10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2017

or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from            to          

Commission File Number  001-03970

HARSCO CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware	23-1483991
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. employer identification number)
350 Poplar Church Road, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania	17011
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code  717-763-7064

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES ý  NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   YES ý  NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ý	Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company  o
	Emerging growth company  o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES o  NO ý

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding at October 31, 2017
Common stock, par value $1.25 per share	80,444,425

HARSCO CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

		Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited)	7
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	8
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	26
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	37
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	37
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	38
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	38
Item 6.	Exhibits	38
SIGNATURES		39

2

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HARSCO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	59,544		$	69,831
Restricted cash	5,819			2,048
Trade accounts receivable, net	279,232			236,554
Other receivables	22,647			21,053
Inventories	227,008			187,681
Other current assets	35,825			33,108
Total current assets	630,075			550,275
Property, plant and equipment, net	479,141			490,255
Goodwill	399,916			382,251
Intangible assets, net	39,340			41,567
Deferred income tax assets	108,754			106,311
Other assets	13,767			10,679
Total assets	$	1,670,993		$	1,581,338
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	5,668		$	4,259
Current maturities of long-term debt	15,569			25,574
Accounts payable	123,290			107,954
Accrued compensation	50,367			46,658
Income taxes payable	8,668			4,301
Insurance liabilities	11,616			11,850
Advances on contracts and other customer advances	126,019			117,329
Other current liabilities	144,649			109,748
Total current liabilities	485,846			427,673
Long-term debt	602,673			629,239
Insurance liabilities	24,097			25,265
Retirement plan liabilities	305,330			319,597
Other liabilities	43,029			42,001
Total liabilities	1,460,975			1,443,775
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock	—			—
Common stock	141,093			140,625
Additional paid-in capital	178,287			172,101
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(581,551		)	(606,722		)
Retained earnings	1,191,205			1,150,688
Treasury stock	(761,998		)	(760,391		)
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders’ equity	167,036			96,301
Noncontrolling interests	42,982			41,262
Total equity	210,018			137,563
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,670,993		$	1,581,338

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

HARSCO CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30							September 30
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2017				2016			2017				2016
Revenues from continuing operations:
Service revenues	$	246,144			$	239,057		$	738,059			$	714,177
Product revenues	138,509				128,730			414,033				376,824
Total revenues	384,653				367,787			1,152,092				1,091,001
Costs and expenses from continuing operations:
Cost of services sold	193,314				192,812			574,905				574,137
Cost of products sold	96,469				93,499			296,062				312,131
Selling, general and administrative expenses	61,221				50,249			171,968				150,553
Research and development expenses	936				910			3,096				2,748
Other (income) expenses, net	(1,237		)		1,741			1,729				12,111
Total costs and expenses	350,703				339,211			1,047,760				1,051,680
Operating income from continuing operations	33,950				28,576			104,332				39,321
Interest income	610				673			1,615				1,760
Interest expense	(12,123		)		(13,756		)	(36,181		)		(39,924		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment	—				(44,788		)	—				(58,494		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	22,437				(29,295		)	69,766				(57,337		)
Income tax expense	(8,270		)		(5,079		)	(25,757		)		(14,913		)
Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net	—				3,205			—				5,686
Income (loss) from continuing operations	14,167				(31,169		)	44,009				(66,564		)
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) on disposal of discontinued business	(578		)		(592		)	(538		)		1,788
Income tax benefit (expense) related to discontinued business	207				217			193				(661		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(371		)		(375		)	(345		)		1,127
Net income (loss)	13,796				(31,544		)	43,664				(65,437		)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(498		)		(1,443		)	(2,438		)		(4,592		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$	13,298			$	(32,987	)	$	41,226			$	(70,029	)
Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	13,669			$	(32,612	)	$	41,571			$	(71,156	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(371		)		(375		)	(345		)		1,127
Net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	13,298			$	(32,987	)	$	41,226			$	(70,029	)
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	80,637				80,379			80,519				80,318
Basic earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$	0.17			$	(0.41	)	$	0.52			$	(0.89	)
Discontinued operations	—				—			—				0.01
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	0.16		(a)	$	(0.41	)	$	0.51		(a)	$	(0.87	)	(a)
Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	83,136				80,379			82,753				80,318
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$	0.16			$	(0.41	)	$	0.50			$	(0.89	)
Discontinued operations	—				—			—				0.01
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	0.16			$	(0.41	)	$	0.50			$	(0.87	)	(a)

(a) Does not total due to rounding

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

HARSCO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Net income (loss)	$	13,796		$	(31,544	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $1,747 and $(16,992) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	16,005			9,613
Net gain on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $21 and $(813) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	2,199			1,609
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(523) and $254 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	(7,324		)	10,712
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(3) and $(9) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	5			14
Total other comprehensive income	10,885			21,948
Total comprehensive income (loss)	24,681			(9,596		)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,200		)	(1,448		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$	23,481		$	(11,044	)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Net income (loss)	$	43,664		$	(65,437	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $3,598 and $(27,680) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	42,391			6,840
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $888 and $(398) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	1,471			(942		)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(1,567) and $(1,002) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	(16,467		)	43,007
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(6) and $(7) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	11			11
Total other comprehensive income	27,406			48,916
Total comprehensive income (loss)	71,070			(16,521		)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,674		)	(4,179		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$	66,396		$	(20,700	)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

HARSCO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	43,664		$	(65,437	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	91,519			98,284
Amortization	5,989			10,003
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment	—			58,494
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	2,018			(2,015		)
Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net	—			(5,686		)
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	93			16
Contract estimated forward loss provision for Harsco Rail Segment	—			40,050
Other, net	2,567			1,911
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(26,633		)	4,055
Inventories	(30,112		)	(24,295		)
Accounts payable	9,045			(10,740		)
Accrued interest payable	287			6,245
Accrued compensation	979			4,481
Advances on contracts and other customer advances	(6,534		)	15,352
Retirement plan liabilities, net	(17,890		)	(17,151		)
Other assets and liabilities	7,913			(8,721		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	82,905			104,846
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(64,131		)	(49,946		)
Proceeds from sales of assets	10,746			7,178
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(26		)
Proceeds from sale of equity investment	—			165,640
Other investing activities, net	4,450			7,058
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(48,935		)	129,904
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	1,915			(1,527		)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	26,000			50,835
Reductions	(65,245		)	(275,768		)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	—			(4,105		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(1,783		)	(1,702		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(3,412		)	(4,731		)
Stock-based compensation - Employee taxes paid	(1,607		)	(91		)
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap termination	—			16,625
Deferred pension underfunding payment to unconsolidated affiliate	—			(20,640		)
Deferred financing costs	(42		)	(946		)
Other financing activities, net	(370		)	—
Net cash used by financing activities	(44,544		)	(242,050		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash	4,058			7,455
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash	(6,516		)	155
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at beginning of period	71,879			79,756
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at end of period	$	65,363		$	79,911

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

HARSCO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Unaudited)

	Harsco Corporation Stockholders’ Equity
	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Noncontrolling Interests
(In thousands, except share  amounts)	Issued		Treasury															Total
Balances, January 1, 2016	$	140,503	$	(760,299	)	$	170,699		$	1,236,355		$	(515,688	)	$	39,233		$	310,803
Net income (loss)									(70,029		)				4,592			(65,437		)
Cash dividends declared:
Noncontrolling interests															(1,702		)	(1,702		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $(29,087)												49,329			(413		)	48,916
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest						(5,128		)							397			(4,731		)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 80,598 shares	122		(92		)	(595		)										(565		)
Amortization of unearned portion of stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures						5,740												5,740
Balances, September 30, 2016	$	140,625	$	(760,391	)	$	170,716		$	1,166,326		$	(466,359	)	$	42,107		$	293,024

	Harsco Corporation Stockholders’ Equity
(In thousands)	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Noncontrolling Interests
	Issued		Treasury															Total
Balances, January 1, 2017	$	140,625	$	(760,391	)	$	172,101		$	1,150,688		$	(606,722	)	$	41,262		$	137,563
Adoption of new accounting standard (See Note 2)						1,106			(709		)							397
Net income									41,226						2,438			43,664
Cash dividends declared:
Noncontrolling interests															(1,783		)	(1,783		)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest						(2,242		)							(1,170		)	(3,412		)
Total other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes of $2,913												25,171			2,235			27,406
Stock Appreciation Rights exercised, net 8,965 shares	16		(63		)	(16		)										(63		)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 260,497 shares	452		(1,544		)	(452		)										(1,544		)
Amortization of unearned portion of stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures						7,790												7,790
Balances, September 30, 2017	$	141,093	$	(761,998	)	$	178,287		$	1,191,205		$	(581,551	)	$	42,982		$	210,018

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

HARSCO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1.     Basis of Presentation

Harsco Corporation (the "Company") has prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (all of which are of a normal recurring nature) that are necessary for a fair statement are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.  The December 31, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was derived from the 2016 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for an annual report.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Operating results and cash flows for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 are not indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

Reclassifications

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

Restricted Cash

The Company had restricted cash of $5.8 million and $2.0 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and the restrictions are primarily related to collateral provided for certain guarantees of the Company’s performance.

2.     Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2017:

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") related to the simplification of the measurement of inventory. The changes required entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the previous guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The changes did not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The adoption of these changes did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB that required deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. The changes applied to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount was not affected. The adoption of these changes resulted in the Company reclassifying approximately $27 million from reported current assets to Deferred income tax assets based on balances at December 31, 2016.

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB amending the accounting for stock-based compensation and requiring excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be recognized as a component of income tax expense rather than equity. These changes also required excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be presented as an operating activity on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and allowed an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. These changes resulted in the Company recording the cumulative impact of approximately $1 million pre-tax on January 1, 2017 to retained earnings, related to the Company electing to not estimate forfeitures on stock compensation plans but rather recognize forfeitures as they occur. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and shortfalls as a component of the Company’s income tax expense will increase volatility within the provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards are dependent on the Company's stock price at the date an award vests. The impact to income tax expense resulting from this change was tax expense of $0.1 million and a tax benefit of $0.4 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, respectively.

8

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company early-adopted changes issued by the FASB that added and clarified guidance related to the classification, presentation and disclosure of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The adoption of these changes did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the current and prior periods.

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

In May 2014, the FASB issued changes related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The changes clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard. The core principle of the changes is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The changes also require additional disclosures related to revenue recognition. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of these changes by one year, but will permit entities to adopt one year earlier. During 2016, the FASB clarified the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations; identifying performance obligations; accounting for intellectual property licenses; collectability; non-cash consideration; and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The FASB also introduced practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations and other technical corrections and improvements. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management has determined that the most significant impact will be with regard to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the air-cooled heat exchanger business of the Harsco Industrial Segment and certain equipment sales in the Harsco Rail Segment. The Company currently recognizes revenues on such arrangements upon the completion of the efforts associated with these arrangements, but as a result of these changes, revenue from these arrangements will be recognized over time and increase revenue in earlier periods. Management has determined that there will not be any significant impact with regards to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment or the industrial grating and fencing or heat transfer businesses of the Harsco Industrial Segment.  Management is currently quantifying the impact of these changes, including the impact of income taxes, training those with responsibilities related to revenue recognition and evaluating impacts on the Company's internal controls over financial reporting. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method of implementation with the cumulative effect of initially applying the changes recognized in retained earnings at the date of initial application and continues to progress with regard to the quantification of the above identified differences.

In February 2016, the FASB issued changes in accounting for leases. The changes introduce a lessee model that brings most leases onto the balance sheet. The changes also align many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard. Furthermore, the changes address other concerns related to the current leases model such as eliminating the requirement in current guidance for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. The changes also require lessors to increase the transparency of their exposure to changes in value of their residual assets and how they manage that exposure. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued changes that remove the second step of the annual goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The changes provide that the amount of goodwill impairment will be equal to the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance remains largely unchanged. The same one-step impairment test will be applied to goodwill at all reporting units, even those with zero or negative carrying amounts. Entities will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill at reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. However, should the Company be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in future periods, the amount recorded may differ compared to any amounts that might be recorded under current practice.

In March 2017, the FASB issued changes to how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans present the net periodic pension cost ("NPPC") in the statement of operations. An employer will be required to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Other components of NPPC are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside of the subtotal of income from operations. The changes also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization. The changes become effective for the Company on

January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued changes to clarify when revisions to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The changes require modification accounting only in circumstances when

9

the terms or conditions result in changes to the fair value, vesting conditions or classification of the award as an equity instrument or a liability. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management does not believe these changes will impact its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued changes which expand and refine hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedged items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The amendments in this update should be applied to hedging relationships existing on the date of adoption, which includes a cumulative-effect adjustment to eliminate any ineffectiveness recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income or loss with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which adoption occurred. Presentation and disclosure amendments are required to be applied prospectively. The changes become effect for the Company on January 1, 2019. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

3.    Accounts Receivable and Inventories

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
Trade accounts receivable	$	284,397		$	248,354
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,165		)	(11,800		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	279,232		$	236,554
Other receivables (a)	$	22,647		$	21,053

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

The decrease in the Allowance for doubtful accounts during 2017 is due to the write-off of previously reserved trade accounts receivable balances.

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

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30					September 30
(In thousands)	2017		2016			2017		2016
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	4,087	$	(93	)	$	5,262	$	84

The increase in the Provision for doubtful accounts for the three months ended September 30, 2017 is due principally to the write-off of certain pre-administration accounts receivable balances for one of the Company's customers in Australia.

Inventories consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017		December 31 2016
Finished goods	$	28,765	$	26,464
Work-in-process	32,364		22,815
Contracts-in-process	79,279		54,044
Raw materials and purchased parts	62,188		61,450
Stores and supplies	24,412		22,908
Total inventories	$	227,008	$	187,681

Contracts-in-process consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
Contract costs accumulated to date	$	119,322		$	90,276
Estimated forward loss provisions for contracts-in-process (b)	(40,043		)	(36,232		)
Contracts-in-process (c)	$	79,279		$	54,044

(b) To the extent that the estimated forward loss provision exceeds accumulated contract costs it is included in the caption Other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, this amount totaled $3.4 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

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(c) At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has $111.6 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of customer advances related to contracts-in-process. These amounts are included in the caption Advances on contracts and other customer advances on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company recognized an estimated forward loss provision related to the contracts with the federal railway system of Switzerland ("SBB") of $45.1 million, for the year ended December 31, 2016 in Costs of products sold on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, of which $40.1 million was recognized during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016. There was no additional estimated forward loss provision recognized, excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuation, for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017. The estimated forward loss provision represents the Company's best estimate based on currently available information. It is possible that the Company's overall estimate of costs to complete these contracts may increase, which would result in an additional estimated forward loss provision at such time, but the Company is unable to estimate any further possible loss or range of loss at this time.

The Company recognized less than $1 million in revenue for the contracts with SBB for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 under the percentage-of-completion (units-of-delivery) method and accordingly, there was an insignificant impact on the Company's gross margins and results of operations for this period. The Company did not recognize any revenue for these contracts for 2016. The Company has not yet recognized any revenue associated with the major equipment deliveries under the contracts with SBB. The majority of the equipment deliveries and related revenue recognition under these contracts are expected through 2020.

4. Equity Method Investments

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

As part of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company was required to make a quarterly payment to the Company's partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture, either (at the Company's election) (i) in cash, with total payments to equal approximately $22 million per year on a pre-tax basis (approximately $15 million per year after-tax), or (ii) in kind, through the transfer of approximately 3% of the Company's ownership interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture on an annual basis (the "unit adjustment liability"). The Company recognized the change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability each period until the Company was no longer required to make these payments or chose not to make these payments. The change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability was a non-cash expense.

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

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

For the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 the Company recognized $1.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability exclusive of the fair value adjustment resulting from the decision not to make the quarterly payments in 2016, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations caption Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment.

In September 2016, the Company sold its remaining, approximately 26% interest in Brand. Accordingly, there has been no activity related to Brand subsequent to the date of sale. In exchange for the Company's interest, (i) the Company received $145 million in cash, net, and (ii) the requirement for the Company to fund certain obligations to Brand through 2018 were satisfied, the present value of which equaled $20.6 million. In addition, the Company received $1.4 million in accrued but unpaid fees, rent and expenses from the Brand. As a result of the sale, the Company’s obligation to make quarterly payments related to the unit adjustment liability under the terms of a limited partnership agreement that governed the operation of the strategic venture terminated. The Company recognized a loss on the sale of its equity interest in Brand in the amount of $43.5 million which

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was reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations caption Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment.

The Company’s proportionate share of Brand's net income was recorded one quarter in arrears.  Accordingly, Brand’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2016 were utilized by the Company to record its proportional share of income in the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016.  There was no equity income recorded for Brand for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 due to the sale of the interest in Brand.  Brand's results of operations are summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	June 30		June 30
(In thousands)	2016		2016
Net revenues	$	782,415	$	2,333,561
Gross profit	169,456		499,005
Net income attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	12,378		20,756
Harsco's equity in income of Brand	3,205		5,686

5.     Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
Land	$	10,965		$	10,606
Land improvements	15,567			15,032
Buildings and improvements	195,739			185,657
Machinery and equipment	1,606,633			1,525,156
Uncompleted construction	23,490			21,035
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,852,394			1,757,486
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,373,253		)	(1,267,231		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	479,141		$	490,255

6.     Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017:

(In thousands)	Harsco Metals  & Minerals Segment		Harsco Industrial Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	362,386	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	382,251
Foreign currency translation	17,665		—		—		17,665
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	380,051	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	399,916

The Company’s 2016 annual goodwill impairment testing did not result in any impairment of the Company’s goodwill. The fair value of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment exceeded the carrying value by approximately 12%.  The Company tests for goodwill impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business.  The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 and monitors for triggering events on an ongoing basis.  The Company determined that, as of September 30, 2017, no interim goodwill impairment testing was necessary. 

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Intangible assets included in the caption, Intangible assets, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:

	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	152,423	$	119,870	$	146,840	$	112,610
Patents	5,832		5,697		5,729		5,534
Technology related	26,151		26,151		25,687		25,634
Trade names	8,316		4,767		8,306		4,529
Other	8,805		5,702		8,512		5,200
Total	$	201,527	$	162,187	$	195,074	$	153,507

Amortization expense for intangible assets was as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$	1,269	$	2,053	$	3,868	$	6,208

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

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

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

7.  Employee Benefit Plans

	Three Months Ended
	September 30
Defined Benefit Pension Plans Net Periodic Pension Cost	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Service costs	$	942		$	945		$	426		$	405
Interest costs	2,469			2,545			5,843			6,542
Expected return on plan assets	(3,552		)	(3,601		)	(10,632		)	(10,475		)
Recognized prior service costs	8			16			48			44
Recognized loss	1,425			1,373			4,130			2,923
Settlement/curtailment losses	—			223			—			—
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	$	1,292		$	1,501		$	(185	)	$	(561	)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
Defined Benefit Pension Plans Net Periodic Pension Cost	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Service costs	$	2,825		$	2,837		$	1,243		$	1,214
Interest costs	7,408			7,635			17,349			20,649
Expected return on plan assets	(10,656		)	(10,803		)	(31,571		)	(33,157		)
Recognized prior service costs	24			47			139			133
Recognized loss	4,276			4,117			12,260			9,283
Settlement/curtailment losses	—			223			—			—
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	$	3,877		$	4,056		$	(580	)	$	(1,878	)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
Company Contributions	September 30				September 30
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Defined benefit pension plans (U.S.)	$	4,112	$	471	$	5,054	$	1,411
Defined benefit pension plans (International)	3,038		3,170		14,338		16,222
Multiemployer pension plans	498		494		1,481		1,520
Defined contribution pension plans	3,278		2,291		8,306		7,593

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The Company's estimate of expected contributions to be paid during the remainder of 2017 for the U.S. and international defined benefit pension plans are $0.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

8.     Income Taxes

Income tax expense related to continuing operations for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 was $8.3 million and $25.8 million, respectively. Income tax expense related to continuing operations for the three and nine months ended

September 30, 2016 was $5.1 million and $14.9 million, respectively.

An income tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, based on technical merits, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes. The reserve for uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2017 was $4.9 million, including interest and penalties.  Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that $0.3 million of unrecognized income tax benefits will be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations.

9.   Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental        

The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations and cleanups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a “potentially responsible party” for certain waste disposal sites.  While each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities, and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the Company.  The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected.  The Company did not have any material accruals or record any material expenses related to environmental matters during the periods presented.

The Company evaluates its liability for future environmental remediation costs on a quarterly basis. Although actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates (given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures), the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts accrued would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Brazilian Tax Disputes

The Company is involved in a number of tax disputes with federal, state and municipal tax authorities in Brazil. These disputes are at various stages of the legal process, including the administrative review phase and the collection action phase, and include assessments of fixed amounts of principal and penalties, plus interest charges that increase at statutorily determined amounts per month and are assessed on the aggregate amount of the principal and penalties. In addition, the losing party at the collection action or court of appeals phase could be subject to a charge to cover statutorily mandated legal fees, which are generally calculated as a percentage of the total assessed amounts due, inclusive of penalty and interest. A large number of the claims relate to value-added ("ICMS"), services and social security tax disputes. The largest proportion of the assessed amounts relate to ICMS claims filed by the State Revenue Authorities from the State of São Paulo, Brazil (the "SPRA"), encompassing the period from January 2002 to May 2005.

In October 2009, the Company received notification of the SPRA’s final administrative decision regarding the levying of ICMS in the State of São Paulo in relation to services provided to a customer in the State between January 2004 and May 2005.  As of September 30, 2017, the principal amount of the tax assessment from the SPRA with regard to this case is approximately $2 million, with penalty, interest and fees assessed to date increasing such amount by an additional $25 million.  Any change in the aggregate amount since the Company’s last Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 is due to an increase in assessed interest and statutorily mandated legal fees for the period, as well as foreign currency translation.

Another ICMS tax case involving the SPRA refers to the tax period from January 2002 to December 2003, and has not yet reached the judicial phase. The aggregate amount assessed by the tax authorities in August 2005 was $7.9 million (the amounts with regard to this claim are valued as of the date of the assessment since it has not yet reached the collection phase), composed of a principal amount of $1.9 million, with penalty and interest assessed through that date increasing such amount by an additional $6.0 million.  All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation.

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The Company continues to believe that it is not probable that it will incur a loss for these assessments by the SPRA. The Company also continues to believe that sufficient coverage for these claims exists as a result of the Company’s customer’s indemnification obligations and such customer’s pledge of assets in connection with the October 2009 notice, as required by Brazilian law.

The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending itself against these tax claims under various alternatives, including judicial appeal. The Company will continue to evaluate its potential liability with regard to these claims on a quarterly basis; however, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these tax-related disputes in Brazil. No loss provision has been recorded in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the disputes described above because the loss contingency is not deemed probable, and the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with Brazilian tax disputes would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Brazilian Labor Disputes

The Company is subject to collective bargaining and individual labor claims in Brazil through the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment which allege, among other things, the Company's failure to pay required amounts for overtime and vacation at certain sites. The Company is vigorously defending itself against these claims; however, litigation is inherently unpredictable, particularly in foreign jurisdictions. While the Company does not currently expect that the ultimate resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these labor-related disputes.

The Company is continuing to review all known labor claims and as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has established reserves of $9.2 million and $7.9 million, respectively, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts considered to be probable and estimable. As the Company continues to evaluate these claims and takes actions to address them, the amount of established reserves may be impacted.

Customer Disputes

The Company 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.  In August 2017, the Company reached a mutually agreed upon settlement with the customer whereby the Company (1) will make a net payment of $5.4 million to the customer; (2) received ownership of the underlying equipment; and (3) was released from all claims and potential claims.  Based on the evaluation of the terms of the settlement, this settlement did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by a negative outcome in these or other lawsuits, claims or proceedings, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Lima Refinery Litigation

On April 8, 2016, Lima Refining Company filed a lawsuit against the Company in the District Court of Harris County, Texas related to a January 2015 explosion at an oil refinery operated by Lima Refining Company. The action seeks approximately $106 million in property damages and approximately $289 million in lost profits and business interruption damages. The action alleges the explosion occurred because of a defect in a heat exchange cooler manufactured by Hammco Corporation ("Hammco") in 2009, prior to the Company’s acquisition of Hammco in 2014. The Company is vigorously contesting the allegations against it, both as to liability for the accident and the amount of the claimed damages. As a result, the Company believes the situation will not result in a probable loss. The Company has both an indemnity right from the sellers of Hammco and liability insurance coverage under various primary and excess policies that the Company believes will be available, if necessary, to cover substantially all of any such liability that might ultimately be incurred in the above action.

U.K. Health and Safety Executive Matter

In the third quarter of 2016, a subsidiary in the Company’s Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, along with one of its customers, was named as a co-defendant in an action brought by the U.K. Health and Safety Executive in the U.K. Crown Court Sitting at Kingston-Upon-Hull. In September 2017, the U.K. Health and Safety Executive withdrew its case against the Company, ending the Company’s involvement in these proceedings.

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Compliance Matter

The Company recently began an internal investigation, with the assistance of outside counsel, after it became aware of allegations involving an employee and an agent of the Harsco Rail subsidiary in China (“Harsco Rail China”). During this investigation, which remains ongoing, the Company learned about certain payments that potentially violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Revenues attributed to Harsco Rail China were approximately 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for each of the past two years and through the third quarter of this year.

The Company has voluntarily self-reported its initial findings to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and intends to fully cooperate with these agencies in their review. Based on information known to date, we believe the amounts of the potential improper payments are not material to our consolidated financial statements. Any determination that our operations or activities were not in compliance with existing laws or regulations could result in the imposition of fines and penalties. No provision with respect to this matter has been made in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. At this time, the Company cannot predict the outcome or impact of its investigation or the reviews by the SEC and the DOJ. However, based on information available at this time, we do not believe any potential liability would be material to our consolidated financial position, although an amount recorded, if any, could be material to the results of operations for the period in which it may be recorded.

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 September 30, 2017, there were 17,150 pending asbestos personal injury actions filed against the Company.  Of those actions, 16,752 were filed in the New York Supreme Court (New York County), 111 were filed in other New York State Supreme Court Counties and 287 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 September 30, 2017, 16,721 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 31 cases in New York County are pending on the Active or In Extremis Docket created for plaintiffs who can demonstrate a malignant condition or physical impairment.

The Company has liability insurance coverage under various primary and excess policies that the Company believes will be available, if necessary, to substantially cover any liability that might ultimately be incurred in the asbestos actions referred to above. The costs and expenses of the asbestos actions are being paid by the Company's insurers.

In view of the persistence of asbestos litigation in the U.S., the Company expects to continue to receive additional claims in the future. The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending these claims and cases. At September 30, 2017, the Company has obtained dismissal in 27,931 cases by stipulation or summary judgment prior to trial.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related actions in the U.S. due to the unpredictable nature of this litigation, and no loss provision has been recorded in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements because a loss contingency is not deemed probable or estimable. Despite this uncertainty, and although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by asbestos-related actions, the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with asbestos litigation would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company is subject to various other claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, all such matters are adequately covered by insurance or by

16

established reserves, and, if not so covered, are without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Insurance liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred for a particular event and the amount of loss associated with the event can be reasonably estimated. Insurance reserves have been estimated based primarily upon actuarial calculations and reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities for ultimate losses, including claims incurred but not reported. Inherent in these estimates are assumptions that are based on the Company's history of claims and losses, a detailed analysis of existing claims with respect to potential value, and current legal and legislative trends. If actual claims differ from those projected by management, changes (either increases or decreases) to insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded through income in the period the change was determined. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Insurance claim receivables are included in Other receivables on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for additional information on Accrued insurance and loss reserves.

10.  Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30					September 30
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2017		2016			2017		2016
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	13,669	$	(32,612	)	$	41,571	$	(71,156	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	80,637		80,379			80,519		80,318
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	2,499		—			2,234		—
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	83,136		80,379			82,753		80,318
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.17	$	(0.41	)	$	0.52	$	(0.89	)
Diluted	$	0.16	$	(0.41	)	$	0.50	$	(0.89	)

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

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30		September 30
(In thousands)	2017	2016	2017	2016
Restricted stock units	—	922	—	770
Stock options	55	90	55	90
Stock appreciation rights	526	1,567	918	1,432
Performance share units	—	801	212	649

11.   Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses derivative instruments, including foreign currency exchange forward contracts, interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps ("CCIRs"), to manage certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures.  Derivative instruments are viewed as risk management tools by the Company and are not used for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivative instruments are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge foreign currency denominated balance sheet items are reported directly in earnings, along with offsetting transaction gains and losses on the items being hedged.  Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments may be accounted for as cash flow hedges, as deemed appropriate if the criteria for hedge accounting are met.  Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, a separate component of equity, and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions.  The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

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

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
September 30, 2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	2,673	Other current liabilities	$	92
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	Other current assets	110			—
Interest rate swaps		—		Other current liabilities	197
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	92		Other liabilities	2,773
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	2,875		$	3,062
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	572	Other current liabilities	$	22,698

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

All of the Company's derivatives are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at gross amounts and not offset. All of the Company's interest rate swaps, CCIRs and certain foreign currency exchange forward contracts are transacted under International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") documentation. Each ISDA master agreement permits the net settlement of amounts owed in the event of default. The Company's derivative assets and liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements did not result in a net asset or net liability at either September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

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

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

(In thousands)	Amount  Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income  (“OCI”)  on Derivative - Effective  Portion			Location of Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	Amount Reclassified  from Accumulated OCI into  Income - Effective  Portion		Location of Amount Recognized  in Income on  Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount  Recognized  in Income  on Derivative - Ineffective  Portion and  Amount Excluded from Effectiveness  Testing
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	2,333			$	—		$	—
Interest rate swaps	(335		)		—			—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	(72		)	Interest expense	252		Cost of services and products sold	(103		)	(a)
	$	1,926			$	252		$	(103	)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	2,378			$	—		$	—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	(210		)	Interest expense	254		Cost of services and products sold	(232		)	(a)
	$	2,168			$	254		$	(232	)

18

(In thousands)	Amount Recognized in  OCI  on Derivative - Effective  Portion			Location Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	Amount Reclassified  from Accumulated  OCI into  Income - Effective  Portion			Location of Amount Recognized  in Income on  Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount  Recognized  in Income  on Derivative - Ineffective  Portion and  Amount Excluded from Effectiveness  Testing
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	3,096		Product revenues / Cost of services and products sold	$	(185	)		$	—
Interest rate swaps	(2,878		)		—				—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(195		)	Interest expense	745			Cost of services and products sold	(420		)	(a)
	$	23			$	560			$	(420	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	1,748		Product revenues / Cost of services and products sold	$	(409	)		$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(2,361		)	Interest expense	478			Cost of services and products sold	3,987			(a)
	$	(613	)		$	69			$	3,987

(a) These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Three Months Ended September 30 (b)
(In thousands)		2017			2016
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	(7,025	)	$	552

	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Nine Months Ended September 30 (b)
(In thousands)		2017			2016
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	(18,764	)	$	2,292

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts

The Company conducts business in multiple currencies and, accordingly, is subject to the inherent risks associated with foreign exchange rate movements.  The financial position and results of operations of substantially all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency.  Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates, and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods.  The aggregate effects of translating the balance sheets of these subsidiaries are deferred and recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a separate component of equity.

The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge cash flows related to foreign currency fluctuations.  Foreign currency exchange forward contracts outstanding are part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency exchange operating income and balance sheet exposure by offsetting foreign currency exposures of certain future payments between the Company and various subsidiaries, suppliers or customers.  The unsecured contracts are with major financial institutions.  The Company may be exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the contract counterparties.  The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of the counterparties and does not expect default by them.  Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are used to hedge commitments, such as foreign currency debt, firm purchase commitments and foreign currency cash flows for certain export sales transactions.

19

The following tables summarize, by major currency, the contractual amounts of the Company’s foreign currency exchange forward contracts in U.S. dollars.  The “Buy” amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies, and the “Sell” amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell foreign currencies.  The recognized gains and losses offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third party foreign currency exposures.

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at September 30, 2017:

(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	70,207	October 2017	$	(807	)
British pounds sterling	Buy	10,638		October 2017 through January 2018	17
Euros	Sell	317,163		October 2017 through December 2017	(19,028		)
Euros	Buy	196,214		October 2017 through May 2018	792
Other currencies	Sell	50,692		October 2017 through April 2018	(758		)
Other currencies	Buy	30,578		October 2017 through January 2018	239
Total		$	675,492		$	(19,545	)

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

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

In addition to foreign currency exchange forward contracts, the Company designates certain loans as hedges of net investments in international subsidiaries.  The Company recorded pre-tax net gains of $7.6 million and $17.1 million during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, respectively and pre-tax net losses of $9.0 million and $29.3 million during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, respectively, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Interest Rate Swaps

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

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

The following table indicates the notional amounts of the Company's interest rate swaps at September 30, 2017:

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

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps (CCIRs)

The Company uses CCIRs in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed local currency interest rate.  Under these CCIRs, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or floating U.S. dollar rate and pays interest on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in dollars and the local currency, respectively.  At maturity, there is also the payment of principal amounts between currencies. The CCIRs are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in value attributed to the effect of the swaps’ interest spread and changes in the credit worthiness of the counter-parties recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

20

The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's CCIRs at September 30, 2017:

			Interest Rates
(In millions)	Contractual Amount		Receive	Pay
Maturing 2017	$	0.7	Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed rupee rate

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

Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities and Other Financial Instruments

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).  The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.

The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs), and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).  The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which give the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). 

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

• Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

• Level 3—Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. 

In instances in which multiple levels of inputs are used to measure fair value, hierarchy classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company:

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements (In thousands)	September 30 2017		December 31 2016
Assets
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	3,245	$	4,932
Interest rate swaps	92		—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	110		514
Liabilities
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	22,790		3,538
Interest rate swaps	2,970		—

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

Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability (c) for the Nine Months Ended September 30 (In thousands)	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
	2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	79,934
Reduction in the fair value related to election not to make 2016 payments	(19,145		)
Sale of equity interest in Brand	(65,461		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	4,672
Balance at end of period	$	—

(c) During the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Company decided that it would not make the four quarterly payments to CD&R for 2016. This resulted in the Company revaluing the Unit Adjustment Liability. The Company sold its investment in Brand in September 2016 and the unit adjustment liability ceased at that time. See Note 4, Equity Method Investment, for additional information related to the unit adjustment liability.

The Company primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to utilize the best available information.  Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs, such as forward rates, interest rates, the Company’s credit risk and counterparties’ credit risks, and which minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  The Company is able to classify fair value balances based on the ability to observe those inputs.  Foreign currency exchange forward contracts, interest rate swaps and CCIRs are classified as Level 2 fair value based upon pricing models using market-based inputs.  Model inputs can be verified, and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.  At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the total fair value of long-term debt (excluding deferred financing costs), including current maturities, was $642.2 million and $682.9 million, respectively, compared with a carrying value of $634.8 million and $673.4 million, respectively.  Fair values for debt are based on quoted market prices (Level 1) for the same or similar issues, or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities (Level 2).

12. Review of Operations by Segment

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Revenues From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	255,163		$	247,691		$	761,503		$	730,923
Harsco Industrial	78,318			63,422			217,766			191,561
Harsco Rail	51,134			56,674			172,716			168,517
Corporate	38			—			107			—
Total Revenues From Continuing Operations	$	384,653		$	367,787		$	1,152,092		$	1,091,001
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	24,327		$	24,066		$	82,933		$	61,934
Harsco Industrial	12,864			6,312			24,819			20,083
Harsco Rail	4,161			4,599			18,108			(22,443		)
Corporate	(7,402		)	(6,401		)	(21,528		)	(20,253		)
Total Operating Income From Continuing Operations	$	33,950		$	28,576		$	104,332		$	39,321
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	28,636		$	30,255		$	84,444		$	91,942
Harsco Industrial	1,826			1,827			5,509			5,395
Harsco Rail	1,094			1,441			3,156			4,236
Corporate	1,449			3,102			4,399			6,714
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	33,005		$	36,625		$	97,508		$	108,287
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	20,994		$	15,272		$	58,065		$	43,997
Harsco Industrial	1,678			1,817			3,226			4,113
Harsco Rail	462			497			1,765			1,636
Corporate	297			184			1,075			200
Total Capital Expenditures	$	23,431		$	17,770		$	64,131		$	49,946

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

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Segment operating income	$	41,352		$	34,977		$	125,860		$	59,574
General Corporate expense	(7,402		)	(6,401		)	(21,528		)	(20,253		)
Operating income from continuing operations	33,950			28,576			104,332			39,321
Interest income	610			673			1,615			1,760
Interest expense	(12,123		)	(13,756		)	(36,181		)	(39,924		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment	—			(44,788		)	—			(58,494		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	22,437		$	(29,295	)	$	69,766		$	(57,337	)

13.   Other (Income) Expenses, Net

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

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Employee termination benefit costs	$	2,536		$	1,790		$	4,947		$	8,756
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs	—			1			—			3,298
Net gains (a)	(4,821		)	(608		)	(4,815		)	(1,365		)
Other costs to exit activities	327			—			495			—
Impaired asset write-downs	539			—			820			—
Other	182			558			282			1,422
Other (income) expenses	$	(1,237	)	$	1,741		$	1,729		$	12,111

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

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14. Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2017 was as follows:

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(125,561	)		$	(400	)		$	(389,696	)		$	(31	)	$	(515,688	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(23,744		)	(a)	(2,199		)	(b)	32,067			(a)	11			6,135
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				26				12,168				—			12,194
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)	28,641				1,636				(1,534		)		—			28,743
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	1,943				(405		)		306				—			1,844
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	6,840				(942		)		43,007				11			48,916
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	420				(7		)		—				—			413
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	7,260				(949		)		43,007				11			49,329
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(118,301	)		$	(1,349	)		$	(346,689	)		$	(20	)	$	(466,359	)

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(144,534	)		$	(1,089	)		$	(461,094	)		$	(5	)	$	(606,722	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	42,391			(a)	1,133			(b)	(31,600		)	(a)	11			11,935
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				338				15,133				—			15,471
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	42,391				1,471				(16,467		)		11			27,406
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,235		)		—				—				—			(2,235		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	40,156				1,471				(16,467		)		11			25,171
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	(104,378	)		$	382			$	(477,561	)		$	6		$	(581,551	)

(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.

24

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	September 30 2017			September 30 2016			September 30 2017			September 30 2016
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	—		$	—		$	(189	)	$	(408	)	Product revenues
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	—			—			4			(1		)	Cost of services and products sold
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	252			254			745			478			Interest expense
Total before tax	252			254			560			69
Tax expense	(99		)	(99		)	(222		)	(43		)
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax	$	153		$	155		$	338		$	26
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (c):
Actuarial losses	$	2,643		$	2,042		$	8,001		$	6,703		Selling, general and administrative expenses
Actuarial losses	2,915			2,253			8,535			6,696			Cost of services and products sold
Prior-service benefits	(14		)	(5		)	(36		)	(9		)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Prior-service costs	70			66			199			190			Cost of services and products sold
Settlement/curtailment losses	—			223			—			223			Selling, general and administrative expenses
Total before tax	5,614			4,579			16,699			13,803
Tax benefit	(523		)	(601		)	(1,566		)	(1,635		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	5,091		$	3,978		$	15,133		$	12,168

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

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

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	September 30 2016			September 30 2016
Foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	40,525		$	45,405		Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Cash flow hedging instruments	2,425			2,593			Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Defined benefit pension obligations	(2,198		)	(2,433		)	Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Total before tax	40,752			45,565
Tax benefit (d)	(15,046		)	(16,822		)
Total amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment	$	25,706		$	28,743

(d) For the three months ended September 30, 2016 the tax benefit was not recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of operations since a valuation allowance was established against the resulting deferred tax assets. See Note 11, Income Taxes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for more information.

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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as well as the audited consolidated financial statements of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), including the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 which includes additional information about the Company’s critical accounting policies, contractual obligations, practices and the transactions that support the financial results, and provides a more comprehensive summary of the Company’s outlook, trends and strategies for 2017 and beyond.

Certain amounts included in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are rounded in millions and all percentages are calculated based on actual amounts.  As a result, minor differences may exist due to rounding.

Forward-Looking Statements

The nature of the Company's business and the many countries in which it operates subject it to changing economic, competitive, regulatory and technological conditions, risks and uncertainties. In accordance with the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company provides the following cautionary remarks regarding important factors that, among others, could cause future results to differ materially from the results contemplated by forward-looking statements, including the expectations and assumptions expressed or implied herein. Forward-looking statements contained herein could include, among other things, statements about management's confidence in and strategies for performance; expectations for new and existing products, technologies and opportunities; and expectations regarding growth, sales, cash flows, and earnings. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of such terms as "may," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "likely," "estimate," "plan" or other comparable terms.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from those implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (1) changes in the worldwide business environment in which the Company operates, including general economic conditions; (2) changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates, commodity and fuel costs and capital costs;(3) changes in the performance of equity and bond markets that could affect, among other things, the valuation of the assets in the Company's pension plans and the accounting for pension assets, liabilities and expenses; (4) changes in governmental laws and regulations, including environmental, occupational health and safety, tax and import tariff standards; (5) market and competitive changes, including pricing pressures, market demand and acceptance for new products, services and technologies; (6) the Company's inability or failure to protect its intellectual property rights from infringement in one or more of the many countries in which the Company operates; (7) failure to effectively prevent, detect or recover from breaches in the Company's cybersecurity infrastructure; (8) unforeseen business disruptions in one or more of the many countries in which the Company operates due to political instability, civil disobedience, armed hostilities, public health issues or other calamities; (9) disruptions associated with labor disputes and increased operating costs associated with union organization; (10) the seasonal nature of the Company's business; (11) the Company's ability to successfully enter into new contracts and complete new acquisitions or strategic ventures in the time-frame contemplated, or at all; (12) the integration of the Company's strategic acquisitions; (13) the amount and timing of repurchases of the Company's common stock, if any; (14) the prolonged recovery in global financial and credit markets and economic conditions generally, which could result in the Company's customers curtailing development projects, construction, production and capital expenditures, which, in turn, could reduce the demand for the Company's products and services and, accordingly, the Company's revenues, margins and profitability; (15) the outcome of any disputes with customers, contractors and subcontractors; (16) the financial condition of the Company's customers, including the ability of customers (especially those that may be highly leveraged and those with inadequate liquidity) to maintain their credit availability; (17) implementation of environmental remediation matters; (18) risk and uncertainty associated with intangible assets; and (19) other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports. A further discussion of these, along with other potential risk factors, can be found in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors herein. The Company cautions that these factors may not be exhaustive and that many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. The Company undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

26

Executive Overview

Markets served by the Company's Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment continued to demonstrate some improvement during the first nine months of 2017 as increased customer steel production and higher commodity volumes and prices positively affected both revenues and operating income. In addition, results were positively affected by the operational benefits and discipline achieved in recent years due to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment's Improvement Plan ("Project Orion").

As previously disclosed, one of the Company’s customers for the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment in Australia had entered into the process of voluntary administration under Australian law, the purpose of which was to focus on long-term solvency. The result of this administration process was that the customer’s operation was sold to a new owner in August 2017. In September 2017, the administrators informed the Company that most of the pre-administration accounts receivable balance would not be paid, and as a result the Company recorded a bad debt expense of $4.6 million for the third quarter of 2017. The Company continues to provide services for the new owner pending formalization of a new contract.

Energy markets also demonstrated some fundamental improvement during the first nine months of 2017. The Harsco Industrial Segment’s air-cooled heat exchangers business has seen steadily improving results. Bookings for this business have increased but may fluctuate with energy prices and underlying market fundamentals. The Harsco Industrial Segment's industrial grating business continues to be impacted by a lack of large-scale projects, delayed capital expenditures, competitive market dynamics and increased material costs. Accordingly, these factors impacted revenue and operating income during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 in the Harsco Industrial Segment. In addition, operating income during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 was positively effected by a gain on the sale of a property of approximately $4 million.

Results for the Harsco Rail Segment for the first nine months of 2016, included an estimated loss provision of $40.1 million related to the Company's contracts with the federal railway system of Switzerland ("SBB"). The estimated loss provision resulted from increased vendor costs, ongoing discussions with the customer, and increased estimates for commissioning, certification and testing costs, as well as expected settlement with respect to the customer. Excluding the impact of the estimated loss provision, the Harsco Rail Segment's operating results during the first nine months of 2017 were consistent with the same period in the prior year.

	Three Months Ended
Revenues by Segment	September 30
(In millions)	2017		2016		Change			%
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	255.2	$	247.7	$	7.5		3.0	%
Harsco Industrial	78.3		63.4		14.9			23.5
Harsco Rail	51.1		56.7		(5.5		)	(9.8	)
Total revenues	$	384.7	$	367.8	$	16.9		4.6	%

	Nine Months Ended
Revenues by Segment	September 30
(In millions)	2017			2016		Change		%
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	761.5		$	730.9	$	30.6	4.2	%
Harsco Industrial	217.8			191.6		26.2		13.7
Harsco Rail	172.7			168.5		4.2		2.5
Corporate	0.1		—	—		0.1		—
Total revenues	$	1,152.1		$	1,091.0	$	61.1	5.6	%

	Three Months Ended
Revenues by Region	September 30
(In millions)	2017		2016		Change			%
North America	$	178.7	$	166.2	$	12.5		7.5	%
Western Europe	100.0		101.4		(1.4		)	(1.4	)
Latin America (includes Mexico)	47.4		43.3		4.1			9.4
Asia-Pacific	40.8		35.0		5.8			16.5
Middle East and Africa	10.8		13.6		(2.7		)	(20.0	)
Eastern Europe	6.9		8.2		(1.3		)	(16.3	)
Total revenues	$	384.7	$	367.8	$	16.9		4.6	%

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	Nine Months Ended
Revenues by Region	September 30
(In millions)	2017		2016		Change			%
North America	$	536.2	$	487.9	$	48.3		9.9	%
Western Europe	305.6		320.3		(14.7		)	(4.6	)
Latin America (included Mexico)	138.3		123.1		15.3			12.4
Asia-Pacific	120.2		101.2		19.0			18.8
Middle East and Africa	31.4		35.0		(3.7		)	(10.4	)
Eastern Europe	20.4		23.4		(3.1		)	(13.1	)
Total revenues	$	1,152.1	$	1,091.0	$	61.1		5.6	%

Revenues for the Company during the third quarter and first nine months2017 were $384.7 million and $1.2 billion, respectively, compared with $367.8 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016. The change is primarily related to the effect of higher volumes and commodity prices in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and the Harsco Industrial Segment's air-cooled heat exchangers business; partially offset by the lower volumes for the first nine months of 2017 in the Harsco Industrial Segment's industrial grating business. Foreign currency translation increased revenues by $6.1 million for the third quarter of 2017 and decreased revenues by $4.2 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared with the same periods in the prior year.

	Three Months Ended
Operating Income (Loss) by Segment	September 30
(In millions)	2017			2016			Change			%
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	24.3		$	24.1		$	0.3		1.1	%
Harsco Industrial	12.9			6.3			6.6			103.8
Harsco Rail	4.2			4.6			(0.4		)	(9.5	)
Corporate	(7.4		)	(6.4		)	(1.0		)	(15.6	)
Total operating income	$	34.0		$	28.6		$	5.4		18.8	%

	Nine Months Ended
Operating Income (Loss) by Segment	September 30
(In millions)	2017			2016			Change			%
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	82.9		$	61.9		$	21.0		33.9	%
Harsco Industrial	24.8			20.1			4.7			23.6
Harsco Rail	18.1			(22.4		)	40.6			180.7
Corporate	(21.5		)	(20.3		)	(1.3		)	(6.3	)
Total operating income	$	104.3		$	39.3		$	65.0		165.3	%

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
Operating Margin by Segment	2017		2016		2017		2016
Harsco Metals & Minerals	9.5	%	9.7	%	10.9	%	8.5	%
Harsco Industrial	16.4		10.0		11.4		10.5
Harsco Rail	8.1		8.1		10.5		(13.3	)
Consolidated operating margin	8.8	%	7.8	%	9.1	%	3.6	%

Operating income from continuing operations for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 was $34.0 million and $104.3 million, respectively, compared with $28.6 million and $39.3 million, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016.  Refer to the segment discussions below for information pertaining to factors positively affecting and negatively impacting operating income from continuing operations.

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Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment:

Significant Effects on Revenues	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
(In millions)	September 30, 2017			September 30, 2017
Revenues — 2016	$	247.7		$	730.9
Net effects of price/volume changes, primarily attributable to volume changes.	8.3			43.1
Net impact of new and lost contracts (including exited underperforming contracts).	(6.2		)	(9.8		)
Impact of foreign currency translation.	5.4			(2.6		)
Other.	—			(0.1		)
Revenues — 2017	$	255.2		$	761.5

Factors Positively Affecting Operating Income:

• Increased global steel production.  Overall, steel production by customers under services contracts, including the impact of new and exited contracts, increased by 6% and 7%, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared with the same periods in the prior year. Excluding the impact of new and exited contracts, steel production by customers under services contracts increased by 3% and 5%, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared with the same periods in the prior year.

• Increased income attributable to the impact of improved nickel, chrome and scrap prices. Nickel-related prices increased 2% and 7%, respectively during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared with the same periods in the prior year.

• Severance costs resulting from a site exit of $5.1 million during the first nine months of 2016, which did not repeat in the first nine months of 2017.

Factors Negatively Impacting Operating Income:

• Moderately higher selling, general and administrative costs due to higher compensation costs and professional fees.

• Bad debt expense of $4.6 million related to certain pre-administration accounts receivable balances for one of the Company's customers in Australia for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017.

Harsco Industrial Segment:

Significant Effects on Revenues	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
(In millions)	September 30, 2017		September 30, 2017
Revenues — 2016	$	63.4	$	191.6
Net effects of price/volume changes, primarily attributable to volume changes.	14.4		26.3
Impact of foreign currency translation.	0.5		(0.1		)
Revenues — 2017	$	78.3	$	217.8

Factors Positively Affecting Operating Income:

• Higher overall volumes and a favorable sales mix in the air-cooled heat exchanger business, resulting in increased operating income during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared with the comparable periods in 2016.

• Gain on sale of property of approximately $4 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017.

Factors Negatively Impacting Operating Income:

• Lower volumes and an unfavorable sales mix in the industrial grating products business for the first nine months of 2017.

• Increased operating expenses including higher commissions due to the increase in volumes in the air-cooled heat exchanger business and higher compensation costs.

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Harsco Rail Segment:

Significant Effects on Revenues	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
(In millions)	September 30, 2017			September 30, 2017
Revenues — 2016	$	56.7		$	168.5
Net effect (impacts) of price/volume changes, primarily attributable to volume changes.	(5.5		)	5.8
Impact of foreign currency translation.	0.2			(1.5		)
Other.	(0.3		)	(0.1		)
Revenues — 2017	$	51.1		$	172.7

Factors Positively Affecting Operating Income:

• During the first nine months of 2016, the Harsco Rail Segment recorded an estimated loss provision of $40.1 million related to the Company's contracts with SBB which did not repeat in the first nine months of 2017.

• Higher after-market part sales increased operating income during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared with the same period in prior year.

Factors Negatively Impacting Operating Income:

• Increased selling, general and administrative expenses primarily related to higher compensation costs and professional fees for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017.

• Lower machine sales volume in the third quarter of 2017 compared with the third quarter of 2016.

Outlook, Trends and Strategies

In addition to the items noted in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, the following significant items, risks, trends and strategies are expected to affect the Company for the remainder of 2017 and beyond:

• The Company will focus on providing returns above its cost of capital for its stockholders by continuing to develop an attractive portfolio of businesses and by continuing to focus on internal growth and operational excellence.

• The Company will assess capital needs in the context of operational trends and strategic initiatives and expects to maintain a reasonable amount of financial leverage. Management will be selective and disciplined in allocating capital by rigorously analyzing projects and utilizing a return-based capital allocation process.

• The Company expects its operational effective income tax rate to approximate 36% to 38% in 2017, excluding the tax impact of the new stock-based compensation accounting standard.

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment:

• Steel markets have demonstrated some pricing improvement since early 2016 and the Company experienced improvements in demand and certain commodity prices during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017. The Company expects these factors along with the effect of new contracts, the continued benefits achieved as part of Project Orion and additional improvement initiatives to positively affect operating income in 2017 in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

• In addition to the benefits and discipline that resulted from Project Orion, the Company will continue to focus on ensuring that forecasted results and other requirements for contracts meet certain established standards and deliver returns above its cost of capital. In connection with this focus, the possibility exists that the Company may take strategic actions that result in exit costs and non-cash asset impairment charges that may have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and liquidity.

• In January 2017, the Company announced two multi-year contracts for steel mill services in China and Brazil with projected revenues totaling more than $100 million. In March 2017, the Company announced a joint agreement with Hydro Industries for waste recycling solutions. In April 2017, the Company announced a ten year mill services contract in Egypt with projected revenues totaling approximately $60 million. In May 2017, the Company announced a multi-year contract in India to provide metal recovery and slag sales services with projected revenues totaling more than $25 million, and formation of a joint venture for metal recovery and slag sales services in Turkey. In August 2017, the Company renewed a Scrap Management contract for five years in Egypt and announced multi-year contracts for scrap handling at two major steel making plans in Latin America totaling more than $50 million in projected revenues.

• As the Company has previously disclosed, over the past several years the Company has been in discussions with various governmental regulatory agencies and officials in Bahrain ("Bahrain Agencies") with regard to a processing

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byproduct ("salt cakes") located at Hafeera. The Company previously recorded a charge of $7.0 million, payable over approximately ten years, related to the estimated cost of processing and disposal of the salt cakes. The Company's Bahrain operations that produced the salt cakes has ceased operations, and are owned under a strategic venture for which its strategic venture partner has a 35% minority interest. The Company is currently in active discussions with the Bahrain Agencies over the timing and method for the proposed processing and disposal method. If the Bahrain Agencies do not approve the proposed timing or method, or mandate alternative solutions, the Company’s estimated liability could change, and such change could be material in any one period.

• During 2016, one of the Company's customers announced its intention to conduct a strategic review of its steelmaking operations in Europe. As a result the customer has entered into a memorandum of understanding with another major steelmaker. Depending on the outcome of any potential transactions, there could be a material impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows and asset valuations in any one period.

• The Company will focus on growing the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment through the provision of innovative solutions to handle customers' waste and by-products, improving commercial effectiveness and disciplined investments to improve competitive positioning in core and adjacent markets.

Harsco Industrial Segment:

• As energy markets have demonstrated some fundamental improvement, the Harsco Industrial Segment’s air-cooled heat exchangers business has seen steadily improving results. Bookings for this business have increased but may fluctuate with energy prices and underlying market fundamentals.  Accordingly, these factors are expected to impact revenue and operating income in 2017 in the Harsco Industrial Segment.

• The Harsco Industrial Segment's industrial grating business continues to be impacted by a lack of large-scale projects, delayed capital expenditures, competitive market dynamics and increased material costs. Accordingly, these factors are expected to impact revenue and operating income in 2017 in the Harsco Industrial Segment.

• The Company is committed to maintaining recent efficiency gains in the air-cooled heat exchangers and industrial grating products businesses and implementing additional improvements in response to the recent industry and economic challenges.

• The Company will continue to focus on product innovation and development to drive strategic growth in its businesses. During January 2017, the Company announced the launch of an all-new capability for remote indoor boiler monitoring that can be downloaded directly to wireless and desktop devices.

• The Company will focus on growing the Harsco Industrial Segment through disciplined organic expansion and acquisitions that improve competitive positioning in core markets or adjacent markets.

Harsco Rail Segment:

• The global demand for railway maintenance-of-way equipment, parts and services continues to be generally positive over the long-term, though the North American market is experiencing weakness due to reduced capital and operating spending by Class I railways. 

• During January 2017, the Company announced a new order to equip the entire Denver, Colorado regional railway fleet with enhanced safety systems. During June 2017, the Company announced a new order in the U.K. for seven Stoneblower track geometry machines with deliveries occurring over a two year period starting in late 2019. During September 2017, the Company announced new orders from the regional transit districts serving Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, CA to install enhanced safety systems that alert railway track workings on the ground before trains enter their work zones. The orders are scheduled for delivery through the end of this year. In addition, during September 2017, the Company announced two equipment orders totaling approximately $25 million for railway track maintenance equipment in Saudi Arabia and the Republic of South Africa with deliveries expected to be by the end of 2017.

• In prior years, the Company secured two contract awards with initial contract values totaling approximately $200 million from SBB. The majority of deliveries under these contracts are anticipated to occur during late 2017 through 2020. The Harsco Rail Segment recorded estimated forward loss provisions of $40.1 million and $5.0 million during the second and fourth quarters of 2016, respectively, which resulted from increased vendor costs, ongoing discussions with SBB, and increased estimates for commissioning, certification and testing costs, as well as expected settlements with SBB.  It is possible that the Company's overall estimate of costs to complete these contracts may increase which would result in an additional estimated forward loss provision at such time.

• The Company will focus on growing the Harsco Rail Segment through disciplined organic expansion and acquisitions that improve competitive positioning in core markets or adjacent markets.

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Results of Operations

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In millions, except per share amounts)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Total revenues	$	384.7		$	367.8		$	1,152.1		$	1,091.0
Cost of services and products sold	289.8			286.3			871.0			886.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses	61.2			50.2			172.0			150.6
Research and development expenses	0.9			0.9			3.1			2.7
Other (income) expenses, net	(1.2		)	1.7			1.7			12.1
Operating income from continuing operations	34.0			28.6			104.3			39.3
Interest income	0.6			0.7			1.6			1.8
Interest expense	(12.1		)	(13.8		)	(36.2		)	(39.9		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment	—			(44.8		)	—			(58.5		)
Income tax expense	(8.3		)	(5.1		)	(25.8		)	(14.9		)
Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net	—			3.2			—			5.7
Income (loss) from continuing operations	14.2			(31.2		)	44.0			(66.6		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(0.4		)	(0.4		)	(0.3		)	1.1
Net income (loss)	13.8			(31.5		)	43.7			(65.4		)
Total other comprehensive income	10.9			21.9			27.4			48.9
Total comprehensive income (loss)	24.7			(9.6		)	71.1			(16.5		)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	0.16			(0.41		)	0.50			(0.89		)
Effective income tax rate for continuing operations	36.9		%	(17.3		)%	36.9		%	(26.0		)%

Comparative Analysis of Consolidated Results

Revenues

Revenues for the third quarter of 2017increased$16.9 million or 4.6% from the third quarter of 2016. Revenue for the nine months of 2017increased$61.1 million or 5.6% from the first nine months of 2016. Changes in revenues for the periods presented were attributable to the following significant items:

Change in Revenues — 2017 vs. 2016	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
(In millions)	September 30, 2017			September 30, 2017
Net effects of price/volume changes in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, primarily attributable to volume changes.	$	8.3		43.1
Net effects of price/volume changes in the Harsco Industrial Segment, primarily attributable to volume changes.	14.4			26.3
Net effect (impacts) of price/volume changes in the Harsco Rail Segment, primarily attributable to volume changes.	(5.5		)	5.8
Net impact of new and lost contracts (including exited underperforming contracts) in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.	(6.2		)	(9.8		)
Impact of foreign currency translation.	6.1			(4.2		)
Other.	(0.2		)	(0.1		)
Total change in revenues — 2017 vs. 2016	$	16.9		$	61.1

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Cost of Services and Products Sold

Cost of services and products sold for the third quarter of 2017increased$3.5 million or 1.2% from the third quarter of 2016. Cost of services and products for the first nine months of 2017decreased$15.3 million or 1.7% from the first nine months of 2016. Changes in cost of services and products sold for the periods presented were attributable to the following significant items:

Change in Cost of Services and Products Sold — 2017 vs. 2016	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
(In millions)	September 30, 2017			September 30, 2017
Decreased costs due to estimated loss provision in the Harsco Rail Segment during prior year.	$	—		$	(40.1	)
Impact (effect) of foreign currency translation.	5.1			(4.6		)
Increased (decreased) costs due to changes in revenues (exclusive of the effects of foreign currency translation and fluctuations in commodity costs included in selling prices).	0.3			34.9
Other.	(1.9		)	(5.5		)
Total change in cost of services and products sold — 2017 vs. 2016	$	3.5		$	(15.3	)

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2017increased$11.0 million or 21.8% from the third quarter of 2016.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of 2017increased$21.4 million or 14.2% from the first nine months of 2016. These increases were primarily related to higher compensation expense related to the timing of stock-based compensation issuances and higher expected incentive compensation; higher bad debt expense in the Metals & Minerals Segment; increased commissions in the Harsco Industrial Segment; and increased professional fees.

Other (Income) Expenses, Net

This income statement classification includes: net gains on disposal of non-core assets, certain foreign currency gains, employee termination benefit costs, costs associated with the potential separation of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, impaired asset write-downs and other costs to exit activities. Additional information on Other expenses is included in Note 13, Other Expenses, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements.

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Employee termination benefit costs	$	2,536		$	1,790		$	4,947		$	8,756
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs	—			1			—			3,298
Net gains (a)	(4,821		)	(608		)	(4,815		)	(1,365		)
Other costs to exit activities	327			—			495			—
Impaired asset write-downs	539			—			820			—
Other	182			558			282			1,422
Other expenses	$	(1,237	)	$	1,741		$	1,729		$	12,111

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

Interest Expense

Interest expense during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017decreased$1.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively, compared with the third quarter and first nine months of 2016. The decrease primarily relates to the Company's overall reduction in debt levels, partially offset by an increase in interest rates associated with the Company's debt.

Change in Fair Value to the Unit Adjustment Liability and Loss on Dilution of Equity Method Investment

The Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017decreased$44.8 million and $58.5 million, respectively, compared with the third quarter and first nine months of 2016. The decreases relate to losses associated with Company's first quarter of 2016 election not to make the quarterly cash payments to the Company's partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture for the remainder of 2016 and the Company's third quarter of 2016 sale of its remaining equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture which did not repeat in 2017. See Note 4, Equity Method Investments and Note 11, Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements for additional information.

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Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense related to continuing operations for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 was $8.3 million and $25.8 million, respectively, compared with an income tax expense related to continuing operations of $5.1 million and $14.9 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016. The income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 compared with the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 increased primarily due to the increase in income in profitable jurisdictions and increase in withholding tax in certain jurisdictions.

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations was $14.2 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared with the loss from continuing operations of $31.2 million in the third quarter of 2016. This change is primarily related to the loss on sale of the Company's equity method investment in the Infrastructure strategic venture recorded in the third quarter of 2016 which did not repeat in 2017, as well as higher operating income in the Harsco Industrial Segment.

Income from continuing operations was $44.0 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared with a loss from continuing operations of $66.6 million in the first nine months of 2016. This change is primarily related to the Harsco Rail Segment's estimated forward loss provision of $40.1 million for the Company's contracts with SBB and the loss on dilution and sale of the Company's equity method investment in the Infrastructure strategic venture recorded during 2016 which did not repeat in 2017, and higher operating income in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total other comprehensive income was $10.9 million and $27.4 million in third quarter and the first nine months of 2017, respectively, compared with total other comprehensive income of $21.9 million and $48.9 million, respectively in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016. The decrease in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 is due to the reclassification of the other comprehensive loss attributable to the Brand equity method investment to income as a result of the sale of this investment in the third quarter of 2016 not repeated in 2017, partially offset by the positive impact of foreign currency translation in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 is due to the sale of the Brand equity method investment in 2016. See Note 14, Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, for more information regarding the reclassification of the other comprehensive loss related the sale of the Brand equity method investment.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

The Company has sufficient financial liquidity and borrowing capacity to support the strategies within each of its businesses.  The Company currently expects operational and business needs to be met by cash provided by operations supplemented with borrowings from time to time due to historical patterns of seasonal cash flow and for the funding of various projects. The Company regularly assesses its capital needs in the context of operational trends and strategic initiatives.

The Company continues to implement and perform capital efficiency initiatives to enhance liquidity and working capital efficiency.  These initiatives have included: prudent allocation of capital spending to those projects where the highest results can be achieved; optimization of worldwide cash positions; reductions in discretionary spending; frequent evaluation of customer and business-partner credit risk; and Continuous Improvement initiatives aimed at improving the effective and efficient use of working capital, particularly in accounts receivable and inventories.

During the first nine months of 2017, the Company generated $82.9 million in operating cash flow, a decrease from the $104.8 million generated in the first nine months of 2016.

The Company invested $64.1 million in capital expenditures, mostly for the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, in the first nine months of 2017 compared with $49.9 million in the first nine months of 2016. The Company generated $10.7 million in cash flow from asset sales in the first nine months of 2017 compared with $7.2 million in the first nine months of 2016. Asset sales have been a normal part of the Company's business model, primarily for the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

Net cash outflows related to the Company's borrowings were $37.3 million in the first nine months of 2017 principally due to the utilization of operating cash flows. There were net cash outflows of $226.5 million in the first nine months of 2016 related to the Company's borrowings, principally due to the proceeds from the sale of the Company's equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture, utilization of operating cash flow and proceeds from the termination of a cross-currency interest rate swap ("CCIR"). The Company’s consolidated net debt to consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") ratio, as defined by the Credit Agreement, was 2.1 to 1.0 at September 30, 2017.

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Sources and Uses of Cash

The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are cash provided by operations and borrowings under its credit facility which consists of a term loan and revolver (the "Senior Secured Credit Facility"), augmented by cash proceeds from asset sales.  The primary drivers of the Company’s cash flow from operations are the Company’s revenues and income.  Cash returns on capital investments made in the prior years, for which limited cash is currently required, are a significant source of cash provided by operations.  Depreciation expense related to these investments is a non-cash charge. 

The Company plans to redeploy discretionary cash for potential growth opportunities, such as disciplined organic growth, higher-return service contract opportunities and disciplined investments to improve competitive positioning in core and adjacent markets for the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, and strategic investments or possible acquisitions in the Harsco Rail and Harsco Industrial Segments that improve competitive positioning in core markets or adjacent markets.

Resources available for cash requirements for operations and growth initiatives

In addition to utilizing cash provided by operations and cash proceeds from asset sales, the Company has bank credit facilities available throughout the world.  The Company also utilizes capital leases to finance the acquisition of certain equipment when appropriate, which allows the Company to minimize capital expenditures. The Company expects to continue to utilize all of these sources to meet future cash requirements for operations and growth initiatives. The following table illustrates available credit at September 30, 2017:

	September 30, 2017
(In millions)	Facility Limit		Outstanding Balance		Outstanding Letters of Credit		Available Credit
Multi-year revolving credit facility	$	400.0	$	77.0	$	41.5	$	281.5

At September 30, 2017, the Company had $622.9 million of borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, consisting of $545.9 million under the Term Loan Facility and $77.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. Of this balance, $617.4 million was classified as Long-term debt and $5.5 million was classified as Current maturities of long-term debt on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2017. At December 31, 2016, the Company had $648.0 million of borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, consisting of $550.0 million under the Term Loan Facility and $98.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2016, of this balance, $642.5 million was classified as Long-term debt and $5.5 million was classified as Current maturities of long-term debt on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Working Capital Position

Changes in the Company’s working capital are reflected in the following table:

(Dollars in millions)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016			Increase (Decrease)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	59.5		$	69.8		$	(10.3	)
Restricted cash	5.8			2.0			3.8
Trade accounts receivable, net	279.2			236.6			42.7
Other receivables	22.6			21.1			1.6
Inventories	227.0			187.7			39.3
Other current assets	35.8			33.1			2.7
Total current assets	630.1			550.3			79.8
Current Liabilities
Short-term borrowings and current maturities	21.2			29.8			(8.6		)
Accounts payable	123.3			108.0			15.3
Accrued compensation	50.4			46.7			3.7
Income taxes payable	8.7			4.3			4.4
Advances on contracts and other customer advances	126.0			117.3			8.7
Other current liabilities	156.3			121.6			34.7
Total current liabilities	485.8			427.7			58.2
Working Capital	$	144.2		$	122.6		$	21.6
Current Ratio (a)	1.3		:1	1.3		:1

(a) Calculated as Total current assets divided by Total current liabilities.

35

Working capital increased$21.6 million or 17.6% for the first nine months of 2017 due primarily to the following factors:

• Working capital was positively affected by an increase in Trade accounts receivable, net of $42.7 million, primarily due to increased sales for all segments and the timing of sales and collections in the Harsco Rail Segment, as well as the effect of foreign currency translation; and

• Working capital was positively affected by an increase in Inventories of $39.3 million, primarily due to the Harsco Rail Segment related to the continued inventory build for the SBB contracts and the timing of other shipments, as well as the effect of foreign currency translation.

These working capital increases were partially offset by the following factors:

• Working capital was negatively impacted by an increase in Other liabilities of $34.7 million, primarily due to the timing of settlement of the Company's foreign currency exchange forward contracts, the impact of foreign currency translation and timing of non-income tax payments; and

• Working capital was negatively impacted by an increase in Accounts payable of $15.3 million, primarily due to the timing of payments and the impact of foreign currency translation.

Certainty of Cash Flows

The Company has historically generated the majority of its cash flows in the second half of the year.  The certainty of the Company's future cash flows is underpinned by the long-term nature of the Company's metals services contracts, the order backlog for the Company's railway track maintenance services and equipment, and overall discretionary cash flows (operating cash flows plus cash from asset sales in excess of the amounts necessary for capital expenditures to maintain current revenue levels) generated by the Company. Historically, the Company has utilized these discretionary cash flows for growth-related capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, debt repayment and dividend payments.

The types of products and services that the Company provides are not subject to rapid technological change, which increases the stability of related cash flows. Additionally, the Company believes each business in its portfolio is a leader in the industries and major markets the Company serves. Due to these factors, the Company is confident in the Company's future ability to generate positive cash flows from operations.

Cash Flow Summary

The Company’s cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, are summarized in the following table:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
(In millions)	2017			2016
Net cash provided (used) by:
Operating activities	$	82.9		$	104.8
Investing activities	(48.9		)	129.9
Financing activities	(44.5		)	(242.1		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash	4.1			7.5
Net change in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash	$	(6.5	)	$	0.2

Cash provided by operating activities— Net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2017 was $82.9 million, a decrease of $21.9 million from cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2016.  The decrease is primarily attributable to the timing of sales and collections of accounts receivable, higher inventories and a decrease in advances on contracts and other customer advances received; partially offset by an increase related to the timing of accounts payable, as well as an increase in cash net income.

Cash provided (used) by investing activities— Net cash used by investing activities in the first nine months of 2017 was $48.9 million, a decrease of $178.8 million from the cash provided by investing activities in the first nine months of 2016.  The decrease was primarily due to the gross proceeds received from the sale of the Company's investment in the Infrastructure strategic venture which occurred in September 2016 and an increase in capital expenditures, primarily in the Company's Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Cash used by financing activities— Net cash used by financing activities in the first nine months of 2017 was $44.5 million, a decrease of $197.5 million from cash used by financing activities in the first nine months of 2016.  The change was primarily due to lower repayments of the Company's borrowings in the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

36

Debt Covenants

The Credit Agreement contains a consolidated net debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio covenant, which is not to exceed 3.75 to 1.0, and a minimum consolidated adjusted 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 adjusted EBITDA ratio covenant is reduced to 3.5 to 1.0 after December 31, 2017.  At September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with these covenants, as the total net leverage ratio was 2.1 to 1.0 and total interest coverage ratio was 5.8 to 1.0. Based on balances and covenants in effect at September 30, 2017, the Company could increase net debt by $451.6 million (although the Company only has $281.5 million available credit remaining under the Revolving Credit Facility), and still be in compliance with these debt covenants. Alternatively, keeping all other factors constant, the Company's adjusted EBITDA could decrease by $120.5 million and the Company would still be within these debt covenants. The Company expects to continue to be in compliance with these debt covenants for at least the next twelve months.

Cash Management

The Company has various cash management systems throughout the world that centralize cash in various bank accounts where it is economically justifiable and legally permissible to do so. These centralized cash balances are then redeployed to other operations to reduce short-term borrowings and to finance working capital needs or capital expenditures. Due to the transitory nature of cash balances, they are normally invested in bank deposits that can be withdrawn at will or in very liquid short-term bank time deposits and government obligations. The Company's policy is to use the largest banks in the various countries in which the Company operates. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of banks and when appropriate will adjust banking operations to reduce or eliminate exposure to less creditworthy banks. The Company plans to continue the strategy of targeted, prudent investing for strategic purposes for the foreseeable future, and to make more efficient use of existing investments.

At September 30, 2017, the Company's consolidated cash and cash equivalents included $58.8 million held by non-U.S. subsidiaries. At September 30, 2017, approximately 1.4% of the Company's consolidated cash and cash equivalents had regulatory restrictions that would preclude the transfer of funds with and among subsidiaries. Non-U.S. subsidiaries also held $14.2 million of cash and cash equivalents in consolidated strategic ventures. The strategic venture agreements may require strategic venture partner approval to transfer funds with and among subsidiaries. While the Company's remaining non-U.S. cash and cash equivalents can be transferred with and among subsidiaries, the majority of these non-U.S. cash balances will be used to support the ongoing working capital needs and continued growth of the Company's non-U.S. operations.

The Company's financial position and debt capacity should enable it to meet current and future requirements. The Company continues to assess its capital needs in the context of operational trends, capital market conditions and strategic initiatives.

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Information on recently adopted and recently issued accounting standards is included in Note 2, Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risks have not changed significantly from those disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Based on the evaluation required by Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b), the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), at September 30, 2017.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective at September 30, 2017.  There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of 2017.

37

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information on legal proceedings is included in Note 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

The Company's risk factors as of September 30, 2017 have not changed materially from those described in Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are included as part of this report by reference:

Exhibit Number	Description
31.1	Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer).
31.2	Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Financial Officer).
32	Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer).
101	The following financial statements from Harsco Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2017, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity; and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

38

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

HARSCO CORPORATION

(Registrant)

DATE	November 8, 2017	/s/ PETER F. MINAN
		Peter F. Minan
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(On behalf of the registrant and as Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer)

39

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

HARSCO CORPORATION

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR 15d-14(a)

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, F. Nicholas Grasberger, III, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Harsco Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

November 8, 2017

/s/ F. NICHOLAS GRASBERGER, III

F. Nicholas Grasberger, III

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

HARSCO CORPORATION

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR 15d-14(a)

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Peter F. Minan, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Harsco Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

November 8, 2017

/s/ PETER F. MINAN

Peter F. Minan

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

Exhibit 32

HARSCO CORPORATION

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Harsco Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), we certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of our knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

November 8, 2017

/s/ F. NICHOLAS GRASBERGER, III

F. Nicholas Grasberger, III

President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ PETER F. MINAN

Peter F. Minan

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Harsco Corporation and will be retained by Harsco Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HARSCO CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000045876
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		80,444,425

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 59,544	$ 69,831
Restricted cash	5,819	2,048
Trade accounts receivable, net	279,232	236,554
Other receivables	22,647	21,053
Inventories	227,008	187,681
Other current assets	35,825	33,108
Total current assets	630,075	550,275
Property, plant and equipment, net	479,141	490,255
Goodwill	399,916	382,251
Intangible assets, net	39,340	41,567
Deferred income tax assets	108,754	106,311
Other assets	13,767	10,679
Total assets	1,670,993	1,581,338
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	5,668	4,259
Current maturities of long-term debt	15,569	25,574
Accounts payable	123,290	107,954
Accrued compensation	50,367	46,658
Income taxes payable	8,668	4,301
Insurance liabilities	11,616	11,850
Advances on contracts and other customer advances	126,019	117,329
Other current liabilities	144,649	109,748
Total current liabilities	485,846	427,673
Long-term debt	602,673	629,239
Insurance liabilities	24,097	25,265
Retirement plan liabilities	305,330	319,597
Other liabilities	43,029	42,001
Total liabilities	1,460,975	1,443,775
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	141,093	140,625
Additional paid-in capital	178,287	172,101
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(581,551)	(606,722)
Retained earnings	1,191,205	1,150,688
Treasury stock	(761,998)	(760,391)
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders' equity	167,036	96,301
Noncontrolling interests	42,982	41,262
Total equity	210,018	137,563
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,670,993	$ 1,581,338

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues from continuing operations:
Service revenues	$ 246,144		$ 239,057	$ 738,059		$ 714,177
Product revenues	138,509		128,730	414,033		376,824
Total revenues	384,653		367,787	1,152,092		1,091,001
Costs and expenses from continuing operations:
Cost of services sold	193,314		192,812	574,905		574,137
Cost of products sold	96,469		93,499	296,062		312,131
Selling, general and administrative expenses	61,221		50,249	171,968		150,553
Research and development expenses	936		910	3,096		2,748
Other (income) expenses, net	(1,237)		1,741	1,729		12,111
Total costs and expenses	350,703		339,211	1,047,760		1,051,680
Operating income from continuing operations	33,950		28,576	104,332		39,321
Interest income	610		673	1,615		1,760
Interest expense	(12,123)		(13,756)	(36,181)		(39,924)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment	0		(44,788)	0		(58,494)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	22,437		(29,295)	69,766		(57,337)
Income tax expense	(8,270)		(5,079)	(25,757)		(14,913)
Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net	0		3,205	0		5,686
Income (loss) from continuing operations	14,167		(31,169)	44,009		(66,564)
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) on disposal of discontinued business	(578)		(592)	(538)		1,788
Income tax benefit (expense) related to discontinued business	207		217	193		(661)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(371)		(375)	(345)		1,127
Net income (loss)	13,796		(31,544)	43,664		(65,437)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(498)		(1,443)	(2,438)		(4,592)
Net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	13,298		(32,987)	41,226		(70,029)
Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	13,669		(32,612)	41,571		(71,156)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(371)		(375)	(345)		1,127
Net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 13,298		$ (32,987)	$ 41,226		$ (70,029)
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	80,637		80,379	80,519		80,318
Basic earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17		$ (0.41)	$ 0.52		$ (0.89)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.00		0.00	0.00		0.01
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	[1]	$ (0.41)	$ 0.51	[1]	$ (0.87)	[1]
Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	83,136		80,379	82,753		80,318
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16		$ (0.41)	$ 0.50		$ (0.89)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.00		0.00	0.00		0.01
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16		$ (0.41)	$ 0.50		$ (0.87)	[1]

[1] Does not total due to rounding

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 13,796	$ (31,544)	$ 43,664	$ (65,437)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $1,747 and $(16,992), and $3,598 and $(27,680) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	16,005	9,613	42,391	6,840
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $21 and $(813), and $888 and $(398) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	2,199	1,609	1,471	(942)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(523) and $254, and $(1,567) and $(1,002) for the three and nine months September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	(7,324)	10,712	(16,467)	43,007
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(3) and $(9), and $(6) and $(7) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	5	14	11	11
Total other comprehensive income	10,885	21,948	27,406	48,916
Total comprehensive income (loss)	24,681	(9,596)	71,070	(16,521)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,200)	(1,448)	(4,674)	(4,179)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ 23,481	$ (11,044)	$ 66,396	$ (20,700)

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, deferred income taxes	$ 1,747	$ (16,992)	$ 3,598	$ (27,680)
Net loss on cash flow hedging instruments, deferred income taxes	21	(813)	888	(398)
Pension liability adjustments, deferred income taxes	(523)	254	(1,567)	(1,002)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, deferred income taxes	$ (3)	$ (9)	$ (6)	$ (7)

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 13,796	$ (31,544)	$ 43,664	$ (65,437)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation			91,519	98,284
Amortization			5,989	10,003
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment	0	44,788	0	58,494
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)			2,018	(2,015)
Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net	0	(3,205)	0	(5,686)
Dividends from unconsolidated entities			93	16
Contract estimated forward loss provision for Harsco Rail Segment		40,050	0	40,050	$ 45,100
Other, net			2,567	1,911
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			(26,633)	4,055
Inventories			(30,112)	(24,295)
Accounts payable			9,045	(10,740)
Accrued interest payable			287	6,245
Accrued compensation			979	4,481
Advances on contracts and other customer advances			(6,534)	15,352
Retirement plan liabilities, net			(17,890)	(17,151)
Other assets and liabilities			7,913	(8,721)
Net cash provided by operating activities			82,905	104,846
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			(64,131)	(49,946)
Proceeds from sales of assets			10,746	7,178
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired			0	(26)
Proceeds from sale of equity investment			0	165,640
Other investing activities, net			4,450	7,058
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities			(48,935)	129,904
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net			1,915	(1,527)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions			26,000	50,835
Reductions			(65,245)	(275,768)
Cash dividends paid on common stock			0	(4,105)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests			(1,783)	(1,702)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests			(3,412)	(4,731)
Stock-based compensation - Employee taxes paid			(1,607)	(91)
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap termination			0	16,625
Deferred pension underfunding payment to unconsolidated affiliate			0	(20,640)
Deferred financing costs			(42)	(946)
Other financing activities, net			(370)	0
Net cash used by financing activities			(44,544)	(242,050)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash			4,058	7,455
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash			(6,516)	155
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at beginning of period			71,879	79,756	79,756
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at end of period	$ 65,363	$ 79,911	$ 65,363	$ 79,911	$ 71,879

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock Issued	Common Stock Treasury	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 310,803	$ 140,503	$ (760,299)	$ 170,699	$ 1,236,355	$ (515,688)	$ 39,233
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	(65,437)				(70,029)		4,592
Cash dividends declared: Noncontrolling interests	(1,702)						(1,702)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest	(4,731)			(5,128)			397
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $2,913 and $(29,087) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	48,916					49,329	(413)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 260,497 shares and 80,598 shares in 2017 and 2016, respectively	(565)	122	(92)	(595)
Amortization of unearned portion of stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	5,740			5,740
Balances at Sep. 30, 2016	293,024	140,625	(760,391)	170,716	1,166,326	(466,359)	42,107
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Adoption of new accounting standard (See Note 2)	397			1,106	709
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016	137,563	140,625	(760,391)	172,101	1,150,688	(606,722)	41,262
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	43,664				41,226		2,438
Cash dividends declared: Noncontrolling interests	(1,783)						(1,783)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest	(3,412)			(2,242)			(1,170)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $2,913 and $(29,087) in 2017 and 2016, respectively	27,406					25,171	2,235
Stock Appreciation Rights exercised, net 8,965 shares	(63)	16	(63)	(16)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 260,497 shares and 80,598 shares in 2017 and 2016, respectively	(1,544)	452	(1,544)	(452)
Amortization of unearned portion of stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	7,790			7,790
Balances at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 210,018	$ 141,093	$ (761,998)	$ 178,287	$ 1,191,205	$ (581,551)	$ 42,982

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$ 2,913	$ (29,087)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other (in shares)	260,497	80,598
Stock Appreciation Rights exercise (in shares)	8,965

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Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Harsco Corporation (the "Company") has prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (all of which are of a normal recurring nature) that are necessary for a fair statement are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.  The December 31, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was derived from the 2016 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for an annual report.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Operating results and cash flows for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 are not indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

Reclassifications

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

Restricted Cash

The Company had restricted cash of $5.8 million and $2.0 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and the restrictions are primarily related to collateral provided for certain guarantees of the Company’s performance.

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Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2017:

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") related to the simplification of the measurement of inventory. The changes required entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the previous guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The changes did not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The adoption of these changes did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB that required deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. The changes applied to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount was not affected. The adoption of these changes resulted in the Company reclassifying approximately $27 million from reported current assets to Deferred income tax assets based on balances at December 31, 2016.

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB amending the accounting for stock-based compensation and requiring excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be recognized as a component of income tax expense rather than equity. These changes also required excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be presented as an operating activity on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and allowed an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. These changes resulted in the Company recording the cumulative impact of approximately $1 million pre-tax on January 1, 2017 to retained earnings, related to the Company electing to not estimate forfeitures on stock compensation plans but rather recognize forfeitures as they occur. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and shortfalls as a component of the Company’s income tax expense will increase volatility within the provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards are dependent on the Company's stock price at the date an award vests. The impact to income tax expense resulting from this change was tax expense of $0.1 million and a tax benefit of $0.4 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, respectively.

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company early-adopted changes issued by the FASB that added and clarified guidance related to the classification, presentation and disclosure of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The adoption of these changes did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the current and prior periods.

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

In May 2014, the FASB issued changes related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The changes clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard. The core principle of the changes is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The changes also require additional disclosures related to revenue recognition. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of these changes by one year, but will permit entities to adopt one year earlier. During 2016, the FASB clarified the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations; identifying performance obligations; accounting for intellectual property licenses; collectability; non-cash consideration; and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The FASB also introduced practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations and other technical corrections and improvements. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management has determined that the most significant impact will be with regard to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the air-cooled heat exchanger business of the Harsco Industrial Segment and certain equipment sales in the Harsco Rail Segment. The Company currently recognizes revenues on such arrangements upon the completion of the efforts associated with these arrangements, but as a result of these changes, revenue from these arrangements will be recognized over time and increase revenue in earlier periods. Management has determined that there will not be any significant impact with regards to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment or the industrial grating and fencing or heat transfer businesses of the Harsco Industrial Segment.  Management is currently quantifying the impact of these changes, including the impact of income taxes, training those with responsibilities related to revenue recognition and evaluating impacts on the Company's internal controls over financial reporting. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method of implementation with the cumulative effect of initially applying the changes recognized in retained earnings at the date of initial application and continues to progress with regard to the quantification of the above identified differences.

In February 2016, the FASB issued changes in accounting for leases. The changes introduce a lessee model that brings most leases onto the balance sheet. The changes also align many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard. Furthermore, the changes address other concerns related to the current leases model such as eliminating the requirement in current guidance for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. The changes also require lessors to increase the transparency of their exposure to changes in value of their residual assets and how they manage that exposure. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued changes that remove the second step of the annual goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The changes provide that the amount of goodwill impairment will be equal to the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance remains largely unchanged. The same one-step impairment test will be applied to goodwill at all reporting units, even those with zero or negative carrying amounts. Entities will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill at reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. However, should the Company be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in future periods, the amount recorded may differ compared to any amounts that might be recorded under current practice.

In March 2017, the FASB issued changes to how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans present the net periodic pension cost ("NPPC") in the statement of operations. An employer will be required to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Other components of NPPC are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside of the subtotal of income from operations. The changes also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization. The changes become effective for the Company on

January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued changes to clarify when revisions to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The changes require modification accounting only in circumstances when the terms or conditions result in changes to the fair value, vesting conditions or classification of the award as an equity instrument or a liability. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management does not believe these changes will impact its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued changes which expand and refine hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedged items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The amendments in this update should be applied to hedging relationships existing on the date of adoption, which includes a cumulative-effect adjustment to eliminate any ineffectiveness recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income or loss with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which adoption occurred. Presentation and disclosure amendments are required to be applied prospectively. The changes become effect for the Company on January 1, 2019. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Accounts Receivable and Inventories

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Accounts Receivable And Inventories

Accounts Receivable and Inventories

Accounts Receivable and Inventories

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
Trade accounts receivable	$	284,397		$	248,354
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,165		)	(11,800		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	279,232		$	236,554
Other receivables (a)	$	22,647		$	21,053

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

The decrease in the Allowance for doubtful accounts during 2017 is due to the write-off of previously reserved trade accounts receivable balances.

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

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30					September 30
(In thousands)	2017		2016			2017		2016
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	4,087	$	(93	)	$	5,262	$	84

The increase in the Provision for doubtful accounts for the three months ended September 30, 2017 is due principally to the write-off of certain pre-administration accounts receivable balances for one of the Company's customers in Australia.

Inventories consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017		December 31 2016
Finished goods	$	28,765	$	26,464
Work-in-process	32,364		22,815
Contracts-in-process	79,279		54,044
Raw materials and purchased parts	62,188		61,450
Stores and supplies	24,412		22,908
Total inventories	$	227,008	$	187,681

Contracts-in-process consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
Contract costs accumulated to date	$	119,322		$	90,276
Estimated forward loss provisions for contracts-in-process (b)	(40,043		)	(36,232		)
Contracts-in-process (c)	$	79,279		$	54,044

(b) To the extent that the estimated forward loss provision exceeds accumulated contract costs it is included in the caption Other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, this amount totaled $3.4 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

(c) At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has $111.6 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of customer advances related to contracts-in-process. These amounts are included in the caption Advances on contracts and other customer advances on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company recognized an estimated forward loss provision related to the contracts with the federal railway system of Switzerland ("SBB") of $45.1 million, for the year ended December 31, 2016 in Costs of products sold on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, of which $40.1 million was recognized during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016. There was no additional estimated forward loss provision recognized, excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuation, for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017. The estimated forward loss provision represents the Company's best estimate based on currently available information. It is possible that the Company's overall estimate of costs to complete these contracts may increase, which would result in an additional estimated forward loss provision at such time, but the Company is unable to estimate any further possible loss or range of loss at this time.

The Company recognized less than $1 million in revenue for the contracts with SBB for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 under the percentage-of-completion (units-of-delivery) method and accordingly, there was an insignificant impact on the Company's gross margins and results of operations for this period. The Company did not recognize any revenue for these contracts for 2016. The Company has not yet recognized any revenue associated with the major equipment deliveries under the contracts with SBB. The majority of the equipment deliveries and related revenue recognition under these contracts are expected through 2020.

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Equity Method Investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments

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

As part of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company was required to make a quarterly payment to the Company's partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture, either (at the Company's election) (i) in cash, with total payments to equal approximately $22 million per year on a pre-tax basis (approximately $15 million per year after-tax), or (ii) in kind, through the transfer of approximately 3% of the Company's ownership interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture on an annual basis (the "unit adjustment liability"). The Company recognized the change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability each period until the Company was no longer required to make these payments or chose not to make these payments. The change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability was a non-cash expense.

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

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

For the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 the Company recognized $1.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability exclusive of the fair value adjustment resulting from the decision not to make the quarterly payments in 2016, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations caption Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment.

In September 2016, the Company sold its remaining, approximately 26% interest in Brand. Accordingly, there has been no activity related to Brand subsequent to the date of sale. In exchange for the Company's interest, (i) the Company received $145 million in cash, net, and (ii) the requirement for the Company to fund certain obligations to Brand through 2018 were satisfied, the present value of which equaled $20.6 million. In addition, the Company received $1.4 million in accrued but unpaid fees, rent and expenses from the Brand. As a result of the sale, the Company’s obligation to make quarterly payments related to the unit adjustment liability under the terms of a limited partnership agreement that governed the operation of the strategic venture terminated. The Company recognized a loss on the sale of its equity interest in Brand in the amount of $43.5 million which was reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations caption Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment.

The Company’s proportionate share of Brand's net income was recorded one quarter in arrears.  Accordingly, Brand’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2016 were utilized by the Company to record its proportional share of income in the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016.  There was no equity income recorded for Brand for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 due to the sale of the interest in Brand.  Brand's results of operations are summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	June 30		June 30
(In thousands)	2016		2016
Net revenues	$	782,415	$	2,333,561
Gross profit	169,456		499,005
Net income attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	12,378		20,756
Harsco's equity in income of Brand	3,205		5,686

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Property, Plant and Equipment

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
Land	$	10,965		$	10,606
Land improvements	15,567			15,032
Buildings and improvements	195,739			185,657
Machinery and equipment	1,606,633			1,525,156
Uncompleted construction	23,490			21,035
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,852,394			1,757,486
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,373,253		)	(1,267,231		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	479,141		$	490,255

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017:

(In thousands)	Harsco Metals  & Minerals Segment		Harsco Industrial Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	362,386	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	382,251
Foreign currency translation	17,665		—		—		17,665
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	380,051	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	399,916

The Company’s 2016 annual goodwill impairment testing did not result in any impairment of the Company’s goodwill. The fair value of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment exceeded the carrying value by approximately 12%.  The Company tests for goodwill impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business.  The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 and monitors for triggering events on an ongoing basis.  The Company determined that, as of September 30, 2017, no interim goodwill impairment testing was necessary. 

Intangible assets included in the caption, Intangible assets, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:

	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	152,423	$	119,870	$	146,840	$	112,610
Patents	5,832		5,697		5,729		5,534
Technology related	26,151		26,151		25,687		25,634
Trade names	8,316		4,767		8,306		4,529
Other	8,805		5,702		8,512		5,200
Total	$	201,527	$	162,187	$	195,074	$	153,507

Amortization expense for intangible assets was as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$	1,269	$	2,053	$	3,868	$	6,208

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

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

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

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Employee Benefit Plans

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans

	Three Months Ended
	September 30
Defined Benefit Pension Plans Net Periodic Pension Cost	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Service costs	$	942		$	945		$	426		$	405
Interest costs	2,469			2,545			5,843			6,542
Expected return on plan assets	(3,552		)	(3,601		)	(10,632		)	(10,475		)
Recognized prior service costs	8			16			48			44
Recognized loss	1,425			1,373			4,130			2,923
Settlement/curtailment losses	—			223			—			—
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	$	1,292		$	1,501		$	(185	)	$	(561	)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
Defined Benefit Pension Plans Net Periodic Pension Cost	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Service costs	$	2,825		$	2,837		$	1,243		$	1,214
Interest costs	7,408			7,635			17,349			20,649
Expected return on plan assets	(10,656		)	(10,803		)	(31,571		)	(33,157		)
Recognized prior service costs	24			47			139			133
Recognized loss	4,276			4,117			12,260			9,283
Settlement/curtailment losses	—			223			—			—
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	$	3,877		$	4,056		$	(580	)	$	(1,878	)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
Company Contributions	September 30				September 30
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Defined benefit pension plans (U.S.)	$	4,112	$	471	$	5,054	$	1,411
Defined benefit pension plans (International)	3,038		3,170		14,338		16,222
Multiemployer pension plans	498		494		1,481		1,520
Defined contribution pension plans	3,278		2,291		8,306		7,593

The Company's estimate of expected contributions to be paid during the remainder of 2017 for the U.S. and international defined benefit pension plans are $0.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Income tax expense related to continuing operations for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 was $8.3 million and $25.8 million, respectively. Income tax expense related to continuing operations for the three and nine months ended

September 30, 2016 was $5.1 million and $14.9 million, respectively.

An income tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, based on technical merits, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes. The reserve for uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2017 was $4.9 million, including interest and penalties.  Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that $0.3 million of unrecognized income tax benefits will be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations.

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Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental        

The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations and cleanups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a “potentially responsible party” for certain waste disposal sites.  While each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities, and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the Company.  The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected.  The Company did not have any material accruals or record any material expenses related to environmental matters during the periods presented.

The Company evaluates its liability for future environmental remediation costs on a quarterly basis. Although actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates (given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures), the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts accrued would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Brazilian Tax Disputes

The Company is involved in a number of tax disputes with federal, state and municipal tax authorities in Brazil. These disputes are at various stages of the legal process, including the administrative review phase and the collection action phase, and include assessments of fixed amounts of principal and penalties, plus interest charges that increase at statutorily determined amounts per month and are assessed on the aggregate amount of the principal and penalties. In addition, the losing party at the collection action or court of appeals phase could be subject to a charge to cover statutorily mandated legal fees, which are generally calculated as a percentage of the total assessed amounts due, inclusive of penalty and interest. A large number of the claims relate to value-added ("ICMS"), services and social security tax disputes. The largest proportion of the assessed amounts relate to ICMS claims filed by the State Revenue Authorities from the State of São Paulo, Brazil (the "SPRA"), encompassing the period from January 2002 to May 2005.

In October 2009, the Company received notification of the SPRA’s final administrative decision regarding the levying of ICMS in the State of São Paulo in relation to services provided to a customer in the State between January 2004 and May 2005.  As of September 30, 2017, the principal amount of the tax assessment from the SPRA with regard to this case is approximately $2 million, with penalty, interest and fees assessed to date increasing such amount by an additional $25 million.  Any change in the aggregate amount since the Company’s last Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 is due to an increase in assessed interest and statutorily mandated legal fees for the period, as well as foreign currency translation.

Another ICMS tax case involving the SPRA refers to the tax period from January 2002 to December 2003, and has not yet reached the judicial phase. The aggregate amount assessed by the tax authorities in August 2005 was $7.9 million (the amounts with regard to this claim are valued as of the date of the assessment since it has not yet reached the collection phase), composed of a principal amount of $1.9 million, with penalty and interest assessed through that date increasing such amount by an additional $6.0 million.  All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation.

The Company continues to believe that it is not probable that it will incur a loss for these assessments by the SPRA. The Company also continues to believe that sufficient coverage for these claims exists as a result of the Company’s customer’s indemnification obligations and such customer’s pledge of assets in connection with the October 2009 notice, as required by Brazilian law.

The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending itself against these tax claims under various alternatives, including judicial appeal. The Company will continue to evaluate its potential liability with regard to these claims on a quarterly basis; however, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these tax-related disputes in Brazil. No loss provision has been recorded in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the disputes described above because the loss contingency is not deemed probable, and the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with Brazilian tax disputes would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Brazilian Labor Disputes

The Company is subject to collective bargaining and individual labor claims in Brazil through the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment which allege, among other things, the Company's failure to pay required amounts for overtime and vacation at certain sites. The Company is vigorously defending itself against these claims; however, litigation is inherently unpredictable, particularly in foreign jurisdictions. While the Company does not currently expect that the ultimate resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these labor-related disputes.

The Company is continuing to review all known labor claims and as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has established reserves of $9.2 million and $7.9 million, respectively, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts considered to be probable and estimable. As the Company continues to evaluate these claims and takes actions to address them, the amount of established reserves may be impacted.

Customer Disputes

The Company 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.  In August 2017, the Company reached a mutually agreed upon settlement with the customer whereby the Company (1) will make a net payment of $5.4 million to the customer; (2) received ownership of the underlying equipment; and (3) was released from all claims and potential claims.  Based on the evaluation of the terms of the settlement, this settlement did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by a negative outcome in these or other lawsuits, claims or proceedings, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Lima Refinery Litigation

On April 8, 2016, Lima Refining Company filed a lawsuit against the Company in the District Court of Harris County, Texas related to a January 2015 explosion at an oil refinery operated by Lima Refining Company. The action seeks approximately $106 million in property damages and approximately $289 million in lost profits and business interruption damages. The action alleges the explosion occurred because of a defect in a heat exchange cooler manufactured by Hammco Corporation ("Hammco") in 2009, prior to the Company’s acquisition of Hammco in 2014. The Company is vigorously contesting the allegations against it, both as to liability for the accident and the amount of the claimed damages. As a result, the Company believes the situation will not result in a probable loss. The Company has both an indemnity right from the sellers of Hammco and liability insurance coverage under various primary and excess policies that the Company believes will be available, if necessary, to cover substantially all of any such liability that might ultimately be incurred in the above action.

U.K. Health and Safety Executive Matter

In the third quarter of 2016, a subsidiary in the Company’s Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, along with one of its customers, was named as a co-defendant in an action brought by the U.K. Health and Safety Executive in the U.K. Crown Court Sitting at Kingston-Upon-Hull. In September 2017, the U.K. Health and Safety Executive withdrew its case against the Company, ending the Company’s involvement in these proceedings.

Compliance Matter

The Company recently began an internal investigation, with the assistance of outside counsel, after it became aware of allegations involving an employee and an agent of the Harsco Rail subsidiary in China (“Harsco Rail China”). During this investigation, which remains ongoing, the Company learned about certain payments that potentially violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Revenues attributed to Harsco Rail China were approximately 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for each of the past two years and through the third quarter of this year.

The Company has voluntarily self-reported its initial findings to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and intends to fully cooperate with these agencies in their review. Based on information known to date, we believe the amounts of the potential improper payments are not material to our consolidated financial statements. Any determination that our operations or activities were not in compliance with existing laws or regulations could result in the imposition of fines and penalties. No provision with respect to this matter has been made in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. At this time, the Company cannot predict the outcome or impact of its investigation or the reviews by the SEC and the DOJ. However, based on information available at this time, we do not believe any potential liability would be material to our consolidated financial position, although an amount recorded, if any, could be material to the results of operations for the period in which it may be recorded.

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 September 30, 2017, there were 17,150 pending asbestos personal injury actions filed against the Company.  Of those actions, 16,752 were filed in the New York Supreme Court (New York County), 111 were filed in other New York State Supreme Court Counties and 287 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 September 30, 2017, 16,721 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 31 cases in New York County are pending on the Active or In Extremis Docket created for plaintiffs who can demonstrate a malignant condition or physical impairment.

The Company has liability insurance coverage under various primary and excess policies that the Company believes will be available, if necessary, to substantially cover any liability that might ultimately be incurred in the asbestos actions referred to above. The costs and expenses of the asbestos actions are being paid by the Company's insurers.

In view of the persistence of asbestos litigation in the U.S., the Company expects to continue to receive additional claims in the future. The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending these claims and cases. At September 30, 2017, the Company has obtained dismissal in 27,931 cases by stipulation or summary judgment prior to trial.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related actions in the U.S. due to the unpredictable nature of this litigation, and no loss provision has been recorded in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements because a loss contingency is not deemed probable or estimable. Despite this uncertainty, and although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by asbestos-related actions, the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with asbestos litigation would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company is subject to various other claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, all such matters are adequately covered by insurance or by established reserves, and, if not so covered, are without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Insurance liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred for a particular event and the amount of loss associated with the event can be reasonably estimated. Insurance reserves have been estimated based primarily upon actuarial calculations and reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities for ultimate losses, including claims incurred but not reported. Inherent in these estimates are assumptions that are based on the Company's history of claims and losses, a detailed analysis of existing claims with respect to potential value, and current legal and legislative trends. If actual claims differ from those projected by management, changes (either increases or decreases) to insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded through income in the period the change was determined. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Insurance claim receivables are included in Other receivables on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for additional information on Accrued insurance and loss reserves.

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Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30					September 30
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2017		2016			2017		2016
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	13,669	$	(32,612	)	$	41,571	$	(71,156	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	80,637		80,379			80,519		80,318
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	2,499		—			2,234		—
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	83,136		80,379			82,753		80,318
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.17	$	(0.41	)	$	0.52	$	(0.89	)
Diluted	$	0.16	$	(0.41	)	$	0.50	$	(0.89	)

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

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30		September 30
(In thousands)	2017	2016	2017	2016
Restricted stock units	—	922	—	770
Stock options	55	90	55	90
Stock appreciation rights	526	1,567	918	1,432
Performance share units	—	801	212	649

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Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

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

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value

Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses derivative instruments, including foreign currency exchange forward contracts, interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps ("CCIRs"), to manage certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures.  Derivative instruments are viewed as risk management tools by the Company and are not used for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivative instruments are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge foreign currency denominated balance sheet items are reported directly in earnings, along with offsetting transaction gains and losses on the items being hedged.  Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments may be accounted for as cash flow hedges, as deemed appropriate if the criteria for hedge accounting are met.  Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, a separate component of equity, and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions.  The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

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

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
September 30, 2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	2,673	Other current liabilities	$	92
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	Other current assets	110			—
Interest rate swaps		—		Other current liabilities	197
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	92		Other liabilities	2,773
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	2,875		$	3,062
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	572	Other current liabilities	$	22,698

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

All of the Company's derivatives are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at gross amounts and not offset. All of the Company's interest rate swaps, CCIRs and certain foreign currency exchange forward contracts are transacted under International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") documentation. Each ISDA master agreement permits the net settlement of amounts owed in the event of default. The Company's derivative assets and liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements did not result in a net asset or net liability at either September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

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

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

(In thousands)	Amount  Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income  (“OCI”)  on Derivative - Effective  Portion			Location of Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	Amount Reclassified  from Accumulated OCI into  Income - Effective  Portion		Location of Amount Recognized  in Income on  Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount  Recognized  in Income  on Derivative - Ineffective  Portion and  Amount Excluded from Effectiveness  Testing
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	2,333			$	—		$	—
Interest rate swaps	(335		)		—			—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	(72		)	Interest expense	252		Cost of services and products sold	(103		)	(a)
	$	1,926			$	252		$	(103	)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	2,378			$	—		$	—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	(210		)	Interest expense	254		Cost of services and products sold	(232		)	(a)
	$	2,168			$	254		$	(232	)

(In thousands)	Amount Recognized in  OCI  on Derivative - Effective  Portion			Location Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	Amount Reclassified  from Accumulated  OCI into  Income - Effective  Portion			Location of Amount Recognized  in Income on  Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount  Recognized  in Income  on Derivative - Ineffective  Portion and  Amount Excluded from Effectiveness  Testing
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	3,096		Product revenues / Cost of services and products sold	$	(185	)		$	—
Interest rate swaps	(2,878		)		—				—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(195		)	Interest expense	745			Cost of services and products sold	(420		)	(a)
	$	23			$	560			$	(420	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	1,748		Product revenues / Cost of services and products sold	$	(409	)		$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(2,361		)	Interest expense	478			Cost of services and products sold	3,987			(a)
	$	(613	)		$	69			$	3,987

(a) These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Three Months Ended September 30 (b)
(In thousands)		2017			2016
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	(7,025	)	$	552

	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Nine Months Ended September 30 (b)
(In thousands)		2017			2016
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	(18,764	)	$	2,292

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts

The Company conducts business in multiple currencies and, accordingly, is subject to the inherent risks associated with foreign exchange rate movements.  The financial position and results of operations of substantially all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency.  Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates, and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods.  The aggregate effects of translating the balance sheets of these subsidiaries are deferred and recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a separate component of equity.

The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge cash flows related to foreign currency fluctuations.  Foreign currency exchange forward contracts outstanding are part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency exchange operating income and balance sheet exposure by offsetting foreign currency exposures of certain future payments between the Company and various subsidiaries, suppliers or customers.  The unsecured contracts are with major financial institutions.  The Company may be exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the contract counterparties.  The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of the counterparties and does not expect default by them.  Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are used to hedge commitments, such as foreign currency debt, firm purchase commitments and foreign currency cash flows for certain export sales transactions.

The following tables summarize, by major currency, the contractual amounts of the Company’s foreign currency exchange forward contracts in U.S. dollars.  The “Buy” amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies, and the “Sell” amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell foreign currencies.  The recognized gains and losses offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third party foreign currency exposures.

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at September 30, 2017:

(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	70,207	October 2017	$	(807	)
British pounds sterling	Buy	10,638		October 2017 through January 2018	17
Euros	Sell	317,163		October 2017 through December 2017	(19,028		)
Euros	Buy	196,214		October 2017 through May 2018	792
Other currencies	Sell	50,692		October 2017 through April 2018	(758		)
Other currencies	Buy	30,578		October 2017 through January 2018	239
Total		$	675,492		$	(19,545	)

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

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

In addition to foreign currency exchange forward contracts, the Company designates certain loans as hedges of net investments in international subsidiaries.  The Company recorded pre-tax net gains of $7.6 million and $17.1 million during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, respectively and pre-tax net losses of $9.0 million and $29.3 million during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, respectively, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Interest Rate Swaps

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

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

The following table indicates the notional amounts of the Company's interest rate swaps at September 30, 2017:

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

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps (CCIRs)

The Company uses CCIRs in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed local currency interest rate.  Under these CCIRs, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or floating U.S. dollar rate and pays interest on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in dollars and the local currency, respectively.  At maturity, there is also the payment of principal amounts between currencies. The CCIRs are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in value attributed to the effect of the swaps’ interest spread and changes in the credit worthiness of the counter-parties recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's CCIRs at September 30, 2017:

			Interest Rates
(In millions)	Contractual Amount		Receive	Pay
Maturing 2017	$	0.7	Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed rupee rate

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

Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities and Other Financial Instruments

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).  The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.

The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs), and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).  The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which give the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). 

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

• Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

• Level 3—Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. 

In instances in which multiple levels of inputs are used to measure fair value, hierarchy classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company:

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements (In thousands)	September 30 2017		December 31 2016
Assets
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	3,245	$	4,932
Interest rate swaps	92		—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	110		514
Liabilities
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	22,790		3,538
Interest rate swaps	2,970		—

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

Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability (c) for the Nine Months Ended September 30 (In thousands)	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
	2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	79,934
Reduction in the fair value related to election not to make 2016 payments	(19,145		)
Sale of equity interest in Brand	(65,461		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	4,672
Balance at end of period	$	—

(c) During the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Company decided that it would not make the four quarterly payments to CD&R for 2016. This resulted in the Company revaluing the Unit Adjustment Liability. The Company sold its investment in Brand in September 2016 and the unit adjustment liability ceased at that time. See Note 4, Equity Method Investment, for additional information related to the unit adjustment liability.

The Company primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to utilize the best available information.  Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs, such as forward rates, interest rates, the Company’s credit risk and counterparties’ credit risks, and which minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  The Company is able to classify fair value balances based on the ability to observe those inputs.  Foreign currency exchange forward contracts, interest rate swaps and CCIRs are classified as Level 2 fair value based upon pricing models using market-based inputs.  Model inputs can be verified, and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.  At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the total fair value of long-term debt (excluding deferred financing costs), including current maturities, was $642.2 million and $682.9 million, respectively, compared with a carrying value of $634.8 million and $673.4 million, respectively.  Fair values for debt are based on quoted market prices (Level 1) for the same or similar issues, or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities (Level 2).

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Review of Operations by Segment

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Review of Operations by Segment

Review of Operations by Segment

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Revenues From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	255,163		$	247,691		$	761,503		$	730,923
Harsco Industrial	78,318			63,422			217,766			191,561
Harsco Rail	51,134			56,674			172,716			168,517
Corporate	38			—			107			—
Total Revenues From Continuing Operations	$	384,653		$	367,787		$	1,152,092		$	1,091,001
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	24,327		$	24,066		$	82,933		$	61,934
Harsco Industrial	12,864			6,312			24,819			20,083
Harsco Rail	4,161			4,599			18,108			(22,443		)
Corporate	(7,402		)	(6,401		)	(21,528		)	(20,253		)
Total Operating Income From Continuing Operations	$	33,950		$	28,576		$	104,332		$	39,321
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	28,636		$	30,255		$	84,444		$	91,942
Harsco Industrial	1,826			1,827			5,509			5,395
Harsco Rail	1,094			1,441			3,156			4,236
Corporate	1,449			3,102			4,399			6,714
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	33,005		$	36,625		$	97,508		$	108,287
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	20,994		$	15,272		$	58,065		$	43,997
Harsco Industrial	1,678			1,817			3,226			4,113
Harsco Rail	462			497			1,765			1,636
Corporate	297			184			1,075			200
Total Capital Expenditures	$	23,431		$	17,770		$	64,131		$	49,946

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

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Segment operating income	$	41,352		$	34,977		$	125,860		$	59,574
General Corporate expense	(7,402		)	(6,401		)	(21,528		)	(20,253		)
Operating income from continuing operations	33,950			28,576			104,332			39,321
Interest income	610			673			1,615			1,760
Interest expense	(12,123		)	(13,756		)	(36,181		)	(39,924		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment	—			(44,788		)	—			(58,494		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	22,437		$	(29,295	)	$	69,766		$	(57,337	)

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Other (Income) Expenses

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other (Income) Expenses

Other (Income) Expenses, Net

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

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Employee termination benefit costs	$	2,536		$	1,790		$	4,947		$	8,756
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs	—			1			—			3,298
Net gains (a)	(4,821		)	(608		)	(4,815		)	(1,365		)
Other costs to exit activities	327			—			495			—
Impaired asset write-downs	539			—			820			—
Other	182			558			282			1,422
Other (income) expenses	$	(1,237	)	$	1,741		$	1,729		$	12,111

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

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Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2017 was as follows:

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(125,561	)		$	(400	)		$	(389,696	)		$	(31	)	$	(515,688	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(23,744		)	(a)	(2,199		)	(b)	32,067			(a)	11			6,135
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				26				12,168				—			12,194
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)	28,641				1,636				(1,534		)		—			28,743
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	1,943				(405		)		306				—			1,844
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	6,840				(942		)		43,007				11			48,916
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	420				(7		)		—				—			413
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	7,260				(949		)		43,007				11			49,329
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(118,301	)		$	(1,349	)		$	(346,689	)		$	(20	)	$	(466,359	)

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(144,534	)		$	(1,089	)		$	(461,094	)		$	(5	)	$	(606,722	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	42,391			(a)	1,133			(b)	(31,600		)	(a)	11			11,935
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				338				15,133				—			15,471
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	42,391				1,471				(16,467		)		11			27,406
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,235		)		—				—				—			(2,235		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	40,156				1,471				(16,467		)		11			25,171
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	(104,378	)		$	382			$	(477,561	)		$	6		$	(581,551	)

(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	September 30 2017			September 30 2016			September 30 2017			September 30 2016
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	—		$	—		$	(189	)	$	(408	)	Product revenues
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	—			—			4			(1		)	Cost of services and products sold
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	252			254			745			478			Interest expense
Total before tax	252			254			560			69
Tax expense	(99		)	(99		)	(222		)	(43		)
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax	$	153		$	155		$	338		$	26
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (c):
Actuarial losses	$	2,643		$	2,042		$	8,001		$	6,703		Selling, general and administrative expenses
Actuarial losses	2,915			2,253			8,535			6,696			Cost of services and products sold
Prior-service benefits	(14		)	(5		)	(36		)	(9		)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Prior-service costs	70			66			199			190			Cost of services and products sold
Settlement/curtailment losses	—			223			—			223			Selling, general and administrative expenses
Total before tax	5,614			4,579			16,699			13,803
Tax benefit	(523		)	(601		)	(1,566		)	(1,635		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	5,091		$	3,978		$	15,133		$	12,168

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

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

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	September 30 2016			September 30 2016
Foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	40,525		$	45,405		Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Cash flow hedging instruments	2,425			2,593			Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Defined benefit pension obligations	(2,198		)	(2,433		)	Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Total before tax	40,752			45,565
Tax benefit (d)	(15,046		)	(16,822		)
Total amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment	$	25,706		$	28,743

(d) For the three months ended September 30, 2016 the tax benefit was not recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of operations since a valuation allowance was established against the resulting deferred tax assets. See Note 11, Income Taxes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for more information.

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Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Harsco Corporation (the "Company") has prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (all of which are of a normal recurring nature) that are necessary for a fair statement are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.  The December 31, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was derived from the 2016 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for an annual report.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Operating results and cash flows for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 are not indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

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

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

The Company had restricted cash of $5.8 million and $2.0 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and the restrictions are primarily related to collateral provided for certain guarantees of the Company’s performance.

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2017:

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") related to the simplification of the measurement of inventory. The changes required entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the previous guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The changes did not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The adoption of these changes did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB that required deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. The changes applied to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount was not affected. The adoption of these changes resulted in the Company reclassifying approximately $27 million from reported current assets to Deferred income tax assets based on balances at December 31, 2016.

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB amending the accounting for stock-based compensation and requiring excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be recognized as a component of income tax expense rather than equity. These changes also required excess tax benefits and shortfalls to be presented as an operating activity on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and allowed an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. These changes resulted in the Company recording the cumulative impact of approximately $1 million pre-tax on January 1, 2017 to retained earnings, related to the Company electing to not estimate forfeitures on stock compensation plans but rather recognize forfeitures as they occur. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and shortfalls as a component of the Company’s income tax expense will increase volatility within the provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards are dependent on the Company's stock price at the date an award vests. The impact to income tax expense resulting from this change was tax expense of $0.1 million and a tax benefit of $0.4 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, respectively.

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company early-adopted changes issued by the FASB that added and clarified guidance related to the classification, presentation and disclosure of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The adoption of these changes did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the current and prior periods.

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

In May 2014, the FASB issued changes related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The changes clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard. The core principle of the changes is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The changes also require additional disclosures related to revenue recognition. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of these changes by one year, but will permit entities to adopt one year earlier. During 2016, the FASB clarified the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations; identifying performance obligations; accounting for intellectual property licenses; collectability; non-cash consideration; and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The FASB also introduced practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations and other technical corrections and improvements. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management has determined that the most significant impact will be with regard to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the air-cooled heat exchanger business of the Harsco Industrial Segment and certain equipment sales in the Harsco Rail Segment. The Company currently recognizes revenues on such arrangements upon the completion of the efforts associated with these arrangements, but as a result of these changes, revenue from these arrangements will be recognized over time and increase revenue in earlier periods. Management has determined that there will not be any significant impact with regards to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment or the industrial grating and fencing or heat transfer businesses of the Harsco Industrial Segment.  Management is currently quantifying the impact of these changes, including the impact of income taxes, training those with responsibilities related to revenue recognition and evaluating impacts on the Company's internal controls over financial reporting. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method of implementation with the cumulative effect of initially applying the changes recognized in retained earnings at the date of initial application and continues to progress with regard to the quantification of the above identified differences.

In February 2016, the FASB issued changes in accounting for leases. The changes introduce a lessee model that brings most leases onto the balance sheet. The changes also align many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard. Furthermore, the changes address other concerns related to the current leases model such as eliminating the requirement in current guidance for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. The changes also require lessors to increase the transparency of their exposure to changes in value of their residual assets and how they manage that exposure. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued changes that remove the second step of the annual goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The changes provide that the amount of goodwill impairment will be equal to the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance remains largely unchanged. The same one-step impairment test will be applied to goodwill at all reporting units, even those with zero or negative carrying amounts. Entities will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill at reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. However, should the Company be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in future periods, the amount recorded may differ compared to any amounts that might be recorded under current practice.

In March 2017, the FASB issued changes to how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans present the net periodic pension cost ("NPPC") in the statement of operations. An employer will be required to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Other components of NPPC are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside of the subtotal of income from operations. The changes also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization. The changes become effective for the Company on

January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued changes to clarify when revisions to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The changes require modification accounting only in circumstances when the terms or conditions result in changes to the fair value, vesting conditions or classification of the award as an equity instrument or a liability. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Management does not believe these changes will impact its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued changes which expand and refine hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedged items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The amendments in this update should be applied to hedging relationships existing on the date of adoption, which includes a cumulative-effect adjustment to eliminate any ineffectiveness recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income or loss with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which adoption occurred. Presentation and disclosure amendments are required to be applied prospectively. The changes become effect for the Company on January 1, 2019. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Accounts Receivable And Inventories

Schedule of accounts receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
Trade accounts receivable	$	284,397		$	248,354
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,165		)	(11,800		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	279,232		$	236,554
Other receivables (a)	$	22,647		$	21,053

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

Schedule of provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable

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

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30					September 30
(In thousands)	2017		2016			2017		2016
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	4,087	$	(93	)	$	5,262	$	84

Schedule of inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017		December 31 2016
Finished goods	$	28,765	$	26,464
Work-in-process	32,364		22,815
Contracts-in-process	79,279		54,044
Raw materials and purchased parts	62,188		61,450
Stores and supplies	24,412		22,908
Total inventories	$	227,008	$	187,681

Schedule of contracts-in-process

Contracts-in-process consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
Contract costs accumulated to date	$	119,322		$	90,276
Estimated forward loss provisions for contracts-in-process (b)	(40,043		)	(36,232		)
Contracts-in-process (c)	$	79,279		$	54,044

(b) To the extent that the estimated forward loss provision exceeds accumulated contract costs it is included in the caption Other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, this amount totaled $3.4 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

(c) At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has $111.6 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of customer advances related to contracts-in-process. These amounts are included in the caption Advances on contracts and other customer advances on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Equity Method Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments

Brand's results of operations are summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	June 30		June 30
(In thousands)	2016		2016
Net revenues	$	782,415	$	2,333,561
Gross profit	169,456		499,005
Net income attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	12,378		20,756
Harsco's equity in income of Brand	3,205		5,686

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Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30 2017			December 31 2016
Land	$	10,965		$	10,606
Land improvements	15,567			15,032
Buildings and improvements	195,739			185,657
Machinery and equipment	1,606,633			1,525,156
Uncompleted construction	23,490			21,035
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,852,394			1,757,486
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,373,253		)	(1,267,231		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	479,141		$	490,255

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017:

(In thousands)	Harsco Metals  & Minerals Segment		Harsco Industrial Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	362,386	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	382,251
Foreign currency translation	17,665		—		—		17,665
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	380,051	$	6,839	$	13,026	$	399,916

Schedule of intangible assets by class

Intangible assets included in the caption, Intangible assets, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:

	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	152,423	$	119,870	$	146,840	$	112,610
Patents	5,832		5,697		5,729		5,534
Technology related	26,151		26,151		25,687		25,634
Trade names	8,316		4,767		8,306		4,529
Other	8,805		5,702		8,512		5,200
Total	$	201,527	$	162,187	$	195,074	$	153,507

Schedule of amortization expense

Amortization expense for intangible assets was as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$	1,269	$	2,053	$	3,868	$	6,208

Schedule of estimated amortization expense

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

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

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

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Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of net benefit costs

	Three Months Ended
	September 30
Defined Benefit Pension Plans Net Periodic Pension Cost	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Service costs	$	942		$	945		$	426		$	405
Interest costs	2,469			2,545			5,843			6,542
Expected return on plan assets	(3,552		)	(3,601		)	(10,632		)	(10,475		)
Recognized prior service costs	8			16			48			44
Recognized loss	1,425			1,373			4,130			2,923
Settlement/curtailment losses	—			223			—			—
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	$	1,292		$	1,501		$	(185	)	$	(561	)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
Defined Benefit Pension Plans Net Periodic Pension Cost	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Service costs	$	2,825		$	2,837		$	1,243		$	1,214
Interest costs	7,408			7,635			17,349			20,649
Expected return on plan assets	(10,656		)	(10,803		)	(31,571		)	(33,157		)
Recognized prior service costs	24			47			139			133
Recognized loss	4,276			4,117			12,260			9,283
Settlement/curtailment losses	—			223			—			—
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	$	3,877		$	4,056		$	(580	)	$	(1,878	)

Schedule of contributions to pension plans

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
Company Contributions	September 30				September 30
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Defined benefit pension plans (U.S.)	$	4,112	$	471	$	5,054	$	1,411
Defined benefit pension plans (International)	3,038		3,170		14,338		16,222
Multiemployer pension plans	498		494		1,481		1,520
Defined contribution pension plans	3,278		2,291		8,306		7,593

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Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of basic and diluted shares

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30					September 30
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2017		2016			2017		2016
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	13,669	$	(32,612	)	$	41,571	$	(71,156	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	80,637		80,379			80,519		80,318
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	2,499		—			2,234		—
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	83,136		80,379			82,753		80,318
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.17	$	(0.41	)	$	0.52	$	(0.89	)
Diluted	$	0.16	$	(0.41	)	$	0.50	$	(0.89	)

Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share

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

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30		September 30
(In thousands)	2017	2016	2017	2016
Restricted stock units	—	922	—	770
Stock options	55	90	55	90
Stock appreciation rights	526	1,567	918	1,432
Performance share units	—	801	212	649

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Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

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

Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative contracts

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

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
September 30, 2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	2,673	Other current liabilities	$	92
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	Other current assets	110			—
Interest rate swaps		—		Other current liabilities	197
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	92		Other liabilities	2,773
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	2,875		$	3,062
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	572	Other current liabilities	$	22,698

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

Schedule of effect of derivative instruments

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

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

(In thousands)	Amount  Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income  (“OCI”)  on Derivative - Effective  Portion			Location of Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	Amount Reclassified  from Accumulated OCI into  Income - Effective  Portion		Location of Amount Recognized  in Income on  Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount  Recognized  in Income  on Derivative - Ineffective  Portion and  Amount Excluded from Effectiveness  Testing
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	2,333			$	—		$	—
Interest rate swaps	(335		)		—			—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	(72		)	Interest expense	252		Cost of services and products sold	(103		)	(a)
	$	1,926			$	252		$	(103	)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	2,378			$	—		$	—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	(210		)	Interest expense	254		Cost of services and products sold	(232		)	(a)
	$	2,168			$	254		$	(232	)

(In thousands)	Amount Recognized in  OCI  on Derivative - Effective  Portion			Location Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	Amount Reclassified  from Accumulated  OCI into  Income - Effective  Portion			Location of Amount Recognized  in Income on  Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount  Recognized  in Income  on Derivative - Ineffective  Portion and  Amount Excluded from Effectiveness  Testing
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	3,096		Product revenues / Cost of services and products sold	$	(185	)		$	—
Interest rate swaps	(2,878		)		—				—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(195		)	Interest expense	745			Cost of services and products sold	(420		)	(a)
	$	23			$	560			$	(420	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	1,748		Product revenues / Cost of services and products sold	$	(409	)		$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(2,361		)	Interest expense	478			Cost of services and products sold	3,987			(a)
	$	(613	)		$	69			$	3,987

(a) These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Three Months Ended September 30 (b)
(In thousands)		2017			2016
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	(7,025	)	$	552

	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Nine Months Ended September 30 (b)
(In thousands)		2017			2016
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	(18,764	)	$	2,292

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

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

The following table indicates the notional amounts of the Company's interest rate swaps at September 30, 2017:

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

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps (CCIRs)

The Company uses CCIRs in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed local currency interest rate.  Under these CCIRs, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or floating U.S. dollar rate and pays interest on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in dollars and the local currency, respectively.  At maturity, there is also the payment of principal amounts between currencies. The CCIRs are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in value attributed to the effect of the swaps’ interest spread and changes in the credit worthiness of the counter-parties recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's CCIRs at September 30, 2017:

			Interest Rates
(In millions)	Contractual Amount		Receive	Pay
Maturing 2017	$	0.7	Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed rupee rate

The following tables summarize, by major currency, the contractual amounts of the Company’s foreign currency exchange forward contracts in U.S. dollars.  The “Buy” amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies, and the “Sell” amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell foreign currencies.  The recognized gains and losses offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third party foreign currency exposures.

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at September 30, 2017:

(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	70,207	October 2017	$	(807	)
British pounds sterling	Buy	10,638		October 2017 through January 2018	17
Euros	Sell	317,163		October 2017 through December 2017	(19,028		)
Euros	Buy	196,214		October 2017 through May 2018	792
Other currencies	Sell	50,692		October 2017 through April 2018	(758		)
Other currencies	Buy	30,578		October 2017 through January 2018	239
Total		$	675,492		$	(19,545	)

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

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

Schedule of fair value of financial instruments

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

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements (In thousands)	September 30 2017		December 31 2016
Assets
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	3,245	$	4,932
Interest rate swaps	92		—
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	110		514
Liabilities
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	22,790		3,538
Interest rate swaps	2,970		—

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

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

Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability (c) for the Nine Months Ended September 30 (In thousands)	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
	2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	79,934
Reduction in the fair value related to election not to make 2016 payments	(19,145		)
Sale of equity interest in Brand	(65,461		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	4,672
Balance at end of period	$	—

(c) During the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Company decided that it would not make the four quarterly payments to CD&R for 2016. This resulted in the Company revaluing the Unit Adjustment Liability. The Company sold its investment in Brand in September 2016 and the unit adjustment liability ceased at that time. See Note 4, Equity Method Investment, for additional information related to the unit adjustment liability.

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Review of Operations by Segment (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of operations by segment

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Revenues From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	255,163		$	247,691		$	761,503		$	730,923
Harsco Industrial	78,318			63,422			217,766			191,561
Harsco Rail	51,134			56,674			172,716			168,517
Corporate	38			—			107			—
Total Revenues From Continuing Operations	$	384,653		$	367,787		$	1,152,092		$	1,091,001
Operating Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	24,327		$	24,066		$	82,933		$	61,934
Harsco Industrial	12,864			6,312			24,819			20,083
Harsco Rail	4,161			4,599			18,108			(22,443		)
Corporate	(7,402		)	(6,401		)	(21,528		)	(20,253		)
Total Operating Income From Continuing Operations	$	33,950		$	28,576		$	104,332		$	39,321
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	28,636		$	30,255		$	84,444		$	91,942
Harsco Industrial	1,826			1,827			5,509			5,395
Harsco Rail	1,094			1,441			3,156			4,236
Corporate	1,449			3,102			4,399			6,714
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	33,005		$	36,625		$	97,508		$	108,287
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	20,994		$	15,272		$	58,065		$	43,997
Harsco Industrial	1,678			1,817			3,226			4,113
Harsco Rail	462			497			1,765			1,636
Corporate	297			184			1,075			200
Total Capital Expenditures	$	23,431		$	17,770		$	64,131		$	49,946

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

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

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Segment operating income	$	41,352		$	34,977		$	125,860		$	59,574
General Corporate expense	(7,402		)	(6,401		)	(21,528		)	(20,253		)
Operating income from continuing operations	33,950			28,576			104,332			39,321
Interest income	610			673			1,615			1,760
Interest expense	(12,123		)	(13,756		)	(36,181		)	(39,924		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment	—			(44,788		)	—			(58,494		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	22,437		$	(29,295	)	$	69,766		$	(57,337	)

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Other (Income) Expenses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of other (income) expenses

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

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Employee termination benefit costs	$	2,536		$	1,790		$	4,947		$	8,756
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs	—			1			—			3,298
Net gains (a)	(4,821		)	(608		)	(4,815		)	(1,365		)
Other costs to exit activities	327			—			495			—
Impaired asset write-downs	539			—			820			—
Other	182			558			282			1,422
Other (income) expenses	$	(1,237	)	$	1,741		$	1,729		$	12,111

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

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Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2017 was as follows:

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(125,561	)		$	(400	)		$	(389,696	)		$	(31	)	$	(515,688	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(23,744		)	(a)	(2,199		)	(b)	32,067			(a)	11			6,135
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				26				12,168				—			12,194
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)	28,641				1,636				(1,534		)		—			28,743
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	1,943				(405		)		306				—			1,844
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	6,840				(942		)		43,007				11			48,916
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	420				(7		)		—				—			413
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	7,260				(949		)		43,007				11			49,329
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(118,301	)		$	(1,349	)		$	(346,689	)		$	(20	)	$	(466,359	)

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(144,534	)		$	(1,089	)		$	(461,094	)		$	(5	)	$	(606,722	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	42,391			(a)	1,133			(b)	(31,600		)	(a)	11			11,935
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—				338				15,133				—			15,471
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	42,391				1,471				(16,467		)		11			27,406
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,235		)		—				—				—			(2,235		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	40,156				1,471				(16,467		)		11			25,171
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	(104,378	)		$	382			$	(477,561	)		$	6		$	(581,551	)

(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	September 30 2017			September 30 2016			September 30 2017			September 30 2016
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	—		$	—		$	(189	)	$	(408	)	Product revenues
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	—			—			4			(1		)	Cost of services and products sold
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	252			254			745			478			Interest expense
Total before tax	252			254			560			69
Tax expense	(99		)	(99		)	(222		)	(43		)
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax	$	153		$	155		$	338		$	26
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (c):
Actuarial losses	$	2,643		$	2,042		$	8,001		$	6,703		Selling, general and administrative expenses
Actuarial losses	2,915			2,253			8,535			6,696			Cost of services and products sold
Prior-service benefits	(14		)	(5		)	(36		)	(9		)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Prior-service costs	70			66			199			190			Cost of services and products sold
Settlement/curtailment losses	—			223			—			223			Selling, general and administrative expenses
Total before tax	5,614			4,579			16,699			13,803
Tax benefit	(523		)	(601		)	(1,566		)	(1,635		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	5,091		$	3,978		$	15,133		$	12,168

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

Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity investment

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

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Affected Caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	September 30 2016			September 30 2016
Foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	40,525		$	45,405		Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Cash flow hedging instruments	2,425			2,593			Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Defined benefit pension obligations	(2,198		)	(2,433		)	Change in fair value to the adjustment liability and loss on dilution of equity method investment
Total before tax	40,752			45,565
Tax benefit (d)	(15,046		)	(16,822		)
Total amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment	$	25,706		$	28,743

(d) For the three months ended September 30, 2016 the tax benefit was not recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of operations since a valuation allowance was established against the resulting deferred tax assets. See Note 11, Income Taxes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for more information.

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Basis of Presentation Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 5,819	$ 2,048

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Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards Details (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Change in Working Capital					$ 27,000
Adoption of new accounting standard (See Note 2)					(397)
Income tax expense	$ 8,270	$ 5,079	$ 25,757	$ 14,913
Stock Compensation Plan
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 100		$ (400)
Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adoption of new accounting standard (See Note 2)					$ (709)

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Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts receivable
Trade accounts receivable	$ 284,397		$ 284,397		$ 248,354
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,165)		(5,165)		(11,800)
Trade accounts receivable, net	279,232		279,232		236,554
Other receivables	22,647		22,647		21,053
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	4,087	$ (93)	5,262	$ 84
Inventories
Finished goods	28,765		28,765		26,464
Work-in-process	32,364		32,364		22,815
Contracts-in-process	79,279		79,279		54,044
Raw materials and purchased parts	62,188		62,188		61,450
Stores and supplies	24,412		24,412		22,908
Inventories	227,008		227,008		187,681
Inventory for Contracts
Contract costs accumulated to date	119,322		119,322		90,276
Estimated loss provisions for contracts-in-process	(40,043)		(40,043)		(36,232)
Contracts-in-process	79,279		79,279		54,044
Loss provision that exceeds accumulated contract costs	3,400		3,400		6,700
Customer Advances and Deposits	111,600		111,600		101,100
Contract estimated forward loss provision for Harsco Rail Segment		40,050	$ 0	40,050	$ 45,100
SBB [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,000	$ 0		$ 1,000

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Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Decrease in investment					$ 29,400
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net		$ 0	$ (3,205)	$ 0	(5,686)
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability, exclusive of not making quarterly payments			(1,300)		(4,700)
Net proceeds					145,000
Payments for Merger Related Costs					20,600
Unit Adjustment Liability, Infrastructure Transaction
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unit adjustment liability decrease					19,145
Loss on sale of equity interest					65,461
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total annual payments to acquire joint venture, before tax	$ 22,000
Total annual payments to acquire joint venture, after tax	$ 15,000
Transfer of ownership interest	3.00%
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net			(3,205)		(5,686)
Accrued Liabilities			$ 1,400		1,400
Loss on sale of equity interest					43,500
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture | Harsco Infrastructure
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net					$ 10,300
Percentage of ownership in Brand			26.00%		26.00%

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Equity Method Investments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Net revenues		$ 782,415		$ 2,333,561
Gross profit		169,456		499,005
Net income attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries		12,378		20,756
Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net	$ 0	3,205	$ 0	5,686
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Equity income of unconsolidated entities, net		$ 3,205		$ 5,686

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Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 1,852,394	$ 1,757,486
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,373,253)	(1,267,231)
Property, plant and equipment, net	479,141	490,255
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	10,965	10,606
Land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	15,567	15,032
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	195,739	185,657
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,606,633	1,525,156
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 23,490	$ 21,035

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2016	$ 382,251
Foreign currency translation	17,665
Balance at September 30, 2017	399,916
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2016	362,386
Foreign currency translation	17,665
Balance at September 30, 2017	380,051
Harsco Industrial Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2016	6,839
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at September 30, 2017	6,839
Harsco Rail Segment
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2016	13,026
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at September 30, 2017	$ 13,026

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 201,527		$ 201,527		$ 195,074
Accumulated Amortization	162,187		162,187		153,507
Amortization expense for intangible assets	1,269	$ 2,053	3,868	$ 6,208
Estimated amortization expense for next 5 years
2017	5,000		5,000
2018	4,750		4,750
2019	4,500		4,500
2020	4,250		4,250
2021	4,000		4,000
Customer related
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	152,423		152,423		146,840
Accumulated Amortization	119,870		119,870		112,610
Patents
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	5,832		5,832		5,729
Accumulated Amortization	5,697		5,697		5,534
Technology related
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	26,151		26,151		25,687
Accumulated Amortization	26,151		26,151		25,634
Trade names
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	8,316		8,316		8,306
Accumulated Amortization	4,767		4,767		4,529
Other
Intangible Assets, by category
Gross Carrying Amount	8,805		8,805		8,512
Accumulated Amortization	$ 5,702		$ 5,702		$ 5,200

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined benefit plans:
Multiemployer pension plans	$ 498	$ 494	$ 1,481	$ 1,520
Defined contribution pension plans	3,278	2,291	8,306	7,593
U. S. Plans
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	942	945	2,825	2,837
Interest cost	2,469	2,545	7,408	7,635
Expected return on plan assets	(3,552)	(3,601)	(10,656)	(10,803)
Recognized prior service costs	8	16	24	47
Recognized loss	1,425	1,373	4,276	4,117
Settlement/curtailment losses	0	223	0	223
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	1,292	1,501	3,877	4,056
Defined benefit pension plan	4,112	471	5,054	1,411
Anticipated contributions to defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of the fiscal year			800
International Plans
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	426	405	1,243	1,214
Interest cost	5,843	6,542	17,349	20,649
Expected return on plan assets	(10,632)	(10,475)	(31,571)	(33,157)
Recognized prior service costs	48	44	139	133
Recognized loss	4,130	2,923	12,260	9,283
Settlement/curtailment losses	0	0	0	0
Defined benefit pension plans net periodic pension cost (income)	(185)	(561)	(580)	(1,878)
Defined benefit pension plan	$ 3,038	$ 3,170	14,338	$ 16,222
Anticipated contributions to defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of the fiscal year			$ 3,200

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Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$ 8,270	$ 5,079	$ 25,757	$ 14,913
Unrecognized income tax benefits including interest and penalties	4,900		4,900
Portion of unrecognized income tax benefits, expected to be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations within next twelve months	$ 300		$ 300

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2005 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) claim defendant case	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 08, 2016 USD ($)
Lima Refinery Litigation
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss contingency damages sought					$ 106.0
Lima Refinery property damages					$ 289.0
Brazilian Tax Disputes - Jan 2004 through May 2005 | Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority
Commitments and Contingencies
Damages sought - principal			$ 2.0
Damages sought - interest, penalties and fees			25.0
Brazilian Tax Disputes - Jan 2002 through Dec 2003 | Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority
Commitments and Contingencies
Damages sought - principal		$ 1.9
Damages sought - interest, penalties and fees		6.0
Amount of damages sought		$ 7.9
Brazilian Labor Claims
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss contingency reserves			$ 9.2	$ 7.9
Customer Disputes
Commitments and Contingencies
Customer dispute settlement	$ 5.4
Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Approximate number of defendants that includes the company named in legal actions | defendant			90
Number of pending claims | claim			17,150
Number of claims dismissed to date by stipulation or summary judgment prior to trial | case			27,931
Other | Active or In Extremis docket
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims | claim			31
Other | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Amount of damages sought			$ 20.0
Other | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Amount of damages sought			$ 25.0
Other | New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims | case			16,752
Other | New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court | Pending And Future Litigation, Deferred Or Inactive Docket
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims | claim			16,721
Other | New York State Supreme Court, Counties Excluding New York County
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims | case			111
Other | Courts Located In States Other Than New York
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims | case			287
Consolidated Revenues | Subsidiary Concentration Risk
Commitments and Contingencies
Concentration risk, percentage			2.00%

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Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 13,669	$ (32,612)	$ 41,571	$ (71,156)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	80,637	80,379	80,519	80,318
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	2,499	0	2,234	0
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	83,136	80,379	82,753	80,318
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ (0.41)	$ 0.52	$ (0.89)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ (0.41)	$ 0.50	$ (0.89)

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Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares (Details 2) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	922	0	770
Stock options
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	55	90	55	90
Stock appreciation rights
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	526	1,567	918	1,432
Performance share units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	801	212	649

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Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Designated as hedging instrument
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	$ 2,875	$ 987
Liability Derivatives	3,062	166
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	2,673	473
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	92	166
Designated as hedging instrument | Cross currency interest rate swaps | Other current assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	110	514
Designated as hedging instrument | Cross currency interest rate swaps | Other current liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other current assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	0
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other current liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	197
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	92
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	2,773
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivative contracts
Asset Derivatives	572	4,459
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivative contracts
Liability Derivatives	$ 22,698	$ 3,372

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Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative - Effective Portion	$ 1,926	$ 2,168	$ 23	$ (613)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	252	254	560	69
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	(103)	(232)	(420)	3,987
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative - Effective Portion	2,333	2,378	3,096	1,748
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cost of services and products sold
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	0	0	(185)	(409)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	(7,025)	552	(18,764)	2,292
Interest rate swaps
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative - Effective Portion	(335)		(2,878)
Cross currency interest rate swaps
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative - Effective Portion	(72)	(210)	(195)	(2,361)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	252	254	745	478
Cross currency interest rate swaps | Cost of services and products sold
Effect of derivative instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	$ (103)	$ (232)	$ (420)	$ 3,987

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Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017
Foreign Currency Derivatives
Pre-tax net gains (losses) on certain loans designated as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries	$ 7,600	$ (9,000)	$ 17,100	$ (29,300)
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap termination			0	$ 16,625
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	675,492		675,492				$ 600,883
Recognized Gain (Loss)			(19,545)				1,394
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | British pounds sterling | Sell
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	70,207		70,207				55,120
Recognized Gain (Loss)			(807)				(228)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | British pounds sterling | Buy
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	10,638		10,638				827
Recognized Gain (Loss)			17				(14)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Euros | Sell
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	317,163		317,163				326,797
Recognized Gain (Loss)			(19,028)				628
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Euros | Buy
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	196,214		196,214				171,578
Recognized Gain (Loss)			792				(468)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other currencies | Sell
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	50,692		50,692				43,455
Recognized Gain (Loss)			(758)				1,477
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other currencies | Buy
Foreign Currency Derivatives
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	$ 30,578		30,578				3,106
Recognized Gain (Loss)			$ 239				$ (1)
Term Loan Facility, Fixed-Rate | Term Loan
Foreign Currency Derivatives
Principal amount								$ 300,000
LIBOR | Scenario, Forecast | Term Loan Facility, Fixed-Rate | Subsequent Event | Term Loan
Foreign Currency Derivatives
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					2.71%	1.65%

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Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 4) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap termination	$ 0	$ 16,625,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Maturing 2017
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Contractual Amount	$ 700,000.0

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Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Unit Adjustment Liability, Infrastructure Transaction
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 79,934
Reduction in the fair value related to election not to make 2016 payments	(19,145)
Sale of equity interest in Brand	(65,461)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	4,672
Balance at end of period	$ 0
Fair value measurements recurring | Level 2
Assets
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$ 3,245	$ 4,932
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		22,790	3,538
Interest rate swaps | Fair value measurements recurring | Level 2
Assets
Cross-currency interest rate swaps		92
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps		2,970
Cross currency interest rate swaps | Fair value measurements recurring | Level 2
Assets
Cross-currency interest rate swaps		$ 110	$ 514

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Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Fair Value (Details 6) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities And Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Net derivative asset subject to master netting arrangements	$ 0	$ 0
Long-term debt, including current maturities
Fair value of long-term debt	642,200,000	682,900,000
Carrying value of long-term debt	$ 634,800,000	$ 673,400,000

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Review of Operations by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operations by segment
Total revenues	$ 384,653	$ 367,787	$ 1,152,092	$ 1,091,001
Operating income from continuing operations	33,950	28,576	104,332	39,321
Interest income	610	673	1,615	1,760
Interest expense	(12,123)	(13,756)	(36,181)	(39,924)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability and loss on dilution and sale of equity method investment	0	(44,788)	0	(58,494)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	22,437	(29,295)	69,766	(57,337)
Depreciation and Amortization	33,005	36,625	97,508	108,287
Capital Expenditures	23,431	17,770	64,131	49,946
Operating Segments
Operations by segment
Operating income from continuing operations	41,352	34,977	125,860	59,574
Corporate
Operations by segment
Total revenues	38	0	107	0
Operating income from continuing operations	(7,402)	(6,401)	(21,528)	(20,253)
Depreciation and Amortization	1,449	3,102	4,399	6,714
Capital Expenditures	297	184	1,075	200
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment | Operating Segments
Operations by segment
Total revenues	255,163	247,691	761,503	730,923
Operating income from continuing operations	24,327	24,066	82,933	61,934
Depreciation and Amortization	28,636	30,255	84,444	91,942
Capital Expenditures	20,994	15,272	58,065	43,997
Harsco Industrial Segment | Operating Segments
Operations by segment
Total revenues	78,318	63,422	217,766	191,561
Operating income from continuing operations	12,864	6,312	24,819	20,083
Depreciation and Amortization	1,826	1,827	5,509	5,395
Capital Expenditures	1,678	1,817	3,226	4,113
Harsco Rail Segment | Operating Segments
Operations by segment
Total revenues	51,134	56,674	172,716	168,517
Operating income from continuing operations	4,161	4,599	18,108	(22,443)
Depreciation and Amortization	1,094	1,441	3,156	4,236
Capital Expenditures	$ 462	$ 497	$ 1,765	$ 1,636

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Other (Income) Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Employee termination benefit costs	$ 2,536	$ 1,790	$ 4,947	$ 8,756
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment separation costs	0	1	0	3,298
Net gains	(4,821)	(608)	(4,815)	(1,365)
Other costs to exit activities	327	0	495	0
Impaired asset write-downs	539	0	820	0
Other	182	558	282	1,422
Other (income) expenses	$ (1,237)	$ 1,741	$ 1,729	$ 12,111

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Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances			$ 137,563	$ 310,803
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			11,935	6,135
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			15,471	12,194
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)				28,743
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee				1,844
Total other comprehensive income	$ 10,885	$ 21,948	27,406	48,916
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(2,235)	413
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			25,171	49,329
Balances	210,018	293,024	210,018	293,024
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances			(144,534)	(125,561)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			42,391	(23,744)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0	0
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)				28,641
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee				1,943
Total other comprehensive income			42,391	6,840
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(2,235)	420
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			40,156	7,260
Balances	(104,378)	(118,301)	(104,378)	(118,301)
Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances			(1,089)	(400)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			1,133	(2,199)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			338	26
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)				1,636
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee				(405)
Total other comprehensive income			1,471	(942)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			0	(7)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			1,471	(949)
Balances	382	(1,349)	382	(1,349)
Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances			(461,094)	(389,696)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(31,600)	32,067
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			15,133	12,168
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)				(1,534)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee				306
Total other comprehensive income			(16,467)	43,007
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			(16,467)	43,007
Balances	(477,561)	(346,689)	(477,561)	(346,689)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances			(5)	(31)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			11	11
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0	0
Realized (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment (See Note 4, Equity Method Investments)				0
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee				0
Total other comprehensive income			11	11
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation			11	11
Balances	6	(20)	6	(20)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balances			(606,722)	(515,688)
Total other comprehensive income			25,171	49,329
Balances	$ (581,551)	$ (466,359)	$ (581,551)	$ (466,359)

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Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 61,221	$ 50,249	$ 171,968	$ 150,553
Interest Expense	12,123	13,756	36,181	39,924
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	22,437	(29,295)	69,766	(57,337)
Income tax expense	8,270	5,079	25,757	14,913
Net income (loss)	13,796	(31,544)	43,664	(65,437)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense		(15,046)		(16,822)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	5,614	4,579	16,699	13,803
Income tax expense	(523)	(601)	(1,566)	(1,635)
Net income (loss)	5,091	3,978	15,133	12,168
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	252	254	560	69
Income tax expense	(99)	(99)	(222)	(43)
Net income (loss)	153	155	338	26
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	(189)	(408)
Cost of services and products sold	0	0	4	(1)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Effective Portion of Deriviatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cross currency interest rate swaps
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest Expense	252	254	745	478
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Actuarial losses
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,643	2,042	8,001	6,703
Cost of services and products sold	2,915	2,253	8,535	6,696
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Prior service costs (benefits)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(14)	(5)	(36)	(9)
Cost of services and products sold	70	66	199	190
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Settlement/curtailment losses
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 0	$ 223	$ 0	$ 223

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Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Dilution of Equity Method Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 8,270	$ 5,079	$ 25,757	$ 14,913
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total before tax		40,752		45,565
Income tax expense		(15,046)		(16,822)
Total amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with loss on dilution of equity method investment		25,706		28,743
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Foreign exchange translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total before tax		40,525		45,405
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Cash flow hedging instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total before tax		2,425		2,593
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Defined benefit pension obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total before tax		$ (2,198)		$ (2,433)