interest. A large number of the claims relate to value-added ("ICMS"), services and social security ("INSS") tax disputes. The largest proportion of the assessed amounts relate to ICMS claims filed by the State Revenue Authorities from the State of São Paulo, Brazil (the "SPRA"), encompassing the period from January 2002 to May 2005. In October 2009, the Company received notification of the SPRA's final administrative decision regarding the levying of ICMS in the State of São Paulo in relation to services provided to a customer in the State between January 2004 and May 2005. As of December 31, 2015 , 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 $18 million . Any change in the aggregate amount since the Company's last Annual Report on Form 10-K, as revised on Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2015, is due to an increase in assessed interest and statutorily mandated legal fees for the year, as well as foreign currency translation. Another ICMS tax case involving the SPRA refers to the tax period from January 2002 to December 2003, and is still pending at the administrative phase, where the aggregate amount assessed by the tax authorities in August 2005 was $6.4 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 $4.9 million . All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation. The Company continues to believe that it is not probable it will incur a loss for these assessments by the SPRA. The Company also continues to believe that sufficient coverage for these claims exists as a result of the Company's customer's indemnification obligations and such customer's pledge of assets in connection with the October 2009 notice, as required by Brazilian procedure. The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending itself against these tax claims under various alternatives, including judicial appeal. The Company will continue to evaluate its potential liability with regard to these claims on a quarterly basis; however, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these tax-related disputes in Brazil. No loss provision has been recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the disputes described above because the loss contingency is not deemed probable, and the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with Brazilian tax disputes would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Brazilian Labor Disputes The Company is subject to collective bargaining and individual labor claims in Brazil through the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment which allege, among other things, the Company's failure to pay required amounts for overtime and vacation at certain sites. The Company is vigorously defending itself against these claims; however, litigation is inherently unpredictable, particularly in foreign jurisdictions. While the Company does not currently expect that the ultimate resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these labor-related disputes. The Company is continuing to review all known labor claims and as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company has established reserves of $6.9 million and $8.6 million , respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts considered to be probable and estimable. As the Company continues to evaluate these claims and takes actions to address them, the amount of established reserves may be impacted. Customer Disputes The Company, through its Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, may, in the normal course of business, become involved in commercial disputes with subcontractors or customers. During the first quarter of 2015, a rail grinder manufactured by the Company's Harsco Rail Segment and operated by a subcontractor caught fire, causing a customer to incur monetary damages. There is a legal action pending to determine the cause of the incident. Depending on the cause of the fire and the extent of insurance coverage, the Company's results of operations and cash flows may be impacted in future periods. Although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by a negative outcome in these or other lawsuits, claims or proceedings, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 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, 2015 , there were 17,153 pending asbestos personal injury actions filed against the Company. Of those actions, 16,831 were filed in the New York Supreme Court (New York County), 125 were filed in other New York State Supreme Court Counties and 197 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, 2015 , 16,758 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 73 cases in New York County are pending on the Active or In Extremis Docket created for plaintiffs who can demonstrate a malignant condition or physical impairment. The Company has liability insurance coverage under various primary and excess policies that the Company believes will be available, if necessary, to substantially cover any liability that might ultimately be incurred in the asbestos actions referred to above. The Company believes that a substantial portion of the costs and expenses of the asbestos actions will be paid by the Company’s insurers. In view of the persistence of asbestos litigation in the U.S., the Company expects to continue to receive additional claims in the future. The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending these claims and cases. At December 31, 2015 , the Company has obtained dismissal in 27,773 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 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

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both having a par value of $1.25 per share. The preferred stock is issuable in series with terms as fixed by the Board of Directors (the "Board"). No preferred stock has been issued. Under the Company's Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (the "Agreement"), the Board authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one right for each share of common stock outstanding on the record date. The rights may only be exercised if, among other things and with certain exceptions, a person or group has acquired 15% or more of the Company's common stock without the prior approval of the Board. Each right entitles the holder to purchase 1/100th share of Harsco Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $230 . Once the rights become exercisable, the holder of a right will be entitled, upon payment of the exercise price, to purchase a number of shares of common stock calculated to have a value of two times the exercise price of the right. The rights expire on October 9, 2017 , do not have voting power, and may be redeemed by the Company at a price of $0.001 per right at any time until the 10 th business day following public announcement that a person or group has accumulated 15% or more of the Company's common stock. The Agreement also includes an exchange feature. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , 800,944 and 806,599 shares, respectively, of $1.25 par value preferred stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the rights. The Company's share repurchase program expired on January 31, 2015. The Board had previously authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows: Shares Authorized for Purchase January 1 Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase Shares Purchased Plan Expiration Shares Authorized for Purchase December 31 2013 1,713,423 286,577 — — 2,000,000 2014 2,000,000 — 150,000 — 1,850,000 2015 1,850,000 — 596,632 1,253,368 — The following table summarizes the Company's common stock: Common Stock Shares Issued Treasury Shares (a) Outstanding Shares Outstanding, January 1, 2013 112,063,938 31,479,310 80,584,628 Stock options exercised 20,000 — 20,000 Vested restricted stock units 25,215 9,358 15,857 Stock appreciation rights exercised 2,713 521 2,192 Other stock grants 86,827 30,579 56,248 Outstanding, December 31, 2013 112,198,693 31,519,768 80,678,925 Vested restricted stock units 65,851 4,418 61,433 Stock appreciation rights exercised 9,213 2,985 6,228 Other stock grants 83,591 20,327 63,264 Treasury shares purchased — 150,000 (150,000 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2014 112,357,348 31,697,498 80,659,850 Vested restricted stock units 47,954 16,807 31,147 Treasury shares purchased — 596,632 (596,632 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2015 112,405,302 32,310,937 80,094,365 (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 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations: (In thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders $ 7,168 $ (22,281 ) $ (231,356 ) Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 80,234 80,884 80,755 Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation 131 — — Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 80,365 80,884 80,755 Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders: Basic $ 0.09 $ (0.28 ) $ (2.86 ) Diluted $ 0.09 $ (0.28 ) $ (2.86 ) 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) 2015 2014 2013 Restricted stock units — 301 265 Stock options 98 188 286 Stock appreciation rights 1,142 912 1,078 Performance share units 278 93 — Other stock-based compensation units — — 101

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The 2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2013 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 6,800,000 shares of the Company's common stock for use in paying incentive compensation awards in the form of stock options or other equity awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), or performance share units ("PSUs"). Of the 6,800,000 shares authorized, a maximum of 3,400,000 shares may be issued for awards other than option rights or SARs, as defined in the 2013 Plan. The 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan (the "1995 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of the Company's common stock for equity awards. Both plans have been approved by the Company's stockholders. At December 31, 2015 , there were 5,097,341 shares available for granting equity awards under the 2013 Plan, of which 2,734,087 shares were available for awards other than option rights or SARs. At December 31, 2015 , there were 47,078 shares available for granting equity awards under the 1995 Plan. Restricted Stock Units The Company's Board approves the granting of performance-based RSUs as the long-term equity component of director, officer and certain key employee compensation. The RSUs require no payment from the recipient and compensation cost is measured based on the market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date and is generally recorded over the vesting period. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2012, and prior, vested on a pro rata basis over a three -year period or upon obtainment of specified retirement criteria. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2013, either "cliff" vest at the end of three years or upon obtainment of specified retirement criteria. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2014 and 2015, either "cliff" vest at the end of three years, 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 following the termination of the participant's service as a director. Upon vesting, each RSU is exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company's common stock. RSUs do not have an option for cash payment. The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : RSUs Weighted Average Fair Value Expense (Dollars in thousands, except per unit) 2015 2014 2013 Directors: 2012 30,618 $ 21.44 — — 255 2013 46,287 $ 20.60 — 318 636 2014 36,840 $ 24.80 311 602 — 2015 59,985 $ 15.69 627 — — Employees: 2011 17,250 $ 23.55 — 3 69 2012 141,486 $ 18.75 (71 ) (a) 151 383 2013 170,582 $ 20.63 87 325 633 2014 190,832 $ 25.21 504 1,114 — 2015 239,679 $ 16.53 919 — — Total $ 2,377 $ 2,513 $ 1,976 (a) Represents the impact of forfeitures during 2015. RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was as follows: RSUs Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested at January 1, 2013 141,473 $ 19.19 Granted 216,869 $ 20.62 Vested (69,955 ) $ 20.54 Forfeited (74,546 ) $ 22.61 Non-vested at December 31, 2013 213,841 $ 19.95 Granted 227,672 $ 25.14 Vested (52,041 ) $ 23.58 Forfeited (84,956 ) $ 20.92 Non-vested at December 31, 2014 304,516 $ 22.94 Granted 299,664 $ 16.36 Vested (58,760 ) $ 19.34 Forfeited (107,062 ) $ 22.14 Non-vested at December 31, 2015 438,358 $ 19.12 At December 31, 2015 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs was $3.9 million , which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. There was no change in excess tax benefits from RSUs recognized in 2015 and 2014. There was a $0.1 million increase of excess tax benefits in 2013. Stock Appreciation Rights The Company may grant SARs to officers and certain key employees under the 2013 Plan. The SARs generally vest on a pro-rata basis from one to five years from the grant date or upon 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 the fair value on the grant date. Upon exercise, shares of Company's common stock are issued based on the increase in the fair value of the Company's common stock over the exercise price of the SAR. SARs do not have an option for cash payment. During 2013, the Company issued SARs covering 903,814 shares in May, 5,018 shares in June and 15,000 shares in November under the 2013 Plan. During 2014, the Company issued SARs covering 51,900 shares in April, 255,090 shares in May, 31,405 shares in July, 84,290 shares in August, 15,808 shares in September and 12,401 shares in November under the 2013 Plan. During 2015, the Company issued SARs covering 532,615 shares in May under the 2013 Plan. The fair value of each SAR grant was estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions: SARs Issued Risk-free Interest rate Dividend Yield Expected Life (Years) Volatility SAR Grant Price Fair Value of SAR May 2013 Grant 1.17 % 3.61 % 6.5 44.1 % $ 22.70 $ 6.86 June 2013 Grant 1.41 % 3.56 % 6.5 44.1 % $ 23.03 $ 7.07 November 2013 Grant 1.91 % 3.13 % 6.5 43.8 % $ 26.22 $ 8.60 April 2014 Grant 1.98 % 3.53 % 6.0 44.3 % $ 23.25 $ 7.25 May 2014 Grant (1st) 1.90 % 3.16 % 6.0 43.2 % $ 25.93 $ 8.16 May 2014 Grant (2nd) 1.82 % 3.05 % 6.0 42.8 % $ 26.92 $ 8.47 July 2014 Grant 2.00 % 3.24 % 6.0 41.2 % $ 25.27 $ 7.55 August 2014 Grant 1.92 % 3.27 % 6.0 41.2 % $ 25.11 $ 7.46 September 2014 Grant 2.03 % 3.50 % 6.0 40.6 % $ 23.43 $ 6.72 November 2014 Grant 1.78 % 4.00 % 6.0 38.6 % $ 20.48 $ 5.17 May 2015 Grant 1.70 % 4.96 % 6.0 35.8 % $ 16.53 $ 3.39 SARs activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was as follows: SARs Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (a) Outstanding, January 1, 2013 525,287 $ 21.23 $ 1.2 Granted 923,832 $ 22.76 Exercised (11,037 ) $ 19.65 Forfeited/Expired (476,624 ) $ 22.28 Outstanding, December 31, 2013 961,458 $ 22.20 $ 5.6 Granted 450,894 $ 25.20 Exercised (52,667 ) $ 20.21 Forfeited/Expired (406,637 ) $ 22.65 Outstanding, December 31, 2014 953,048 $ 23.53 $ — Granted 532,615 $ 16.53 Forfeited/Expired (385,253 ) $ 22.36 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 1,100,410 $ 20.55 $ — (a) Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those SARs where the market price exceeds the exercise price. No SARs were exercised in 2015 . The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million and $ 0.1 million . The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2015 : 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 $16.53 - $22.70 121,020 628,692 $ 18.49 8.58 121,020 $ 21.71 $23.03 - $26.92 127,291 223,407 $ 24.97 8.24 127,291 $ 24.89 248,311 852,099 $ 20.55 8.47 248,311 $ 23.34 Total compensation expense related to SARs was $1.2 million , $1.0 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2015 , outstanding SARs have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 8.47 years and no intrinsic value as the exercise price for all SARs exceeds the current market value. Vested and currently exercisable SARs have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 7.62 years and no aggregate intrinsic value. At December 31, 2015 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested SARs was $2.9 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years. Weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested SARs for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows: SARs Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested shares, January 1, 2014 839,505 $ 22.27 Granted 450,894 $ 25.20 Vested (84,685 ) $ 23.23 Exercised (52,667 ) $ 20.21 Forfeited (406,637 ) $ 22.65 Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014 746,410 $ 23.87 Granted 532,615 $ 16.53 Vested (41,673 ) $ 24.05 Forfeited (385,253 ) $ 22.36 Non-vested shares, December 31, 2015 852,099 $ 19.74 Performance Share Units Beginning in 2014, the Company granted PSUs to officers and certain key employees that may be earned based on the Company's total shareholder return over the three -year performance period. 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 the S&P Midcap 400 Index during the performance period. The payment of PSUs following the performance period will be based in accordance with the scale set forth in the PSU agreements and may range from 0% to 200% of the initial grant. PSUs do not have an option for cash payment. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 15,700 shares in April, 82,526 shares in May, 11,487 shares in July, 26,550 shares in August, 4,980 shares in September and 3,906 shares in November under the 2013 Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted 237,063 shares in May under the 2013 Plan. The fair value of PSUs granted was estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo pricing model with the following assumptions: PSUs Issued Risk-free Interest rate Dividend Yield Expected Life (Years) Volatility Fair Value of PSU April 2014 Grant 0.75 % — % 2.73 34.3 % $ 18.00 May 2014 Grant (1st) 0.70 % — % 2.65 31.8 % $ 25.26 May 2014 Grant (2nd) 0.63 % — % 2.61 30.1 % $ 27.53 July 2014 Grant 0.74 % — % 2.42 26.9 % $ 22.31 August 2014 Grant 0.67 % — % 2.42 26.9 % $ 21.86 September 2014 Grant 0.72 % — % 2.29 25.7 % $ 15.26 November 2014 Grant 0.55 % — % 2.10 26.3 % $ 7.42 May 2015 Grant 0.83 % — % 2.65 28.5 % $ 14.48 Total compensation expense related to PSUs was $1.4 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested PSUs was $2.6 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. A summary of the Company's non-vested PSU activity during the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014 is presented in the following table: PSUs Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested shares, January 1, 2014 — $ — Granted 145,149 $ 22.82 Forfeited (9,796 ) $ 25.26 Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014 135,353 $ 22.65 Granted 237,063 $ 14.48 Forfeited (57,204 ) $ 20.26 Non-vested shares, December 31, 2015 315,212 $ 16.94 Stock Options The Company may grant incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options to officers, certain key employees and non-employee directors under the plans noted above. The stock options would generally vest three years from the grant date, which is the date the Board approved the grants, and expire no later than seven years after the grant date. The exercise price of the stock option would be fair value on the grant date. Upon exercise, a new share of Company common stock is issued for each stock option. Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was as follows: Stock Options Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)(a) Outstanding, January 1, 2013 328,000 $ 30.67 $ 0.2 Exercised (20,000 ) $ 16.96 $ — Forfeited/Expired (79,000 ) $ 31.00 $ — Outstanding, December 31, 2013 229,000 $ 31.75 $ — Forfeited/Expired (107,500 ) $ 31.75 $ — Outstanding, December 31, 2014 121,500 $ 31.75 $ — Forfeited/Expired (31,500 ) $ 31.75 $ — Outstanding, December 31, 2015 90,000 $ 31.75 $ — (a) Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those options where the market price exceeds the exercise price. There was no compensation expense related to stock options in 2015. Compensation expense related to stock options totaled less than $0.1 million in 2014 and $0.2 million in 2013. At December 31, 2015 , there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options. There were no stock options exercised and no net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options in 2015 and 2014. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaled $0.4 million in 2013 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2013 was $0.1 million . The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2015 : Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options 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 $31.75 - $31.75 90,000 — $ 31.75 2.1 90,000 $ 31.75 During 2014, the Company issued 27,672 common shares to the Interim Chief Executive Officer as part of his compensation agreement. These shares vested immediately and were not subject to any holding period restrictions. The fair value of these other stock grants were based on the market price of the Company's stock at the grant date. Expense recognized in 2014 for these other stock grants totaled $0.7 million . In addition, 55,919 common shares were issued to other officers and key employees to settle previous fully-vested liability-based long-term incentive award programs.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments Off-Balance Sheet Risk As collateral for the Company's performance and to insurers, the Company is contingently liable under standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees in the amounts of $232.5 million , $269.4 million and $216.3 million at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The decrease at December 31, 2015 primarily relates to the expiration of several guarantees and lower negotiated amounts for certain insurance letters of credit. The increase at December 31, 2014 primarily relates to the issuance of performance bonds associated with the Company's large Switzerland rail order in the Harsco Rail Segment. These standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees are generally in force for up to 4 years. Certain issues have no scheduled expiration date. The Company pays fees to various banks and insurance companies that range from 0.75% to 3.30% 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, 2015 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 2015 were in the European Economic and Monetary Union, the U.K. and Brazil. Off-Balance Sheet Risk—Third-Party Guarantees In connection with the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company has outstanding guarantees and letters of credit related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that are still in force. These guarantees and letters of credit are provided to enable the legacy business to obtain financing for their operations. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to these guarantees was approximately $5 million and $15 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These guarantees and letters of credit are expected to be replaced by Brand during 2016. There is no recognition of a liability related to these guarantees or letters of credit as the Company believes that the potential for making any payments is remote and they have been indemnified by Brand as part of the Infrastructure Transaction. During June 2014, the Company provided a guarantee to Brand, as part of the net working capital settlement related to the Infrastructure Transaction, for certain matters occurring prior to closing. The remaining term of this guarantee is 5 years at December 31, 2015 . The maximum potential amount of future payments related to this guarantee is approximately $3 million at December 31, 2015 . There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote. The Company provided an environmental indemnification for properties that were sold to a third party in 2007. The maximum term of this guarantee is 20 years, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter is discovered on the properties. The Company is not aware of environmental issues related to these properties. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote. The Company provided an environmental indemnification for property from a lease that terminated in 2006. The term of this guarantee is indefinite, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter was discovered on the property relating to the time the Company leased the property. The Company is not aware of any environmental issues related to this property. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to this guarantee is estimated to be $3.0 million at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote. Any liabilities related to the Company's obligation to stand ready to act on third-party guarantees are included in the captions, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities (as appropriate), on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any recognition of these liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations for 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . 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 and 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. Changes in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge foreign currency denominated balance sheet items are reported directly in earnings along with offsetting transaction gains and losses on the items being hedged. Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases may be accounted for as cash flow hedges, as deemed appropriate, if the criteria for hedge accounting are met. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are deferred as a separate component of equity and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. Generally, at December 31, 2015 , deferred gains and losses related to asset purchases are reclassified to earnings over 10 to 15 years from the balance sheet date and those related to revenue are deferred until the revenue is recognized. The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings. The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows: Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value December 31, 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 1,640 Other current liabilities $ — Cross-currency interest rate swaps Other assets 15,417 Other liabilities — Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 17,057 $ — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments : Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 4,188 Other current liabilities $ 1,738 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value December 31, 2014 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 420 $ — Cross-currency interest rate swaps Other assets 52,989 Other liabilities 2,599 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 53,409 $ 2,599 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 4,065 Other current liabilities $ 4,618 All of the Company's derivatives are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at gross amounts and not offset. All of the Company's CCIRs and certain foreign currency exchange forward contracts are transacted under International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") documentation. Each ISDA master agreement permits the net settlement of amounts owed in the event of default. The Company's derivative assets and liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements did not result in a net asset or net liability at either December 31, 2015 or 2014 . The effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was as follows: Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments (In thousands) Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative—Effective Portion Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 580 Cost of services and products sold $ 53 $ — Cross-currency interest rate swaps 9,012 — Cost of services and products sold 30,359 (a) $ 9,592 $ 53 $ 30,359 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 358 Cost of services and products sold $ 4 $ — Cross-currency interest rate swaps (1,977 ) — Cost of services and products sold 39,823 (a) $ (1,619 ) $ 4 $ 39,823 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 48 Cost of services and products sold $ (8 ) Cost of services and products sold $ (6 ) Cross-currency interest rate swaps 2,409 — Cost of services and products sold (12,061 ) (a) $ 2,457 $ (8 ) $ (12,067 ) (a) These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal. Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31(a) (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Cost of services and products sold $ (158 ) $ (2,307 ) $ (10,463 ) (a) These 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. The financial position and results of operations of substantially all of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates, and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods. The aggregate effects of translating the balance sheets of these subsidiaries are deferred and recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a separate component of equity. The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge cash flows related to foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts outstanding are part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency exchange operating income and balance sheet exposure by offsetting foreign currency exposures of certain future payments between the Company and various subsidiaries, suppliers or customers. The unsecured contracts are with major financial institutions. The Company may be exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the contract counterparties. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of the counterparties and does not expect default by them. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are used to hedge commitments, such as foreign currency debt, firm purchase commitments and foreign currency cash flows for certain export sales transactions. The following tables summarize, by major currency, the contractual amounts of the Company's foreign currency exchange forward contracts in U.S. dollars at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The "Buy" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies, and the "Sell" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell foreign currencies. The recognized gains and losses offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures. Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2015 : (In thousands) Type U.S. Dollar Equivalent Maturity Recognized Gain (Loss) British pounds sterling Sell $ 43,511 January 2016 $ 822 British pounds sterling Buy 2,062 January 2016 (54 ) Euros Sell 336,397 January 2016 through December 2016 547 Euros Buy 167,037 January 2016 through August 2016 2,497 Other currencies Sell 35,426 January 2016 through March 2016 316 Other currencies Buy 7,981 January 2016 (38 ) Total $ 592,414 $ 4,090 Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2014 : (In thousands) Type U.S. Dollar Equivalent Maturity Recognized Gain (Loss) British pounds sterling Sell $ 37,943 January 2015 $ 179 British pounds sterling Buy 2,783 January 2015 (4 ) Euros Sell 193,370 January 2015 through March 2015 2,993 Euros Buy 194,084 January 2015 through March 2015 (3,767 ) Other currencies Sell 12,641 January 2015 through 439 Other currencies Buy 28,001 January 2015 through June 2015 27 Total $ 468,822 $ (133 ) 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 $2.7 million and pre-tax net gains of $22.6 million and pre-tax net losses $9.8 million related to hedges of net investments during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, in the caption, Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps The Company uses CCIRs in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed local currency interest rate. Under these CCIRs, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or floating U.S. dollar rate and pays interest on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in dollars and the local currency, respectively. At maturity, there is also the payment of principal amounts between currencies. The CCIRs are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in value attributed to the effect of the swaps' interest spread and changes in the credit worthiness of the counter-parties recorded in the caption, Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal. The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's CCIRs: Contractual Amounts Interest Rates (In millions) Receive Pay Maturing 2020 $ 220.0 Fixed U.S. dollar rate Fixed British pound sterling rate Maturing 2016 through 2017 6.5 Floating U.S. dollar rate Fixed rupee rate During August 2015, the Company effected the early termination of the euro CCIR with an original maturity date of 2018. The Company received $75.1 million in cash related to this termination. There was no gain or loss recorded on the termination as any change in value attributable to the effect of foreign currency translation was previously recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Euro denominated foreign currency exchange forward contracts were entered into later in 2015 that provide similar protection from changes in foreign exchange rates to the terminated CCIR contract. Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities and Other Financial Instruments Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: • Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. • Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. • Level 3—Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. In instances in which multiple levels of inputs are used to measure fair value, hierarchy classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Level 2 Fair Value Measurements December 31 December 31 Assets Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 5,828 $ 4,485 Cross-currency interest rate swaps 15,417 52,989 Liabilities Foreign-currency forward exchange contracts 1,738 4,618 Cross currency interest rate swaps — 2,599 The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability (a) for the Twelve Months Ended December 31 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 93,762 $ 106,343 Payments (22,320 ) (22,320 ) Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability 8,491 9,740 Balance at end of year $ 79,934 (b) $ 93,762 (b) (a) See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information related to the unit adjustment liability. (b) Does not total due to rounding. 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 and CCIRs are classified as Level 2 fair value based upon pricing models using market-based inputs. Model inputs can be verified, and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the total fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $834.6 million and $885.0 million , respectively, compared to carrying value of $880.8 million and $854.9 million , respectively. Fair values for debt are based on quoted market prices (Level 1) for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places cash and cash equivalents with high-quality financial institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any single institution. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited in the Harsco Industrial Segments due to the Company's large number of customers and their dispersion across different industries and geographies. However, the Company's Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and, to a lesser extent, the Harsco Rail Segment have several large customers throughout the world with significant accounts receivable balances. Consolidation in the global steel or rail industries could result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company. The Company generally does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. If a receivable from one or more of the Company's larger customers becomes uncollectible, it could have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

Information by Segment and Geog

Information by Segment and Geographic Area	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information by Segment and Georgraphic Area	Information by Segment and Geographic Area The Company reports information about operating segments using the "management approach," which is based on the way management organizes and reports the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are identified based upon differences in products, services and markets served. In 2015 , the Company had three reportable segments. These segments and the types of products and services offered include the following: Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products. Major customers include steel mills and asphalt roofing manufacturers. Harsco Industrial Segment Major products include air-cooled heat exchangers; industrial grating; and boilers and water heaters. Major customers include industrial plants and the non-residential, commercial and public construction and retrofit markets; and the natural gas, natural gas processing and petrochemical industries. Harsco Rail Segment This Segment manufactures railway track maintenance equipment and provides track maintenance services. The major customers include private and government-owned railroads and urban mass transit systems worldwide. In 2013, the Company's reportable segments also included the following: Harsco Infrastructure Segment Historically, major services included project engineering and equipment installation, as well as the sale and rental of scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming systems for industrial maintenance and capital improvement projects, civil infrastructure projects, non-residential construction, and international multi-dwelling residential construction projects. Services were provided to industrial and petrochemical plants; the infrastructure construction, repair and maintenance markets; commercial and industrial construction contractors; and public utilities. As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, this Segment is not included in the Company's results of operations for 2015 and 2014. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction. Other Information The measurement basis of segment profit or loss is operating income (loss). There are no significant inter-segment sales. Corporate assets, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , include principally cash, prepaid taxes, fair value of derivative instruments, the equity method investment in Brand and U.S. deferred income taxes. Countries with revenues from unaffiliated customers or net property, plant and equipment of ten percent or more of the consolidated totals (in at least one period presented) are as follows: Information by Geographic Area (a) Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers Year Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 758,820 $ 880,884 $ 1,021,770 U.K. 217,011 257,885 353,915 All Other 747,261 927,519 1,520,285 Totals including Corporate $ 1,723,092 $ 2,066,288 $ 2,895,970 (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) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 142,506 $ 151,397 $ 146,939 China 97,305 102,842 86,822 Brazil 57,381 69,515 63,161 All Other 266,843 339,490 413,543 Totals including Corporate $ 564,035 $ 663,244 $ 710,465 No single customer provided in excess of 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment had two customers that each provided in excess of 10% of this Segment's revenues under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites. Should additional consolidations occur involving some of the steel industry's larger companies which are customers of the Company, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company. In 2015 , the Harsco Industrial Segment had two customers and in 2014 and 2013 one customer that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. In 2015 and 2013 , the Harsco Rail Segment had two customers and in 2014 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: The Company has reclassified segment operating results for the year ended December 31, 2013 to conform to the revised manner in which the Company now allocates corporate expenses to operating segments as a result of changes in organizational structure resulting from the Infrastructure Transaction. The changes do not impact the Company's previously reported consolidated revenues from continuing operations, operating income (loss) from continuing operations or income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income. Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 1,106,162 $ 1,378,142 $ 1,358,454 Harsco Infrastructure — — 885,377 Harsco Industrial 357,256 412,532 365,972 Harsco Rail 259,674 275,614 286,167 Total Revenues $ 1,723,092 $ 2,066,288 $ 2,895,970 Operating Income (Loss) Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 26,289 $ 13,771 $ 91,781 Harsco Infrastructure — — (257,291 ) Harsco Industrial 57,020 64,114 59,110 Harsco Rail 50,896 37,137 26,695 Corporate (45,669 ) (45,735 ) (62,938 ) Total Operating Income (Loss) $ 88,536 $ 69,287 $ (142,643 ) Total Assets Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 1,294,759 $ 1,476,660 $ 1,599,329 Harsco Infrastructure (a) — — 456,316 Harsco Industrial 119,830 127,591 83,946 Harsco Rail 219,753 169,035 159,752 Corporate 436,985 495,941 147,174 Total Assets $ 2,071,327 $ 2,269,227 $ 2,446,517 Depreciation and Amortization Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 136,579 $ 159,844 $ 158,837 Harsco Infrastructure — — 58,449 Harsco Industrial 6,266 4,928 3,329 Harsco Rail 6,093 5,591 10,362 Corporate 7,537 5,963 6,064 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 156,475 $ 176,326 $ 237,041 Capital Expenditures Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 99,563 $ 187,665 $ 172,583 Harsco Infrastructure — — 62,889 Harsco Industrial 17,382 9,298 3,936 Harsco Rail 1,957 3,120 3,502 Corporate 4,650 8,776 2,641 Total Capital Expenditures $ 123,552 $ 208,859 $ 245,551 (a) The total assets of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment at December 31, 2013 represent assets held-for-sale, the value of the equity method investment in Brand, and related net deferred tax assets. Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) to Consolidated Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income (Loss): Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Segment operating income (loss) $ 134,205 $ 115,022 $ (79,705 ) General Corporate expense (45,669 ) (45,735 ) (62,938 ) Operating income (loss) from continuing operations 88,536 69,287 (142,643 ) Interest income 1,574 1,702 2,087 Interest expense (46,804 ) (47,111 ) (49,654 ) Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability (8,491 ) (9,740 ) (966 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) $ 34,815 $ 14,138 $ (191,176 ) Information about Products and Services: Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Key Product and Services Groups Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products $ 1,106,162 $ 1,378,142 $ 1,358,454 Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a) — — 885,377 Railway track maintenance services and equipment 259,674 275,614 286,167 Air-cooled heat exchangers 186,243 226,529 180,738 Industrial grating products 129,869 139,711 142,355 Heat transfer products 41,144 46,292 42,879 Consolidated Revenues $ 1,723,092 $ 2,066,288 $ 2,895,970 (a) The Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales product group is associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment which was disposed of as part of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

Other Expenses

Other Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses	Other Expenses During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded pre-tax other expenses from continuing operations of $30.6 million , $57.8 million and $15.1 million , respectively. The major components of this Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows: Other (Income) Expenses (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Net gains $ (10,613 ) $ (6,718 ) $ (4,657 ) Employee termination benefit costs 14,914 19,120 3,928 Other costs to exit activities 13,451 4,908 5,382 Impaired asset write-downs 8,170 39,455 9,688 Foreign currency gains related to Harsco Rail Segment advances on contracts (10,940 ) — — Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs 9,922 — — Subcontractor settlement 4,220 — — Other expense 1,449 1,059 769 Total $ 30,573 $ 57,824 $ 15,110 Net Gains Net gains result from the sales of redundant properties (primarily land, buildings and related equipment) and non-core assets. In 2015, gains related to assets sold principally in North America and Latin America. In 2014, gains related to assets sold primarily in North America and Latin America. In 2013, gains related to assets sold principally in the U.S. and Western Europe. Net Gains (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment $ (7,059 ) $ (3,538 ) $ (1,043 ) Harsco Infrastructure Segment — — (2,864 ) Harsco Industrial Segment (3,554 ) (2,077 ) (750 ) Corporate — (1,103 ) — Total $ (10,613 ) $ (6,718 ) $ (4,657 ) Cash proceeds associated with these gains are included in the caption, Proceeds from sales of assets, in the cash flows from investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Employee Termination Benefit Costs Costs and the related liabilities associated with involuntary termination benefit costs associated with one-time benefit arrangements provided as part of an exit or disposal activity are recognized by the Company when a formal plan for reorganization is approved at the appropriate level of management and communicated to the affected employees. Additionally, costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements, or in certain countries where statutory requirements dictate a minimum required benefit, are recognized when they are probable and estimable. The employee termination benefits costs in 2015 related principally to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, including the impact of Project Orion, primarily in Western Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Additionally, employee termination benefits costs were incurred at Corporate. The employee termination benefits costs in 2014 related primarily to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, including the impact of Project Orion, primarily in Latin America and Western Europe. The employee termination benefit costs in 2013 related primarily to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and were primarily in Latin America, Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and North America. Employee Termination Benefit Costs (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment $ 11,454 $ 18,169 $ 3,561 Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a) — — (326 ) Harsco Rail Segment 145 185 235 Harsco Industrial Segment 561 421 115 Corporate 2,754 345 343 Total $ 14,914 $ 19,120 $ 3,928 (a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs. Other Costs to Exit Activities Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized as follows: • Costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease are recognized when an entity terminates the contract or when an entity ceases using the right conveyed by the contract. This includes the costs to terminate the contract before the end of its term or the costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the entity (e.g., lease run-out costs). • Other costs associated with exit or disposal activities (e.g., costs to consolidate or close facilities and relocate equipment or employees) are recognized and measured at their fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. In 2015, $13.5 million of exit costs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, primarily related to the Middle East, North America, Latin America and Western Europe. Other costs to exit activities during 2015 include costs associated with the Company's exit of operations in Bahrain. Over the past several years the Company has been in discussions with officials at the Supreme Council for Environment in Bahrain with regard to a processing by-product ("salt cakes") located at Hafeera. During 2015, the Company completed the assessment of options available for processing or removing the salt cakes. As a result, the Company has entered into a service agreement with a third party for processing the salt cakes and recorded a charge of $7.0 million , payable over five to seven years, related to the estimated cost of processing and disposal. The Company's Bahrain operations are operated under a strategic venture for which its strategic venture partner has a 35% minority interest. Accordingly, the net impact of the charge to the Company's net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation was $4.6 million . In 2014, $4.9 million of exit costs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, primarily related to North America and Western Europe, partially offset at Corporate by gains from currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings related to historic Harsco Infrastructure Segment entities which were not included as part of the Infrastructure Transaction and retained by the Company. The currency translation adjustments are non-cash items recognized when the Company has substantially liquidated the related investment in a foreign entity. In 2013, $5.4 million of exit costs were incurred, principally at Corporate related to the preliminary phases of the Infrastructure Transaction and the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment at various sites. Costs to Exit Activities (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment $ 12,638 $ 6,395 $ 2,705 Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a) — — (254 ) Corporate 813 (1,487 ) 2,931 Total $ 13,451 $ 4,908 $ 5,382 (a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs. Impaired Asset Write-downs Impaired asset write-downs are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value is estimated based upon the expected future realizable cash flows including anticipated selling prices. Non-cash impaired asset write-downs are included in the caption, Other, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities. In 2015, $8.2 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment mostly in North America, Middle East and Africa and the Asia Pacific region. In 2014, $39.5 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment mostly in Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa and the Asia Pacific region as part of Project Orion. In 2013, $9.7 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Rail Segment related to certain contract services assets being written-down to the net realizable value. Impaired Asset Write-downs (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment $ 8,170 $ 38,791 $ 689 Harsco Rail Segment — 590 8,999 Harsco Industrial Segment — 74 — Total $ 8,170 $ 39,455 $ 9,688 Foreign Currency Gains Related to Harsco Rail Segment Advances on Contracts In January 2015, the Swiss National Bank ended its policy of maintaining a stable exchange rate between the Swiss franc and the euro. As a result of this change in policy, the Swiss franc experienced significant appreciation against the euro. During 2015, the Company recognized $10.9 million in foreign currency gains primarily related to converting Swiss franc bank deposits to euros. This gain was associated with advances received for the Harsco Rail Segment's two contracts with the federal railway system of Switzerland. Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment Separation Costs The Company has announced its intention to pursue strategic options for the separation of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment from the rest of the Company. The Company has incurred $9.9 million of expenses related to the strategic review of this initiative. Subcontractor Settlement A subcontractor at the site of a large customer in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment had filed arbitration against the Company, claiming that it was owed monetary damages from the Company in connection with its processing certain materials. Additionally, related to this matter, the Company has brought suit against its customer which the Company believed had responsibility for any damages. During 2015, all parties involved reached a binding settlement agreement. The Company recorded a charge of $4.2 million related to its obligations under the settlement agreement.

Components of Accumulated Other

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 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, 2013 $ 6,110 $ (7,023 ) $ (369,682 ) $ (20 ) $ (370,615 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (39,818 ) (a) (1,961 ) (b) (130,659 ) (c) 5 (172,433 ) Other comprehensive loss from equity method investee (8,635 ) — 632 — (8,003 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 2,205 4 16,431 — 18,640 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions) (1,447 ) — — — (1,447 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss) (47,695 ) (1,957 ) (113,596 ) 5 (163,243 ) Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,647 (45 ) — — 1,602 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation (46,048 ) (2,002 ) (113,596 ) 5 (161,641 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (39,938 ) $ (9,025 ) $ (483,278 ) $ (15 ) $ (532,256 ) 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, 2014 $ (39,938 ) $ (9,025 ) $ (483,278 ) $ (15 ) $ (532,256 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (66,305 ) (a) 9,796 (b) 72,796 (c) (16 ) 16,271 Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee (21,950 ) (1,232 ) 596 — (22,586 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax — 53 20,190 — 20,243 Total other comprehensive income (loss) (88,255 ) 8,617 93,582 (16 ) 13,928 Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,632 8 — — 2,640 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation (85,623 ) 8,625 93,582 (16 ) 16,568 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (125,561 ) $ (400 ) $ (389,696 ) $ (31 ) $ (515,688 ) (a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation. (b) Net change from periodic revaluations. (c) Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Year Ended December 31 2015 Year Ended December 31 2014 Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands) Amortization of defined benefit pension items (d): Actuarial losses $ 15,810 $ 11,556 Selling, general and administrative expenses Actuarial losses 5,984 5,898 Cost of services and products sold Prior-service costs 121 103 Selling, general and administrative expenses Prior-service costs 148 171 Cost of services and products sold Total before tax 22,063 17,728 Tax benefit (1,873 ) (1,297 ) Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax $ 20,190 $ 16,431 Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 81 $ 4 Cost of services and products sold Tax benefit (28 ) — Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments $ 53 $ 4 Amortization of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments: Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax $ — $ 2,205 Other expenses Tax benefit — — Total reclassification of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments $ — $ 2,205 (d) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of NPPC. Please refer to Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure Transaction for the years ended December 2014 are as follows: Year Ended December 31 2014 Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands) Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax $ (1,447 ) Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs Tax effect — Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments $ (1,447 )

Restructuring Programs

Restructuring Programs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Programs	Restructuring Programs In recent years, the Company has instituted restructuring programs to balance short-term profitability goals with long-term strategies. A primary objective of these programs has been to establish platforms upon which the affected businesses can grow with reduced fixed investment and generate annual operating expense savings. The restructuring programs have been instituted in response to the continuing impact of global financial and economic uncertainty on the Company’s end markets. Restructuring costs incurred in these programs were recorded in the caption, Other expenses, of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The timing of associated cash payments is dependent on the type of restructuring cost and can extend over a multi-year period. Project Orion Under Project Orion, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment made organizational and process improvement changes, which are expected to improve return on capital and deliver a higher and more consistent level of service to customers. These changes include improving several core processes and simplifying the organizational structure. Annual recurring benefits under Project Orion were approximately $36 million at the end of 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2015, Project Orion was expanded with additional targeted workforce and operational savings of $20 million to $25 million ; the majority of these benefits are expected to be realized in 2016. The Company incurred $5.1 million in severance and related charges associated with the expansion of Project Orion during the fourth quarter of 2015. The restructuring accrual for Project Orion at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: (In thousands) Employee Termination Benefit Costs Balance January 1, 2014 $ — Expense incurred 11,992 Other adjustments 1,190 Cash expenditures (5,331 ) Foreign currency translation (183 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 7,668 Expense incurred 5,070 Other adjustments (1,003 ) Cash expenditures (5,854 ) Foreign currency translation (74 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 5,807 The remaining accrual related to Project Orion is expected to be paid through the first half of 2016. Prior Restructuring Programs The remaining accrual for restructuring programs was $2.0 million and $2.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The remaining accrual relates primarily to exit activity costs for lease terminations expected to be paid over the remaining life of the leases.

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUAL

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Continuing Operations (In thousands) COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E Additions Additions (Deductions) Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Cost and Expenses Due to Currency Translation Adjustments Other Balance at End of Period For the year 2015: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $ 15,119 $ 13,047 $ (1,585 ) $ (932 ) $ 25,649 Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance $ 131,422 $ 13,175 $ (11,519 ) $ (22,398 ) (a) $ 110,680 For the year 2014: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $ 6,638 $ 9,892 $ (969 ) $ (442 ) $ 15,119 Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance $ 127,164 $ 24,332 $ (9,254 ) $ (10,820 ) $ 131,422 For the year 2013: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $ 17,253 $ 10,175 $ (191 ) $ (20,599 ) (b) $ 6,638 Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance $ 126,078 $ 4,618 $ (5,769 ) $ 2,237 $ 127,164 (a) Includes a decrease of $16.1 million related to current year pension adjustments recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and a $6.3 million decrease related to a U.K. tax rate change. (b) Includes principally the decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts since December 31, 2012 related to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction and utilization of previously reserved amounts.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year classifications.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of three months or less.
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value. Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the U.S. are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The Company's remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost methods.
Depreciation	Depreciation Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using, principally, the straight-line method. When property, 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	Leases The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business. Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below for which discrete financial information is available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include declining cash flows or operating losses at the reporting unit level, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, or a more likely than not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of, among others. The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 . The Company has five reporting units, only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2015 . Almost all of the Company's goodwill is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment. The evaluation of potential goodwill impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to the net book value, including goodwill. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) to estimate the current fair value of reporting units, as management believes forecasted operating cash flows are the best indicator of current fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the preparation of DCF models including future revenues and operating margin growth, the weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”), tax rates, capital spending, pension funding, the impact of business initiatives, and working capital projections. These assumptions and estimates may vary significantly between reporting units. DCF models are based on approved long-range plans for the early years and historical relationships and projections for later years. WACC rates are derived from internal and external factors including, but not limited to, the average market price of the Company's stock, shares outstanding, book value of the Company's debt, the long-term risk free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums. Due to the many variables noted above and the relative size of the Company's goodwill, differences in assumptions may have a material impact on the results of the Company's annual goodwill impairment testing. If the net book value of a reporting unit were to exceed the current fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test would be required to determine if an impairment existed and the amount of goodwill impairment to record, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the net book value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the excess of fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value amounts assigned to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit if it were to be acquired in a hypothetical business combination and the current fair value of the reporting unit represented the purchase price. As necessary, the Company may use valuation experts to assist with the second step of the goodwill impairment test.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill) Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate the book value of an asset may be impaired. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a DCF model. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs The Company has incurred debt issuance costs which are recognized as Other assets in 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	Revenue Recognition Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the service components of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment —This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granule products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Harsco Industrial Segment —This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract or purchase order. Harsco Rail Segment —This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, after-market parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations, revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of the events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results. In the event the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations and records its provision for income taxes based on these interpretations. Uncertainties may exist in estimating the Company's tax provisions and in filing tax returns in the many jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and as a result these interpretations may give rise to an uncertain tax position. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on its technical merits. Each subsequent period the Company determines if existing or new uncertain tax positions meet a more likely than not recognition threshold and adjust accordingly. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits. The significant assumptions and estimates described in the preceding paragraphs are important contributors to the effective tax rate each year.
Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves	Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $13.6 million , $19.1 million and $32.3 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 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $8.5 million , $7.0 million and $4.9 million , respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company has recorded liabilities of $41.8 million and $47.9 million , respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balances at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $3.4 million and $3.8 million , respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been included in current caption, Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current caption, Insurance liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Warranties	Warranty expense and payments are incurred principally in the Harsco Industrial and Harsco Rail Segments. Warranty activity may vary from year to year depending upon the mix of revenues and contractual terms related to product warranties. The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the 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 (loss) from continuing operations. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies.
Financial Instruments and Hedging	Financial Instruments and Hedging The Company has operations throughout the world that are exposed to fluctuations in related foreign currencies in the normal course of business. The Company seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets periodically to monitor foreign currency risks. The Company executes foreign currency 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 cross-currency interest rate swaps ("CCIRs") in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these CCIRs, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or floating U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively. Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are reclassified into operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects income. The cash flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged (e.g., the cash flows related to contracts to hedge the purchase of fixed assets are included in cash flows from investing activities, etc.). The Company also enters into certain forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in operations based on changes in fair market value. For fair value hedges of a firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment are recognized currently in operations.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2015: On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (" FASB") related to reporting discontinued operations and the disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The changes modify the criteria related to what transactions constitute discontinued operations and expand disclosure requirements. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date: In May 2014, the FASB issued changes related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The changes clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard. The core principle of the changes is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The changes also require additional disclosures related to revenue recognition. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of these changes by one year, but will permit entities to adopt one year earlier. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating these changes. In August 2014, the FASB issued changes related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2015, the FASB issued changes related to reporting extraordinary and unusual items. The changes simplify income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued changes related to consolidation. The changes update consolidation analysis and affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued changes related to simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The changes require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. In August 2015, the FASB added guidance about the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued changes related to the determination of whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement is determined to include a software license, then the customer accounts for the software license element consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement is determined not to contain a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued changes related to the simplification of the measurement of inventory. The changes require entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The changes do not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued changes simplifying the accounting for measurement period adjustments for business combinations. The changes result in an acquirer no longer being required to retrospectively reflect adjustments to provisional amounts during the measurement period as if they were recognized as of the acquisition date. Instead the acquirer would record the effect of the change to the provisional amounts during the measurement period in which the adjustment is identified. The changes also require additional disclosure related to such measurement period adjustments. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued changes that require deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The changes apply to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Had these changes been adopted at December 31, 2015, the Company's working capital would have decreased by $38.1 million .

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Warranty reserves, beginning of the year $ 8,886 $ 9,548 $ 8,628 Accruals for warranties issued during the year 3,656 3,208 5,016 Reductions related to pre-existing warranties (3,042 ) (2,680 ) (1,502 ) Warranties paid (1,629 ) (1,186 ) (2,573 ) Other (principally foreign currency translation) (27 ) (4 ) (21 ) Warranty reserves, end of the year $ 7,844 $ 8,886 $ 9,548

Accounts Receivable and Inven32

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of accounts receivable	Accounts receivable consist of the following: Accounts Receivable (In thousands) December 31 December 31 Trade accounts receivable $ 280,526 $ 340,223 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (25,649 ) (15,119 ) Trade accounts receivable, net $ 254,877 $ 325,104 Other receivables (a) $ 30,395 $ 28,145 (a) Other receivables include insurance claim receivables, employee receivables, tax claim receivables and other miscellaneous receivables not included in Trade accounts receivable, net.
Schedule of provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	The following table reflects the provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Years Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable $ 13,047 $ 9,892 $ 10,175
Schedule of inventories	nventories consist of the following: Inventories (In thousands) December 31 December 31 Finished goods $ 32,586 $ 30,525 Work-in-process 86,745 28,690 Raw materials and purchased parts 70,755 87,985 Stores and supplies 26,881 31,722 Total inventories $ 216,967 $ 178,922 Valued at lower of cost or market: LIFO basis $ 102,309 $ 109,348 FIFO basis 64,760 13,383 Average cost basis 49,898 56,191 Total inventories $ 216,967 $ 178,922

Equity Method Investments (Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of equity method investments	Brand's summarized balance sheet information at September 30, 2015 and 2014 and summarized statement of operations information for the year ended September 30, 2015 and the period from November 27, 2013 through September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows: (In thousands) September 30 September 30 Summarized Balance Sheet Information of Brand: Current assets $ 806,510 $ 815,809 Property and equipment , net 894,537 923,056 Other noncurrent assets 1,519,722 1,594,669 Total assets $ 3,220,769 $ 3,333,534 Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt $ 68,687 $ 68,748 Other current liabilities 397,759 360,714 Long-term debt 1,736,081 1,747,522 Other noncurrent liabilities 383,638 406,636 Total liabilities 2,586,165 2,583,620 Equity 634,604 749,914 Total liabilities and equity $ 3,220,769 $ 3,333,534 (In thousands) Year Ended September 30 2015 Period From November 27 2013 Through September 30 2014 (a) Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand: Net revenues $ 2,976,471 $ 2,559,556 Gross profit 649,596 559,376 Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries 605 (4,848 ) Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand 175 (1,595 ) (a) The Company's equity method investment in Brand began on November 26, 2013; accordingly, there is only approximately ten months of related equity income (loss). The results of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from January 1, 2013 through the date of closing are reported in the Company's results of operations for 2013.
Summary of balances related to transactions between Company and Brand	Balances related to transactions between the Company and Brand are as follows: (In thousands) December 31 December 31 Balances due from Brand $ 1,557 $ 1,860 Balances due to Brand 21,407 28,311

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 December 31 Land — $ 10,932 $ 15,721 Land improvements 5-20 years 15,277 15,898 Buildings and improvements (a) 5-40 years 191,356 205,409 Machinery and equipment 3-20 years 1,661,914 1,861,965 Uncompleted construction — 36,990 87,414 Gross property, plant and equipment 1,916,469 2,186,407 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,352,434 ) (1,523,163 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 564,035 $ 663,244

Goodwill and Other Intangible35

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 : (In thousands) Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment Harsco Industrial Segment Harsco Rail Segment Consolidated Totals Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 421,955 $ — $ 9,310 $ 431,265 Changes to goodwill (300 ) 6,839 (a) — 6,539 Foreign currency translation (21,649 ) — — (21,649 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 400,006 6,839 9,310 416,155 Changes to goodwill (493 ) (33 ) 3,490 (b) 2,964 Foreign currency translation (18,752 ) — — (18,752 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 380,761 $ 6,806 $ 12,800 $ 400,367 (a) Changes to goodwill relate to the initial acquisition of Hammco and related purchase price adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP occurring during the measurement period. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. (b) Changes to goodwill in the Harsco Rail Segment relate to the acquisitions of Protran and JK Rail. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	As part of the acquisition of Protran and JK Rail as discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, the Company acquired the following finite-lived intangible assets (by major class): (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Residual Value Weighted-average amortization period Customer related $ 3,398 None 19 years Trade names 580 None 20 years Other 100 None 1 year Total $ 4,078 The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Customer related $ 153,287 $ 111,227 $ 157,530 $ 112,211 Non-compete agreements 1,092 1,092 1,107 1,039 Patents 5,882 5,495 6,079 5,399 Technology related 25,559 23,089 26,548 21,233 Trade names 8,303 4,194 7,745 3,733 Other 8,701 4,669 7,420 4,290 Total $ 202,824 $ 149,766 $ 206,429 $ 147,905
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) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Estimated amortization expense (a) $ 8,000 $ 5,500 $ 5,250 $ 4,750 $ 4,500 (a) These estimated amortization expense amounts do not reflect the potential effect of future foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Debt and Credit Agreements (Tab

Debt and Credit Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities	The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the multi-year revolving credit facility and available credit at December 31, 2015 . The multi-year revolving credit facility is described in more detail below the table. Summary of Revolving Credit Facility December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Facility Limit Outstanding Balance Outstanding Letters of Credit Available Credit Multi-year revolving credit facility (a U.S.-based program) $ 350,000 $ 165,000 $ 44,400 $ 140,600
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-Term Debt (In thousands) December 31 December 31 5.75% notes due May 15, 2018 $ 449,005 $ 448,626 Senior Secured Credit Facilities: Term Loan Facility 250,000 — Revolving Credit Facility (long-term portion) 143,000 — 2.7% Notes due October 15, 2015 — 249,733 Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2017 with a weighted-average interest rate of 5.6% and 4.0% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively 38,830 156,538 Total debt 880,835 854,897 Less: current maturities (25,084 ) (25,188 ) Total long-term debt $ 855,751 $ 829,709
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2016 are as follows: (In thousands) 2017 $ 45,294 2018 479,012 2019 331,225 2020 189

Operating Leases (Tables)

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows: (In thousands) 2016 $ 12,918 2017 9,245 2018 6,709 2019 5,271 2020 4,935 After 2020 20,643

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	Net periodic pension cost ("NPPC") for U.S. and international pension plans for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Defined benefit plans: Service cost $ 2,889 $ 2,233 $ 2,565 $ 1,648 $ 1,610 $ 3,457 Interest cost 12,357 12,868 11,767 36,282 43,230 42,707 Expected return on plan assets (16,812 ) (16,786 ) (15,642 ) (50,091 ) (49,927 ) (46,920 ) Recognized prior service costs 81 90 248 188 184 335 Recognized losses 4,919 3,352 5,052 16,875 14,102 16,447 Settlement/curtailment loss (gain) — — — (23 ) 60 (372 ) Defined benefit plans pension cost 3,434 1,757 3,990 4,879 9,259 15,654 Multiemployer plans 853 1,199 12,444 1,463 1,762 5,449 Defined contribution plans 3,921 4,704 4,945 6,765 8,033 11,139 Net periodic pension cost $ 8,208 $ 7,660 $ 21,379 $ 13,107 $ 19,054 $ 32,242
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, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 325,319 $ 283,571 $ 1,049,603 $ 958,705 Service cost 2,889 2,233 1,648 1,610 Interest cost 12,357 12,868 36,282 43,230 Plan participants' contributions — — 61 75 Amendments — — 47 — Actuarial (gain) loss (14,417 ) 49,939 (85,028 ) 150,289 Settlements/curtailments — — (250 ) (589 ) Benefits paid (18,758 ) (23,292 ) (38,197 ) (41,522 ) Effect of foreign currency — — (64,062 ) (62,250 ) Other — — — 55 Benefit obligation at end of year $ 307,390 $ 325,319 $ 900,104 $ 1,049,603 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 233,350 $ 233,579 $ 791,045 $ 770,911 Actual return on plan assets (8,011 ) 15,465 22,602 80,518 Employer contributions 2,289 7,598 27,402 28,112 Plan participants' contributions — — 61 75 Settlements/curtailments — — (250 ) — Benefits paid (18,758 ) (23,292 ) (37,693 ) (40,948 ) Effect of foreign currency — — (47,201 ) (47,623 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 208,870 $ 233,350 $ 755,966 $ 791,045 Funded status at end of year $ (98,520 ) $ (91,969 ) $ (144,138 ) $ (258,558 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : U.S. Plans International Plans December 31 December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Noncurrent assets $ 229 $ 615 $ 1,229 $ 1,746 Current liabilities 2,072 2,102 479 524 Noncurrent liabilities 96,678 90,482 144,888 259,780 Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax 162,571 157,165 376,641 479,382
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized	Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, consist of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : U.S. Plans International Plans (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial loss $ 162,475 $ 156,989 $ 375,725 $ 478,396 Prior service cost 96 176 916 986 Total $ 162,571 $ 157,165 $ 376,641 $ 479,382
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 NPPC in 2016 are as follows: (In thousands) U.S. Plans International Plans Net actuarial loss $ 5,489 $ 13,139 Prior service cost 63 173 Total $ 5,552 $ 13,312
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows: (In millions) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021-2025 U.S. Plans $ 19.1 $ 19.1 $ 18.9 $ 18.7 $ 18.8 $ 94.8 International Plans 39.7 40.3 41.2 42.6 44.5 244.4
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans Global Weighted-Average December 31 December 31 December 31 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rates 4.2 % 3.9 % 3.8 % 3.7 % 3.9 % 3.7 % Rates of compensation increase 3.0 % 3.0 % 3.2 % 3.2 % 3.2 % 3.2 % The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the NPPC for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were as follows: U.S. Plans December 31 International Plans December 31 Global Weighted-Average December 31 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rates 3.9 % 4.7 % 3.8 % 3.7 % 4.7 % 4.3 % 3.7 % 4.7 % 4.2 % Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets 7.5 % 7.5 % 7.5 % 6.8 % 6.8 % 6.6 % 7.0 % 7.0 % 6.8 % Rates of compensation increase 3.0 % 3.0 % 3.0 % 3.2 % 3.4 % 2.8 % 3.2 % 3.4 % 2.8 %
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations	The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans December 31 December 31 (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 307.4 $ 325.3 $ 894.8 $ 1,043.2
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: U.S. Plans International Plans December 31 December 31 (In millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 297.5 $ 314.9 $ 876.9 $ 1,032.1 Accumulated benefit obligation 297.5 314.9 871.9 1,026.0 Fair value of plan assets 198.8 222.3 731.6 771.8
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets	The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Level 3 Asset Changes for the Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Real Estate Limited Partnership: Balance at beginning of year $ 22,647 $ 20,423 $ 17,746 Contributions to partnership 109 385 838 Cash distributions received (10,062 ) (1,614 ) (1,380 ) Actual return on plan assets: Related to asset still held at end of year 11,668 3,453 3,219 Balance at end of year $ 24,362 $ 22,647 $ 20,423
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows: Target Long-Term Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31 U.S. Plans Asset Category 2015 2014 Domestic equity securities 32%-42% 37.2 % 39.1 % International equity securities 15%-25% 18.5 % 18.2 % Fixed income securities 28%-38% 32.6 % 30.3 % Cash and cash equivalents Less than 5% 1.7 % 3.1 % Other 5%-15% 10.0 % 9.3 % The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Domestic equities: Common stocks $ 44,064 $ 44,064 $ — Mutual funds—equities 47,313 13,335 33,978 International equities—mutual funds 42,446 42,446 — Fixed income investments: U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities 18,759 — 18,759 Corporate bonds and notes 11,347 11,347 — Mutual funds—bonds 40,568 11,936 28,632 Other—mutual funds 21,700 21,700 — Cash and money market accounts 7,153 7,153 — Total $ 233,350 $ 151,981 $ 81,369 The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2015 by asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Domestic equities: Common stocks $ 35,619 $ 35,619 $ — Mutual funds—equities 42,093 11,595 30,498 International equities—mutual funds 38,787 38,787 — Fixed income investments: U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities 15,506 — 15,506 Corporate bonds and notes 12,987 12,987 — Mutual funds—bonds 39,594 12,094 27,500 Other—mutual funds 20,803 20,803 — Cash and money market accounts 3,481 3,481 — Total $ 208,870 $ 135,366 $ 73,504
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities: Mutual funds—equities $ 292,150 $ — $ 292,150 $ — Fixed income investments: Mutual funds—bonds 350,073 — 350,073 — Insurance contracts 8,233 — 8,233 — Other: Real estate funds / limited partnerships 53,926 — 31,279 22,647 Other mutual funds 84,120 — 84,120 — Cash and money market accounts 2,543 2,543 — — Total $ 791,045 $ 2,543 $ 765,855 $ 22,647 The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2015 by asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities: Mutual funds—equities $ 255,937 $ — $ 255,937 $ — Fixed income investments: Mutual funds—bonds 320,259 — 320,259 — Insurance contracts 7,306 — 7,306 — Other: Real estate funds/limited partnerships 52,313 — 27,951 24,362 Other mutual funds 117,646 — 117,646 — Cash and money market accounts 2,505 2,505 — — Total $ 755,966 $ 2,505 $ 729,099 $ 24,362 The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 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 at December 31 2015 2014 Equity securities 32.5 % 33.7 % 36.9 % Fixed income securities 42.5 % 43.3 % 45.3 % Cash and cash equivalents — 0.3 % 0.3 % Other (a) 25.0 % 22.7 % 17.5 %

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 16,169 $ 22,951 $ (30,422 ) International 18,646 (8,813 ) (160,754 ) Total income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss) $ 34,815 $ 14,138 $ (191,176 )
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income tax expense as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Income tax expense (benefit): Currently payable: U.S. federal $ 408 $ 5,622 $ 9,822 U.S. state 546 557 1,375 International 23,095 14,569 41,015 Total income taxes currently payable 24,049 20,748 52,212 Deferred U.S. federal 2,651 3,447 (18,615 ) Deferred U.S. state 812 893 473 Deferred international 166 5,278 (2,095 ) Total income tax expense $ 27,678 $ 30,366 $ 31,975
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax expense (benefit) to the actual income tax expense as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. federal income tax $ 12,185 $ 4,949 $ (66,912 ) U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 496 713 (917 ) U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits (2,504 ) (1,882 ) (4,700 ) Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction — — 13,181 Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances 5,095 4,397 581 Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements 1,416 (5,298 ) (5,548 ) Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets 923 2,283 20,125 Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits 8,508 21,969 — U.S. nondeductible items 874 1,216 2,953 Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction 580 2,592 73,819 Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws 340 246 (370 ) Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities 62 (587 ) — Other, net (297 ) (232 ) (237 ) Total income tax expense $ 27,678 $ 30,366 $ 31,975
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Asset Liability Asset Liability Depreciation and amortization $ — $ 11,474 $ — $ 16,026 Expense accruals 24,538 — 27,737 — Inventories 5,588 — 4,396 — Provision for receivables 1,049 — 798 — Deferred revenue — 1,904 — 1,708 Operating loss carryforwards 77,151 — 75,635 — Foreign tax credit carryforwards 19,199 — 16,476 — Capital loss carryforwards 2,102 — 2,102 — Pensions 66,675 — 91,377 — Currency adjustments 28,589 — 35,386 — Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture — 10,688 — 23,885 Unit adjustment liability 29,491 — 34,675 — Post-retirement benefits 869 — 905 — Other 8,446 — 9,079 — Subtotal 263,697 24,066 298,566 41,619 Valuation allowance (110,680 ) — (131,422 ) — Total deferred income taxes $ 153,017 $ 24,066 $ 167,144 $ 41,619 The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (In thousands) 2015 2014 Other current assets $ 38,899 $ 39,003 Other assets 102,914 94,021 Other current liabilities 767 1,120 Deferred income taxes 12,095 6,379
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 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, 2013 $ 24,918 $ (369 ) $ 24,549 Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment) 500 (5 ) 495 Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment) 145 (4 ) 141 Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years (3,050 ) — (3,050 ) Statutes of limitation expirations (3,348 ) 180 (3,168 ) Settlements (1,616 ) — (1,616 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 17,549 (198 ) 17,351 Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment) 288 (2 ) 286 Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment) 156 (55 ) 101 Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years (3,056 ) — (3,056 ) Statutes of limitation expirations (2,481 ) 143 (2,338 ) Settlements — — — Balance at December 31, 2014 12,456 (112 ) 12,344 Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment) (483 ) (2 ) (485 ) Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment) 1,249 (4 ) 1,245 Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years (7,846 ) — (7,846 ) Statutes of limitation expirations (173 ) 59 (114 ) Settlements (42 ) 15 (27 ) Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2015 $ 5,161 $ (44 ) $ 5,117

Capital Stock (Tables)

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Share Repurchases	The Board had previously authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows: Shares Authorized for Purchase January 1 Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase Shares Purchased Plan Expiration Shares Authorized for Purchase December 31 2013 1,713,423 286,577 — — 2,000,000 2014 2,000,000 — 150,000 — 1,850,000 2015 1,850,000 — 596,632 1,253,368 —
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward	The following table summarizes the Company's common stock: Common Stock Shares Issued Treasury Shares (a) Outstanding Shares Outstanding, January 1, 2013 112,063,938 31,479,310 80,584,628 Stock options exercised 20,000 — 20,000 Vested restricted stock units 25,215 9,358 15,857 Stock appreciation rights exercised 2,713 521 2,192 Other stock grants 86,827 30,579 56,248 Outstanding, December 31, 2013 112,198,693 31,519,768 80,678,925 Vested restricted stock units 65,851 4,418 61,433 Stock appreciation rights exercised 9,213 2,985 6,228 Other stock grants 83,591 20,327 63,264 Treasury shares purchased — 150,000 (150,000 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2014 112,357,348 31,697,498 80,659,850 Vested restricted stock units 47,954 16,807 31,147 Treasury shares purchased — 596,632 (596,632 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2015 112,405,302 32,310,937 80,094,365 (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	The following is a reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations: (In thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders $ 7,168 $ (22,281 ) $ (231,356 ) Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 80,234 80,884 80,755 Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation 131 — — Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 80,365 80,884 80,755 Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders: Basic $ 0.09 $ (0.28 ) $ (2.86 ) Diluted $ 0.09 $ (0.28 ) $ (2.86 )
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) 2015 2014 2013 Restricted stock units — 301 265 Stock options 98 188 286 Stock appreciation rights 1,142 912 1,078 Performance share units 278 93 — Other stock-based compensation units — — 101

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : RSUs Weighted Average Fair Value Expense (Dollars in thousands, except per unit) 2015 2014 2013 Directors: 2012 30,618 $ 21.44 — — 255 2013 46,287 $ 20.60 — 318 636 2014 36,840 $ 24.80 311 602 — 2015 59,985 $ 15.69 627 — — Employees: 2011 17,250 $ 23.55 — 3 69 2012 141,486 $ 18.75 (71 ) (a) 151 383 2013 170,582 $ 20.63 87 325 633 2014 190,832 $ 25.21 504 1,114 — 2015 239,679 $ 16.53 919 — — Total $ 2,377 $ 2,513 $ 1,976 (a) Represents the impact of forfeitures during 2015.
Schedule of restricted stock unit activity	RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was as follows: RSUs Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested at January 1, 2013 141,473 $ 19.19 Granted 216,869 $ 20.62 Vested (69,955 ) $ 20.54 Forfeited (74,546 ) $ 22.61 Non-vested at December 31, 2013 213,841 $ 19.95 Granted 227,672 $ 25.14 Vested (52,041 ) $ 23.58 Forfeited (84,956 ) $ 20.92 Non-vested at December 31, 2014 304,516 $ 22.94 Granted 299,664 $ 16.36 Vested (58,760 ) $ 19.34 Forfeited (107,062 ) $ 22.14 Non-vested at December 31, 2015 438,358 $ 19.12
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights award activity	SARs activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was as follows: SARs Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (a) Outstanding, January 1, 2013 525,287 $ 21.23 $ 1.2 Granted 923,832 $ 22.76 Exercised (11,037 ) $ 19.65 Forfeited/Expired (476,624 ) $ 22.28 Outstanding, December 31, 2013 961,458 $ 22.20 $ 5.6 Granted 450,894 $ 25.20 Exercised (52,667 ) $ 20.21 Forfeited/Expired (406,637 ) $ 22.65 Outstanding, December 31, 2014 953,048 $ 23.53 $ — Granted 532,615 $ 16.53 Forfeited/Expired (385,253 ) $ 22.36 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 1,100,410 $ 20.55 $ — (a) Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those SARs where the market price exceeds the exercise price.
Schedule of nonvested awards activity	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2015 : 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 $16.53 - $22.70 121,020 628,692 $ 18.49 8.58 121,020 $ 21.71 $23.03 - $26.92 127,291 223,407 $ 24.97 8.24 127,291 $ 24.89 248,311 852,099 $ 20.55 8.47 248,311 $ 23.34
Schedule of stock option activity	Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was as follows: Stock Options Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)(a) Outstanding, January 1, 2013 328,000 $ 30.67 $ 0.2 Exercised (20,000 ) $ 16.96 $ — Forfeited/Expired (79,000 ) $ 31.00 $ — Outstanding, December 31, 2013 229,000 $ 31.75 $ — Forfeited/Expired (107,500 ) $ 31.75 $ — Outstanding, December 31, 2014 121,500 $ 31.75 $ — Forfeited/Expired (31,500 ) $ 31.75 $ — Outstanding, December 31, 2015 90,000 $ 31.75 $ — (a) Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those options where the market price exceeds the exercise price.
Schedule of outstanding and exercisable options	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2015 : Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options 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 $31.75 - $31.75 90,000 — $ 31.75 2.1 90,000 $ 31.75
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of stock appreciation rights valuation assumptions	The fair value of each SAR grant was estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions: SARs Issued Risk-free Interest rate Dividend Yield Expected Life (Years) Volatility SAR Grant Price Fair Value of SAR May 2013 Grant 1.17 % 3.61 % 6.5 44.1 % $ 22.70 $ 6.86 June 2013 Grant 1.41 % 3.56 % 6.5 44.1 % $ 23.03 $ 7.07 November 2013 Grant 1.91 % 3.13 % 6.5 43.8 % $ 26.22 $ 8.60 April 2014 Grant 1.98 % 3.53 % 6.0 44.3 % $ 23.25 $ 7.25 May 2014 Grant (1st) 1.90 % 3.16 % 6.0 43.2 % $ 25.93 $ 8.16 May 2014 Grant (2nd) 1.82 % 3.05 % 6.0 42.8 % $ 26.92 $ 8.47 July 2014 Grant 2.00 % 3.24 % 6.0 41.2 % $ 25.27 $ 7.55 August 2014 Grant 1.92 % 3.27 % 6.0 41.2 % $ 25.11 $ 7.46 September 2014 Grant 2.03 % 3.50 % 6.0 40.6 % $ 23.43 $ 6.72 November 2014 Grant 1.78 % 4.00 % 6.0 38.6 % $ 20.48 $ 5.17 May 2015 Grant 1.70 % 4.96 % 6.0 35.8 % $ 16.53 $ 3.39
Schedule of weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options	Weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested SARs for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows: SARs Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested shares, January 1, 2014 839,505 $ 22.27 Granted 450,894 $ 25.20 Vested (84,685 ) $ 23.23 Exercised (52,667 ) $ 20.21 Forfeited (406,637 ) $ 22.65 Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014 746,410 $ 23.87 Granted 532,615 $ 16.53 Vested (41,673 ) $ 24.05 Forfeited (385,253 ) $ 22.36 Non-vested shares, December 31, 2015 852,099 $ 19.74
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of stock appreciation rights valuation assumptions	The fair value of PSUs granted was estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo pricing model with the following assumptions: PSUs Issued Risk-free Interest rate Dividend Yield Expected Life (Years) Volatility Fair Value of PSU April 2014 Grant 0.75 % — % 2.73 34.3 % $ 18.00 May 2014 Grant (1st) 0.70 % — % 2.65 31.8 % $ 25.26 May 2014 Grant (2nd) 0.63 % — % 2.61 30.1 % $ 27.53 July 2014 Grant 0.74 % — % 2.42 26.9 % $ 22.31 August 2014 Grant 0.67 % — % 2.42 26.9 % $ 21.86 September 2014 Grant 0.72 % — % 2.29 25.7 % $ 15.26 November 2014 Grant 0.55 % — % 2.10 26.3 % $ 7.42 May 2015 Grant 0.83 % — % 2.65 28.5 % $ 14.48
Schedule of weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options	A summary of the Company's non-vested PSU activity during the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014 is presented in the following table: PSUs Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested shares, January 1, 2014 — $ — Granted 145,149 $ 22.82 Forfeited (9,796 ) $ 25.26 Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014 135,353 $ 22.65 Granted 237,063 $ 14.48 Forfeited (57,204 ) $ 20.26 Non-vested shares, December 31, 2015 315,212 $ 16.94

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows: Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value December 31, 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 1,640 Other current liabilities $ — Cross-currency interest rate swaps Other assets 15,417 Other liabilities — Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 17,057 $ — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments : Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 4,188 Other current liabilities $ 1,738 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value December 31, 2014 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 420 $ — Cross-currency interest rate swaps Other assets 52,989 Other liabilities 2,599 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 53,409 $ 2,599 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 4,065 Other current liabilities $ 4,618
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was as follows: Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments (In thousands) Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative—Effective Portion Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 580 Cost of services and products sold $ 53 $ — Cross-currency interest rate swaps 9,012 — Cost of services and products sold 30,359 (a) $ 9,592 $ 53 $ 30,359 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 358 Cost of services and products sold $ 4 $ — Cross-currency interest rate swaps (1,977 ) — Cost of services and products sold 39,823 (a) $ (1,619 ) $ 4 $ 39,823 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 48 Cost of services and products sold $ (8 ) Cost of services and products sold $ (6 ) Cross-currency interest rate swaps 2,409 — Cost of services and products sold (12,061 ) (a) $ 2,457 $ (8 ) $ (12,067 ) (a) These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal. Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31(a) (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Cost of services and products sold $ (158 ) $ (2,307 ) $ (10,463 ) (a) These losses offset amounts recognized in cost of service and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's CCIRs: Contractual Amounts Interest Rates (In millions) Receive Pay Maturing 2020 $ 220.0 Fixed U.S. dollar rate Fixed British pound sterling rate Maturing 2016 through 2017 6.5 Floating U.S. dollar rate Fixed rupee rate Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2015 : (In thousands) Type U.S. Dollar Equivalent Maturity Recognized Gain (Loss) British pounds sterling Sell $ 43,511 January 2016 $ 822 British pounds sterling Buy 2,062 January 2016 (54 ) Euros Sell 336,397 January 2016 through December 2016 547 Euros Buy 167,037 January 2016 through August 2016 2,497 Other currencies Sell 35,426 January 2016 through March 2016 316 Other currencies Buy 7,981 January 2016 (38 ) Total $ 592,414 $ 4,090 Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2014 : (In thousands) Type U.S. Dollar Equivalent Maturity Recognized Gain (Loss) British pounds sterling Sell $ 37,943 January 2015 $ 179 British pounds sterling Buy 2,783 January 2015 (4 ) Euros Sell 193,370 January 2015 through March 2015 2,993 Euros Buy 194,084 January 2015 through March 2015 (3,767 ) Other currencies Sell 12,641 January 2015 through 439 Other currencies Buy 28,001 January 2015 through June 2015 27 Total $ 468,822 $ (133 )
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Level 2 Fair Value Measurements December 31 December 31 Assets Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 5,828 $ 4,485 Cross-currency interest rate swaps 15,417 52,989 Liabilities Foreign-currency forward exchange contracts 1,738 4,618 Cross currency interest rate swaps — 2,599
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability (a) for the Twelve Months Ended December 31 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 93,762 $ 106,343 Payments (22,320 ) (22,320 ) Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability 8,491 9,740 Balance at end of year $ 79,934 (b) $ 93,762 (b) (a) See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information related to the unit adjustment liability. (b) Does not total due to rounding.

Information by Segment and Ge43

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 758,820 $ 880,884 $ 1,021,770 U.K. 217,011 257,885 353,915 All Other 747,261 927,519 1,520,285 Totals including Corporate $ 1,723,092 $ 2,066,288 $ 2,895,970 (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) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 142,506 $ 151,397 $ 146,939 China 97,305 102,842 86,822 Brazil 57,381 69,515 63,161 All Other 266,843 339,490 413,543 Totals including Corporate $ 564,035 $ 663,244 $ 710,465
Schedule of Segment Operating Information by Segment	Operating Information by Segment: The Company has reclassified segment operating results for the year ended December 31, 2013 to conform to the revised manner in which the Company now allocates corporate expenses to operating segments as a result of changes in organizational structure resulting from the Infrastructure Transaction. The changes do not impact the Company's previously reported consolidated revenues from continuing operations, operating income (loss) from continuing operations or income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income. Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 1,106,162 $ 1,378,142 $ 1,358,454 Harsco Infrastructure — — 885,377 Harsco Industrial 357,256 412,532 365,972 Harsco Rail 259,674 275,614 286,167 Total Revenues $ 1,723,092 $ 2,066,288 $ 2,895,970 Operating Income (Loss) Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 26,289 $ 13,771 $ 91,781 Harsco Infrastructure — — (257,291 ) Harsco Industrial 57,020 64,114 59,110 Harsco Rail 50,896 37,137 26,695 Corporate (45,669 ) (45,735 ) (62,938 ) Total Operating Income (Loss) $ 88,536 $ 69,287 $ (142,643 ) Total Assets Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 1,294,759 $ 1,476,660 $ 1,599,329 Harsco Infrastructure (a) — — 456,316 Harsco Industrial 119,830 127,591 83,946 Harsco Rail 219,753 169,035 159,752 Corporate 436,985 495,941 147,174 Total Assets $ 2,071,327 $ 2,269,227 $ 2,446,517 Depreciation and Amortization Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 136,579 $ 159,844 $ 158,837 Harsco Infrastructure — — 58,449 Harsco Industrial 6,266 4,928 3,329 Harsco Rail 6,093 5,591 10,362 Corporate 7,537 5,963 6,064 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 156,475 $ 176,326 $ 237,041 Capital Expenditures Harsco Metals & Minerals $ 99,563 $ 187,665 $ 172,583 Harsco Infrastructure — — 62,889 Harsco Industrial 17,382 9,298 3,936 Harsco Rail 1,957 3,120 3,502 Corporate 4,650 8,776 2,641 Total Capital Expenditures $ 123,552 $ 208,859 $ 245,551 (a) The total assets of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment at December 31, 2013 represent assets held-for-sale, the value of the equity method investment in Brand, and related net deferred tax assets.
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) to Consolidated Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income (Loss): Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Segment operating income (loss) $ 134,205 $ 115,022 $ (79,705 ) General Corporate expense (45,669 ) (45,735 ) (62,938 ) Operating income (loss) from continuing operations 88,536 69,287 (142,643 ) Interest income 1,574 1,702 2,087 Interest expense (46,804 ) (47,111 ) (49,654 ) Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability (8,491 ) (9,740 ) (966 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) $ 34,815 $ 14,138 $ (191,176 )
Schedule of Product Information	Information about Products and Services: Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Key Product and Services Groups Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products $ 1,106,162 $ 1,378,142 $ 1,358,454 Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a) — — 885,377 Railway track maintenance services and equipment 259,674 275,614 286,167 Air-cooled heat exchangers 186,243 226,529 180,738 Industrial grating products 129,869 139,711 142,355 Heat transfer products 41,144 46,292 42,879 Consolidated Revenues $ 1,723,092 $ 2,066,288 $ 2,895,970 (a) The Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales product group is associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment which was disposed of as part of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

Other Expenses (Tables)

Other Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of other expenses (income)	The major components of this Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows: Other (Income) Expenses (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Net gains $ (10,613 ) $ (6,718 ) $ (4,657 ) Employee termination benefit costs 14,914 19,120 3,928 Other costs to exit activities 13,451 4,908 5,382 Impaired asset write-downs 8,170 39,455 9,688 Foreign currency gains related to Harsco Rail Segment advances on contracts (10,940 ) — — Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs 9,922 — — Subcontractor settlement 4,220 — — Other expense 1,449 1,059 769 Total $ 30,573 $ 57,824 $ 15,110
Schedule of net gains from sales of redundant properties and non-core assets	Net Gains (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment $ (7,059 ) $ (3,538 ) $ (1,043 ) Harsco Infrastructure Segment — — (2,864 ) Harsco Industrial Segment (3,554 ) (2,077 ) (750 ) Corporate — (1,103 ) — Total $ (10,613 ) $ (6,718 ) $ (4,657 )
Schedule of employee termination benefit costs	Employee Termination Benefit Costs (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment $ 11,454 $ 18,169 $ 3,561 Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a) — — (326 ) Harsco Rail Segment 145 185 235 Harsco Industrial Segment 561 421 115 Corporate 2,754 345 343 Total $ 14,914 $ 19,120 $ 3,928 (a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.
Schedule of exit costs	Costs to Exit Activities (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment $ 12,638 $ 6,395 $ 2,705 Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a) — — (254 ) Corporate 813 (1,487 ) 2,931 Total $ 13,451 $ 4,908 $ 5,382 (a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.
Schedule of impaired asset write-downs	Impaired Asset Write-downs (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment $ 8,170 $ 38,791 $ 689 Harsco Rail Segment — 590 8,999 Harsco Industrial Segment — 74 — Total $ 8,170 $ 39,455 $ 9,688

Components of Accumulated Oth45

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 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, 2013 $ 6,110 $ (7,023 ) $ (369,682 ) $ (20 ) $ (370,615 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (39,818 ) (a) (1,961 ) (b) (130,659 ) (c) 5 (172,433 ) Other comprehensive loss from equity method investee (8,635 ) — 632 — (8,003 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 2,205 4 16,431 — 18,640 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions) (1,447 ) — — — (1,447 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss) (47,695 ) (1,957 ) (113,596 ) 5 (163,243 ) Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,647 (45 ) — — 1,602 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation (46,048 ) (2,002 ) (113,596 ) 5 (161,641 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (39,938 ) $ (9,025 ) $ (483,278 ) $ (15 ) $ (532,256 ) 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, 2014 $ (39,938 ) $ (9,025 ) $ (483,278 ) $ (15 ) $ (532,256 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (66,305 ) (a) 9,796 (b) 72,796 (c) (16 ) 16,271 Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee (21,950 ) (1,232 ) 596 — (22,586 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax — 53 20,190 — 20,243 Total other comprehensive income (loss) (88,255 ) 8,617 93,582 (16 ) 13,928 Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,632 8 — — 2,640 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation (85,623 ) 8,625 93,582 (16 ) 16,568 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (125,561 ) $ (400 ) $ (389,696 ) $ (31 ) $ (515,688 ) (a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation. (b) Net change from periodic revaluations. (c) Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements.
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Year Ended December 31 2015 Year Ended December 31 2014 Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands) Amortization of defined benefit pension items (d): Actuarial losses $ 15,810 $ 11,556 Selling, general and administrative expenses Actuarial losses 5,984 5,898 Cost of services and products sold Prior-service costs 121 103 Selling, general and administrative expenses Prior-service costs 148 171 Cost of services and products sold Total before tax 22,063 17,728 Tax benefit (1,873 ) (1,297 ) Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax $ 20,190 $ 16,431 Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 81 $ 4 Cost of services and products sold Tax benefit (28 ) — Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments $ 53 $ 4 Amortization of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments: Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax $ — $ 2,205 Other expenses Tax benefit — — Total reclassification of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments $ — $ 2,205 (d) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of NPPC. Please refer to Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure Transaction for the years ended December 2014 are as follows: Year Ended December 31 2014 Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands) Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax $ (1,447 ) Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs Tax effect — Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments $ (1,447 )

Restructuring Programs (Tables)

Restructuring Programs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The restructuring accrual for Project Orion at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: (In thousands) Employee Termination Benefit Costs Balance January 1, 2014 $ — Expense incurred 11,992 Other adjustments 1,190 Cash expenditures (5,331 ) Foreign currency translation (183 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 7,668 Expense incurred 5,070 Other adjustments (1,003 ) Cash expenditures (5,854 ) Foreign currency translation (74 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 5,807

Summary of Significant Accoun47

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015ReportingUnit
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Total number of the Company's reporting units	5
Number of reporting units which have goodwill associated with them	3

Summary of Significant Accoun48

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Warranty activity
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$ 8,886	$ 9,548	$ 8,628
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	3,656	3,208	5,016
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(3,042)	(2,680)	(1,502)
Warranties paid	(1,629)	(1,186)	(2,573)
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(27)	(4)	(21)
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	7,844	8,886	9,548
Self-insurance
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance expense from continuing operations	13,600	19,100	32,300
Decrease in pre-tax insurance expense due to retrospective insurance reserve adjustments from continuing operations	8,500	7,000	$ 4,900
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims	41,800	47,900
Liabilities covered by insurance carriers	$ 3,400	$ 3,800

Summary of Significant Accoun49

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Foreign Exchange Forward | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum typical term of foreign currency forward exchange contracts (in days)	90 days

Recently Adopted and Recently50

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards Details (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Change in Working Capital	$ 38.1

Acquisitions and Dispositions (

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction			$ 0	$ 15,699	$ 303,039
Harsco Infrastructure
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	$ 300,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business			(1,000)	$ (2,900)	$ (272,300)
Divestiture Of Businesses, Transaction Expenses		$ 2,200	$ 20,100
Harsco Infrastructure | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in equity method investments			29.00%

Accounts Receivable and Inven52

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 280,526	$ 340,223
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(25,649)	(15,119)
Trade accounts receivable, net	254,877	325,104
Other receivables	30,395	28,145
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trae accounts receivable	13,047	9,892	$ 10,175
Inventories
Finished goods	32,586	30,525
Work-in-process	86,745	28,690
Raw materials and purchased parts	70,755	87,985
Stores and supplies	26,881	31,722
Total inventories	216,967	178,922
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	102,309	109,348
FIFO basis	64,760	13,383
Average cost basis	49,898	56,191
Total inventories	216,967	178,922
Excess of inventories valued at current costs over LIFO	32,000	31,000
Change in income as a result of LIFO basis inventory valuation over FIFO basis valuation	$ 0	$ 100	$ 0

Equity Method Investments (Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 26, 2013
Assets
Current assets			$ 806,510		$ 815,809
Property and equipment , net			894,537		923,056
Other noncurrent assets			1,519,722		1,594,669
Total assets			3,220,769		3,333,534
Liabilities and Equity
Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt			68,687		68,748
Other current liabilities			397,759		360,714
Long-term debt			1,736,081		1,747,522
Other noncurrent liabilities			383,638		406,636
Total liabilities			2,586,165		2,583,620
Equity			634,604		749,914
Total liabilities and equity			3,220,769		3,333,534
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Net revenues		$ 2,559,556		$ 2,976,471
Gross profit		559,376		649,596
Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries		(4,848)		605
Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand			175		(1,558)	$ 1,548
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets							$ 225,000
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability			8,491		9,740	$ 966
Unit adjustment liability, current and non-current			79,900		93,800
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand		$ (1,595)		$ 175
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure			$ 250,100		$ 285,700
Total annual payments, pre-tax	$ 22,000
Total annual payments, after-tax	$ 15,000
Joint Venture, Contingency Threshold, Investee Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization, Percentage	2.50%
Harsco Infrastructure | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Percentage of ownership in Brand			29.00%

Equity Method Investments (De54

Equity Method Investments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Balances due from Brand	$ 1,557	$ 1,860
Balances due to Brand	$ 21,407	$ 28,311

Property, Plant and Equipment55

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital leases included in plant, property and equipment	$ 16,000	$ 22,300
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,916,469	2,186,407
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,352,434)	(1,523,163)
Property, plant and equipment, net	564,035	663,244	$ 710,465
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	10,932	15,721
Land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 15,277	15,898
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	$ 191,356	205,409
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	$ 1,661,914	1,861,965
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	$ 36,990	$ 87,414

Goodwill and Other Intangible56

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 416,155	$ 431,265
Changes to goodwill	2,964	6,539
Foreign currency translation	(18,752)	(21,649)
Balance at the end of the period	400,367	416,155
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	400,006	421,955
Changes to goodwill	(493)	(300)
Foreign currency translation	(18,752)	(21,649)
Balance at the end of the period	380,761	400,006
Harsco Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	6,839	0
Changes to goodwill	(33)	6,839
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	6,806	6,839
Harsco Rail
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	9,310	9,310
Changes to goodwill	3,490	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 12,800	$ 9,310

Goodwill and Other Intangible57

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 202,824	$ 206,429
Accumulated Amortization	149,766	147,905
Intangible assets, net	53,043	58,524
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	4,078
Amortization expense for intangible assets	8,800	9,900	$ 13,800
Estimated amortization expense for the next five years
2,016	8,000
2,017	5,500
2,018	5,250
2,019	4,750
2,020	4,500
Customer related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	153,287	157,530
Accumulated Amortization	111,227	112,211
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	3,398
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value	$ 0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	19 years
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,092	1,107
Accumulated Amortization	1,092	1,039
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	5,882	6,079
Accumulated Amortization	5,495	5,399
Technology related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	25,559	26,548
Accumulated Amortization	23,089	21,233
Trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	8,303	7,745
Accumulated Amortization	4,194	3,733
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	580
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value	$ 0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	20 years
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 8,701	7,420
Accumulated Amortization	4,669	$ 4,290
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	100
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value	$ 0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year

Debt and Credit Agreements (Det

Debt and Credit Agreements (Details)	Dec. 02, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 12, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012USD ($)bank	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 01, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 880,835,000		$ 854,897,000
Short-term borrowings				30,229,000		16,748,000
Current maturities of long-term debt				$ 25,084,000		$ 25,188,000
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator				3
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator				1
Weighted average interest rate				4.30%		11.70%
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 380,500,000
Long-term and Short-term, combined amount				415,000,000
Short-term borrowings				22,000,000
Current maturities of long-term debt				$ 12,500,000
Term Loan | Term Loan Facility 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principle amount	$ 250,000,000
Periodic payment, percentage of principle for payments made in 2016				1.25%
Periodic payment, percentage of principle for payments after 2016				2.50%
Long-term debt				$ 250,000,000		$ 0
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator		3
Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Limit	$ 600,000,000		$ 525,000,000	350,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Outstanding Balance				165,000,000		98,500,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount				44,400,000
Available Credit				140,600,000
Number of lenders providing credit facility | bank			14
Debt Issuance Cost				600,000
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator		4
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator		1
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt				143,000,000		$ 0
Long-term and Short-term, combined amount				165,000,000
Short-term borrowings				$ 22,000,000
Minimum | Base Rate | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.875%
Minimum | LIBOR | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.875%
Maximum | Base Rate | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%
Maximum | LIBOR | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	3.00%

Debt and Credit Agreements (D59

Debt and Credit Agreements (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Sep. 12, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 880,835	$ 854,897
Less: current maturities		(25,084)	(25,188)
Total Long-term Debt		855,751	829,709
Cash payments for interest on all debt		$ 44,400	44,200	$ 50,100
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator		3
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator		1
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2,017		$ 45,294
2,018		479,012
2,019		331,225
2,020		189
Senior Notes | 5.75% notes due May 15, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 449,005	$ 448,626
Stated interest rate		5.75%	5.75%
Redemption price (percent)		101.00%
Senior Notes | 2.7% notes due October 15, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 0	$ 249,733
Stated interest rate		2.70%	2.70%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		101.00%
Term Loan | Term Loan Facility 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 250,000	$ 0
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator	3
Other financing payable in varying amounts due principally through 2018 with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.7% and 9.4% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 38,830	$ 156,538
Weighted average interest rate		5.60%	4.00%
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 143,000	$ 0
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator	4
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator	1
Debt Issuance Cost		$ 600
After December 31, 2016 | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator	3.75
After June 30, 2017 | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator	3.5

Operating Leases (Details)

Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
Rental expense for property, plant and equipment	$ 18,900	$ 19,700	$ 51,700
Operating leases
2,016	12,918
2,017	9,245
2,018	6,709
2,019	5,271
2,020	4,935
After 2,020	20,643
Minimum rentals to be received under noncancelable subleases	$ 400

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic pension cost, U.S. Plans	$ 8,208	$ 7,660	$ 21,379
Net periodic pension cost, International Plans	13,107	19,054	32,242
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans	$ 3,921	4,704	4,945
U.S. Plans | Maximum
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	4.00%
International Plans
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Additional contribution towards insurance and administrative costs (as a percent)	2.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans	$ 6,765	8,033	11,139
International Plans | Maximum
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	6.00%
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 2,889	2,233	2,565
Interest cost	12,357	12,868	11,767
Expected return on plan assets	(16,812)	(16,786)	(15,642)
Recognized prior service costs	81	90	248
Recognized losses	4,919	3,352	5,052
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	0	0	0
Defined benefit plans pension cost	3,434	1,757	3,990
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1,648	1,610	3,457
Interest cost	36,282	43,230	42,707
Expected return on plan assets	(50,091)	(49,927)	(46,920)
Recognized prior service costs	188	184	335
Recognized losses	16,875	14,102	16,447
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	(23)	60	(372)
Defined benefit plans pension cost	4,879	9,259	15,654
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Multiemployer plans	1,463	1,762	5,449
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Multiemployer plans	$ 853	$ 1,199	$ 12,444

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai62

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)bond	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent liabilities	$ 241,972	$ 350,889
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	325,319	283,571
Service cost	2,889	2,233	$ 2,565
Interest cost	12,357	12,868	11,767
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Amendments	0	0
Actuarial loss	(14,417)	49,939
Settlements/curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	(18,758)	(23,292)
Effect of foreign currency	0	0
Other	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	307,390	325,319	283,571
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	233,350	233,579
Actual return on plan assets	(8,011)	15,465
Employer contributions	2,289	7,598
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Settlements/curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	(18,758)	(23,292)
Effect of foreign currency	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	208,870	233,350	$ 233,579
Funded status at end of year	(98,520)	(91,969)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent assets	229	615
Current liabilities	2,072	2,102
Noncurrent liabilities	96,678	90,482
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	162,571	157,165
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	162,475	156,989
Prior service cost	96	176
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	162,571	$ 157,165
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	5,489
Prior service cost	63
Total	5,552
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	2,100
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	19,100
2,017	19,100
2,018	18,900
2,019	18,700
2,020	18,800
2021-2025	$ 94,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.90%	4.70%	3.80%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Rates of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	4.20%	3.90%
Rates of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
Number of U.S. dollar-denomincated, AA-graded corporate bonds in yield curve universe | bond	700
Highest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve univers (as a percent)	10.00%
Lowest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve universe (as a percent)	10.00%
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 1,049,603	$ 958,705
Service cost	1,648	1,610	$ 3,457
Interest cost	36,282	43,230	42,707
Plan participants' contributions	61	75
Amendments	47	0
Actuarial loss	(85,028)	150,289
Settlements/curtailments	(250)	(589)
Benefits paid	(38,197)	(41,522)
Effect of foreign currency	(64,062)	(62,250)
Other	0	55
Benefit obligation at end of year	900,104	1,049,603	958,705
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	791,045	770,911
Actual return on plan assets	22,602	80,518
Employer contributions	27,402	28,112
Plan participants' contributions	61	75
Settlements/curtailments	(250)	0
Benefits paid	(38,197)	(41,522)
Benefits paid	(37,693)	(40,948)
Effect of foreign currency	(47,201)	(47,623)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	755,966	791,045	$ 770,911
Funded status at end of year	(144,138)	(258,558)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent assets	1,229	1,746
Current liabilities	479	524
Noncurrent liabilities	144,888	259,780
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	376,641	479,382
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	375,725	478,396
Prior service cost	916	986
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	376,641	$ 479,382
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	13,139
Prior service cost	173
Total	13,312
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	21,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	39,700
2,017	40,300
2,018	41,200
2,019	42,600
2,020	44,500
2021-2025	$ 244,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.70%	4.70%	4.30%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.80%	6.80%	6.60%
Rates of compensation increase	3.20%	3.40%	2.80%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.80%	3.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.20%	3.20%
Global Weighted-Average
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.70%	4.70%	4.20%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.00%	7.00%	6.80%
Rates of compensation increase	3.20%	3.40%	2.80%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.70%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.90%	3.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.20%	3.20%

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai63

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)market	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Dividends paid	$ 53,382	$ 66,321	$ 66,228
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation				$ 307,400	$ 325,300
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation				297,500	314,900
Accumulated benefit obligation				297,500	314,900
Fair value of plan assets				198,800	$ 222,300
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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)	7.30%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Number of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets | shares					450,000
Value of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets				3,500	$ 8,500
Dividends paid	$ 400	$ 400
Fair values of plan assets	233,350	233,579	$ 233,579	$ 208,870	$ 233,350
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	233,350	233,579
Employer contributions	2,289	7,598
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 208,870	233,350	$ 233,579
U.S. Plans | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				37.20%	39.10%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	32.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	42.00%
Fair values of plan assets	$ 44,064	44,064		$ 35,619	$ 44,064
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	44,064
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 35,619	44,064
U.S. Plans | Equity securities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				18.50%	18.20%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	15.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	25.00%
U.S. Plans | Harsco common stock
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				1.70%	3.60%
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 47,313	47,313		$ 42,093	$ 47,313
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	47,313
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	42,093	47,313
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	42,446	42,446		$ 38,787	$ 42,446
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	42,446
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 38,787	42,446
U.S. Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				32.60%	30.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	28.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	38.00%
U.S. Plans | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 18,759	18,759		$ 15,506	$ 18,759
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	18,759
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	15,506	18,759
U.S. Plans | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	11,347	11,347		12,987	11,347
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11,347
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12,987	11,347
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	40,568	40,568		$ 39,594	$ 40,568
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	40,568
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 39,594	40,568
U.S. Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				10.00%	9.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	5.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	15.00%
U.S. Plans | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 21,700	21,700		$ 20,803	$ 21,700
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	21,700
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 20,803	21,700
U.S. Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				1.70%	3.10%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	5.00%
Fair values of plan assets	$ 7,153	7,153		$ 3,481	$ 7,153
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,153
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,481	7,153
U.S. Plans | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	151,981	151,981		135,366	151,981
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	151,981
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	135,366	151,981
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	44,064	44,064		35,619	44,064
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	44,064
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	35,619	44,064
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	13,335	13,335		11,595	13,335
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	13,335
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,595	13,335
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	42,446	42,446		38,787	42,446
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	42,446
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	38,787	42,446
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0		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
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	11,347	11,347		12,987	11,347
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11,347
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12,987	11,347
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	11,936	11,936		12,094	11,936
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11,936
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12,094	11,936
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	21,700	21,700		20,803	21,700
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	21,700
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	20,803	21,700
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	7,153	7,153		3,481	7,153
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,153
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,481	7,153
U.S. Plans | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	81,369	81,369		73,504	81,369
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	81,369
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	73,504	81,369
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	33,978	33,978		30,498	33,978
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	33,978
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	30,498	33,978
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	18,759	18,759		15,506	18,759
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	18,759
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	15,506	18,759
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	28,632	28,632		27,500	28,632
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	28,632
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	27,500	28,632
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation				894,800	1,043,200
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation				876,900	1,032,100
Accumulated benefit obligation				871,900	1,026,000
Fair value of plan assets				731,600	771,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.50%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.80%	6.80%	6.60%
Fair values of plan assets	$ 791,045	$ 770,911	$ 770,911	$ 755,966	$ 791,045
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	791,045	770,911
Employer contributions	27,402	28,112
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 755,966	$ 791,045	770,911
International Plans | United Kingdom
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.60%	6.80%
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets				95.00%
International Plans | International, other than UK
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets				5.00%
International Plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				33.70%	36.90%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	32.50%
International Plans | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 292,150	$ 292,150		$ 255,937	$ 292,150
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	292,150
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 255,937	292,150
International Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				43.30%	45.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	42.50%
International Plans | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 350,073	350,073		$ 320,259	$ 350,073
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	350,073
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	320,259	350,073
International Plans | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	8,233	8,233		$ 7,306	$ 8,233
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	8,233
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 7,306	8,233
International Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				22.70%	17.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	25.00%
International Plans | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	$ 53,926	53,926		$ 52,313	$ 53,926
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	53,926
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	52,313	53,926
International Plans | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	84,120	84,120		$ 117,646	$ 84,120
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	84,120
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 117,646	84,120
International Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31				0.30%	0.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	0.00%
Fair values of plan assets	$ 2,543	2,543		$ 2,505	$ 2,543
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,543
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,505	2,543
International Plans | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	2,543	2,543		2,505	2,543
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,543
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,505	2,543
International Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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, Assets, Target 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, Assets, Target 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 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	2,543	2,543		2,505	2,543
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,543
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,505	2,543
International Plans | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	765,855	765,855		729,099	765,855
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	765,855
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	729,099	765,855
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	292,150	292,150		255,937	292,150
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	292,150
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	255,937	292,150
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	350,073	350,073		320,259	350,073
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	350,073
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	320,259	350,073
International Plans | Level 2 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	8,233	8,233		7,306	8,233
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	8,233
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,306	8,233
International Plans | Level 2 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	31,279	31,279		27,951	31,279
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	31,279
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	27,951	31,279
International Plans | Level 2 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	84,120	84,120		117,646	84,120
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	84,120
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	117,646	84,120
International Plans | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	22,647	22,647		24,362	22,647
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	22,647
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	24,362	22,647
International Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 3 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 3 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 3 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	22,647	20,423	17,746	24,362	22,647
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	22,647	20,423	17,746
Employer contributions	109	385	838
Cash distributions received	(10,062)	(1,614)	(1,380)
Actual return on plan assets - related to asset still held at end of year	11,668	3,453	3,219
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	24,362	22,647	$ 20,423
International Plans | Level 3 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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 3 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target 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

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai64

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Contributions By The Company	$ 2,474	$ 2,961	$ 17,893

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income
United States	$ 16,169,000	$ 22,951,000	$ (30,422,000)
International	18,646,000	(8,813,000)	(160,754,000)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	34,815,000	14,138,000	(191,176,000)
Currently payable:
U.S. federal	408,000	5,622,000	9,822,000
U.S. state	546,000	557,000	1,375,000
International	23,095,000	14,569,000	41,015,000
Total income taxes currently payable	24,049,000	20,748,000	52,212,000
Deferred U.S. federal	2,651,000	3,447,000	(18,615,000)
Deferred U.S. state	812,000	893,000	473,000
Deferred international	166,000	5,278,000	(2,095,000)
Total income tax expense	27,678,000	30,366,000	31,975,000
Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on gain or loss from discontinued business	18,900,000	36,000,000	44,400,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
U.S. federal income tax	12,185,000	4,949,000	(66,912,000)
U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	496,000	713,000	(917,000)
U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	(2,504,000)	(1,882,000)	(4,700,000)
Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction	0	0	13,181,000
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	5,095,000	4,397,000	581,000
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	1,416,000	(5,298,000)	(5,548,000)
Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	923,000	2,283,000	20,125,000
Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits	8,508,000	21,969,000	0
U.S. nondeductible items	874,000	1,216,000	2,953,000
Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction	580,000	2,592,000	73,819,000
Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	340,000	246,000	(370,000)
Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities	62,000	(587,000)	0
Other, net	$ (297,000)	$ (232,000)	$ (237,000)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	79.50%	214.80%	(16.70%)
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Expense accruals	$ 24,538,000	$ 27,737,000
Inventories	5,588,000	4,396,000
Provision for receivables	1,049,000	798,000
Operating loss carryforwards	77,151,000	75,635,000
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	19,199,000	16,476,000
Capital loss carryforwards	2,102,000	2,102,000
Pensions	66,675,000	91,377,000
Currency adjustments	28,589,000	35,386,000
Unit adjustment liability	29,491,000	34,675,000
Post-retirement benefits	869,000	905,000
Other	8,446,000	9,079,000
Deferred tax assets, gross	263,697,000	298,566,000
Valuation allowance	(110,680,000)	(131,422,000)
Deferred tax assets, net	153,017,000	167,144,000
Depreciation and amortization	11,474,000	16,026,000
Deferred revenue	1,904,000	1,708,000
Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	10,688,000	23,885,000
Deferred tax liabilities	24,066,000	41,619,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Other current assets	38,899,000	39,003,000
Other assets	102,914,000	94,021,000
Other current liabilities	767,000	1,120,000
Deferred income taxes	12,095,000	6,379,000
Undistributed earnings indefinitely reinvested outside United States	547,000,000	705,000,000
Interest and penalties recognized	0	2,100,000	$ 3,100,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	2,800,000	2,800,000	4,900,000
Infrastructure transaction
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	(1,000,000)	(2,900,000)	$ (272,300,000)
Infrastructure Transaction
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	0	8,000,000
Currency translation
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	0	(9,300,000)
UK tax rate changes [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	0
Pension adjustments
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	0	$ 6,600,000
Capital loss carryforward
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	(1,100,000)
Expiring in 2018
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Capital loss carryforwards	2,100,000
International operations
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	67,200,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards not subject to expiration	46,800,000
Operating losses subject to expiration	20,400,000
U.S. state
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	10,000,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2016 and 2019
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	400,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2020 and 2024
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	4,300,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2025 and 2029
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	1,500,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2030 and 2035
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 3,800,000

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 12,456	$ 17,549	$ 24,918
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	(483)	288	500
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	1,249	156	145
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	7,846	3,056	3,050
Statutes of limitations expirations	173	2,481	3,348
Settlements	42	0	1,616
Balance at the end of the period	5,161	12,456	17,549
Reconciliation of Deferred Income Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(112)	(198)	(369)
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	(2)	(2)	(5)
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	(4)	(55)	(4)
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	0	0	0
Statutes of limitation expirations	59	143	180
Settlements	15	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	(44)	(112)	(198)
Reconciliation of Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,117	12,344	17,351	$ 5,117	$ 24,549
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	(485)	286	495
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	1,245	101	141
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(7,846)	(3,056)	(3,050)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(114)	(2,338)	(3,168)
Settlements	(27)	0	(1,616)
Balance at the end of the period	5,117	$ 12,344	$ 17,351
Portion of UTB, expected to be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations within next twelve months				$ 2,300
Foreign jurisdiction
Reconciliation of Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Decrease related to previously unrecognized tax benefits that were recognized in 2012 due to change in enacted legislation	$ (7,800)

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2005USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)claimdefendantcase	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
loss contingency, Brazilian labor claims
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims		$ 6.9	$ 8.6
Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants | defendant		90
Number of pending claims | claim		17,153
Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number | case		27,773
Other | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value		$ 20
Other | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value		$ 25
Pending Litigation, Active Or In Extremis Docket | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims | claim		73
Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority | Value-Added Tax Assessments January 2004 To May 2005
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Principal Amount		$ 2
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount		$ 18
Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority | Value-Added Tax Assessments January 2002 To December 2003
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Principal Amount	$ 1.5
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount	4.9
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 6.4
New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims | case		16,831
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		16,758
New York State Supreme Court, Counties Excluding New York County [Member] | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims | case		125
Courts Located In States Other Than New York | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims | case		197

Capital Stock (Details)

Capital Stock (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015share_right$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014shares	Dec. 31, 2013shares
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Common stock authorized (in shares)	150,000,000
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	4,000,000
Preferred stock authorized, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.25
Shares Authorized to Be Purchased [Roll Forward]
Shares Authorized for Purchased, Beginning Balance	1,850,000	2,000,000	1,713,423
Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase	0	0	286,577
Shares Purchased	0	0
share repurchase - expired shares	1,253,368	0	0
Remaining Shares Authorized for Purchase, Ending Balance	0	1,850,000	2,000,000
Treasury Stock [Member]
Shares Authorized to Be Purchased [Roll Forward]
Shares Purchased	596,632	150,000	0
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of rights distributed for each share of common stock outstanding | share_right	1
Minimum percentage of common stock to be acquired to trigger exercise of rights	15.00%
Number of securities called by rights (in shares)	0.01
Exercise price of warrant or right (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 230
Multiplier of exercise price of right to determine common share purchase rights	2
Redemption price per right (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.001
Number of business days following the acquisition of stock after which rights become exercisable	10 days
Preferred stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of rights (in shares)	800,944	806,599

Capital Stock (Details 2)

Capital Stock (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Stock
Shares outstanding at the beginning of the period		112,405,302	112,357,348	112,198,693	112,063,938
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	[1]	32,310,937	31,697,498	31,519,768	31,479,310
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		80,094,365	80,659,850	80,678,925	80,584,628
Stock options exercised				20,000
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)		47,954	65,851	25,215
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights			9,213	2,713
Other Stock Grants (in shares)			83,591	86,827
Treasury shares purchased		0	0
Shares outstanding at the end of the period		112,405,302	112,357,348	112,198,693
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	[1]	32,310,937	31,697,498	31,519,768
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		80,094,365	80,659,850	80,678,925
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)		$ 7,168	$ (22,281)	$ (231,356)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding		80,234,000	80,884,000	80,755,000
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)		131,000	0	0
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted (in shares)		80,365,000	80,884,000	80,755,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ 0.09	$ (0.28)	$ (2.86)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share		$ 0.09	$ (0.28)	$ (2.86)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Common Stock
Stock options exercised	[1]			0
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	[1]	16,807	4,418	9,358
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	[1]		2,985	521
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	[1]		20,327	30,579
Treasury shares purchased		(596,632)	(150,000)	0
Outstanding Shares
Common Stock
Stock options exercised				20,000
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)		31,147	61,433	15,857
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights			6,228	2,192
Other Stock Grants (in shares)			63,264	56,248
Treasury shares purchased		(596,632)	(150,000)
[1]	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.

Capital Stock (Details 3)

Capital Stock (Details 3) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	301	265
Stock options
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	98	188	286
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	1,142	912	1,078
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	278	93	0
Other stock-based compensation units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	0	101

Stock-Based Compensation (Restr

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	237,063	145,149
Restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	135,353	0
Granted (in shares)	237,063	145,149
Forfeited (in shares)	(57,204)	(9,796)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	315,212	135,353	0
Additional disclosures
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	$ 0	$ 0	$ 100,000
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	299,664	227,672	216,869
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 16.36	$ 25.14	$ 20.62
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 2,377,000	$ 2,513,000	$ 1,976,000
Restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	304,516	213,841	141,473
Granted (in shares)	299,664	227,672	216,869
Vested (in shares)	(58,760)	(52,041)	(69,955)
Forfeited (in shares)	(107,062)	(84,956)	(74,546)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	438,358	304,516	213,841	141,473
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 22.94	$ 19.95	$ 19.19
Granted (in dollars per share)	16.36	25.14	20.62
Vested (in dollars per share)	19.34	23.58	20.54
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	22.14	20.92	22.61
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 19.12	$ 22.94	$ 19.95	$ 19.19
Additional disclosures
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,900,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition	1 year 329 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	6,800,000
Number of shares available for grant	5,097,341
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Equity Awards, Other Than Options And Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	3,400,000
Number of shares available for grant	2,734,087
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	600,000
Number of shares available for grant	47,078
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	1 year
Granted (in shares)	59,985	36,840	46,287	30,618
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 15.69	$ 24.80	$ 20.60	$ 21.44
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	59,985	36,840	46,287	30,618
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 15.69	$ 24.80	$ 20.60	$ 21.44
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 255,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	0	318,000	636,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	311,000	602,000	0
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 627,000	$ 0	$ 0
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years	3 years	3 years	3 years
Granted (in shares)	239,679	190,832	170,582	141,486	17,250
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 16.53	$ 25.21	$ 20.63	$ 18.75	$ 23.55
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	239,679	190,832	170,582	141,486	17,250
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 16.53	$ 25.21	$ 20.63	$ 18.75	$ 23.55
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 3,000	$ 69,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	(71,000)	151,000	383,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	87,000	325,000	633,000
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	504,000	1,114,000	0
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	$ 919,000	$ 0	$ 0

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Appreciation Rights) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)											237,063	145,149
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)											248,311
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares											852,099
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)											$ 20.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms											8 years 172 days
Number of exercisable options (in shares)											248,311
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)											$ 23.34
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)											135,353	0
Granted (in shares)											237,063	145,149
Forfeited stock appreciation rights (in shares)											(57,204)	(9,796)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)											315,212	135,353	0
$16.53 - $22.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)											121,020
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares											628,692
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)											$ 18.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms											8 years 211 days
Number of exercisable options (in shares)											121,020
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)											$ 21.71
$23.03 - $26.92
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)											127,291
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares											223,407
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)											$ 24.97
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms											8 years 87 days
Number of exercisable options (in shares)											127,291
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)											$ 24.89
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)											532,615	450,894
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.70%	1.78%	2.03%	1.92%	2.00%		1.98%	1.91%	1.41%	1.17%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	4.96%	4.00%	3.50%	3.27%	3.24%		3.53%	3.13%	3.56%	3.61%
Expected life	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years		6 years	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Volatility (as a percent)	35.80%	38.60%	40.60%	41.20%	41.20%		44.30%	43.80%	44.10%	44.10%
SAR grant price	$ 16.53	$ 20.48			$ 25.27		$ 23.25	$ 26.22	$ 23.03	$ 22.70		$ 23.43			$ 25.11
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)	3.39	5.17	$ 6.72	$ 7.46	7.55		7.25	8.60	7.07	6.86	$ 16.53	$ 25.20
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)											953,048	961,458	525,287
Granted (in shares)											532,615	450,894	923,832
Exercised (in shares)												(52,667)	(11,037)
Forfeited (in shares)											(385,253)	(406,637)	(476,624)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)											1,100,410	953,048	961,458	525,287
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period											$ 23.53	$ 22.20	$ 21.23
Granted											16.53	25.20	22.76
Exercised												20.21	19.65
Forfeited/expired											22.36	22.65	22.28
Outstanding at end of period											$ 20.55	$ 23.53	$ 22.20	$ 21.23
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value											$ 0	$ 0	$ 5.6	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised											0	0.2	0.1
Recognized stock-based compensation expense											$ 1.2	$ 1	$ 0.4
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms											7 years 226 days
Intrinsic value of options exercised											$ 0
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense											$ 2.9
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition											2 years
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)											746,410	839,505
Granted (in shares)											532,615	450,894
Vested (in shares)											(41,673)	(84,685)
Exercised stock appreciation rights (in shares)												(52,667)
Forfeited stock appreciation rights (in shares)											(385,253)	(406,637)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)											852,099	746,410	839,505
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)											$ 23.87	$ 22.27
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.39	$ 5.17	$ 6.72	$ 7.46	$ 7.55		$ 7.25	$ 8.60	$ 7.07	$ 6.86	16.53	25.20
Vested (in dollars per share)											24.05	23.23
Exercised (in dollars per share)												20.21
Forfeited (in dollars per share)											22.36	22.65
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)											$ 19.74	$ 23.87	$ 22.27
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)											1 year
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | $16.53 - $22.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)											$ 19,650
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)											23,430
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | $23.03 - $26.92
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)											23,730
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)											$ 26,920
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
Granted (in shares)	532,615	12,401	15,808	84,290	31,405	255,090	51,900	15,000	5,018	903,814
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)	532,615	12,401	15,808	84,290	31,405	255,090	51,900	15,000	5,018	903,814
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)											5 years
May 2014 Grant 1 | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)						1.90%
Dividend yield (as a percent)						3.16%
Expected life						6 years
Volatility (as a percent)						43.20%
SAR grant price						$ 25.93
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)						8.16
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)						$ 8.16
May 2014 Grant 2 | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)						1.82%
Dividend yield (as a percent)						3.05%
Expected life						6 years
Volatility (as a percent)						42.80%
SAR grant price						$ 26.92
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)						8.47
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)						$ 8.47

Stock-Based Compensation (Perfo

Stock-Based Compensation (Performance Stock Units) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)								135,353	0
Granted (in shares)								237,063	145,149
Forfeited (in shares)								(57,204)	(9,796)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)								315,212	135,353
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period								3 years
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	0.83%	0.55%	0.72%	0.67%	0.74%		0.75%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%		0.00%
Expected Life (Years)	2 years 237 days	2 years 1 month 6 days	2 years 3 months 15 days	2 years 5 months 3 days	2 years 5 months 3 days		2 years 8 months 24 days
Volatility	28.50%	26.30%	25.70%	26.90%	26.90%		34.30%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)	$ 14.48	$ 7.42	$ 15.26	$ 21.86	$ 22.31		$ 18	$ 14.48	$ 22.82
Recognized stock-based compensation expense								$ 1.4	$ 0.9
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense								$ 2.6
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition								1 year 256 days
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)	237,063	3,906	4,980	26,550	11,487	82,526	15,700
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)								$ 22.65	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 14.48	$ 7.42	$ 15.26	$ 21.86	$ 22.31		$ 18	14.48	22.82
Forfeited (in dollars per share)								20.26	25.26
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)								$ 16.94	$ 22.65
Performance Stock Units | May 2014 Grant 1
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)						0.70%
Dividend yield (as a percent)						0.00%
Expected Life (Years)						2 years 7 months 26 days
Volatility						31.80%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)						$ 25.26
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)						$ 25.26
Performance Stock Units | May 2014 Grant 2
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)						0.63%
Dividend yield (as a percent)						0.00%
Expected Life (Years)						2 years 7 months 11 days
Volatility						30.10%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)						$ 27.53
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)						$ 27.53
Performance Stock Units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout of PSUs (percent of initial grant)								0.00%
Performance Stock Units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout of PSUs (percent of initial grant)								200.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Sto74

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares Under Option
Exercised (in shares)			(20,000)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$ 0	$ 0	$ 371,000
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Shares Under Option
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	121,500	229,000	328,000
Exercised (in shares)	0		(20,000)
Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	(31,500)	(107,500)	(79,000)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	90,000	121,500	229,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75	$ 31.75	$ 30.67
Exercised (in dollars per share)			16.96
Forfeited/Expired (in dollars per share)	31.75	31.75	31
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75	$ 31.75	$ 31.75
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 200,000
Outstanding at end of period	0	0	0
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	0	$ 100,000	200,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$ 0
Intrinsic value of options exercised			$ 100,000
Stock options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period (in years)	7 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Sto75

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options - Range of Exercise Prices) (Details) - Range of Exercisable Prices $31.75 - $31.75	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75
Stock options
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Vested | shares	90,000
Non-vested | shares	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 31.75
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	2 years 37 days
Number Exercisable | shares	90,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 31.75

Stock-Based Compensation (Other

Stock-Based Compensation (Other Stock Grants) (Details) - Other stock grants $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued	55,919
Recognized stock-based compensation expense | $	$ 0.7
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued	27,672

Financial Instruments (Details)

Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Country	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity has currency exposures | Country	30
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Contingent liability outstanding	$ 232.5	$ 269.4	$ 216.3
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)	0.75%
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees | Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee term	4 years
Fees paid to various banks and insurance companies on face amount of instruments (as a percent)	3.30%
Payment Guarantee
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	$ 5	15
Net Working Capital Settlement
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	$ 3
Guarantee remaining term	5 years
Environmental indemnification for properties sold to third party in 2007 | Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee term	20 years
Environmental indemnification for property from a lease terminated in 2006
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	$ 3	$ 3	$ 3

Financial Instruments (Details

Financial Instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	$ 17,057	$ 53,409
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	0	2,599
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Forward | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	1,640	420
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Forward | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cross currency interest rate swaps | Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	15,417	52,989
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cross currency interest rate swaps | Other liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	$ 0	2,599
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Minimum
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Period over which gains and losses are reclassified to earnings	10 years
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maximum
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Period over which gains and losses are reclassified to earnings	15 years
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign Exchange Forward | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	$ 4,188	4,065
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign Exchange Forward | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	$ 1,738	$ 4,618

Financial Instruments (Detail79

Financial Instruments (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	$ 9,592	$ (1,619)	$ 2,457
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	53	4	(8)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	30,359	39,823	(12,067)
Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	580	358	48
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	0	0	(6)
Foreign Exchange Forward | Cost of services and products sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	53	4	(8)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31	(158)	(2,307)	(10,463)
Cross currency interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	9,012	(1,977)	2,409
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	0	0	0
Cross currency interest rate swaps | Cost of services and products sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	$ 30,359	$ 39,823	$ (12,061)

Financial Instruments (Detail80

Financial Instruments (Details 4) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Pre-tax net gains and losses on certain loans designated as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries	$ 2,700,000	$ 22,600,000	$ (9,800,000)
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap termination	75,057,000	0	$ 0
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	592,414,000	468,822,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	4,090,000	(133,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | British pounds sterling
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	43,511,000	37,943,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	822,000	179,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | Euros
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	336,397,000	193,370,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	547,000	2,993,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | No currency
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	35,426,000	12,641,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	316,000	439,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | British pounds sterling
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	2,062,000	2,783,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	(54,000)	(4,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | Euros
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	167,037,000	194,084,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	2,497,000	(3,767,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | No currency
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	7,981,000	28,001,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	(38,000)	$ 27,000
Maturing 2020 | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	220,000,000
Maturing 2013 through 2017 | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	$ 6,500,000

Financial Instruments (Detail81

Financial Instruments (Details 5) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - Level 2 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets - Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$ 5,828	$ 4,485
Assets - Cross-currency interest rate swaps	15,417	52,989
Liabilities - Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	1,738	4,618
Liabilities - Cross-currency interest rate swaps	$ 0	$ 2,599

Financial Instruments (Detail82

Financial Instruments (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt		$ 834,600		$ 885,000
Carrying value of long-term debt		880,835		854,897
Unit adjustment liability
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year		93,762		106,343
Payments		(22,320)		(22,320)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability		8,491		9,740
Balance at end of year		79,934	[1]	93,762
Contingent Consideration for Acquisition [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	[1]	$ 93,762
Balance at end of year	[1]			$ 93,762
[1]	Does not total due to rounding.

Information by Segment and Ge83

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015segmentCustomer	Dec. 31, 2014Customer	Dec. 31, 2013Customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment	3
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	2	2	2
Harsco Industrial
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	2	1	1
Harsco Rail
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	2	1	2

Information by Segment and Ge84

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	$ 1,723,092	$ 2,066,288	$ 2,895,970
Property, plant and equipment, net	564,035	663,244	710,465
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	758,820	880,884	1,021,770
Property, plant and equipment, net	142,506	151,397	146,939
United Kingdom
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	217,011	257,885	353,915
China
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	97,305	102,842	86,822
Brazil
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	57,381	69,515	63,161
All Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	747,261	927,519	1,520,285
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 266,843	$ 339,490	$ 413,543

Information by Segment and Ge85

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,723,092	$ 2,066,288	$ 2,895,970
Operating income from continuing operations	88,536	69,287	(142,643)
Total assets	2,071,327	2,269,227	2,446,517
Depreciation and Amortization	156,475	176,326	237,041
Capital Expenditures	123,552	208,859	245,551
Interest income	1,574	1,702	2,087
Interest expense	(46,804)	(47,111)	(49,654)
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	(8,491)	(9,740)	(966)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	34,815	14,138	(191,176)
Segment operating income
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income from continuing operations	134,205	115,022	(79,705)
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,106,162	1,378,142	1,358,454
Operating income from continuing operations	26,289	13,771	91,781
Total assets	1,294,759	1,476,660	1,599,329
Depreciation and Amortization	136,579	159,844	158,837
Capital Expenditures	99,563	187,665	172,583
Harsco Infrastructure
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	885,377
Operating income from continuing operations	0	0	(257,291)
Total assets	0	0	456,316
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	58,449
Capital Expenditures	0	0	62,889
Harsco Industrial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	357,256	412,532	365,972
Operating income from continuing operations	57,020	64,114	59,110
Total assets	119,830	127,591	83,946
Depreciation and Amortization	6,266	4,928	3,329
Capital Expenditures	17,382	9,298	3,936
Harsco Rail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	259,674	275,614	286,167
Operating income from continuing operations	50,896	37,137	26,695
Total assets	219,753	169,035	159,752
Depreciation and Amortization	6,093	5,591	10,362
Capital Expenditures	1,957	3,120	3,502
General Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income from continuing operations	(45,669)	(45,735)	(62,938)
Total assets	436,985	495,941	147,174
Depreciation and Amortization	7,537	5,963	6,064
Capital Expenditures	$ 4,650	$ 8,776	$ 2,641

Information by Segment and Ge86

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	$ 1,723,092	$ 2,066,288	$ 2,895,970
Outsourced, on-site services to steel mills and other metals producers and resource recovery technologies for the re-use of industrial waste stream by-products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	1,106,162	1,378,142	1,358,454
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	0	0	885,377
Railway track maintenance services and equipment
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	259,674	275,614	286,167
Air-cooled heat exchangers
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	186,243	226,529	180,738
Industrial grating products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	129,869	139,711	142,355
Heat transfer products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	$ 41,144	$ 46,292	$ 42,879

Other Expenses (Details)

Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	$ (10,613)	$ (6,718)	$ (4,657)
Employee termination benefit costs	14,914	19,120	3,928
Costs to exit activities	13,451	4,908	5,382
Impaired asset write-downs	8,170	39,455	9,688
Foreign currency gains related to Harsco Rail Segment advances on contracts	(10,940)	0	0
Metals and Minerals Separation Costs	9,922	0	0
Subcontractor settlement	4,220	0	0
Other expense	1,449	1,059	769
Total	30,573	57,824	15,110
Other Nonrecurring Expense	$ 7,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	35.00%
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	$ (7,059)	(3,538)	(1,043)
Employee termination benefit costs	11,454	18,169	3,561
Costs to exit activities	12,638	6,395	2,705
Impaired asset write-downs	8,170	38,791	689
Harsco Infrastructure
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	0	0	(2,864)
Employee termination benefit costs	0	0	(326)
Costs to exit activities	0	0	(254)
Harsco Industrial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	(3,554)	(2,077)	(750)
Employee termination benefit costs	561	421	115
Impaired asset write-downs	0	74	0
Harsco Rail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Employee termination benefit costs	145	185	235
Impaired asset write-downs	0	590	8,999
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	0	(1,103)	0
Employee termination benefit costs	2,754	345	343
Costs to exit activities	$ 813	$ (1,487)	$ 2,931
Minimum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Service Agreement, Payment Period	5 years
Maximum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Service Agreement, Payment Period	7 years
Parent [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other Nonrecurring Expense	$ 4,600

Components of Accumulated Oth88

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ (532,256)	$ (370,615)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16,271	(172,433)
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	(22,586)	(8,003)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	20,243	18,640
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)		(1,447)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	13,928	(163,243)	$ 40,855
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,640	1,602
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	16,568	(161,641)
Balance, end of period	(515,688)	(532,256)	(370,615)
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(39,938)	6,110
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(66,305)	(39,818)
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	(21,950)	(8,635)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	0	2,205
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)		(1,447)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(88,255)	(47,695)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,632	1,647
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(85,623)	(46,048)
Balance, end of period	(125,561)	(39,938)	6,110
Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(9,025)	(7,023)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	9,796	(1,961)
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	(1,232)	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	53	4
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)		0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	8,617	(1,957)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	8	(45)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	8,625	(2,002)
Balance, end of period	(400)	(9,025)	(7,023)
Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(483,278)	(369,682)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	72,796	(130,659)
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	596	632
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	20,190	16,431
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)		0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	93,582	(113,596)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	93,582	(113,596)
Balance, end of period	(389,696)	(483,278)	(369,682)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(15)	(20)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(16)	5
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)		0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(16)	5
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(16)	5
Balance, end of period	$ (31)	$ (15)	$ (20)

Components of Accumulated Oth89

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 242,112	$ 284,737	$ 482,117
Total costs and expenses	1,634,556	1,997,001	3,038,613
Income tax expense	27,678	30,366	31,975
Net Loss	(6,332)	17,676	$ 223,095
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	22,063	17,728
Income tax expense	(1,873)	(1,297)
Net Loss	20,190	16,431
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Actuarial Losses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	15,810	11,556
Cost of services and products sold	5,984	5,898
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Prior Service Costs
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	121	103
Cost of services and products sold	148	171
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments | Harsco Infrastructure | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs		(1,447)
Income tax expense		0
Net Loss		(1,447)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward | Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of services and products sold	81	4
Income tax expense	(28)	0
Net Loss	53	4
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Expenses	0	2,205
Income tax expense	0	0
Net Loss	$ 0	$ 2,205

Restructuring Programs (Details

Restructuring Programs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Project Orion Operational Savings - Min	$ 20,000
Project Orion Phase III Operational Savings - Max	25,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member] | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment | Employee termination benefit costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrual Beginning Balance	7,668	$ 0
Expense incurred	5,070	11,992
Other adjustments	(1,003)	1,190
Cash expenditures	(5,854)	(5,331)
Foreign currency translation	(74)	(183)
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	5,807	7,668
Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member] | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Compensation savings, annualized basis	36,000
2011/2012 Restructuring Program
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrual Beginning Balance	2,400
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	$ 2,000	$ 2,400

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QU91

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 15,119	$ 6,638	$ 17,253
Charged to Cost and Expenses		13,047	9,892	10,175
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments		(1,585)	(969)	(191)
Other	[1]	(932)	(442)	(20,599)
Balance at End of Period		25,649	15,119	6,638
Deferred Tax Assets - Valuation Allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period		131,422	127,164	126,078
Charged to Cost and Expenses		13,175	24,332	4,618	[2]
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments		(11,519)	(9,254)	(5,769)
Other		(22,398)	(10,820)	(2,237)	[3]
Balance at End of Period		110,680	131,422	$ 127,164
Infrastructure Transaction
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-cash tax expense		0	$ 8,000
UK tax rate changes [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-cash tax expense		$ 0
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmY2NDdkZmViOGU2ZDRhZDJhMWU4ZWM3MjYxY2U2Zjk2fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246NDg1NjEwOUJBMUM0RTlCRDVCRTFGODVEMTgzQTUxRjYM}
[2]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmY2NDdkZmViOGU2ZDRhZDJhMWU4ZWM3MjYxY2U2Zjk2fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246MkE1OEYwNTMyNzE5NTdEREZCRTNGODVEMTgzQTVBN0IM}
[3]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmY2NDdkZmViOGU2ZDRhZDJhMWU4ZWM3MjYxY2U2Zjk2fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246MjQ0MTlFMjIxOTJCMzY0NTg0MTBGODVEMTgzQUY1QjkM}