Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the year endedDecember 31, 2013 are as follows:

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	62,308			$	(8,139	)		$	(465,286	)		$	(51	)	$	(411,168	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(39,848		)	(a)	1,060			(b)	55,581			(c)	31			16,824
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—				8				19,839				—			19,847
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(15,979		)		(21		)		20,184				—			4,184
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(55,827		)		1,047				95,604				31			40,855
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(371		)		69				—				—			(302		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(56,198		)		1,116				95,604				31			40,553
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)

(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.

(c) Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements.

Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year endedDecember 31, 2013 are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a):
Actuarial losses	$	12,435		(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Actuarial losses	9,064			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
Prior-service costs	298			(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Prior-service costs	285			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
Total before tax	22,082
Tax benefit	(2,243		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	19,839
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments (a):
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	11			Cost of services and products sold
Tax benefit	(3		)
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	8

(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss.

(b) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. Please refer to Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2013			Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	(15,979	)	Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
Tax effect	—
Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments	$	(15,979	)
Cash flow hedging instruments, before tax	$	(34	)	Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
Tax effect	13
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	(21	)
Defined benefit pension items, before tax	$	20,184		Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
Tax effect	—
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items	$	20,184