10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ý	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
OR
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 001-03970

HARSCO CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $1.25 per share Preferred stock purchase rights	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:    NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý   No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o   No ý

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting 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

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

The aggregate market value of the Company's voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Company as of June 30, 2014 was $2,151,796,000.

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 January 30, 2015
Common stock, par value $1.25 per share	80,082,946

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Selected portions of the 2015 Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

HARSCO CORPORATION

FORM 10-K

INDEX

		Page
PART I
Item 1.	Business.	1
Item 1A.	Risk Factors.	6
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments.	15
Item 2.	Properties.	16
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings.	16
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures.	16
Supplementary Item.	Executive Officers of the Registrant (Pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K).	17
PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.	19
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data.	20
Item 7.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.	21
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.	46
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.	47
Item 9.	Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.	104
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures.	104
Item 9B.	Other Information.	104
PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.	105
Item 11.	Executive Compensation.	105
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.	105
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.	105
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services.	105
PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.	106
SIGNATURES		111

PART I

Item 1.    Business.

(a) General Development of Business

Harsco Corporation (the "Company") is a diversified, multinational provider of industrial services and engineered products serving global industries that are fundamental to worldwide economic growth and infrastructure development. The Company's operations fall into three reportable segments: Harsco Metals & Minerals, Harsco Industrial and Harsco Rail. The Company has locations in approximately 35 countries, including the United States. The Company was incorporated in 1956.

The Company's operations previously included the Harsco Infrastructure Segment. In November 2013, the Company consummated the previously announced transaction to sell the Company's Harsco Infrastructure Segment into a strategic venture with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R") as part of a transaction that combines the Harsco Infrastructure Segment with Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., which CD&R simultaneously acquired (the "Infrastructure Transaction"). The Company has contributed substantially all of the Company’s equity interests in, and the net assets of, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to the strategic venture in exchange for approximately $300 million in cash, subject to working capital and other adjustments, and an approximate 29% equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture. The Company’s approximate 29% equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting as prescribed by U.S. GAAP. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

The Company's executive offices are located at 350 Poplar Church Road, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011 and the Company's main telephone number is (717) 763-7064. The public may read and copy any material the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") at their Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to such reports filed with or furnished to the SEC under Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge on the SEC's Internet website at www.sec.gov and on the Company's Internet website at www.harsco.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with the SEC. The information posted on the Company's website is not incorporated into the Company's SEC filings.

The Company's principal lines of business and related principal business drivers are as follows:

Principal Lines of Business		Principal Business Drivers
l	Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products	l	Global metals production and capacity utilization
		l	Outsourcing of services by metals producers
		l	Demand for high-value specialty steel and ferro alloys
		l	Demand for environmental solutions for metals and minerals waste streams
		l	Demand for industrial and infrastructure surface preparation and restoration
		l	Demand for residential roofing shingles
l	Air-cooled heat exchangers	l	Demand in the natural gas, natural gas processing and petrochemical markets
l	Industrial grating products	l	Industrial plant and warehouse construction and expansion
l		l	Off-shore drilling and new rig construction
l	Heat transfer products	l	Demand for commercial and institutional boilers and water heaters
l	Railway track maintenance services and equipment	l	Global railway track maintenance-of-way capital spending
		l	Outsourcing of track maintenance and new track construction by railroads

The Company reports segment information using the "management approach," based on the way management organizes and reports the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are identified based upon differences in products, services and markets served. These segments and the types of products and services offered are more fully described in section (c) below.

1

In 2014, 2013 and 2012, sales in the United States contributed total revenues of $0.9 billion, $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion, equal to approximately 43%, 35% and 36% of total revenues, respectively. The Company's sales in euro-currency countries contributed total revenues of $0.4 billion, $0.7 billion and $0.8 billion, in 2014, 2013 and 2012, equal to approximately 17%, 25% and 25% of total revenues, respectively. The decrease in revenue from euro-currency countries in 2014 is primarily due to the Infrastructure Transaction. Sales in the United Kingdom contributed total revenues of $0.3 billion, $0.4 billion and $0.3 billion in 2014, 2013 and 2012, equal to approximately 12%, 12% and 11% of total revenues, respectively. There were no significant inter-segment revenues.

(b) Financial Information about Segments

Financial information concerning segments is included in Note 16, Information by Segment and Geographic Area, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," which information is incorporated herein by reference.

(c) Narrative Description of Business

(1)   A narrative description of the businesses by reportable segment is as follows:

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—67% of consolidated revenues for 2014

The Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment is one of the world's largest providers of on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing. There are no significant metals services contracts for which the costs to complete the contract are currently estimated to exceed the revenue to be realized included in the above estimated future revenues. The Metals business's multi-year contracts had estimated future revenues of $4.5 billion at expected production levels at December 31, 2014. This provides the Company with a substantial base of long-term revenues. Approximately 21% of these revenues are expected to be recognized by December 31, 2015; approximately 42% of these revenues are expected to be recognized between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018; approximately 19% of these revenues are expected to be recognized between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021; and the remaining revenues are expected to be recognized thereafter.

The Minerals business extracts high-value metallic content from stainless steel by-products and also specializes in the development of minerals technologies for commercial applications, including agriculture fertilizers. The Minerals business also produces industrial abrasives and roofing granules from power-plant utility coal slag at a number of locations throughout the United States. Harsco Minerals' BLACK BEAUTY® abrasives are used for industrial surface preparation, such as rust removal and cleaning of bridges, ship hulls and various structures. Roofing granules are sold to residential roofing shingle manufacturers, primarily for the replacement roofing market. This business is one of the United States' largest producers of slag abrasives and residential roofing granules.

As part of the Segment's initiatives to develop new products and services, in particular environmental solutions, the Segment is involved with several initiatives and technology alliances focused on developing greater environmental sustainability through the recovery of resources from production by-products and waste streams.

The Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment operates in approximately 35 countries. In 2014 and 2013, this Segment's revenues were generated in the following regions:

	Percentage of Revenues
Region	2014		2013
Western Europe	40	%	41	%
North America	24	%	26	%
Latin America (a)	16	%	16	%
Asia-Pacific	10	%	8	%
Middle East and Africa	5	%	5	%
Eastern Europe	5	%	4	%

(a) Including Mexico.

For 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment's percentage of the Company's consolidated revenues were 67%, 47% and 46%, respectively.

2

Harsco Industrial Segment—20% of consolidated revenues for 2014

The Harsco Industrial Segment includes the Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers, Harsco Industrial IKG and Harsco Industrial Patterson-Kelley businesses. Approximately 93% of this Segment's revenues originate in North America.

Harsco Industrial IKG manufactures a varied line of industrial grating products at several plants in the United States and international plants located in Mexico and China. These products include a full range of metal bar grating configurations, which are used mainly in industrial flooring, as well as safety and security applications in the energy, paper, chemical, refining and processing industries.

Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers is a leading supplier of custom-designed and manufactured air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas, natural gas processing and petrochemical industries from plants in the United States. Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers' heat exchangers are the primary apparatus used to condition natural gas during recovery, compression and transportation from underground reserves through the major pipeline distribution channels. In January 2014, the Company acquired Hammco Corporation ("Hammco"), a U.S. manufacturer of high specification air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas and petrochemical processing markets.

Harsco Industrial Patterson-Kelley is a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient heat transfer products such as boilers and water heaters for commercial and institutional applications.

For 2014, 2013 and 2012, this Segment's percentage of the Company's consolidated revenues were 20%, 13% and 12%, respectively.

Harsco Rail Segment—13% of consolidated revenues for 2014

The Harsco Rail Segment is a global provider of equipment and services for the maintenance, repair and construction of railway track. The Segment's equipment and services support private and government-owned railroads and urban transit systems worldwide.

The Segment's products are produced in three countries and products and services are provided worldwide. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, export product sales from the United States for the Harsco Rail Segment were $104.9 million, $109.3 million and $177.9 million, respectively.

For 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Rail Segment's percentage of the Company's consolidated revenues were 13%, 10% and 11%, respectively.

(1)(i)  The products and services of the Company are generated through a number of product groups. These product groups are more fully discussed in Note 16, Information by Segment and Geographic Area, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." The product groups that contributed 10% or more as a percentage of consolidated revenues in any of the last three fiscal years are set forth in the following table:

	Percentage of Consolidated Revenues
Product Group	2014		2013		2012
Outsourced, on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products	67	%	47	%	46	%
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a)	—	%	30	%	31	%
Air-cooled heat exchangers, industrial grating products, and heat transfer products	20	%	13	%	12	%
Railway track maintenance services and equipment	13	%	10	%	11	%

(a) The Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales product group is associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment which was disposed of as part of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

(1)(ii)  New products and services are added from time to time; however, in 2014, 2013 and 2012 none required the investment of a material amount of the Company's assets.

(1)(iii)  The manufacturing requirements of the Company's operations are such that no unusual sources of supply for raw materials are required. The raw materials used by the Company for its product manufacturing include principally steel and, to a lesser extent, aluminum, which are usually readily available. The profitability of the Company's manufactured products is affected by changing purchase prices of steel and other materials and commodities.

(1)(iv)  While the Company has a number of trademarks, patents and patent applications, it does not consider that any material part of its business is dependent upon them.

3

(1)(v)  The Company furnishes products within the Harsco Industrial Segment that are seasonal in nature. As a result, the Company's revenues and results of operations for the first quarter ending March 31 are normally lower than the second and third quarters. Additionally, the Company has historically generated the majority of cash flows in the second half of the year. This is a result of normally higher income during the latter part of the year. The Company's historical revenue patterns and cash provided by operating activities are as follows:

Historical Pattern of Revenue from Continuing Operations

(In millions)	2014			2013			2012		2011			2010
First quarter	$	512.7		$	715.4		$	752.3	$	779.1		$	742.4
Second quarter	534.6			759.7			770.6		875.1			786.5
Third quarter	526.4			740.0			756.8		855.9			752.4
Fourth quarter	492.1			681.3			766.3		792.7			757.4
Totals	$	2,065.7	(a)	$	2,896.5	(a)	$	3,046.0	$	3,302.7	(a)	$	3,038.7

(a) Does not total due to rounding.

Historical Pattern of Cash Provided (Used) by Operations

(In millions)	2014		2013		2012			2011			2010
First quarter	$	27.5	$	3.4	$	(1.4	)	$	13.1		$	30.1
Second quarter	46.9		53.0		37.2			53.7			95.6
Third quarter	110.0		107.7		75.6			123.2			110.3
Fourth quarter	41.4		24.2		87.5			108.7			165.4
Totals	$	225.8	$	188.3	$	198.9		$	298.8	(a)	$	401.4

(a) Does not total due to rounding.

(1)(vi)  The practices of the Company relating to working capital are similar to those of other industrial service providers or manufacturers servicing both domestic and international industrial customers and commercial markets. These practices include the following:

• Standard accounts receivable payment terms of 30 to 60 days, with progress or advance payments required for certain long-lead-time or large orders. Payment terms are slightly longer in certain international markets.

• Standard accounts payable payment terms of 30 to 90 days.

• Inventories are maintained in sufficient quantities to meet forecasted demand. Due to the time required to manufacture certain railway track maintenance equipment to customer specifications, inventory levels of this business tend to increase for an extended period of time during the production phase and decline when the equipment is sold.

(1)(vii)  In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment had two customers that each provided in excess of 10% of this Segment's revenues under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites. Additionally, consolidation in the global steel industry has increased the Company's exposure to these customers. The loss of any one of the contracts would not have a material adverse effect upon the Company's financial position or cash flows; however, it could have a significant effect on quarterly or annual results of operations. Additionally, these customers have significant accounts receivable balances. Further consolidation in the global steel industry is possible. Should further consolidation occur involving some of the Company's larger steel industry customers, it would result in an increase in concentration of revenues and credit risk for the Company. If a large customer were to experience financial difficulty, or file for bankruptcy protection, it could adversely impact the Company's income, cash flows and asset valuations. As part of its credit risk management practices, the Company closely monitors the credit standing and accounts receivable position of its customer base. As previously disclosed during the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a bad debt reserve of $2.6 million on receivables with a large steel mill customer who filed for protection under the Italian receivership procedures (the "Marzano Law"). During the second quarter of 2014, the customer terminated its contract with the Company under the provisions of the Marzano Law. As a result, during the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an additional bad debt reserve of $3.9 million on the remaining pre-receivership receivables with this customer. During the second quarter of 2014, one of the Company’s steel mill customers in Europe missed normal progress payments.  The Company has approximately $8 million of receivables, excluding value added tax, with this customer.  During the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a bad debt reserve of $3.6 million related to this receivable.  The Company believes the remaining amounts are collectible; however, if there is an adverse change in the Company's view on collectability, there could be a charge against income in future periods. Additionally, the Company recorded a bad debt reserve of $2.6 million during 2014 for one of its Canadian steel mill customers that filed for receivership protection during the course of the year as the Company has previously disclosed.  The amount of the bad debt reserve for this customer represents the full pre-receivership balance.

4

In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Industrial Segment had one customer that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. In 2014 and 2012, the Harsco Rail Segment had one customer and in 2013 two customers that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. The loss of any of these customers would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial positions or cash flows; however, it could have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.

(1)(viii)  At December 31, 2014, the Company's metals services contracts had estimated future revenues of $4.5 billion at expected production levels, compared with $5.4 billion at December 31, 2013. This decrease is primarily due to exited contracts associated with strategic actions from the Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan ("Project Orion") related to the focus on underperforming contracts and foreign currency translation. At December 31, 2014, the Harsco Rail Segment had an estimated order backlog of $348.8 million, compared with $229.4 million at December 31, 2013. This increase is primarily due to an additional contract award worth over $100 million through 2017 from the SBB, the federal railway system of Switzerland, partially offset by shipments during 2014. In addition, at December 31, 2014, the Company had an estimated order backlog of $146.9 million in its Harsco Industrial Segment, compared with $83.9 million at December 31, 2013. This increase is primarily due to bookings during the second-half of 2014 in the air-cooled heat exchangers business and the acquisition of Hammco in January 2014.

At December 31, 2014, $190.1 million or 38% of the Company's manufactured products order backlog is not expected to be filled in 2015. The majority of this backlog is expected to be filled in 2016 and the remainder in 2017. This is exclusive of long-term metals industry services contracts, roofing granules and industrial abrasives products, and minerals and metal recovery technologies services.

(1)(ix)  At December 31, 2014, the Company had no material contracts that were subject to renegotiation of profits or termination at the election of the United States Government.

(1)(x)  The Company's competitive environment is complex because of the wide diversity of services and products provided and the global breadth and depth of markets served. No single service provider or manufacturer competes with the Company with respect to all services provided or products manufactured and sold. In general, on a global basis, the Company's segments are among the market leaders in their respective sectors and compete with a range of global, regional and local businesses of varying size and scope.

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—This Segment provides outsourced on-site services to the global metals industries in approximately 35 countries, with the largest operations focused in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. This Segment is one of the world's largest providers of on-site, outsourced services to the global metals industries. This Segment's key competitive factors are innovative resource recovery solutions, significant industry experience, technology, safety performance, service and value. This Segment competes principally with a number of privately-held businesses for services outsourced by customers. Additionally, due to the nature of this Segment's services, it encounters a certain degree of "competition" from potential new customers' desire to perform similar services themselves instead of using an outsourced solution.

Harsco Industrial Segment—This Segment includes manufacturing businesses located principally in the United States with an increasing focus on international growth. Key competitive factors include quality, value, technology and energy-efficiency. Primary competitors are U.S.-based manufacturers of similar products. In January 2014, the Company acquired Hammco, a provider of process coolers for the natural gas, natural gas processing and petrochemical industries.

Harsco Rail Segment—This Segment manufactures and sells highly-engineered railway track maintenance equipment produced primarily in the United States for customers throughout the world. Additionally, this Segment provides railway track maintenance services principally in the United States and the United Kingdom. This Segment's key competitive factors are quality, technology, customer service and value. Primary competitors for both products and services are privately-held global businesses as well as certain regional competitors.

(1)(xi)  The Company's expense for research and development activities was $6.3 million, $9.6 million and $9.1 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This excludes technology development and engineering costs classified in cost of services and products sold or selling, general and administrative expense. For additional information regarding research and development activities, see the Research and Development section included under Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

5

(1)(xii)  The Company has become subject to, as have others, stringent air and water quality control legislation. In general, the Company has not experienced substantial difficulty complying with these environmental regulations, and does not anticipate making any material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities. While the Company expects that environmental regulations may expand, and that its expenditures for air and water quality control will continue, it cannot predict the effect on its business of such expanded regulations. For additional information regarding environmental matters see Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

(1)(xiii)  At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately 12,200 employees.

(d) Financial Information about Geographic Areas

Financial information concerning international and domestic operations is included in Note 16, Information by Segment and Geographic Area, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," which information is incorporated herein by reference. Export sales from the United States totaled $134.0 million, $143.7 million and $214.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(e) Available Information

Information is provided in Part I, Item 1 (a), "General Development of Business."

Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

Set forth below are risks and uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows. The risks set forth below are not the only risks the Company faces. The Company's business operations could also be affected by other factors not presently known to the Company or factors that the Company currently does not consider to be material.

The Company is subject to a variety of market risks, economic uncertainties and potential disruptions of its access to credit.

In the normal course of business, the Company is routinely subjected to a variety of market risks. In addition to the risk associated with interest rate and currency movements on outstanding debt and non-U.S. dollar-denominated assets and liabilities, other examples of market risk facing the Company include customer concentration in the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments; the collectability of receivables; the volatility of financial markets and their effect on customer liquidity and defined benefit pension plans; and global economic and political conditions.

From time to time, disruption in the credit markets has severely restricted access to capital for many companies. When credit markets deteriorate, the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness to fund operations or refinance maturing obligations as they become due may be constrained. This risk could be exacerbated by further deterioration in the Company's credit ratings. The Company is unable to predict any duration or severity of disruptions in the credit and financial markets and adverse global economic conditions. While these conditions have not impaired the Company's ability to access credit markets and finance operations, a deterioration of economic conditions could materially and adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.

Negative economic conditions may adversely impact demand for the Company's products and services, as well as the ability of the Company's customers to meet their obligations to the Company on a timely basis. Any disputes with customers could also have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations and cash flows.

Tightening of credit in financial markets may lead businesses to postpone spending, which may impact the Company's customers, causing them to cancel, decrease or delay their existing and future orders with the Company. Declines in economic conditions may further impact the ability of the Company's customers to meet their obligations to the Company on a timely basis and could result in bankruptcy or receivership filings by any of such customers. If customers are unable to meet their obligations on a timely basis, or if the Company is unable to collect amounts due from customers for any reason, it could adversely impact the realizability of receivables, the valuation of inventories and the valuation of long-lived assets across the Company's businesses. Furthermore, some of the Company's significant customers may be subject to acquisitions and/or consolidations that negatively impact their ability to meet their obligations to the Company on a timely basis, or at all. Additionally, the Company may be negatively affected by contractual disputes with customers, which could have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations and cash flows.

6

If the Company cannot generate future cash flows at a level sufficient to recover the net book value of any of reporting units, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge to earnings.

As a result of the Company's goodwill impairment testing, the Company may be required to record future impairment charges to the extent it cannot generate future cash flows at a level sufficient to recover the net book value of any of the Company's reporting units. For example, as a result of the October 1, 2012 annual goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded a $265.0 million goodwill impairment charge during the fourth quarter of 2012 related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment. At December 31, 2014, almost all of the Company's goodwill is allocated to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, which is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment. The Company's estimates of fair value are based on assumptions about the future operating cash flows and growth rates of each reporting unit and discount rates applied to these cash flows. Based on the uncertainty of future growth rates, restructuring savings and other assumptions used to estimate goodwill recoverability, future reductions in the Company's expected cash flows could cause a material non-cash goodwill impairment charge, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

The Company's global presence subjects it to a variety of risks arising from doing business internationally.

The Company operates in approximately 35 countries, including the United States. The Company's global footprint exposes it to a variety of risks that may adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows. These include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• periodic economic downturns in the countries in which the Company does business;

• imposition of or increases in currency exchange controls and hard currency shortages;

• customs matters and changes in trade policy or tariff regulations;

• changes in regulatory requirements in the countries in which the Company does business;

• changes in tax regulations, higher tax rates in certain jurisdictions and potentially adverse tax consequences including restrictions on repatriating earnings, adverse tax withholding requirements and "double taxation";

• longer payment cycles and difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;

• complexities in complying with a variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations;

• political, economic and social instability, civil and political unrest, terrorist actions and armed hostilities in the regions or countries in which the Company does business;

• inflation rates in the countries in which the Company does business;

• complying with complex labor laws in foreign jurisdictions;

• laws in various international jurisdictions that limit the right and ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends and remit earnings to affiliated companies unless specified conditions are met;

• sovereign risk related to international governments that include, but may not be limited to, governments stopping interest payments or repudiating their debt, nationalizing private businesses or altering foreign exchange regulations; and

• uncertainties arising from local business practices, cultural considerations and international political and trade tensions.

If the Company is unable to successfully manage the risks associated with its global business, the Company's results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows may be negatively impacted.

The Company has operations in several countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as India and Pakistan, some of which have recently experienced armed hostilities and civil unrest. Additionally, these countries are geographically close to other countries that may have a continued high risk of armed hostilities or civil unrest.

Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact the Company's business.

Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the approximately 25 other currencies in which the Company currently conducts business may adversely impact the Company's results of operations in any given fiscal period. Approximately 17% and 25% of the Company's revenues were derived from operations where the Euro is the functional currency in 2014 and 2013, respectively, and approximately 12% of the Company's revenues were derived from operations in the United Kingdom during both 2014 and 2013. Furthermore, approximately 7% and 5% of the Company's revenues were derived from operations in Brazil for 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company's principal foreign currency exposures are in the European Economic and Monetary Union, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Given the structure of the Company's operations, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the foreign currencies in which the Company earns its revenues, generally has a negative impact on the translated amounts of the assets and liabilities, results of operations, and cash flows.

7

The Company's foreign currency exposures increase the risk of volatility in its consolidated financial statements. If currencies in the below regions change materially in relation to the U.S. dollar, the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows may be materially affected.

Compared with the corresponding full-year period in 2013, the average value of major currencies changed as follows in relation to the U.S. Dollar during the full-year 2014, impacting the Company's revenues and income:

• British pound sterling strengthened by 5%

• euro weakened by 1%

• Brazilian real weakened by 7%

Compared with exchange rates at December 31, 2013, the value of major currencies at December 31, 2014 changed as follows:

• British pound sterling weakened by 6%

• euro weakened by 12%

• Brazilian real weakened by 11%

To illustrate the effect of foreign exchange rate changes in certain key markets of the Company, in 2014 revenues would have been approximately 1% or $20.0 million higher and operating income would have been approximately 3% or $2.2 million greater if the average exchange rates for 2013 were utilized. In a similar comparison for 2013, revenues would have been approximately 1% or $21.6 million higher and operating loss would have been approximately 2% or $2.8 million greater if the average exchange rates for 2012 were utilized.

Currency changes also result in assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies being translated into U.S. dollars at different amounts than at the prior period end. Generally, if the U.S. dollar weakens in relation to currencies in countries in which the Company does business, the translated amounts of the related assets and liabilities, and therefore stockholders' equity, would increase. Conversely, if the U.S. dollar strengthens in relation to currencies in countries in which the Company does business, the translated amounts of the related assets, liabilities, and therefore stockholders' equity, would decrease.

Although the Company engages in foreign currency forward exchange contracts and other hedging strategies to mitigate foreign exchange transactional risks, hedging strategies may not be successful or may fail to completely offset these risks.

In addition, competitive conditions in the Company's manufacturing businesses may limit the Company's ability to increase product prices in the face of adverse currency movement. Sales of products manufactured in the United States for the domestic and export markets may be affected by the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies. Any long-term strengthening of the U.S. dollar could depress demand for these products and reduce sales. Conversely, any long-term weakening of the U.S. dollar could improve demand for these products and increase sales.

Cyclical industry and economic conditions may adversely affect the Company's businesses.

The Company's businesses are subject to general economic slowdowns and cyclical conditions in each of the industries served. In particular:

• The Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment may be adversely impacted by slowdowns in steel mill production, excess capacity, consolidation, bankruptcy or receivership of steel producers or a reversal or slowing of current outsourcing trends in the steel industry;

• The resource recovery technologies business of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment may be adversely impacted by slowdowns in customer production or a reduction in the selling prices of its materials, which are market-based and vary based upon the current fair value of the components being sold. Therefore, the revenue generated from the sale of such recycled materials varies based upon the fair value of the commodity components being sold;

• The industrial abrasives and roofing granules business of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment may be adversely impacted by reduced home resales or economic conditions that slow the rate of residential roof replacement, or by slowdowns in the industrial and infrastructure refurbishment industries;

• The Harsco Rail Segment may be adversely impacted by developments in the railroad industry that lead to lower capital spending or reduced track maintenance spending;

• The air-cooled heat exchangers business of the Harsco Industrial Segment is affected by cyclical conditions in the natural gas, natural gas processing and petrochemical industries. Therefore, a slowdown in natural gas and petrochemical drilling or production could adversely affect this business;

• Decreasing oil prices may adversely impact purchasing by energy sector customers in the Harsco Industrial Segment;

• The industrial grating products business of the Harsco Industrial Segment may be adversely impacted by slowdowns in non-residential construction and industrial production; and

8

• Capital constraints and increased borrowing costs may also adversely impact the financial position and operations of the Company's customers across all business segments.

Furthermore, realization of deferred tax assets is ultimately dependent on generating sufficient income in future periods to ensure recovery of those assets. The cyclicality of the Company's end markets and adverse economic conditions may negatively impact the future income levels that are necessary for the utilization of deferred tax assets.

The seasonality of the Company's business may cause its quarterly results to fluctuate.

The Company has historically generated the majority of its cash flows provided by operations in the second half of the year. This is a result of normally higher income during the second half of the year, as the Company's business tends to follow seasonal patterns. If the Company is unable to successfully manage the cash flow and other effects of seasonality on the business, its results of operations may suffer.

The Company may lose customers or be required to reduce prices as a result of competition.

The industries in which the Company operates are highly competitive:

• The Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment is sustained mainly through contract renewals and new contract signings. The Company may be unable to renew contracts at historical price levels or to obtain additional contracts at historical rates as a result of competition. If the Company is unable to renew its contracts at the historical rates or renewals are at reduced prices, revenue and results of operations may decline. Additionally, the Company has elected not to renew certain underperforming contracts in an effort to improve overall profitability. This has a negative impact on revenues, but ultimately improves overall operating margins. The Company will continue to evaluate contracts in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, which may adversely affect revenues.

• The Harsco Rail and Harsco Industrial Segments compete with companies that manufacture similar products both internationally and domestically. Certain international competitors export their products into the United States and sell them at lower prices due to lower labor costs and government subsidies for exports. Such practices may limit the prices the Company can charge for its products and services. Additionally, unfavorable foreign exchange rates can adversely impact the Company's ability to match the prices charged by international competitors. If the Company is unable to match the prices charged by international competitors, it may lose customers.

Increased customer concentration and related credit and commercial risks may adversely impact the Company's future earnings and cash flows.

The Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and, to a lesser extent, the Harsco Rail Segment have several large customers throughout the world with significant accounts receivable balances. Consolidation in the global steel industry has occurred in recent years and additional consolidation is possible. Should additional transactions occur involving some of the steel or rail industry's larger companies that are customers of the Company, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company. If a large customer were to experience financial difficulty, or file for bankruptcy or receivership protection, or if the Company were unable to collect amounts due from customers that are currently under bankruptcy or receivership protection, it could adversely impact the Company's results of operations, cash flows and asset valuations.

The Company's businesses may be negatively affected by disputes with customers, including its major customers. The Company is currently party to multiple contracts in numerous countries with its largest customer, ArcelorMittal. These contracts cover a variety of services. From time to time, the Company may be negotiating the terms of current and potential future services to be rendered due to the scope and complexity of this relationship. Disagreements between the parties can arise as a result of the scope and nature of the relationship and these ongoing negotiations. The Company cannot predict whether such disputes will arise in the future and whether such conflicts will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company is subject to changes in legislative, regulatory and legal developments involving income taxes.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal, U.S. state and international income, payroll, property, sales and use, value-added, fuel and other types of taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company's worldwide provisions for income taxes. Changes in tax rates, enactments of new tax laws, revisions of tax regulations, and claims or litigation with taxing authorities could result in substantially higher taxes, and therefore, could have a significant adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Currently, a majority of the Company's revenue is generated from customers located outside the United States, and a substantial portion of the Company's assets and employees are located outside the United States. U.S. income tax and international withholding taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings for certain non-U.S. subsidiaries as such earnings are indefinitely reinvested in the operations of those subsidiaries.

9

Any U.S. tax reform that reduces the Company's ability to defer U.S. taxes on earnings indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States could have a negative impact on the Company's ability to compete in the global marketplace. Recently, the Administration proposed a 14% current tax on all undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. based companies.  If enacted, this proposal could materially affect the Company’s reported earnings and cash flows and impact the Company’s ability to compete abroad.  The Company will continue to monitor tax legislation to be in a position to fully understand its potential impact on the Company’s operations and to plan accordingly.

The Company's defined benefit net periodic pension cost is directly affected by the equity and bond markets, and a downward trend in those markets could adversely impact the Company's results of operations.

In addition to the economic issues that directly affect the Company's businesses, changes in the performance of equity and bond markets, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, impact actuarial assumptions used in determining annual net periodic pension cost, pension liabilities and the valuation of the assets in the Company's defined benefit pension plans. Financial market deterioration would most likely have a negative impact on the Company's net periodic pension cost and the pension assets and liabilities. This could result in a decrease to stockholders' equity and an increase in the Company's statutory funding requirements.

The Company's results of operations may be positively or negatively impacted by the amount of income or expense the Company records for defined benefit pension plans. The Company calculates income or expense for the defined benefit pension plans using actuarial valuations that reflect assumptions relating to financial market and other economic conditions. The most significant assumptions used to estimate defined benefit pension income or expense for the upcoming year are the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and mortality assumptions. If there are significant changes in key economic indicators, the impact of these assumptions may materially affect the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These key economic indicators would also likely affect the amount of cash the Company would contribute to the defined benefit pension plans.

The Company's Pension Committee continues to evaluate alternative strategies to further reduce overall net periodic pension cost, including: conversion of certain remaining defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans; the ongoing evaluation of investment fund managers' performance; the balancing of plan assets and liabilities; the risk assessment of multiemployer pension plans; the possible merger of certain plans; the consideration of incremental voluntary cash contributions to certain plans; and other changes that are likely to reduce future net periodic pension cost volatility and minimize risk.

In addition to the Company's defined benefit pension plans, the Company also participates in numerous multiemployer pension plans throughout the world. Within the United States, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 may require additional funding for multiemployer plans that could cause the Company to be subject to higher cash contributions in the future. Additionally, market conditions and the number of participating employers remaining in each plan may affect the funded status of multiemployer plans and consequently any Company withdrawal liability, if applicable. The Company continues to monitor and assess any full and partial withdrawal liability implications associated with these plans.

Further downgrades in the Company's credit ratings could increase the Company's cost of borrowing and could adversely affect the Company's future earnings and ability to access the capital markets.

The Company's cost of borrowing and ability to access capital markets are affected not only by market conditions but also by the short- and long-term debt ratings assigned to the Company's debt by the major credit rating agencies. These ratings are based, in part, on the Company's financial position and liquidity as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios.

During 2013, the major credit rating agencies lowered the credit ratings assigned to the Company to non-investment grade; this in turn increased the Company's cost of borrowing under its credit facility. Additional rating downgrades may further increase the Company's cost of borrowing and could adversely affect the Company's ability to access the capital markets and issue additional debt at rates acceptable to the Company. Any increased borrowing costs or an inability to access the capital markets could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position, liquidity and cash flows.

10

Restrictions imposed by the Company's outstanding notes and credit facility may limit the Company's ability to obtain additional financing or to pursue business opportunities.

The Company’s 5.75% and 2.7% notes include covenants that require the Company to offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of par in the event of a change of control of the Company or disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets in combination with a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating to non-investment grade. The Company’s credit facility contains covenants that stipulate a maximum total consolidated debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") ratio of 3.5 to 1.0, limit the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to a maximum of 10% of consolidated tangible assets, and specify a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest charges of 3.0 to 1.0.  These covenants limit the amount of debt the Company may incur, which could limit the Company's ability to obtain additional financing or pursue business opportunities. In addition, the Company's ability to comply with these ratios may be affected by events beyond its control. A breach of any of these covenants or the inability to comply with the required financial ratios could result in a default under the credit facility. In the event of any default under the credit facility, the lenders under the facility could elect to declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest and other fees, to be due and payable, which would cause an event of default under the credit facility. This could, in turn, trigger an event of default under the cross-default provisions of the Company's other outstanding indebtedness.

Failure of financial institutions to fulfill their commitments under committed credit facility and derivative financial instruments may adversely affect the Company's future earnings and cash flows.

The Company has a committed revolving credit facility with financial institutions available for its use, for which the Company pays commitment fees. The credit facility is provided by a syndicate of several financial institutions, with each institution agreeing severally (and not jointly) to make revolving credit loans to the Company in accordance with the terms of the related credit agreement. If one or more of the financial institutions providing the committed credit facility were to default on its obligation to fund its commitment, the portion of the committed facility provided by such defaulting financial institution would not be available to the Company.

The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure either a fixed or floating local currency interest rate. The Company has foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding as part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency operating income and balance sheet exposure. Foreign currency forward exchange 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 unsecured contracts for cross currency interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2014 mature at various times through 2020 and are with major financial institutions. The Company may also enter into derivative contracts to hedge commodity exposures. The Company may be exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the contracts.

The failure of a counterparty to fulfill its obligation under the committed credit facility or derivative financial instruments may have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.

The Company's cash flows and earnings are subject to changes in interest rates.

The Company's total debt at December 31, 2014 was $871.6 million. Of this amount, approximately 17% had variable rates of interest and approximately 83% had fixed rates of interest. The weighted average interest rate of total debt was 4.6%. At current debt levels, a one percentage point increase/decrease in variable interest rates would increase/decrease interest expense by $1.5 million per year. If the Company is unable to successfully manage its exposure to variable interest rates, its results of operations and financial condition may be negatively impacted.

Additionally, whenever the Company refinances fixed rate debt, the new interest rates may negatively impact the Company's results of operations. The interest rates associated with new fixed rate debt are impacted by several factors including, but not limited to, currency, market conditions, term of the borrowings and the financial results of the Company.

A negative outcome on personal injury claims against the Company may adversely impact results of operations and financial condition.

The Company has been named as one of many defendants (approximately 90 or more in most cases) in legal actions 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 majority of the asbestos complaints pending against the Company have been filed in New York. Almost all of the New York complaints contain a standard claim for damages of $20 million or $25 million against the approximately 90 defendants, regardless of the individual plaintiff's alleged medical condition, and without specifically identifying any Company product as the source of plaintiff's asbestos exposure. If the Company is found to be liable in any of these actions and the liability exceeds the Company's insurance coverage, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.

11

Higher than expected claims under insurance policies, under which the Company retains a portion of the risk, could adversely impact results of operations and cash flows.

The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for property, workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile and general and product liability losses. Reserves have been recorded that 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. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had recorded liabilities of $47.9 million and $52.4 million, respectively, related to both asserted and unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $3.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. If actual claims are higher than those projected by management, an increase to the Company's insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded as a charge to income in the period the need for the change was determined. Conversely, if actual claims are lower than those projected by management, a decrease to the Company's insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded as a reduction to expense in the period the need for the change was determined.

The Company is subject to various environmental laws, and the success of existing or future environmental claims against it could adversely impact the Company's results of operations and cash flows.

The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of health, safety and the environment, including those governing discharges to air and water, handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes, the remediation of contaminated sites and the maintenance of a safe workplace. These laws impose penalties, fines and other sanctions for non-compliance and liability for response costs, property damages and personal injury resulting from past and current spills, disposals or other releases of, or exposure to, hazardous materials. The Company could incur substantial costs as a result of non-compliance with or liability for remediation or other costs or damages under these laws. The Company may be subject to more stringent environmental laws in the future, and compliance with more stringent environmental requirements may require the Company to make material expenditures or subject it to liabilities that the Company currently does not anticipate.

The Company is currently 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 under the federal "Superfund" law. At several sites, the Company is currently conducting environmental remediation, and it is probable that the Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain other of these remediation activities. It also is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the Company and that other sites requiring remediation will be identified. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties, and 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.

Volatility in energy prices could reduce the Company's profitability.

The Company's Air-cooled heat exchangers business manufactures products that are utilized within the energy supply chain. These products are used to support the infrastructure investments or expansions, as well as maintain current output levels, of the Company's customers. Volatility and changes in energy prices, both for natural gas and oil, affect the financial performance of certain of the Company's customers and may impact the demand for the Company's products.

Increases or decreases in purchase prices (or selling prices) or availability of steel or other materials and commodities may affect the Company's profitability.

The profitability of the Company's manufactured products is affected by changing purchase prices of steel and other materials and commodities. If raw material costs associated with the Company's manufactured products increase and the costs cannot be transferred to the Company's customers, results of operations would be adversely affected. Additionally, decreased availability of steel or other materials could affect the Company's ability to produce manufactured products in a timely manner. If the Company cannot obtain the necessary raw materials for its manufactured products, then revenues, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Certain services performed by the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment result in the recovery, processing and sale of recovered metals and minerals and other high-value metal by-products to its customers. The selling price of the by-products material is market-based and varies based upon the current fair value of its components. Therefore, the revenue amounts generated from the sale of such by-products material vary based upon the fair value of the commodity components being sold.

12

The Company may not be able to manage and integrate acquisitions successfully.

In the past, the Company has acquired businesses and, on an ongoing basis, continues to evaluate strategic acquisition opportunities that have the potential to support and strengthen the Company. For example, in January 2014, the Company acquired Hammco Corporation ("Hammco"), a provider of process coolers for the natural gas and petrochemical processing industries. The Company can give no assurances that any acquisition opportunities will arise in the future or, if they do, that they will be consummated, or that additional financing or capital, if needed, will be available on satisfactory terms.

In addition, acquisitions involve inherent risks that the businesses acquired will not perform in accordance with the Company's expectations. The Company may not be able to achieve the synergies and other benefits that are expected from the integration of acquisitions as successfully or rapidly as projected, if at all. The Company's failure to effectively integrate newly acquired operations, including the operations of Hammco, could prevent the Company from recognizing expected rates of return on an acquired business and could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows of the Company.

Due to the international nature of the Company's business, the Company could be adversely affected by violations of certain laws.

The Company's policies mandate compliance with certain U.S. and international laws, such as import/export regulations, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws. With regard to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and anti-bribery laws, the Company operates in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. The Company cannot provide assurance that its internal controls and procedures will always prevent reckless or criminal acts by its employees or agents. If the Company is found to be liable for violations of these laws (either due to its own acts, out of inadvertence, or due to the acts or inadvertence of others), the Company could suffer criminal or civil penalties or other sanctions, including limitations on its ability to conduct its business, which could have a material adverse effect on results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

The Company may be unable to achieve, or may be delayed in achieving, its cost-cutting initiatives, strategic initiatives, and portfolio optimization initiatives, and this may adversely affect operating results and cash flow.

As part of its continuing efforts to improve operating efficiencies and reduce operating costs, the Company has in the past implemented numerous cost-cutting initiatives, strategic initiatives, and portfolio optimization initiatives, including initiatives implemented in the fourth quarter of 2013 and throughout 2014. The Company anticipates that it will continue to implement additional initiatives in 2015 and beyond when circumstances warrant. If the Company is unable to achieve, or has any unexpected delays in achieving, the anticipated cost savings and benefits associated with these initiatives, its results of operations and cash flow may be adversely affected. Even if the Company meets the goals pursuant to these initiatives, it may not receive the expected financial benefits of these initiatives.

The Company’s ongoing operations are subject to extensive laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to safety, health and environmental matters that impose significant costs and liabilities on the Company, and future laws and governmental standards could increase these costs and liabilities. 

The Company is subject to a variety of international, federal, state and locallaws and governmental regulations, rules and ordinances regulating the use of certain materials contained in its products and/or used in its manufacturing processes. Many of these laws and governmental standards provide for extensive obligations that require the Company to incur significant compliance costs, and impose substantial monetary fines and/or criminal sanctions for violations. Furthermore, such laws and standards are subject to change and may become more stringent.

In particular, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is reviewing its worker safety standards related to exposure to beryllium, which is a component of Harsco Minerals’ BLACK BEAUTY^® abrasives. Although it is not possible to predict changes in laws or other governmental standards, the development, proposal or adoption of more stringent laws or governmental standards may affect buying decisions by the users of the Company’s products that contain regulated materials or that involve the use of such materials in the manufacturing process. If applicable laws and governmental standards become made more stringent and/or the Company’s customers or other downstream users decide to reduce their use of its products, our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

13

The Company maintains a workforce based upon current and anticipated workload. If the Company does not receive future contract awards or if these awards are delayed, significant cost may result.

The Company's estimates of future performance depend on, among other matters, whether and when the Company will receive certain new contract awards, including the extent to which the Company utilizes its workforce. The rate at which the Company utilizes its workforce is impacted by a variety of factors including the ability to manage attrition; to forecast the need for services, which allows it to maintain an appropriately sized workforce; the ability to transition employees from completed projects to new projects or between segments; and the need to devote resources to non-revenue generating activities such as training or business development. While the Company's estimates are based upon its good faith judgment, these estimates can be unreliable and may frequently change based on newly available information. In the case of large-scale domestic and international projects where timing is often uncertain, it is particularly difficult to predict whether and when the Company will receive a contract award. The uncertainty of contact award timing can present difficulties in matching the Company's workforce size with contract needs. If an expected contract award is delayed or not received, the Company could incur cost resulting from reductions in staff or redundancy of facilities or equipment that could have a material adverse effect on results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.

The success of the Company's strategic ventures depends on the satisfactory performance by strategic venture partners of their strategic venture obligations.

The Company enters into various strategic ventures as part of its strategic growth initiatives as well as to comply with local laws. Differences in opinions or views between strategic venture partners can result in delayed decision-making or failure to agree on material issues which could adversely affect the business and operations of the venture. From time to time in order to establish or preserve a relationship, or to better ensure venture success, the Company may accept risks or responsibilities for the strategic venture that are not necessarily proportionate with the reward it expects to receive. The success of these and other strategic ventures also depends, in large part, on the satisfactory performance by the Company's strategic venture partners of their strategic venture obligations, including their obligation to commit working capital, equity or credit support as required by the strategic venture and to support their indemnification and other contractual obligations. If the Company's strategic venture partners fail to satisfactorily perform their strategic venture obligations as a result of financial or other difficulties, the strategic venture may be unable to adequately perform or deliver its contracted services. Under these circumstances, the Company may be required to make additional investments and provide additional services to ensure the adequate performance and delivery of the contracted services. These additional obligations could result in reduced profits or, in some cases, increased liabilities or significant losses for the Company with respect to the strategic venture. In addition, although the Company generally performs due diligence with regard to potential strategic partners or ventures, a failure by a strategic venture partner to comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations could negatively impact its business and, in the case of government contracts, could result in fines, penalties, suspension or even debarment. Unexpected strategic venture developments could have a material adverse effect on results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The Company may pursue strategic transactions that it believes will maximize equity returns for stockholders but may involve risk.

From time to time, the Company considers strategic transactions that it believes will maximize stockholder's equity returns over the long-term. For example, in 2013, the Company contributed the Harsco Infrastructure division into a strategic venture with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R"). These types of transactions, however, also involve risk, including risk relating to the costs associated with such transactions, the loss of cash flows and market positions of disposed businesses, and the possibility that savings anticipated to result from such transactions may not be realized. There can be no guarantee that these transactions, including the strategic venture with CD&R, will result in cost savings, be accretive to the Company's earnings, improve operating margins and return on capital, or ultimately maximize equity returns for the Company's stockholders.

14

Increased information technology security threats and more sophisticated computer crime pose a risk to the Company's systems, networks, products and services.

The Company relies upon information technology systems and networks in connection with a variety of business activities, some of which are managed by third parties. Additionally, the Company collects and stores data that is of a sensitive nature. The secure operation of these information technology systems and networks, and the processing and maintenance of this data is critical to the Company's business operations and strategy. Information technology security threats - from user error to attacks designed to gain unauthorized access to the Company's systems, networks and data - are increasing in frequency and sophistication. Attacks may range from random attempts to coordinated and targeted attacks, including sophisticated computer crime and advanced persistent threats. These threats pose a risk to the security of the Company's systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of the Company's data. Should an attack on the Company's information technology systems and networks succeed it could expose the Company and the Company's employees, customers, dealers and suppliers to misuse of information or systems, the compromising of confidential information, manipulation and destruction of data, production downtimes and operations disruptions. The occurrence of any of these events could adversely affect the Company's reputation, competitive position, business and results of operations. In addition, such breaches in security could result in litigation, regulatory action and potential liability and the costs and operational consequences of implementing further data protection measures.

The Company's intellectual property portfolio may not prevent competitors from independently developing similar or duplicative products and services.

The Company's patents and other intellectual property may not prevent competitors from independently developing or selling similar or duplicative products and services, and there can be no assurance that the resources invested by the Company to protect the Company's intellectual property will be sufficient or that the Company's intellectual property portfolio will adequately deter misappropriation or improper use of the Company's technology. The Company could also face competition in some countries where the Company has not invested in an intellectual property portfolio. The Company may also face attempts to gain unauthorized access to the Company's IT systems or products for the purpose of improperly acquiring trade secrets or confidential business information. The theft or unauthorized use or publication of the Company's trade secrets and other confidential business information as a result of such an incident could adversely affect the Company's competitive position and the value of the Company's investment in research and development. The Company may be unable to secure or retain ownership or rights to use data in certain software analytics or services offerings. In addition, the Company may be the target of aggressive and opportunistic enforcement of patents by third parties, including non-practicing entities. Regardless of the merit of such claims, responding to infringement claims can be expensive and time-consuming. If the Company is found to infringe any third-party rights, the Company could be required to pay substantial damages or could be enjoined from offering some of the Company's products and services. Also, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to obtain or renew from third parties the licenses needed in the future, and there is no assurance that such licenses can be obtained on reasonable terms.

Union disputes or other labor matters could adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results.

Some of the Company's employees are represented by labor unions in a number of countries under various collective bargaining agreements with varying durations and expiration dates. There can be no assurance that any current or future issues with the Company's employees will be resolved or that the Company will not encounter future strikes, work stoppages or other types of conflicts with labor unions or the Company's employees. The Company may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate collective bargaining agreements in the United States and other countries when they expire. If the Company fails to renegotiate existing collective bargaining agreements, the Company could encounter strikes or work stoppages or other types of conflicts with labor unions. In addition, existing collective bargaining agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage at the Company's facilities in the future. The Company may also be subject to general country strikes or work stoppages unrelated to the Company's business or collective bargaining agreements. A work stoppage or other limitations on production at the Company's facilities for any reason could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, many of the Company's customers and suppliers have unionized work forces. Strikes or work stoppages experienced by the Company's customers or suppliers could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

15

Item 2.    Properties.

Operations of Harsco Corporation and its subsidiaries are conducted at both owned and leased properties in domestic and international locations. The Company's executive offices are located at 350 Poplar Church Road, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011 and are owned. The following table describes the location and principal use of the Company's more significant properties.

Location	Principal Products	Interest
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Coronel Fabriciano, Brazil	Minerals and Resource Recovery Technologies	Owned
East Chicago, Indiana, United States	Minerals and Resource Recovery Technologies	Owned
Mitterdorf, Austria	Minerals and Resource Recovery Technologies	Leased
Sarver, Pennsylvania, United States	Minerals and Resource Recovery Technologies	Owned
Sorel—Tracy, Canada	Minerals and Resource Recovery Technologies	Leased
Taiyuan City, China	Minerals and Resource Recovery Technologies	Owned and Leased
Timoteo, Brazil	Minerals and Resource Recovery Technologies	Leased
Warren, Ohio, United States	Minerals and Resource Recovery Technologies	Owned
Drakesboro, Kentucky, United States	Roofing Granules/Abrasives	Owned
Gary, Indiana, United States	Roofing Granules/Abrasives	Owned
Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, United States	Roofing Granules/Abrasives	Owned
Moundsville, West Virginia, United States	Roofing Granules/Abrasives	Leased
Harsco Rail Segment
Brendale, Australia	Rail Maintenance Equipment	Owned
Ludington, Michigan, United States	Rail Maintenance Equipment	Owned
West Columbia, South Carolina, United States	Rail Maintenance Equipment	Owned
Harsco Industrial Segment
Catoosa, Oklahoma, United States	Heat Exchangers	Owned and Leased
Owasso, Oklahoma, United States	Heat Exchangers	Leased
Sapulpa, Oklahoma, United States	Heat Exchangers	Leased
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, United States	Heat Transfer Products	Owned
Channelview, Texas, United States	Industrial Grating Products	Owned
Garrett, Indiana, United States	Industrial Grating Products	Leased
Leeds, Alabama, United States	Industrial Grating Products	Owned
Queretaro, Mexico	Industrial Grating Products	Owned

The Harsco Metals business, which is part of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, principally operates on customer-owned sites and has administrative offices in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and Leatherhead, United Kingdom.

The above table includes the principal properties owned or leased by the Company. The Company also operates from a number of other smaller plants, warehouses and offices in addition to the above. The Company considers all of its properties at which operations are currently performed to be in satisfactory condition and suitable for their intended use.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

Information regarding legal proceedings is included in Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

16

Supplementary Item.    Executive Officers of the Registrant

Set forth below, at March 2, 2015, are the executive officers of the Company and certain information with respect to each of them. Except as otherwise set forth below, each executive officer was last elected to his or her respective position effectiveFebruary 20, 2015. All terms expire on April 26, 2016. There are no family relationships among any of the executive officers.

Name	Age	Position with the Company
Executive Officers:
F. Nicholas Grasberger, III	51	President and Chief Executive Officer
Peter F. Minan	53	Chief Financial Officer
A. Verona Dorch	47	Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary
Richard E. Lundgren, Jr.	57	Senior Vice President and Group President-Harsco Metals & Minerals
Scott H. Gerson	44	Vice President and Group President–Harsco Industrial
Scott W. Jacoby	48	Vice President and Group President–Harsco Rail
Tracey L. McKenzie	47	Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officers

F. Nicholas Grasberger, III

President and Chief Executive Officer since August 1, 2014, and became a member of the Board of Directors on April 29, 2014. Served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from April 22, 2013 to November 11, 2014, and President and Chief Operating Officer from April 8, 2014 to August 1, 2014. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Grasberger was Managing Director of Fenner Plc’s Precision Polymer division from March 2011 to April 2013. From April 1, 2009 to November 9, 2009 he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Armstrong Building Products. From January 2005 to March 31, 2009 he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Prior to his employment with Armstrong, Mr. Grasberger served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kennametal Inc. from 2000 to 2004.

Peter F. Minan

Chief Financial Officer since November 11, 2014. Mr. Minan has an extensive background in global financial management acquired through a nearly 30-year career with KPMG from 1983 to 2012. He became a partner at KPMG in 1993 and served as global lead partner for several multi-national Fortune 500 industrial and consumer audits. His roles included National Managing Partner, U.S. Audit practice, and Partner in Charge, Washington/Baltimore Audit practice. His most recent role was with Computer Sciences Corporation, where he served as Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Audit from 2012 to 2013.

A. Verona Dorch

Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary since June 5, 2012. Served as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary from April 26, 2011 to June 4, 2012, as Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary from January 1, 2008 to April 25, 2011 and as Assistant General Counsel from July 6, 2006 to December 31, 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Dorch served as a senior associate in the Virginia and San Francisco offices of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP and worked in Tokyo, Japan for 2 1/2 years. Before that, she held senior legal positions with leading law firms in New York and Boston.

Richard E. Lundgren, Jr.

Senior Vice President and Group President–Harsco Metals & Minerals since April 7, 2014. Mr. Lundgren has extensive experience as an operations executive, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer for Shale-Inland Holdings, a leading distribution company for specialty metal products from 2012 to 2013. Prior to that, he was President of Tyco Thermal Controls, a global operating division of Tyco International, from 2006 to 2012. Mr. Lundgren started his career with Monsanto Company and later served in several senior roles in Huntsman Corporation.

Scott H. Gerson

Vice President and Group President–Harsco Industrial since January 25, 2011. Served as Vice President and Group President– Harsco Industrial and Chief Information Officer from July 6, 2010 to January 24, 2011. Served as Chief Information Officer from April 4, 2005 to July 6, 2010. Prior to joining the Company on April 4, 2005, Mr. Gerson was with Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc., where he served as IT director of their worldwide application services. He has also served in IT management capacities with Compaq Computers and TRW Inc.

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Scott W. Jacoby

Vice President and Group President–Harsco Rail since July 6, 2010. Served as President of Harsco Rail from April 2009 to July 2010. Served as Vice President and General Manager of Harsco Track Technologies from August 2007 to April 2009. Served as Vice President and General Manager of Air- X-Changers from April 2005 to August 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Jacoby held senior management positions in the Harsco Industrial business group. Prior to joining the Company in 1995, Mr. Jacoby began his career with Mack Trucks.

Tracey L. McKenzie

Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer since September 2014. Prior to joining Harsco in September 2014, Ms. McKenzie served as Global HR Vice President for JLG Industries, a leader in the manufacturing sector for advanced aerial lift systems.  Ms. McKenzie previously held executive level HR positions in her native Australia, and worked at Pacific Scientific Aerospace (a division of Danaher).  

18

PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Harsco Corporation common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. At December 31, 2014, there were 80,659,850 shares outstanding. In 2014, the Company's common stock traded in a range of $16.48 to $28.19 and closed at $18.89 at year-end. At December 31, 2014, there were approximately 11,700 stockholders. There are no significant limitations on the payment of dividends included in the Company's loan agreements. For additional information regarding Harsco Corporation's common stock market price and dividends declared, see Dividend Action under Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and the Common Stock Price and Dividend Information under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." For additional information on the Company's equity compensation plans see Part III, Item 11, "Executive Compensation."

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (a)
October 1, 2014-October 31, 2014	—	$	—	—	2,000,000
November 1, 2014-November 30, 2014	—	—		—	2,000,000
December 1, 2014-December 31, 2014	150,000	19.09		—	1,850,000
Total	150,000	$	19.09	—

(a) At December 31, 2014, 1,850,000 shares remained available for repurchase under the Company's share repurchase program. Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased an additional 596,632 shares. The Company's share repurchase program expired on January 31, 2015.

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Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

Five-Year Statistical Summary

(In thousands, except per share, employee information and percentages)	2014			2013 (a)			2012			2011				2010
Statement of operations information
Revenues from continuing operations	$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018		$	3,302,740			$	3,038,678
Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(24,902	)	$	(226,449	)	$	(253,693	)	$	(9,447	)		$	10,885
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	110			(1,492		)	(919		)	(2,063		)		(4,131		)
Net income (loss)	(24,792		)	(227,941		)	(254,612		)	(11,510		)		6,754
Financial position and cash flow information
Working capital	$	116,262		$	231,986		$	428,868		$	377,163			$	387,082
Total assets	2,263,801			2,441,748			2,975,969			3,338,877				3,469,220
Long-term debt	829,709			783,158			957,428			853,800				849,724
Total debt	871,645			810,904			969,266			908,772				884,932
Depreciation and amortization	176,326			237,041			272,117			310,441				315,239
Capital expenditures	(207,978		)	(246,147		)	(265,023		)	(313,101		)		(192,348		)
Cash provided by operating activities	225,846			188,255			198,879			298,776				401,427
Cash provided (used) by investing activities	(228,680		)	62,685			(219,268		)	(255,822		)		(202,023		)
Cash used by financing activities	(21,794		)	(248,664		)	(4,546		)	(39,554		)		(171,521		)
Ratios
Return on average equity (b)	(4.4		)%	(29.1		)%	(21.7		)%	(0.6		)%		0.7		%
Current ratio (c)	1.2		:1	1.4		:1	1.7		:1	1.5		:1		1.5		:1
Per share information attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
Basic—Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)	$	(0.12	)		$	0.14
Loss from discontinued operations	—			(0.02		)	(0.01		)	(0.03		)		(0.05		)
Net income (loss)	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.82	)	$	(3.16	)	$	(0.14	)	(d)	$	0.08		(d)
Diluted—Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)	$	(0.12	)		$	0.13
Loss from discontinued operations	—			(0.02		)	(0.01		)	(0.03		)		(0.05		)
Net income (loss)	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.82	)	$	(3.16	)	$	(0.14	)	(d)	$	0.08
Other information
Book value per share (e)	$	4.44		$	7.52		$	10.69		$	15.16			$	18.23
Cash dividends declared per share	0.820			0.820			0.820			0.820				0.820
Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding	80,884			80,755			80,632			80,736				80,761
Number of employees	12,200			12,300			18,500			19,650				19,300

(a) Includes impacts of the Infrastructure Transaction consummated on November 26, 2013.

(b) Return on average equity is calculated by dividing income (loss) from continuing operations by average equity throughout the year.

(c) Current ratio is calculated by dividing total current assets by total current liabilities.

(d) Does not total due to rounding.

(e) Book value per share is calculated by dividing total equity by shares outstanding.

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Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Harsco Corporation (the "Company") provided under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Amounts included in this Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K 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) the Company's ability to successfully implement and receive the expected benefits of cost-reduction and restructuring initiatives, including the achievement of expected cost savings in the expected time frame; (18) the ability to successfully implement the Company's strategic initiatives and portfolio optimization and the impact of such initiatives, such as the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment's Improvement Plan ("Project Orion"); (19) the ability of the strategic venture between the Company and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R") to effectively integrate the Company's Infrastructure business and the Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services business and realize the synergies contemplated by the transaction; (20) the Company's ability to realize cost savings from the divestiture of the Infrastructure business, as well as the transaction being accretive to earnings and improving operating margins and return on capital; (21) the amount ultimately realized from the Company's exit from the strategic venture between the Company and CD&R and the timing of such exit; (22) risk and uncertainty associated with intangible assets; and (23) 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 this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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.

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Executive Overview

In November 2013, the Company consummated the previously announced transaction to sell the Company's Harsco Infrastructure Segment into a strategic venture with CD&R as part of a transaction that combines the Harsco Infrastructure Segment with Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., which CD&R simultaneously acquired (the "Infrastructure Transaction"). The Company has contributed substantially all of the Company's equity interest in, and the net assets of, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to the strategic venture in exchange for $300 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments, and an approximate 29% equity interest in the resulting entity (the "Infrastructure strategic venture" or "Brand"). The Company recorded an additional loss on disposal of $3.9 million during 2014. Further adjustment to the loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment may be necessary as the result of the final valuation of certain items. The Company does not expect that the ultimate conclusion of these items will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, overall global steel production increased modestly while mill utilization remained relatively flat during 2014. Nickel prices and related demand increased moderately during 2014 when compared with the prior year, with the Company also realizing contributions from the ramp-up of new contracts at certain locations. Offsetting these benefits were the impact of certain lost contracts, charges from the Company's actions initiated under Project Orion, charges associated with two steel mill customers in receivership protection and the Company's decisions during the year to address certain underperforming contracts.

In May 2014, the Company began executing Project Orion after conducting an analysis of the business to identify opportunities to improve its core processes and to simplify its organizational structure. The goals of Project Orion are improving financial returns and providing higher and more consistent levels of value added services to customers by improving the bid and contract management process, improving underperforming contracts and simplifying operational structures. The Company incurred $12.0 million in charges related to phases one and two of Project Orion during 2014. As a result of actions initiated under phase one of Project Orion during 2014, the Company realized compensation savings of approximately $6 million for the full year ended December 31, 2014, or approximately $17 million on an annualized basis, with benefits from phase two actions expected to commence in 2015. Annual recurring benefits from compensation and other operational savings under phases one and two of Project Orion are expected to be approximately $24 million and $13 million, respectively. Please see Note 19, Restructuring Programs, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.

In connection with Project Orion's focus on underperforming contracts, during 2014 the Company recorded pre-tax charges of $47.5 million primarily for site exit costs and non-cash long-lived asset impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of assets at certain sites to fair value based upon the expected future realizable cash flows, including anticipated selling prices, based on the Company's strategic decisions made through the course of the year. The possibility exists that the Company may take similar strategic actions with respect to other underperforming assets at certain sites that may result in additional exit costs and non-cash asset impairment charges in the future when such decisions are finalized.

As the Company has previously disclosed, one of the Company's large steel mill customers in Europe filed for protection under Italian receivership procedures (the "Marzano Law"). During 2013, the Company recorded a bad debt reserve of $2.6 million on receivables with this customer. During 2014, the customer terminated its contract with the Company under the provisions of the Marzano Law. As a result of this termination, the Company recorded an additional bad debt reserve of $3.9 million on the remaining pre-receivership receivables with this customer during 2014. The Company also recorded an additional charge of $7.7 million during 2014 primarily for non-cash long-lived asset impairments to reduce the carrying value of assets used at the customer's site to fair value based upon the expected future realizable cash flows, including anticipated selling prices. Additionally, the Company recorded a bad debt reserve of $2.6 million during 2014 for one of its Canadian steel mill customers that filed for receivership protection during the course of the year as the Company has previously disclosed. The amount of the bad debt reserve for this customer represents the full pre-receivership balance.

The Harsco Rail Segment's 2014 results benefited from robust demand for its after-market parts and contract services. Partially offsetting these benefits was a decline in the volume of equipment deliveries when compared to 2013, most notably from the decreased volume attributable to completing the large contract with the China Railway Corporation, formerly the China Ministry of Railways (the "CRC").

The Harsco Industrial Segment recorded another strong performance during 2014, led by favorable volume increases in its air-cooled heat exchangers and industrial boilers businesses in the North American market and the benefits from its acquisition of Hammco Corporation ("Hammco") during January 2014. The Hammco acquisition provides the Harsco Industrial Segment with an entry into the process cooler market. The Segment experienced decreased demand in the Asia-Pacific market for its air-cooled heat exchangers and in the North American market for its industrial grating products.

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Revenues by Segment

(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013		Change			%
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	1,377.6	$	1,359.0	$	18.6		1.4	%
Harsco Infrastructure (a)	—		885.4		(885.4		)	(100.0	)
Harsco Industrial	412.5		366.0		46.6			12.7
Harsco Rail	275.6		286.2		(10.6		)	(3.7	)
Total Revenues	$	2,065.7	$	2,896.5	$	(830.8	)	(28.7	)%

(a) In November 2013, the Company consummated the Infrastructure Transaction and, accordingly, there is no revenue for the Harsco Infrastructure Segment for 2014. The results of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from January 1, 2013 through the date of closing are reported in the Company's results of operations for 2013.

Revenues by Region

(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013		Change			%
Western Europe	$	588.2	$	1,061.3	$	(473.1	)	(44.6	)%
North America	940.9		1,094.3		(153.4		)	(14.0	)
Latin America (b)	247.9		317.6		(69.7		)	(21.9	)
Asia-Pacific	157.5		186.3		(28.8		)	(15.5	)
Middle East and Africa	66.5		154.6		(88.0		)	(57.0	)
Eastern Europe	64.7		82.5		(17.8		)	(21.5	)
Total Revenues	$	2,065.7	$	2,896.5	$	(830.8	)	(28.7	)%

(b) Includes Mexico.

Revenues for the Company totaled $2.1 billion and $2.9 billion for 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change is primarily related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that was disposed of as part of the Infrastructure Transaction in the fourth quarter of 2013. Foreign currency translation decreased revenues by $20.0 million for 2014 in comparison with the prior year. Revenues from the Company's targeted growth markets (those outside North America and Western Europe) were approximately 26% of total revenues in 2014 and 2013.

Operating Income (Loss) by Segment (c)

(Dollars in millions)	2014			2013			Change			%
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	9.9		$	95.3		$	(85.5	)	(89.7	)%
Harsco Infrastructure (d)	—			(255.3		)	255.3			100.0
Harsco Industrial	63.7			59.0			4.7			8.0
Harsco Rail	37.1			27.7			9.4			34.0
Corporate (e)	(47.2		)	(61.5		)	14.3			23.2
Total Operating Income (Loss)	$	63.5		$	(134.8	)	$	198.3		147.1	%

Operating Margins by Segment (c)

	2014		2013
Harsco Metals & Minerals	0.7	%	7.0	%
Harsco Infrastructure (d)	—		(28.8	)
Harsco Industrial	15.4		16.1
Harsco Rail	13.5		9.7
Consolidated Operating Margin	3.1	%	(4.7	)%

(c) The Company has reclassified segment operating results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 to conform to the revised manner in which the Company now allocates corporate expenses to operating segments as a result of changes in organizational structure resulting from the Infrastructure Transaction, which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2013. The changes do not impact the Company's previously reported consolidated revenues from continuing operations, operating income (loss) from continuing operations or income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income.

(d) In November 2013, the Company consummated the Infrastructure Transaction and, accordingly, there is no operating income (loss) for the Harsco Infrastructure Segment for 2014. The results of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from January 1, 2013 through the date of closing are reported in the Company's results of operations for 2013.

(e) For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, Corporate includes a $6.1 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs. Additionally, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, Corporate includes net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plans retained by the Company as part of the Infrastructure Transaction of $5.7 million.

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Operating income from continuing operations for 2014 was $63.5 million compared with an operating loss from continuing operations of $134.8 million in 2013. 

Factors Positively Affecting Operating Income:

• Year over year decline in the loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment including transaction costs of $291.4 million recorded during 2013 compared with $6.1 million recorded during 2014.

• Year over year decline in the non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge on rail grinders used in providing contract services in the Harsco Rail Segment of $9.0 million recorded during 2013 compared with $0.6 million recorded during 2014.

Factors Negatively Impacting Operating Income:

• Project Orion restructuring charges of $12.0 million recorded during 2014.

• Charges of $47.5 million recorded during 2014, primarily for site exit costs and non-cash long-lived asset impairment charges, associated with strategic actions from Project Orion's focus on underperforming contracts.

• Administrative costs increased by $17.9 million during 2014 primarily attributable to increased consulting costs to support Project Orion, inflationary measures on compensation and welfare benefits and site ramp-ups in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment..

• Increased bad debt reserve of $3.9 million and a charge of $7.7 million, primarily for non-cash long lived asset impairment, for the Company's large steel mill customer in Europe in receivership, and a bad debt reserve of $2.6 million for one of the Company's Canadian steel mill customers that filed for receivership protection.

• Increased reserves for various Brazilian labor claims of $7.5 million for the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

This change in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations, the non-cash Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability related to the Infrastructure Transaction and a decrease in income taxes were the primary drivers of the diluted loss per share from continuing operations for 2014 of $0.31 compared with a loss of $2.80 for 2013.

The Company continues to have sufficient available liquidity and has been able to obtain all necessary financing. The Company currently expects operational and business needs to be covered by cash from operations supplemented with borrowings from time to time due to historical patterns of seasonal cash flow and for the funding of various projects. See Liquidity and Capital Resources under Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for further discussion on cash flows.

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment:

Significant Effects on Revenues (In millions)
Revenues—2013	$	1,359.0
Net effects of price/volume changes, primarily attributable to volume changes.	78.5
Net impact of new contracts and lost contracts (including exited underperforming contracts).	(40.1		)
Impact of foreign currency translation.	(19.8		)
Revenues—2014	$	1,377.6

Factors Positively Affecting Operating Income:

• Nickel prices increased 12% during 2014 compared with 2013.

• Increased global steel production in the metals services business. Overall, steel production by customers under services contracts increased 2% during 2014 compared with 2013.

• Compensation savings of $6.0 million realized under phase one of Project Orion.

• Impact of the ramp-up of new contracts and exited underperforming contracts of $12.6 million during 2014 compared with 2013.

Factors Negatively Impacting Operating Income:

• Project Orion restructuring charges of $12.0 million recorded during 2014.

• Charges of $47.5 million recorded during 2014, primarily attributable to site exit costs and non-cash long-lived asset impairment charges, associated with strategic actions from Project Orion's focus on underperforming contracts.

• Increased bad debt reserve of $3.9 million and a charge of $7.7 million, primarily for non-cash long-lived asset impairment, as a result of a contract termination during 2014 for one of the Company's steel mill customers in Europe in receivership.

• Administrative costs increased by $17.9 million during 2014 primarily attributable to increased consulting costs to support Project Orion, inflationary measures on compensation and welfare benefits and site ramp-ups.

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• Increased bad debt reserve of $2.6 million, net of value added tax, recorded during 2014 for one of the Company's Canadian steel mill customers that filed for receivership.

• Reserves for Brazilian labor and non-income tax claims increased by $7.5 million.

• Increased bad debt reserves of $3.6 million, net of value added tax, recorded during 2014 for one of the Company's steel mill customers in Europe as a result of missed progress payments.

• Reduced operating income of $2.8 million from the impacts of foreign currency translation.

Harsco Industrial Segment:

Significant Effects on Revenues (In millions)
Revenues—2013	$	366.0
Effect of Hammco acquisition.	32.7
Net effects of price/volume changes, primarily attributable to volume changes.	15.9
Impact of foreign currency translation.	(2.1		)
Revenues—2014	$	412.5

Factors Positively Affecting Operating Income:

• Incremental effect of $1.4 million attributable to the acquisition of Hammco in January 2014, a U.S. manufacturer of high specifications air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas and petrochemical processing markets.

• Higher gains from sale of assets of $1.3 million during 2014 compared with 2013.

• Improved demand in North America for air-cooled heat exchangers and industrial boilers.

Factors Negatively Impacting Operating Income:

• Decreased demand in the Asia-Pacific market for air-cooled heat exchangers.

• Decreased demand for industrial grating products.

• Foreign currency translation did not significantly impact operating income in 2014 compared with 2013.

Harsco Rail Segment:

Significant Impacts on Revenues (In millions)
Revenues—2013	$	286.2
Net impacts of price/volume changes, primarily attributable to volume changes.	(12.5		)
Effect of foreign currency translation.	1.9
Revenues—2014	$	275.6

Factors Positively Affecting Operating Income:

• Robust demand for after-market parts increased operating income by $10.3 million during 2014 compared with 2013.

• Year over year decline in the non-cash long lived asset impairment charge on certain rail grinders used in providing contract services of $9.0 million in 2013 compared with $0.6 million for 2014.

Factors Negatively Impacting Operating Income:

• Decreased volume from equipment sales, primarily due to the completion of the large contract with the CRC, that decreased operating income by $2.9 million during 2014 compared with 2013.

• Increased administrative costs of $3.9 million during 2014 compared with 2013 primarily due to inflationary measures on compensation, increased professional fees, and increased costs associated with international expansion.

• Increased material costs of $2.7 million during 2014 compared with 2013.

• Foreign currency translation did not significantly impact operating income in 2014 when compared with 2013.

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Outlook, Trends and Strategies

Despite uncertainties in the global economy, along with the challenges of global steel production and related pricing, the Company believes it is positioned to execute actions in the short- to medium-term to transform the Company to generating top quartile returns for its stockholders. Through a disciplined focus on return based capital allocations and business portfolio strategies, the Company expects its transformation process will enable it to generate returns above its cost of capital with a balanced business portfolio without endangering its financial profile with unreasonable leverage.

These business portfolio strategies will focus on improving the performance of the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment through executing Project Orion, which is aimed at driving operational efficiencies through simplifying its business model, establishing necessary protocols to facilitate better contract outcomes and improving the mix of its products and services with higher value added offerings. For the Harsco Rail and Industrial Segments, the Company will focus on disciplined growth organically and through acquisitions that improve these businesses' competitive positions in core markets or adjacent market spaces. The Company will continue to pursue cost-reduction and efficiency initiatives, including Continuous Improvement, which have significantly reduced, and are expected to continue to reduce, the Company's cost structure and further enhance its financial strength without diminishing its services and products capabilities. As part of these initiatives, the Company will continue to focus on developing an active, lean corporate center that optimizes corporate costs while continuing to develop value added activities to support the Company in its transformation.

The Company's expansion into targeted growth markets; its diversity of services and products in industries that are fundamental to global growth; its long-term mill services and minerals supply contracts; its return based capital allocations and business portfolio strategies; its focus on executing cost reduction and efficiency initiatives; and the 29% equity interest in Brand, help mitigate the Company's overall long-term exposure to changes in the economic outlook in any single economy or industry. However, deterioration of global economies and industries could still have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The following significant items, risks, trends and strategies are expected to affect the Company in 2015 and beyond:

• The Company will focus on the goal of providing top quartile returns for its stockholders by balancing its portfolio of businesses, and by executing its strategic and operational strategies with reasonable amounts of financial leverage.

• The Company will focus on executing Project Orion to generate compensation and other operational savings in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

• The Company will continue to build and develop strong core capabilities and develop an active and lean corporate center that balances costs with value added services.

• Management will continue to be selective and disciplined in allocating capital by rigorously analyzing projects and utilizing a return based capital allocation process.

• The Company will focus on growing the Harsco Industrial and Harsco Rail Segments through disciplined organic expansion and acquisitions that improve these businesses' competitive positioning in core markets or adjacent market spaces. Management will target acquisitive growth that provides synergistic benefits to the Company, either through cost synergies from combined platforms or revenue synergies from expanded offerings and scalability.

• The Company expects that the Infrastructure Transaction will provide synergies and growth potential in the Infrastructure strategic venture that create additional value for the Company's equity interest upon exit in the future.

• The Company will continue to place a strong focus on disciplined growth and expansion into targeted emerging markets to grow and improve the balance of its geographic footprint. More specifically, the Company's global growth strategies include steady, targeted expansion, particularly in Asia-Pacific, the Gulf Region of the Middle East and Africa to further complement the Company's already strong presence throughout Europe and North America. Growth is expected to be achieved through the provision of additional services to existing customers, new higher margin contracts and higher valued added service offerings in both developed and targeted growth markets, and targeted strategic ventures and partnerships. Over time, a balanced geographic footprint should also benefit the Company through further diversification of its customer base.

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Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment:

• The Company will focus on improving the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment's returns through executing Project Orion. The goals of Project Orion are improving financial returns and providing higher and more consistent levels of value added services to customers by improving the bid and contract management process, improving underperforming contracts and simplifying operational structures. The Company expects annualized, recurring benefits in the form of compensation and other operational savings of approximately $37 million from Project Orion.

• The Company will continue its focus on ensuring that forecasted profits for contracts meet certain established requirements and deliver returns above its cost of capital. Project Orion's focus is intended to enable the Company to address underperforming contracts more rapidly with targeted actions to improve the operational efficiencies of the business through central protocols to monitor activities, structures and systems that aid in decision making, and processes designed to identify the best strategic actions available to address underperforming contracts and its overall contract portfolio. 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.

• The Company will continue to focus on winning contracts in emerging markets where steel production is increasing and where the customers value the Company's environmental solutions.

• The Company will emphasize prudent global expansion of its on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing business for extracting high-value metallic content from slag and responsibly handling and recycling residual materials. Environmental services provide growth opportunities in the on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing business as additional outsourced functions in slag management of stainless steel and other high-value metals arise.

• Over the past several years, the Company has been in discussions with officials at the Supreme Council for Environment in Bahrain with regard to a processing by-product ("salt cakes") located at Hafeera.  The Company is currently assessing the options available for processing or removing the salt cakes.  To the extent the Company is unable to find commercially viable opportunities to market the salt cakes, it may be required to incur the cost of moving the salt cakes to another location.  The impact of any such removal on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows cannot be determined at this time, but may be significant.

Harsco Industrial Segment:

• The Company anticipates recent oil price volatility to continue to impact capital expenditures and overall spending in the natural gas, natural gas processing and petrochemical industries. Accordingly, these factors may negatively impact revenue and operating income in 2015 in the Harsco Industrial Segment.

• The Company will continue to focus on product innovation and development to drive strategic growth in its businesses.

• 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 market spaces. The Company acquired Hammco in January 2014 as part of the Company's focus on growing the Harsco Industrial Segment through disciplined expansion. This acquisition provides the Harsco Industrial Segment with an entry into the process cooler market.

Harsco Rail Segment:

• The outlook for this Segment continues to be favorable. The global demand for railway maintenance-of-way equipment, parts and services continues to be strong, giving positive indication of further opportunities. The Company anticipates modest organic growth in its after-market parts business and expected deliveries of existing equipment orders.

• The success in China has been leveraged to secure several new orders in other geographies. The Company secured a second contract award worth over $100 million through 2017 from the federal railway system of Switzerland (the "SBB"), during 2014. The award comes as a follow-on option to the Company's previously awarded contract with the SBB worth more than $100 million. The Company's capabilities to compete and deliver on large projects provides increased opportunities to build out its pipeline further, and enables the Company to continue to pursue other large projects.

• The Harsco Rail Segment expects to develop a larger presence in certain developing countries as track construction and maintenance needs grow.  Additionally, sales opportunities along with strategic acquisitions and/or strategic ventures in the Harsco Rail Segment will be considered if the appropriate strategic opportunities arise.

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Results of Operations for 2014, 2013 and 2012

(In millions, except per share information and percentages)	2014			2013			2012
Revenues from continuing operations	$	2,065.7		$	2,896.5		$	3,046.0
Cost of services and products sold	1,646.8			2,234.2			2,349.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses	285.3			481.1			503.3
Research and development expenses	6.3			9.6			9.1
Goodwill impairment charge	—			—			265.0
Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	6.1			291.4			—
Other expenses	57.8			15.1			93.8
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	63.5			(134.8		)	(174.8		)
Interest income	1.7			2.1			3.7
Interest expense	(47.1		)	(49.7		)	(47.4		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	(9.7		)	(1.0		)	—
Income tax expense from continuing operations	(27.2		)	(34.9		)	(35.3		)
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated entities, net	(1.6		)	1.5			0.6
Loss from continuing operations	(20.4		)	(216.7		)	(253.2		)
Diluted loss per common share from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	(0.31		)	(2.80		)	(3.15		)
Effective income tax rate for continuing operations	326.5		%	(19.0		)%	(16.1		)%

Comparative Analysis of Consolidated Results

Revenues

Revenues for 2014decreased$830.8 million or 29% from 2013. This decrease was attributable to the following significant items:

Changes in Revenues - 2014 vs. 2013	(In millions)
Revenue decrease following the Infrastructure Transaction.	$	(885.4	)
Net impact of new contracts and lost contracts (including exited underperforming contracts) in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.	(40.1		)
Impact of foreign currency translation.	(20.0		)
Net change in revenues in the Harsco Rail Segment, primarily attributable to the completion of the large China contract with CRC.	(12.4		)
Net effects of price/volume changes in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, primarily attributable to volume changes.	78.5
Net increased revenues in the Harsco Industrial Segment, primarily attributable to the effects of its business acquisition.	48.6
Total change in revenues - 2014 vs. 2013	$	(830.8	)

Revenues for 2013 decreased $149.5 million or 5% from 2012. This increase was attributable to the following significant items:

Changes in Revenues - 2013 vs. 2012	(In millions)
Net decreased revenues in the Harsco Rail Segment due principally to the completion of the large contract with the CRC.	$	(64.2	)
Impact of timing of the Infrastructure Transaction.	(62.9		)
Exited underperforming contracts in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.	(38.9		)
Impact of foreign currency translation.	(21.6		)
Impact of exited operations in certain countries in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.	(12.4		)
Net increased revenues in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment due principally to increased volumes and mix.	24.9
Increased market demand with gains in market share in the principally energy-related and industrial grating markets served by the businesses in the Harsco Industrial Segment.	13.8
Net increased revenues in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment due to price/volume, primarily attributable to volume changes.	11.8
Total change in revenues - 2013 vs. 2012	$	(149.5	)

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Cost of Services and Products Sold

Cost of services and products sold for 2014decreased$587.4 million or 26% from 2013. This decrease was attributable to the following significant items:

Change in Cost of Services and Products Sold - 2014 vs. 2013	(In millions)
Impact of timing of Infrastructure Transaction.	$	(636.6	)
Impact of foreign currency translation.	(21.9		)
Increased costs due to changes in revenues (exclusive of the effect of foreign currency translation, the effects of the timing of the Infrastructure Transaction, and the impact of fluctuations in commodity costs included in selling prices).	52.3
Other.	18.8
Total Change in Cost of Services and Products Sold 2014 vs. 2013	$	(587.4	)

Cost of services and products sold for 2013 decreased $115.3 million or 5% from 2012. This increase was attributable to the following significant items:

Change in Cost of Services and Products Sold - 2013 vs. 2012	(In millions)
Impact of timing of Infrastructure Transaction.	$	(61.3	)
Impact of foreign currency translation.	(24.4		)
Decreased costs due to changes in revenues (exclusive of the effect of foreign currency translation, and including the impact of restructuring program savings and the impact of fluctuations in commodity costs included in selling prices).	(17.5		)
Impact of exited operations in certain countries in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.	(12.1		)
Total Change in Cost of Services and Products Sold 2013 vs. 2012	$	(115.3	)

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2014decreased$195.8 million or 41% from 2013. This decrease was attributable to the following significant items:

Changes in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses - 2014 vs. 2013	(In millions)
Impact of timing of Infrastructure Transaction.	$	(228.2	)
Increased compensation expense due to inflation, incentives, and retained pension costs from the Infrastructure Transaction.	15.3
Increased bad debt expense.	7.0
Increased commission expense.	4.3
Increased professional fees.	4.1
Other.	1.7
Total Change in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 2014 vs. 2013	$	(195.8	)

Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2013 decreased $22.3 million or 4% from 2012. This increase was attributable to the following significant items:

Changes in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses - 2013 vs. 2012	(In millions)
Decreased compensation expense due to the realization of cost savings benefits from restructuring activities, exited operations in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, and timing of the Infrastructure Transaction.	$	(20.0	)
Decreased commissions primarily due to lower sales in the Harsco Rail Segment.	(6.7		)
Decreased insurance expense.	(2.2		)
Lower bad debt expense.	(1.0		)
Effect of foreign currency translation.	(0.7		)
Increased professional fees.	9.0
Other.	(0.7		)
Total Change in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 2013 vs. 2012	$	(22.3	)

Loss on Disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and Transaction Costs

The Company recorded an additional loss on disposal of $3.9 million during 2014. Additionally, the Company incurred $2.2 million of transaction costs during 2014 in conjunction with the Infrastructure Transaction.

Please see Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

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Other Expenses

This income statement classification includes: restructuring program costs for employee termination benefits, net gains on the disposal of non-core assets, impaired asset write-downs, product line rationalization and costs to exit activities. The most significant change in Other expenses relates to restructuring program costs for employee termination benefits primarily incurred under Project Orion and for site exit costs and non-cash long-lived asset impairment charges associated with Project Orion's focus on addressing underperforming contracts during 2014 in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment. Additional information on Other expenses is included in Note 17, Other expenses, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded pre-tax Other expenses of $57.8 million, $15.1 million and $93.8 million, respectively. The major components of this income statement caption are as follows:

	Other (Income) Expenses
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net gains	$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)
Employee termination benefits costs	19,120			3,928			31,158
Costs to exit activities	4,908			5,382			38,626
Product line rationalization	—			—			24,966
Impaired asset write-downs	39,455			9,688			7,152
Other (income) expense	1,059			769			(2,278		)
Total	$	57,824		$	15,110		$	93,776

Interest Expense

2014 vs. 2013

Interest expense in 2014 was $47.1 million, a decrease of $2.5 million or 5% compared with 2013. The decrease primarily reflects lower average borrowings over the course of the year after consummating the Infrastructure Transaction.

2013 vs. 2012

Interest expense in 2013 was $49.7 million, an increase of $2.3 million or 5% compared with 2012. The increase primarily reflects higher average borrowings prior to the Infrastructure Transaction.

Change in Fair Value to the Unit Adjustment Liability

This caption represents the non-cash fair value adjustment to the Company's unit adjustment liability related to the Infrastructure Transaction since November 26, 2013.

As part of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company is required to make quarterly payments to its partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture. The resulting liability is reflected in the caption, Unit adjustment liability, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company will recognize the change in the fair value of the unit adjustment liability each period until the Company is no longer required to make these payments or chooses not to make these payments. The change in the fair value of the unit adjustment liability is a non-cash expense. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized expense of $9.7 million and $1.0 million related to the change in the fair value of the unit adjustment liability.

The Company's obligation to make such quarterly payments will cease upon the earlier of (i) Brand achieving $487.0 million in last twelve months' EBITDA for three quarters, which need not be consecutive, or (ii) eight years after the closing of the Infrastructure Transaction. In addition, upon the initial public offering of Brand, the Company's quarterly payment obligation will decrease by the portion of CD&R's ownership interest sold and is eliminated completely once CD&R's ownership interest in Brand falls below 20%. In the event of a liquidation event of Brand, CD&R is entitled to a liquidation preference of approximately $336 million, plus any quarterly payments that had been paid in kind.

The Company intends to make these quarterly payments in cash and will continue to evaluate the implications of making payments in cash or in kind based upon performance of the Infrastructure strategic venture. In the future, should the Company decide not to make the cash payment, the value of both the equity method investment in Brand and the related unit adjustment liability may be impacted, and the change may be reflected in earnings in that period.

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Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations

2014 vs. 2013

Income tax expense from continuing operations in 2014 was $27.2 million, a decrease of $7.7 million compared with 2013. This decrease was principally due to restructuring and asset impairment charges in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment for which no tax benefit was recorded. The effective income tax rate relating to continued operations for 2014 was 326.5% versus (19.0)% for 2013. The effective income tax rate changed between 2013 and 2014 primarily due to restructuring and asset impairment charges from the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment for which no tax benefit was recorded.

2013 vs. 2012

Income tax expense from continuing operations in 2013 was $34.9 million, a decrease of $0.3 million compared with 2012. This slight decrease was due to the tax effects of the jurisdictional mix of the $291.4 million non-cash long lived asset impairment charge and transaction costs from the Infrastructure Transaction, valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets within certain foreign jurisdictions that Infrastructure operated and additional tax costs of cash repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction. The effective income tax rate relating to continued operations for 2013 was (19.0)% versus (16.1)% for 2012. The effective income tax rate changed between 2012 and 2013 primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of the $291.4 million non-cash long lived asset impairment charge and transaction costs for the Infrastructure Transaction in 2013 compared with $265.0 million non-deductible, non-cash goodwill impairment charges recorded during 2012, tax expense recorded for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets within certain foreign jurisdictions that Infrastructure operated, and for the additional tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction.

For additional detail, see Note 11, Income Taxes, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Loss from Continuing Operations

2014 vs. 2013

A loss from continuing operations in 2014 of $20.4 million was $196.3 million lower than the loss from continuing operations in 2013 of $216.7 million. This decrease was principally driven by: the year over year decline in the loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs of $291.4 million recorded during 2013 compared with $6.1 million recorded during 2014; Project Orion restructuring charges of $12.0 million recorded during 2014; charges of $47.5 million recorded during 2014, primarily for site exit costs and non-cash long-lived asset impairment charges, associated with strategic actions from Project Orion's focus on underperforming contracts; and increased expense of $8.8 million for the change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

2013 vs. 2012

A loss from continuing operations in 2013 of $216.7 million was $36.5 million lower than the loss from continuing operations in 2012 of $253.2 million. This decrease was principally driven by non-repeated restructuring charges associated with the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program of $94.5 million and the pre-tax $265.0 million goodwill impairment charge in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, partially offset by the $291.4 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs for the Infrastructure Transaction, and lower volume in the Harsco Rail Segment.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

The Company continues to have sufficient available liquidity and has been able to obtain all necessary financing. The Company currently expects operational and business needs to be met by cash from 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 continues to implement and perform on capital efficiency initiatives to enhance liquidity. These initiatives have included: prudent reduction of capital spending to projects where the highest returns can be achieved while redeploying existing capital investments; optimization of worldwide cash positions; reductions in discretionary spending; and frequent evaluation of customer and business-partner credit risk.

During 2014, the Company generated $225.8 million in operating cash flow, an increase from the $188.3 million generated in 2013. The Company disbursed $6.6 million of cash 2014 for restructuring costs associated with the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program and Project Orion, which are described in Note 19, Restructuring Programs, under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," compared to $13.7 million associated with the Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program and the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program in 2013. In 2014, the Company invested $208.0 million in capital expenditures, mostly for the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, compared with $246.1 million invested in 2013. The Company paid approximately $66 million in dividends to stockholders in both 2014 and 2013.

The Company's net cash borrowings increased by $55.3 million in 2014 principally due to increased credit facility borrowings related to the Hammco acquisition and the payment of the unit adjustment liability, which are described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions and Note 5, Equity Method Investments, under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,". The Company’s total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio was 3.1 to 1.0 at December 31, 2014.

The Company plans to redeploy discretionary cash for disciplined organic growth and international or market-segment diversification; for growth in long-term, higher-return service contracts for the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, principally in targeted growth markets or for customer diversification; and for strategic investments or possible acquisitions in the Harsco Rail and Harsco Industrial Segments. The Company also foresees continuing its long and consistent history of paying dividends to stockholders.

The Company continues its focus on improving working capital efficiency. The Company's Continuous Improvement initiatives are being used to further improve effective and efficient use of working capital, particularly in accounts receivable and inventories.

The Company generated $15.0 million in cash flow from asset sales in 2014 compared with $19.0 million in 2013. Asset sales have been a normal part of the Company's business model, primarily for the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

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Cash Requirements

The following summarizes the Company's expected future payments related to contractual obligations and commercial commitments at December 31, 2014:

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments at December 31, 2014 (a)

			Payments Due by Period
(In millions)	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		After 5 years
Short-term borrowings	$	16.7	$	16.7	$	—	$	—	$	—
Long-term debt (including current maturities and capital leases)	854.9		25.2		374.8		454.6		0.3
Projected interest payments on long-term debt (b)	106.2		37.5		58.5		10.2		—
Pension obligations (c)	33.7		33.7		—		—		—
Operating leases (non-cancellable) (d)	65.1		14.6		18.1		7.6		24.8
Purchase obligations (e)	172.5		148.1		24.4		—		—
Cross currency interest rate swaps (f)	530.4		26.8		54.6		224.2		224.8
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts (g)	468.8		468.8		—		—		—
Unit adjustment liability (h)	121.3		22.3		44.6		44.6		9.8
Total contractual obligations (i)	$	2,369.6	$	793.7	$	575.0	$	741.2	$	259.7

(a) See Note 5, Equity Method Investments; Note 8, Debt and Credit Agreements; Note 9, Operating Leases; Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans; Note 11, Income Taxes; and Note 15, Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional disclosures on the unit adjustment liability; short-term borrowings and long-term debt (including capital leases); operating leases; pensions; income taxes; and cross currency interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward exchange contracts, respectively.

(b) The total projected interest payments on long-term debt are based upon borrowings, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates at December 31, 2014. The interest rates on variable-rate debt and the foreign currency exchange rates are subject to changes beyond the Company's control and may result in actual interest expense and payments differing from the amounts projected above.

(c) Amounts represent expected employer contributions to the defined benefit pension plans for the next year. The Company expects to make a minimum of $33.7 million in cash contributions to its defined benefit pension plans during 2015. Previously the Company included expected benefit payments to participants over the next 10 years in this caption.

(d) The increase in contractual obligations related to operating leases (non-cancellable) since December 31, 2013 relates primarily to the new facility lease agreement for the Harsco Industrial Segment's Air-cooled heat exchangers business in Tulsa, OK.

(e) Purchase obligations represent legally binding obligations to purchase property, plant and equipment, inventory and other commitments made in the normal course of business to meet operations requirements. The increase in purchase obligations relates primarily to raw materials commitments for the Harsco Rail Segment related to the SBB project that commenced in 2014.

(f) Amounts represent the notional value of the cross currency interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2014. Due to the nature of these contracts, there will be offsetting cash flows of approximately $599 million to these obligations. The cross currency interest rate swaps are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.

(g) Amounts represent the notional value of the foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2014. Due to the nature of these contracts, there will be offsetting cash flows of approximately $469 million to these obligations, with the difference recognized as a gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(h) Amounts represent expected payments related to the unit adjustment liability that resulted from the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional information on the unit adjustment liability.

(i) At December 31, 2014, in addition to the above contractual obligations, the Company had $12.3 million of potential long-term tax liabilities, including interest and penalties, related to uncertain tax positions. Because of the high degree of uncertainty regarding the future cash flows associated with these potential long-term tax liabilities, the Company is unable to estimate the years in which settlement will occur with the respective taxing authorities. These long-term tax liabilities may be partially offset by loss carry forwards of $7.8 million which may be recognized upon the resolution of certain uncertain tax positions.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following table summarizes the Company's contingent commercial commitments at December 31, 2014. These amounts are not included on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets since there are no current circumstances known to management indicating that the Company will be required to make payments on these contingent commercial commitments.

Commercial Commitments at December 31, 2014

			Amount of Commercial Commitment Expiration Per Period
(In millions)	Total		Less than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		Over 5 Years		Indefinite Expiration
Standby letters of credit	$	97.5	$	89.2	$	7.7	$	0.6	$	—	$	—
Guarantees	80.5		15.5		—		—		8.0		57.0
Performance bonds (a)	97.6		96.0		—		—		—		1.6
Other commercial commitments	11.4		—		—		—		—		11.4
Total commercial commitments	$	287.0	$	200.7	$	7.7	$	0.6	$	8.0	$	70.0

(a) The increase in performance bonds relates primarily to advance payments for the Harsco Rail Segment related to the contract awards from the SBB that commenced in 2014.

Certain commercial commitments that are of a continuous nature do not have an expiration date and are therefore considered to be indefinite in nature. Please refer to Note 15, Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional disclosures related to off-balance sheet agreements.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are cash from operations and borrowings under its Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), 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 prior years, for which limited cash is currently required, are a significant source of cash from operations.  Depreciation expense related to these capital investments is a non-cash charge. 

Major uses of operating cash flows and borrowings include: capital investments, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment; payroll costs and related benefits; dividend payments; pension funding payments; inventory purchases for the Harsco Rail and Harsco Industrial Segments; income tax payments; debt principal and interest payments; insurance premiums and payments of self-insured casualty losses; payment of the unit adjustment liability; and machinery, equipment, automobile and facility lease payments.

Resources Available for Cash Requirements for Operational and Growth Initiatives

In addition to utilizing cash from operations and cash proceeds from asset sales, the Company has bank credit facilities available throughout the world. Public markets are also accessed through discrete-term note issuance to investors.  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 these sources to meet its future cash requirements for operations and growth initiatives.

The following table illustrates available credit at December 31, 2014:

(In millions)	Facility Limit		Outstanding Balance		Available Credit
Multi-year revolving credit facility	$	525.0	$	98.5	$	426.5

In March 2012, the Company entered into the Credit Agreement providing for $525.0 million of borrowing capacity through a syndicate of 14 banks.  The Credit Agreement matures in March 2017.  The Company has the option to increase the borrowing capacity available under the Credit Agreement to $550 million. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available in most major currencies with active markets and at interest rates based upon LIBOR, plus a margin.

On September 12, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No.1 ("Amendment No. 1") to the Credit Agreement. In addition to certain administrative and conforming modifications, Amendment No. 1 replaced the total consolidated debt to total consolidated capital ratio debt covenant. That debt covenant was replaced by a debt covenant for total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, which is not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company expensed $0.4 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 1.

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On December 20, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 ("Amendment No. 2") to the Credit Agreement.  Amendment No. 2 modified certain defined terms to reflect the impact of the Infrastructure Transaction. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company expensed $0.3 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 2.

During the third quarter of 2013, the Company's U.S. commercial paper program was canceled. The cancellation of the Company's U.S. commercial paper program had no impact on the Company's liquidity and capital resources because the Company had sufficient available credit under the Credit Agreement.

Additionally, the Company retired the $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% notes, due September 15, 2013, at maturity using borrowings under the Credit Agreement; which were repaid during the fourth quarter of 2013 using proceeds from the Infrastructure Transaction.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $98.5 million and $35.0 million, respectively, of Credit Agreement borrowings outstanding. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, all such balances were classified as long-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Classification of such balances is based on the Company's ability and intent to repay such amounts over the subsequent twelve months, as well as reflects the Company's ability and intent to borrow for a period longer than a year.To the extent the Company expects to repay any amounts within the subsequent twelve months, the amounts are classified as short-term borrowings.

During 2015, the Company intends to refinance the 2.7% notes, due October 15, 2015, with new long-term borrowings and to amend or replace the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2014, the Company's 2.7% notes due October 15, 2015 are classified as long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet based on the Company's intent to refinance this debt using debt capital markets and ability to refinance this debt using borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

See Note 8, Debt and Credit Agreements, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for more information on the Company's Credit Agreement.

Credit Ratings and Outlook

The following table summarizes the Company's current debt ratings:

Rating Agency	Long-term Notes	Watch / Outlook
Standard & Poor's (S&P)	BB+	Negative Outlook
Moody's	Ba1	Stable Outlook
Fitch	BBB-	Negative Outlook

Any future downgrades to the Company’s credit ratings may increase borrowing costs to the Company, while an improvement in the Company’s credit ratings may decrease such costs.  However, any future downgrades in the Company’s credit ratings will not reduce availability under the Credit Agreement.

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Working Capital Position

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

(Dollars are in millions)	December 31 2014			December 31 2013			Increase (Decrease)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	62.8		$	93.6		$	(30.8	)
Trade accounts receivable, net	325.1			353.2			(28.1		)
Other receivables, net	28.1			46.5			(18.3		)
Inventories	177.3			155.7			21.6
Assets held-for-sale	1.4			114.0			(112.6		)
Other current assets	87.1			75.8			11.3
Total current assets	681.8			838.8			(156.9		)
Current Liabilities
Short-term borrowings and current maturities	41.9			27.7			14.2
Accounts payable	146.5			181.4			(34.9		)
Accrued compensation	53.8			53.1			0.7
Income taxes payable	2.0			7.2			(5.2		)
Advances on contracts	117.4			24.1			93.3
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	—			109.2			(109.2		)
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	8.1			25.0			(16.8		)
Unit adjustment liability	22.3			22.3			—
Other current liabilities	173.5			156.8			16.7
Total current liabilities	565.6			606.8			(41.2		)
Working Capital	$	116.3		$	232.0		$	(115.7	)
Current Ratio (a)	1.2		:1	1.4		:1

(a) Calculated as Current assets / Current liabilities

Working capital decreased$115.7 million or 49.9% in 2014 due primarily to the following factors:

• Working capital was negatively impacted by an increase in Advances on contracts of $93.3 million due to increased customer advances in the Harsco Rail Segment;

• Working capital was negatively impacted by a decrease in Cash and cash equivalents of $30.8 million due to usage of existing cash to help fund the Company’s capital expenditures and operations;

• Working capital was negatively impacted by a decrease in Trade accounts receivable, net of $28.1 million due to an increased provision for doubtful accounts, the timing of invoicing and collections, primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and foreign currency translation;

• Working capital was negatively impacted by a decrease in Other receivables of $18.3 million due to the final working capital settlement related to the Infrastructure Transaction;

• Working capital was negatively impacted by an increase in Other current liabilities of $16.7 million primarily due to the timing of payment of other accruals and foreign currency translation; and

• Working capital was negatively impacted by an increase in Short-term borrowings and current maturities of $14.2 million due to the increase in borrowings and the repayment requirements of the Company's borrowings.

These working capital decreases were partially offset by the following:

• Working capital was positively affected by a decrease in Accounts payable of $34.9 million primarily due to the timing of payments primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and foreign currency translation;

• Working capital was positively affected by an increase in Inventories of $21.6 million due primarily to the increased purchases in the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Industrial Segments and long lead times associated with orders in the Harsco Rail Segment, partially offset by foreign currency translation;

• Working capital was positively affected by a decrease in Due to unconsolidated affiliate of $16.8 million due to the timing of settlement of balances; and

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• Working capital was positively affected by an increase in Other current assets of $11.3 million due to timing of disbursements related to prepaid expenses.

The net impact of the settlement of Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale related to the Infrastructure Transaction did not have a significant impact on the Company's working capital at December 31, 2014.

Certainty of Cash Flows

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.

At December 31, 2014, the Company's metals services contracts had estimated future revenues of $4.5 billion at expected production levels, compared with $5.4 billion at December 31, 2013. This decrease is primarily due to exit activities associated with strategic actions from Project Orion's focus on underperforming contracts of various customers and impact of foreign currency translation during 2014. There are no significant metals services contracts for which the costs to complete the contract are currently estimated to exceed the revenue to be realized included in the above estimated future revenues.

At December 31, 2014, the Company's railway track maintenance services and equipment business had estimated future revenues of $348.8 million compared with $229.4 million at December 31, 2013. This increase is primarily due to an additional contract award worth over $100 million through 2017 from the SBB partially offset by shipments during 2014. The railway track maintenance services and equipment business includes items with long lead times necessary to build certain equipment. In addition, at December 31, 2014, the Company had an order backlog of $146.9 million in the Harsco Industrial Segment. This compares with $83.9 million at December 31, 2013. This increase is primarily due to bookings during the second-half of 2014 in the air-cooled heat exchangers business and the acquisition of Hammco in January 2014.

Order backlogs for roofing granules and slag abrasives, and for the reclamation and recycling services of high-value content from steelmaking slag, are excluded from the above amounts. These amounts are generally not quantifiable due to the short order lead times for certain services and the nature and timing of the products and services provided.

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 on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, are summarized in the following table:

(In millions)	2014			2013			2012
Net cash provided (used) by:
Operating activities	$	225.8		$	188.3		$	198.9
Investing activities	(228.7		)	62.7			(219.3		)
Financing activities	(21.8		)	(248.7		)	(4.5		)
Impact of exchange rate changes on cash	(6.1		)	(3.9		)	(1.0		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	$	(30.8	)	$	(1.6	)	$	(25.9	)

Cash provided by operating activities— Net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 was $225.8 million, an increase of $37.5 million from 2013. The increase is primarily attributable to increased customer advances and decreased incentive bonus payments, partially offset by the timing of accounts receivable invoicing and collections, the timing of accounts payable disbursements, and an increase of inventories. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2013 was $188.3 million, a decrease of $10.6 million from 2012. The decrease was primarily due to net decreased working capital, partially offset by a reduction in restructuring payments and higher net income (excluding the impact of non-cash impairment charges).

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Included in the Cash flows from operating activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows is the caption, Other, net. In 2014, this caption consisted of principally the impact of non-cash impaired asset write-downs related to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment. In 2013, there were no individually significant components of this caption. In 2012, this caption consisted of principally of the non-cash impact of gains and losses on the sale of assets not included in the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program, as well as $10.9 million of non-cash cumulative currency translation adjustment gains associated with the exit from certain countries in 2012.

Also included in the Cash flows from operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is the caption, Other assets and liabilities. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the decreases in this caption were $46.3 million and $26.4 million respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the increase in this caption was $12.5 million. A summary of the major components of this caption for the periods presented is as follows:

(In millions)	2014			2013			2012
Net cash provided by (used in):
Change in net defined benefit pension liabilities	$	(27.8	)	$	(16.1	)	$	(12.7	)
Change in prepaid expenses	(15.8		)	(2.7		)	30.2
Other	(2.7		)	(7.6		)	(5.0		)
Total	$	(46.3	)	$	(26.4	)	$	12.5

Cash provided (used) by investing activities — Net cash used by investing activities in 2014 was $228.7 million, an increase of $291.4 million from 2013. The net increase was primarily due to net proceeds from the Infrastructure Transaction of $303.0 million received in 2013 and the acquisition of Hammco and payment of the unit adjustment liability in 2014. Partially offsetting this increase were a lower level of capital expenditures, primarily related to no longer having capital expenditures for the Infrastructure Segment. Capital investments decreased $38.2 million compared with 2013. In 2013, net cash provided by investing activities was $62.7 million consisting primarily of net proceeds from the Infrastructure Transaction of $303.0 million, partially offset by capital investments of $246.1 million. Capital investments decreased $18.9 million compared with 2012.

Cash used by financing activities — Net cash used in financing activities in 2014 was $21.8 million, a decrease of $226.9 million from 2013.  The change was primarily due to use of cash proceeds from the Infrastructure Transaction to repay outstanding borrowings in 2013 and to increased credit facility borrowings related to the Hammco acquisition and payment of the unit adjustment liability in 2014. In 2013, net cash used in financing activities was $248.7 million, an increase of $244.1 million from 2012. The increase was primarily due to use of cash proceeds from the Infrastructure Transaction to repay outstanding borrowings.

Debt Covenants

The Company's Credit Agreement contains covenants that provide for a maximum total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0, limit the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to a maximum of 10% of consolidated tangible assets and require a minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest charges ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. The Company’s 5.75% and 2.70% notes include covenants that require the Company to offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of par in the event of a change of control of the Company or disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets in combination with a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating to non-investment grade.  At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these covenants as the total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio was 3.1 to 1.0, the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to consolidated tangible assets was 5.8% and consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest charges was 6.9 to 1.0. Based on balances at December 31, 2014, the Company could increase borrowings by $128.5 million and still be in compliance with these debt covenants.  Alternatively, keeping all other factors constant, the Company's EBITDA could decrease by $36.7 million and the Company would still be within these debt covenants.

The Company expects to continue to be in compliance with the Company's debt covenants for at least the next twelve months. However, due to the seasonality of the Company’s cash flows, during the first half of 2015 the Company could see a decrease in available liquidity due to the limitations of the current debt covenants.  The Company expects to amend its Credit Agreement in the first quarter of 2015 to provide additional liquidity while remaining in compliance with the Credit Agreement’s terms.

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

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which the Company operates. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of its banks and when appropriate will adjust its banking operations to reduce or eliminate exposure to less credit worthy banks. The Company plans to continue its strategy of targeted, prudent investing for strategic purposes for the foreseeable future and to make more efficient use of existing investments.

At December 31, 2014, the Company's consolidated cash and cash equivalents included $61.2 million held by non-U.S. subsidiaries. At December 31, 2014, less than 10% of the Company's consolidated cash and cash equivalents had regulatory restrictions that would preclude the transfer of funds with and among subsidiaries. The cash and cash equivalents held by non-U.S. subsidiaries also included $18.2 million held 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 on-going working capital needs and continued growth of the Company's non-U.S. operations.

The Company currently expects to continue paying dividends to stockholders. In February 2015, the Company paid its 259th consecutive quarterly cash dividend. In February 2015, the Company also declared its 260th consecutive quarterly cash dividend, payable in May 2015.

The Company's financial position and debt capacity should enable it to meet current and future requirements. As additional resources are needed, the Company should be able to obtain funds readily and at competitive costs. The Company intends to continue investing in high-return, organic growth projects and prudent, strategic alliances and ventures; reduce debt; and pay cash dividends as a means of enhancing stockholder value.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates, including those related to defined benefit pension benefits, notes and accounts receivable, goodwill, long-lived asset impairment, inventories, insurance reserves, legal and other contingencies, and income taxes. The impact of changes in these estimates, as necessary, is reflected in the respective segment's results of operations in the period of the change. The Company bases estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different outcomes, assumptions or conditions.

The Company believes the following critical accounting policies are affected by the Company's more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting estimates described below with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Board") and they have reviewed the Company's disclosures relating to these estimates in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. These items should be read in conjunction with Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Defined Benefit Pension Benefits

The Company has defined benefit pension plans in several countries. The largest of these plans are in the United Kingdom and the United States. The Company's funding policy for these plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet the minimum funding pursuant to U.K. and U.S. statutory requirements, plus any additional amounts that the Company may determine to be appropriate.

The Company continues to evaluate alternative strategies to further reduce overall net periodic pension cost including the consideration of converting the remaining defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans; the ongoing evaluation of investment fund managers' performance; the balancing of plan assets and liabilities; the risk assessment of multiemployer pension plans; the possible merger of certain plans; the consideration of incremental cash contributions to certain plans; and other changes that could reduce future net periodic pension cost volatility and minimize risk.

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Changes in the discount rate assumption and the actual performance of plan assets compared with the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets are the primary drivers in the change in funded status of the Company's defined benefit pension plans. These factors are components of actuarial loss (gain) and impact the amount recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss), as such actuarial changes are not reflected directly in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, but amortized over time in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The tables below show the underfunded status of the Company's combined defined benefit pension plans, global weighted average discount rate at year end, the comparison of actual and expected return on plan assets and Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to pension liability adjustments. The change in the underfunded status from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 reflects lower discount rates for both the U.K. and U.S. plans, as well as the adoption of the updated mortality table in RP-2014 published by the Society of Actuaries' Retirement Plans Experience Committee for the U.S. plans. The change in the underfunded status from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 reflects higher discount rates, the impact of transferring certain defined benefit pension plans to the Infrastructure strategic venture as part of the Infrastructure Transaction, performance of overall equity markets resulting in higher actual returns on plan assets and increased employer contributions. The change in underfunded status from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012 reflects moderate changes in underfunded status as actual asset returns in excess of expected returns helped counteract the impact of decreases in the discount rate.

(In millions)	December 31 2014			December 31 2013			December 31 2012			December 31 2011
Underfunded status	$	350.5		$	237.8		$	384.1		$	343.6
Global weighted average discount rate	3.7		%	4.7		%	4.2		%	4.7		%

(In millions)	For the Years Ended December 31
	2014			2013		2012
Actual return on plan assets	$	96.0		$	100.5	$	85.6
Expected return on plan assets	66.7			62.6		60.7
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to pension liability adjustments, pre-tax	(127.1		)	106.7		(61.2		)

The Company made cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans of $35.7 million, $32.9 million and $36.0 million during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Additionally, the Company expects to make a minimum of $33.7 million in cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans during 2015.

Critical Estimate—Defined Benefit Pension Benefits

Accounting for defined benefit pension plans requires the use of actuarial assumptions. The principal assumptions used include the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Each assumption is reviewed annually and represents management's best estimate at that time. The assumptions are selected to represent the average expected experience over time and may differ in any one year from actual experience due to changes in capital markets and the overall economy. These differences will impact the amount of unfunded benefit obligation and the expense recognized.

The discount rates used in calculating the Company's projected benefit obligations at the December 31, 2014 measurement date for the U.K. and U.S. defined benefit pension plans were 3.6% and 3.9%, respectively, and the global weighted-average discount rate was 3.7%. The discount rates selected represent the average yield on high-quality corporate bonds at the measurement dates. Annual net periodic pension cost is determined using the discount rates at the beginning of the year. The discount rates for 2014 expense were 4.6% for the U.K. plan, 4.7% for the U.S. plans and 4.7% for the global weighted-average of plans. Net periodic pension cost and the projected benefit obligation generally increase as the selected discount rate decreases.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is determined by evaluating the asset return expectations with the Company's advisors as well as actual, long term, historical results of asset returns for the pension plans. Generally the net periodic pension cost increases as the expected long term rate of return on assets decreases. For both 2015 and 2014, the global weighted-average expected long-term rate of return on asset assumption is 7.0%. This rate was determined based on a model of expected asset returns for an actively managed portfolio.

Changes in defined benefit net periodic pension cost may occur in the future due to changes in actuarial assumptions and due to changes in returns on plan assets resulting from financial market conditions. Holding all other assumptions constant, using December 31, 2014 plan data, a one-half percent increase or decrease in the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would increase or decrease annual 2014 pre-tax defined benefit net periodic pension cost as follows:

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Approximate Changes in Pre-tax Defined Benefit Net Periodic Pension Cost

	U.S. Plans	U.K. Plan
Discount rate
One-half percent increase	Decrease of less than $0.1 million	Decrease of $1.9 million
One-half percent decrease	Increase of $0.1 million	Increase of $1.9 million
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
One-half percent increase	Decrease of $1.1 million	Decrease of $3.7 million
One-half percent decrease	Increase of $1.1 million	Increase of $3.7 million

Increases or decreases to the net pension obligations may be required should circumstances that affect these estimates change. Additionally, certain events could result in the pension obligation changing at a time other than the annual measurement date. This would occur when a benefit plan is amended or when plan curtailments or settlements occur. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional disclosures related to these items.

Notes and Accounts Receivable

Notes and accounts receivable are stated at their net realizable value through the use of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability or unwillingness of customers to make required payments. The Company has policies and procedures in place requiring customers to be evaluated for creditworthiness prior to the execution of new service contracts or shipments of products. These reviews are structured to minimize the Company's risk related to realizability of receivables. Despite these policies and procedures, the Company may at times still experience collection problems and potential bad debts due to economic conditions within certain industries (e.g., construction and steel industries), countries or regions in which the Company operates. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, trade accounts receivable of $325.1 million and $353.2 million, respectively, were net of reserves of $15.1 million and $6.6 million, respectively. The increase in Allowance for doubtful accounts since December 31, 2013, relates primarily to two European customers and one North American customer in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

Critical Estimate—Notes and Accounts Receivable

A considerable amount of judgment is required to assess the realizability of receivables, including the current creditworthiness of each customer, related aging of past due balances and the facts and circumstances surrounding any non-payment. The Company's provisions for bad debts during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $9.9 million, $10.2 million and $11.3 million, respectively.

On a monthly basis, customer accounts are analyzed for collectability. Reserves are established based upon a specific-identification method as well as historical collection experience, as appropriate. The Company also evaluates specific accounts when it becomes aware of a situation in which a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to a deterioration in its financial condition, credit ratings, bankruptcy or receivership. The reserve requirements are based on the facts available to the Company and are re-evaluated and adjusted as additional information is received. Reserves are also determined by using percentages (based upon experience) applied to certain aged receivable categories. Specific issues are discussed with corporate management, and any significant changes in reserve amounts or the write-off of balances must be approved by a specifically designated corporate officer. All approved items are monitored to ensure they are recorded in the proper period. Additionally, any significant changes in reserve balances are reviewed to ensure the proper corporate approval has occurred.

If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in their inability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Conversely, an improvement in a customer's ability to make payments could result in a decrease of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts related to both of these situations would be recorded through Operating income (loss) from continuing operations in the period the change was determined. As previously disclosed during the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a bad debt reserve of $2.6 million on receivables with a large steel mill customer who filed for protection under the Marzano Law. During the second quarter of 2014, the customer terminated its contract with the Company under the provisions of the Marzano Law. As a result, during the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an additional bad debt reserve of $3.9 million on the remaining pre-receivership receivables with this customer. During the second quarter of 2014, one of the Company’s steel mill customers in Europe missed normal progress payments.  The Company has approximately $8 million of receivables, excluding value added tax, with this customer.  During the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a bad debt reserve of $3.6 million related to this receivable.  The Company believes the remaining amounts are collectible; however, if there is an adverse change in the Company's view on collectability, there could be a charge against income in future periods. Additionally, the Company recorded a bad debt reserve of $2.6 million during 2014 for one of its Canadian steel mill customers that filed for receivership

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protection during the course of the year as the Company has previously disclosed.  The amount of the bad debt reserve for this customer represents the full pre-receivership balance.

The Company has not materially changed the methodology for calculating allowances for doubtful accounts for the years presented. See Note 4, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional disclosures related to these items.

Goodwill

The Company's goodwill balances were $416.2 million and $431.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1. The Company has five reporting units (only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2014). The Company's reporting units are the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, the Harsco Rail Segment and the air-cooled heat exchanger business of the Harsco Industrial Segment. Almost all of the Company's goodwill is allocated to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

Critical Estimate—Goodwill

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

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

The performance of the Company’s 2014 annual impairment tests did not result in any impairment of the Company’s goodwill.

For the Company's 2014 annual goodwill impairment test, the average annual revenue growth rates over the duration of the DCF models ranged from 1.9% to 3.0%. The average annual cash flow growth rates over the duration of the DCF models ranged from 3.0% to 9.1%. The WACCs used in the 2014 annual goodwill impairment test ranged from 9.50% to 10.75%.

The Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment reporting unit's fair value at October 1, 2014 was approximately 10% more than the net book value. The related DCF model for this reporting unit included several key assumptions related to Project Orion and the expected benefits to be realized by this business initiative. Significant assumptions utilized in the DCF model include a WACC of 10.75% and average annual cash flow growth rate of 3.9%. Had the average annual cash flow growth rate been lowered by approximately 100 basis points, this reporting unit's book value would have exceeded fair value and the Company would have been required to proceed to the second step of the annual goodwill impairment test. Additionally, should the expected benefits associated with Project Orion not materialize as anticipated or the Company's analysis in the future indicates an increase in discount rates or a degradation in the overall markets served by the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, it may result in an impairment of the Harsco Metal & Minerals Segment goodwill.

42

The first step of the 2012 annual goodwill impairment test indicated that the net book value of the Harsco Infrastructure reporting unit exceeded its current fair value, requiring the Company to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In performing the second step of the goodwill impairment test, the Company compared the implied fair value of goodwill for the Harsco Infrastructure reporting unit to its carrying value. This analysis resulted in a non-cash, goodwill impairment charge of $265.0 million, which was recognized during the fourth quarter of 2012. This charge had no impact on the Company's cash flows or compliance with debt covenants. The facts and circumstances leading to the goodwill impairment of the Harsco Infrastructure reporting unit primarily relate to a prolonged downturn in the European markets versus what was expected earlier in 2012 and its impact on the timing for near-term cash flows. The performance of the Company's 2012 annual goodwill impairment test did not result in any impairment for the Company's remaining reporting units.

It is important to note that fair values that could be realized in an actual transaction could differ materially from those used to evaluate the annual goodwill impairment test. The Company has not materially changed its methodology for goodwill impairment testing for the years presented. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for additional disclosure related to these items.

Long-lived Asset Impairment

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the book value of an asset may be impaired. During 2013, the Company recorded a $271.3 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment related to the Infrastructure Transaction. Additionally, the amounts charged against pre-tax income from continuing operations related to impaired long-lived assets included in the caption, Other expenses, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations were $39.5 million, $9.7 million and $7.2 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively. The increase in long-lived asset impairments in 2014 was incurred principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment as part of Project Orion.

Critical Estimate—Asset Impairment

The determination of a long-lived asset impairment involves significant judgments based upon short-term and long-term projections of future asset performance. If the undiscounted cash flows associated with an asset do not exceed the asset's book value, impairment loss estimates would be based upon the difference between the book value and fair value of the asset. The fair value is generally based upon the Company's estimate of the amount that the assets could be bought or sold for in a transaction between willing parties. If quoted market prices for the asset or similar assets are unavailable, the fair value estimate is generally calculated using a DCF model. Should circumstances change that affect these estimates, additional impairment charges may be required and would be recorded through income in the period the change was determined.

As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company recorded an estimated non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge of $241.3 million during the third quarter of 2013. The Company recorded an additional loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment of $30.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2013 related to the Infrastructure Transaction. The increased loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from September 30, 2013 was due principally to the final valuation of the equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture and changes in working capital and other adjustments.  

The Company has not materially changed the methodology for calculating long-lived asset impairments for the years presented. U.S. GAAP requires consideration of all valuation techniques for which market participant inputs can be obtained without undue cost and effort. The use of a DCF model continues to be an appropriate method for determining fair value, however, methodologies such as quoted market prices must also be evaluated. See Note 17, Other Expenses, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional disclosure related to these items.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory balances are adjusted for estimated obsolete or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated market value. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, inventories of $177.3 million and $155.7 million, respectively, are net of lower of cost or market reserves and obsolescence reserves of $10.0 million and $9.7 million, respectively.

Critical Estimate—Inventories

In assessing the ultimate realization of inventory balances, the Company is required to make judgments as to future demand and compare these with the current or committed inventory levels. If actual market conditions are determined to be less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required and would be recorded through Operating income (loss) from continuing operations in the period the determination is made. Additionally, the Company records reserves to adjust a substantial portion of its U.S. inventory balances to the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method

43

of inventory valuation. In adjusting these reserves throughout the year, the Company estimates its year-end inventory costs and quantities. At December 31 of each year, the reserves are adjusted to reflect actual year-end inventory costs and quantities. During periods of inflation, the LIFO expense usually increases and during periods of deflation it decreases. These year-end adjustments resulted in pre-tax expense of $1.8 million in 2014, pre-tax income of $1.7 million in 2013 and pre-tax expense of $0.5 million in 2012.

The Company has not materially changed the methodology for calculating inventory reserves for the years presented. See Note 4, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional disclosures related to these items.

Insurance Reserves

The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded liabilities of $47.9 million and $52.4 million, respectively, related to both asserted and unasserted insurance claims. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, $3.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, was included in insurance liabilities related to claims covered by insurance carriers for which a corresponding receivable has been recorded.

Critical Estimate—Insurance Reserves

Insurance reserves have been recorded based upon actuarial calculations that 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 Operating income (loss) from continuing operations in the period the change was determined. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded a retrospective insurance reserve adjustment that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $7.0 million, $7.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional information related these out-of-period adjustments. The Company has programs in place to improve claims experience, such as disciplined claim and insurance litigation management and a focused approach to workplace safety.

The Company has not materially changed the methodology for calculating insurance reserves for the years presented. There are currently no known trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to occur that would materially affect the methodology or assumptions described above.

Legal and Other Contingencies

Reserves for contingent liabilities are recorded when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Adjustments to estimated amounts are recorded as necessary based on new information or the occurrence of new events or the resolution of an uncertainty. Such adjustments are recorded in the period that the required change is identified.

Critical Estimate—Legal and Other Contingencies

On a quarterly basis, recorded contingent liabilities are analyzed to determine if any adjustments are required. Additionally, functional department heads within each business unit are consulted monthly to ensure all issues with a potential financial impact, including possible reserves for contingent liabilities, have been properly identified, addressed or disposed of. Specific issues are discussed with corporate management and any significant changes in reserve amounts or the adjustment or write-off of previously recorded balances must be approved by a specifically designated corporate officer. If necessary, outside legal counsel, other third parties or internal experts are consulted to assess the likelihood and range of outcomes for a particular issue. Approved changes in reserve amounts are monitored to ensure they are recorded in the proper period. Additionally, any significant changes in reported business-unit reserve balances are reviewed to ensure the proper corporate approval has occurred. On a quarterly basis, the Company's business-units submit a reserve listing to the corporate headquarters which is reviewed with corporate management and the Board during scheduled meetings. All significant reserve balances are discussed with a designated corporate officer to assess their validity, accuracy and completeness. Anticipated changes in reserves are identified for further consideration prior to the end of a reporting period. Any new issues that may require a reserve are also identified and discussed to ensure proper disposition.

The Company has not materially changed the methodology for calculating legal and other contingencies for the years presented. There are currently no known trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to occur that would materially affect the methodology or assumptions described above. See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional disclosure on contingencies.

44

Income Taxes

The Company's income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for uncertain tax positions reflect management's best estimate of taxes to be paid. The Company is subject to various international, federal, state and local income taxes in the taxing jurisdictions where the Company operates. In determining consolidated income tax expense, the Company makes its best estimate of the annual effective income tax rate at the end of each quarterly period and applies that rate to year-to-date income (loss) before income taxes to arrive at the year-to-date income tax provision (exclusive of loss jurisdictions for which no tax benefit is realizable with any discrete tax items recorded separately). At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company's annual effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations was 326.5%, (19.0)% and (16.1)%, respectively.

Critical Estimate—Income Taxes

The annual effective income tax rates are estimated by giving recognition to currently enacted tax rates, tax holidays, tax credits, capital losses, and tax deductions, as well as certain exempt income and non-deductible expenses for all of the jurisdictions where the Company operates. The income tax provision for a quarterly period incorporates any change in the year-to-date provision from the previous quarterly periods. The Company has not materially changed the methodology for calculating income tax expense for the years presented or for quarterly periods.

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

The valuation allowances of $131.3 million and $127.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related principally to deferred tax assets for U.K. pension liabilities, net operating loss carryforwards, capital losses, currency translation and foreign investment tax credits that are uncertain as to realizability. In 2014, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $8.0 million related to current year pension adjustments recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and a net increase of $6.5 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. This was offset by a $9.3 million reduction in valuation allowance from the effects of currency translation and a reduction of $1.1 million related to usage of a capital loss carryforward. In 2013, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $9.4 million related to the Infrastructure Transaction and $7.1 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. This was offset by a $15.8 million reduction in tax expense related to U.K. pension adjustments recorded during the year through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and the effects of currency translation. Excluding the valuation allowance activity related to the Infrastructure Transaction, the additional increase in valuation allowances resulted primarily from losses generated in certain jurisdictions that the Company determined it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized.

A 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, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on its technical merits. The unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $12.3 million and $17.4 million, respectively, including accrued interest and penalties. The unrecognized tax benefit may decrease as a result of the lapse of statute of limitations or as a result of final settlement and resolution of outstanding tax matters in various state and international jurisdictions.

The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on certain non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as such amounts are permanently reinvested outside the United States. The Company evaluates future financial projections for its most significant subsidiaries, the need to reinvest earnings locally and the overall cash requirements of the Company. Based upon this evaluation, the Company determined that certain undistributed earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries are indefinitely reinvested. The Company believes that it can generate sufficient cash flows to avoid the one-time tax costs associated with repatriation of undistributed earnings to the U.S. from prior periods. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, such earnings were approximately $705 million and $815 million, respectively. If these earnings were repatriated at December 31, 2014, the one-time tax cost associated with the repatriation would be approximately $124 million.

See Note 11, Income Taxes, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for additional disclosures related to these items.

45

Research and Development

Internal funding for research and development was as follows:

	Research and Development Expenses
(In millions)	2014		2013		2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	2.2	$	1.9	$	1.7
Harsco Infrastructure Segment	—		2.9		3.1
Harsco Rail Segment	2.5		3.4		3.3
Harsco Industrial Segment	1.6		1.3		0.9
Consolidated Totals	$	6.3	$	9.6	$	9.1

The amounts shown exclude technology development and engineering costs classified in cost of services sold; cost of products sold; or selling, general and administrative expenses.

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, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Dividend Action

The Company has paid dividends each year since 1939. The Company paid four quarterly cash dividends of $0.205 per share in 2014, for an annual rate of $0.82 per share. The Board normally reviews the dividend rate periodically during the year and annually at its fourth quarter meeting. There are no significant restrictions on the payment of dividends.

The February 17, 2015 dividend payment of $0.205 per share marked the 259th consecutive quarterly dividend. The Company is philosophically committed to maintaining or increasing the dividend at a sustainable level.

On February 20, 2015, the Company's Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.205 per share, payable May 15, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2015.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

See Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," for quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.

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Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

	Page
Consolidated Financial Statements of Harsco Corporation:
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting	48
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	49
Consolidated Balance Sheets	50
Consolidated Statements of Operations	51
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	52
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	53
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity	55
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	57
Supplementary Data (Unaudited):
Two-Year Summary of Quarterly Results	103
Common Stock Price and Dividend Information	104

47

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Harsco Corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company"), is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(e). The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

• Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company;

• Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and

• Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2014 based on the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2014.

The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2014 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2014.

/s/ F. NICHOLAS GRASBERGER, III	/s/ PETER F. MINAN
F. Nicholas Grasberger, III President and Chief Executive Officer	Peter F. Minan Chief Financial Officer
March 2, 2015	March 2, 2015

48

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To The Stockholders of the Corporation:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Harsco CorporationatDecember 31, 2014and December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period endedDecember 31, 2014in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 2, 2015

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HARSCO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	62,843		$	93,605
Trade accounts receivable, net	325,104			353,181
Other receivables	28,145			46,470
Inventories	177,265			155,689
Assets held-for-sale	1,355			113,968
Other current assets	87,110			75,842
Total current assets	681,822			838,755
Investments	288,505			298,856
Property, plant and equipment, net	663,244			711,346
Goodwill	416,155			431,265
Intangible assets, net	58,524			53,261
Other assets	155,551			108,265
Total assets	$	2,263,801		$	2,441,748
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	16,748		$	7,489
Current maturities of long-term debt	25,188			20,257
Accounts payable	146,506			181,410
Accrued compensation	53,780			53,113
Income taxes payable	1,985			7,199
Dividends payable	16,535			16,536
Insurance liabilities	12,415			10,523
Advances on contracts	117,398			24,053
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	—			109,176
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	8,142			24,954
Unit adjustment liability	22,320			22,320
Other current liabilities	144,543			129,739
Total current liabilities	565,560			606,769
Long-term debt	829,709			783,158
Deferred income taxes	6,379			8,217
Insurance liabilities	35,470			41,879
Retirement plan liabilities	350,889			241,049
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	20,169			27,292
Unit adjustment liability	71,442			84,023
Other liabilities	25,849			42,526
Total liabilities	1,905,467			1,834,913
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating cumulative preferred stock	—			—
Common stock, par value $1.25 (issued 112,357,348 and 112,198,693 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	140,444			140,248
Additional paid-in capital	165,666			159,025
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(532,491		)	(370,615		)
Retained earnings	1,290,208			1,381,321
Treasury stock, at cost (31,697,498 and 31,519,768 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	(749,815		)	(746,237		)
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders' equity	314,012			563,742
Noncontrolling interests	44,322			43,093
Total equity	358,334			606,835
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,263,801		$	2,441,748

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HARSCO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	Years ended December 31
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2012
Revenues from continuing operations:
Service revenues	$	1,365,696		$	2,229,966		$	2,340,996
Product revenues	700,042			666,554			705,022
Total revenues	2,065,738			2,896,520			3,046,018
Costs and expenses from continuing operations:
Cost of services sold	1,151,842			1,766,730			1,861,732
Cost of products sold	494,944			467,485			487,784
Selling, general and administrative expenses	285,252			481,052			503,339
Research and development expenses	6,348			9,570			9,139
Goodwill impairment charge	—			—			265,038
Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	6,057			291,372			—
Other expenses	57,824			15,110			93,776
Total costs and expenses	2,002,267			3,031,319			3,220,808
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	63,471			(134,799		)	(174,790		)
Interest income	1,702			2,087			3,676
Interest expense	(47,111		)	(49,654		)	(47,381		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	(9,740		)	(966		)	—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	8,322			(183,332		)	(218,495		)
Income tax expense	(27,171		)	(34,912		)	(35,251		)
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated entities, net	(1,558		)	1,548			564
Loss from continuing operations	(20,407		)	(216,696		)	(253,182		)
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) on disposal of discontinued business	176			(2,398		)	(1,843		)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to discontinued business	(66		)	906			924
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	110			(1,492		)	(919		)
Net loss	(20,297		)	(218,188		)	(254,101		)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,495		)	(9,753		)	(511		)
Net loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,941	)	$	(254,612	)
Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax	$	(24,902	)	$	(226,449	)	$	(253,693	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	110			(1,492		)	(919		)
Net loss attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,941	)	$	(254,612	)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	80,884			80,755			80,632
Basic loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)
Discontinued operations	—			(0.02		)	(0.01		)
Basic loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.82	)	$	(3.16	)
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	80,884			80,755			80,632
Diluted loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)
Discontinued operations	—			(0.02		)	(0.01		)
Diluted loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.82	)	$	(3.16	)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

51

HARSCO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

	Years ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net loss	$	(20,297	)	$	(218,188	)	$	(254,101	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $7,151, $(5,924) and $(5,436) in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(47,930		)	(55,827		)	11,434
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(338), $(1,410) and $567 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(1,957		)	1,047			(4,333		)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $13,454, $(11,095) and $7,572 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(113,596		)	95,604			(53,645		)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(3), $(18) and $(3) in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	5			31			6
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(163,478		)	40,855			(46,538		)
Total comprehensive loss	(183,775		)	(177,333		)	(300,639		)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,893		)	(10,055		)	(950		)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	$	(186,668	)	$	(187,388	)	$	(301,589	)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

52

HARSCO CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Years ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(20,297	)	$	(218,188	)	$	(254,101	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	164,588			221,266			251,905
Amortization	11,738			15,775			20,212
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	9,740			966			—
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	7,551			(18,427		)	(10,708		)
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated entities, net	1,558			(1,548		)	(564		)
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	—			37			308
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	—			—			31,443
Goodwill impairment charge	—			—			265,038
Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment	3,865			271,296			—
Other, net	39,376			2,735			(27,098		)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	7,026			(34,504		)	22,016
Inventories	(19,991		)	18,510			2,365
Accounts payable	(28,901		)	14,319			(37,649		)
Accrued interest payable	70			(1,836		)	(319		)
Accrued compensation	5,699			(9,860		)	517
Advances on contracts	92,769			(21,365		)	(63,923		)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	—			(6,788		)	(5,211		)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(2,672		)	(17,705		)	(7,883		)
Other assets and liabilities	(46,273		)	(26,428		)	12,531
Net cash provided by operating activities	225,846			188,255			198,879
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(207,978		)	(246,147		)	(265,023		)
Proceeds from the Infrastructure Transaction	15,699			303,039			—
Proceeds from sales of assets	14,976			18,984			49,779
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired*	(26,336		)	(2,849		)	(740		)
Payment of unit adjustment liability	(22,320		)	(2,123		)	—
Other investing activities, net	(2,721		)	(8,219		)	(3,284		)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(228,680		)	62,685			(219,268		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	8,851			(1,901		)	(43,464		)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	177,499			316,804			285,850
Reductions	(131,007		)	(498,600		)	(184,372		)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(66,322		)	(66,211		)	(66,068		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(2,186		)	(3,381		)	(2,605		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	—			(166		)	—
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	—			4,825			8,097
Common stock issued—options	—			371			725
Common stock acquired for treasury	(941		)	—			—
Deferred pension underfunding payment to unconsolidated affiliate	(7,688		)	—			—
Other financing activities, net	—			(405		)	(2,709		)
Net cash used by financing activities	(21,794		)	(248,664		)	(4,546		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(6,134		)	(3,921		)	(999		)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(30,762		)	(1,645		)	(25,934		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	93,605			95,250			121,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	62,843		$	93,605		$	95,250

53

HARSCO CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
	Years ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
*Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
Working capital	$	(1,107	)	$	—		$	—
Property, plant and equipment	(330		)	(2,437		)	—
Goodwill	(6,839		)	—			—
Intangible Assets	(17,575		)	—			—
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	(485		)	(412		)	(740		)
Net cash used to acquire businesses	$	(26,336	)	$	(2,849	)	$	(740	)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

54

HARSCO CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Noncontrolling Interests
	Issued		Treasury														Total
Balances, January 1, 2012	$	139,914	$	(744,644	)	$	149,066	$	1,996,234		$	(364,191	)	$	43,539		$	1,219,918
Net income (loss)								(254,612		)				511			(254,101		)
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share								(66,132		)							(66,132		)
Noncontrolling interests														(2,605		)	(2,605		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $2,700											(46,977		)	439			(46,538		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests														8,602			8,602
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary														(704		)	(704		)
Stock options exercised, 38,900 shares	49					661											710
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 68,558 shares	117		(561		)	959											515
Amortization of unearned stock-based, compensation, net of forfeitures						1,959											1,959
Balances, December 31, 2012	$	140,080	$	(745,205	)	$	152,645	$	1,675,490		$	(411,168	)	$	49,782		$	861,624

HARSCO CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Continued)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)			Noncontrolling Interests
	Issued		Treasury															Total
Balances, January 1, 2013	$	140,080	$	(745,205	)	$	152,645		$	1,675,490		$	(411,168	)	$	49,782		$	861,624
Net income (loss)									(227,941		)				9,753			(218,188		)
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share									(66,228		)							(66,228		)
Noncontrolling interests															(4,764		)	(4,764		)
Total other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes of $(18,447)												40,553			302			40,855
Contributions from noncontrolling interests															4,825			4,825
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest						(292		)							107			(185		)
Noncontrolling interests transferred in the Infrastructure Transaction (see Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)						1,003									(16,912		)	(15,909		)
Stock options exercised, net 20,000 shares	25					375												400
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 74,297 shares	143		(1,032		)	2,074												1,185
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures						3,220												3,220
Balances, December 31, 2013	$	140,248	$	(746,237	)	$	159,025		$	1,381,321		$	(370,615	)	$	43,093		$	606,835

(a) Includes changes due to the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 18, Components of Other Comprehensive Loss.

55

HARSCO CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Continued)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Noncontrolling Interests
	Issued		Treasury														Total
Balances, January 1, 2014	$	140,248	$	(746,237	)	$	159,025	$	1,381,321		$	(370,615	)	$	43,093		$	606,835
Net income (loss)								(24,792		)				4,495			(20,297		)
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share								(66,321		)							(66,321		)
Noncontrolling interests														(2,319		)	(2,319		)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of deferred income taxes of $20,264											(161,876		)	(1,602		)	(163,478		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests														1,560			1,560
Noncontrolling interests transferred in the Infrastructure Transaction (see Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)														(905		)	(905		)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 130,925 shares	196		(714		)	2,069											1,551
Treasury shares repurchased, 150,000 shares			(2,864		)												(2,864		)
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures						4,572											4,572
Balances, December 31, 2014	$	140,444	$	(749,815	)	$	165,666	$	1,290,208		$	(532,491	)	$	44,322		$	358,334

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

56

HARSCO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest, and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities.

The Company's management has evaluated all activity of the Company and concluded that subsequent events are properly reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes as required by U.S. GAAP.

Reclassifications and Out of Period Adjustments

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

During 2014, the Company recorded out-of-period adjustments that had the net effect of decreasing after-tax income by $3.5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2014. The adjustments are primarily the result of the increases in reserves related to Brazilian labor claims not recorded in the correct period, correcting expenses that should not have been capitalized in accordance with the Company's policies and revenue that should not have been recognized in accordance with a customer contract. The Company assessed the individual and aggregate impact of these adjustments on the current year and all prior periods and determined that the cumulative effect of the adjustments was not material to the full-year 2014 results, and did not result in a material misstatement to any previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements. Consequently, the Company recorded the $3.5 million net adjustment during 2014 and has not revised any previously issued annual financial statements or interim financial data.

During the second quarter of 2013, the Company recorded non-cash out-of-period adjustments that had the net effect of increasing after-tax income by $3.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2013, and by $2.6 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the first half of 2013. The adjustments are primarily the result of correcting claims-paid information for certain international accrued insurance reserves which were identified during the regular, periodic evaluation of these reserves during the quarter. The Company assessed the individual and aggregate impact of these adjustments on the current year and all prior periods and determined that the cumulative effect of the adjustments was not material to the full-year 2013 results, and did not result in a material misstatement to any previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements. Consequently, the Company recorded the $3.0 million net adjustment in the second quarter of 2013 and has not revised any previously issued annual financial statements or interim financial data.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Equity Method Investments

The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received, and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value.

Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment.

See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments.

57

Inventories

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

Depreciation

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

Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays. See Note 6, Property, Plant and Equipment, and Note 8, Debt and Credit Agreements, for additional information on capital leases and Note 9, Operating Leases, for additional information on operating leases.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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

The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1. The Company has five reporting units, only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2014. Almost all of the Company's goodwill is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

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

See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information on goodwill.

58

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate the book value of an asset may be impaired. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a discounted cash flow model. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, and Note 17, Other Expenses, for additional information on impairment of long-lived assets (other than goodwill).

Revenue Recognition

Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the service components of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments.

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granules products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.

Harsco Rail Segment—This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.

Harsco Industrial Segment—This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.

Income Taxes

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

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

59

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

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

In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits.

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

See Note 11, Income Taxes, for additional information on income taxes.

Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves

The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $23.3 million, $30.0 million and $33.8 million, respectively. Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net loss in the period determined. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $7.0 million, $7.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has recorded liabilities of $47.9 million and $52.4 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $3.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been included in current caption, Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current caption, Insurance liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Warranties

The Company has recorded product warranty reserves of $8.9 million, $9.5 million and $9.1 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold. The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012:

(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$	9,548		$	9,092		$	5,596
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	3,208			5,016			7,935
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(2,680		)	(1,966		)	(2,401		)
Warranties paid	(1,186		)	(2,573		)	(1,958		)
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(4		)	(21		)	(80		)
Warranty reserves, end of the year	$	8,886		$	9,548		$	9,092

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

60

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies.

Financial Instruments and Hedging

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

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

The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or variable U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively.

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

See Note 15, Financial Instruments, for additional information on financial instruments and hedging.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements. See Note 13, Capital Stock, for additional information on earnings per share.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

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

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2. Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2014:

On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")-issued changes related to a parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted FASB-issued changes related to financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists that could be used to offset the liability for an uncertain tax position. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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

In April 2014, the FASB issued changes related to reporting discontinued operations and disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The changes modify the criteria related to what transactions constitute discontinued operations and expands disclosure requirements. The changes become effective for the Company, prospectively, on January 1, 2015. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management is currently evaluating these changes.

In August 2014, the FASB issued changes related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

3. Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

In January 2014, the Company acquired Hammco Corporation ("Hammco"), a U.S. manufacturer of high specification air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas and petrochemical processing markets. Hammco has been included in the results of the Harsco Industrial Segment. Inclusion of pro forma financial information for this transaction is not necessary due to the immaterial size of the acquisition. The purchase price allocation for this acquisition is now final.

Net Loss Attributable to the Company and Changes to Noncontrolling Interest

The following table discloses the effects of changes in the Company's ownership interests in subsidiaries on the Company's equity.

	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net loss attributable to the Company	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,941	)	$	(254,612	)
Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interest	—			711			—
Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,230	)	$	(254,612	)

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Dispositions

Infrastructure Transaction

In November 2013, the Company consummated the previously announced transaction to sell the Company's Harsco Infrastructure Segment into a strategic venture with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R") as part of a transaction that combines the Harsco Infrastructure Segment with Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., which CD&R simultaneously acquired (the "Infrastructure Transaction"). The Company has contributed substantially all of the Company's equity interest in, and the net assets of, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to the strategic venture in exchange for $300 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments, and an approximate 29% equity interest in the resulting entity (the "Infrastructure strategic venture" or "Brand"). The Company's equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting as prescribed by U.S. GAAP. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments.

As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company recorded an estimated loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment of $271.3 million during 2013 and recorded an additional loss of $3.9 million during 2014. Further adjustment to the loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment may be necessary as the result of the final valuation of certain items. The Company does not expect that the ultimate conclusion of these items will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment represents the difference between the book value of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, less costs to sell, and the sum of the cash consideration plus the fair value of the Company's approximate 29% equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture. The fair value of the equity interest was determined based on the expected future discounted cash flows of the Infrastructure strategic venture.

While the Infrastructure Transaction was consummated on November 26, 2013, the ownership interest in certain jurisdictions did not transfer as of December 31, 2013. The carrying amounts of the remaining assets and liabilities that were aggregated in the captions, Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 were as follows:

(In thousands)	December 31 2013		(In thousands)	December 31 2013
Assets held-for-sale:			Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,290	Accounts payable	$	4,143
Trade accounts receivable, net	28,471		Accrued compensation	4,618
Due from unconsolidated affiliate	65,728		Income taxes payable	1,105
Inventories	5,898		Insurance liabilities - current portion	21
Other current assets	2,129		Due to unconsolidated affiliate	97,079
Property, plant and equipment, net	10,343		Other current liabilities	2,210
Other assets	109
	$	113,968		$	109,176

The ownership interest in the jurisdictions representing the assets held-for-sale and liabilities of assets held-for-sale at December 31, 2013 were transferred to Brand during January 2014.

Additionally, the Company incurred $2.2 million and $20.1 million of transaction costs during the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in conjunction with the Infrastructure Transaction.

Harsco Gas Technologies

Consistent with the strategic focus to grow and allocate financial resources principally to the Company's industrial services businesses, the Company sold the Gas Technologies Segment to Taylor Wharton International in 2007. The Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012 reflect the Gas Technologies Segment's results as discontinued operations. The Company recorded after-tax income from discontinued operations of $0.1 million and after-tax losses from discontinued operations of $1.5 million and $0.9 million, in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The income in 2014 and losses incurred in 2013 and 2012 included charges related to potential and contingent claims.

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4. Accounts Receivable and Inventories

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

	Accounts Receivable
(In thousands)	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
Trade accounts receivable	$	340,223		$	359,819
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(15,119		)	(6,638		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	325,104		$	353,181
Other receivables (a)	$	28,145		$	46,470

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

The following table reflects the provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	9,892	$	10,175	$	11,266

Inventories consist of the following:

	Inventories
(In thousands)	December 31 2014		December 31 2013
Finished goods	$	30,001	$	23,112
Work-in-process	28,644		25,623
Raw materials and purchased parts	86,898		72,118
Stores and supplies	31,722		34,836
Total inventories	$	177,265	$	155,689
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	$	107,691	$	94,939
FIFO basis	13,383		9,859
Average cost basis	56,191		50,891
Total inventories	$	177,265	$	155,689

Inventories valued on the LIFO basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $33 million and $28 million, respectively, less than the amounts of such inventories valued at current costs.

During 2014, as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis, net loss decreased from that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $0.1 million. During 2013, there was no significant impact on net loss as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on a LIFO basis. During 2012, as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis, net loss decreased from that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $0.1 million.

5. Equity Method Investments

As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company owns an approximate 29% equity interest in Brand at December 31, 2014. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

Brand is a leading provider of specialized services to the global energy, industrial and infrastructure markets that combines a global footprint, broad service offerings and rigorous operating processes to support customer required facility maintenance and turnaround needs and capital driven upgrade and expansion plans. Brand's range of services includes work access, corrosion management, atmospheric and immersion coatings, insulation services, fireproofing and refractory, mechanical services, forming and shoring and other complementary specialty services. Brand delivers services through a global network of strategically located branches in six continents with a particular focus on major hydrocarbon and power generation markets globally. In addition, Brand has co-located branches at energy-related customer facilities providing a consistent presence for required maintenance work.

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The Company records the Company's proportionate share of Brand's net income or loss one quarter in arrears. Accordingly, the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 does not include any amounts related to the Infrastructure strategic venture in the caption, Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net. Brand's summarized balance sheet information at September 30, 2014 and summarized statement of operations information for the period from November 27, 2013 through September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)	September 30 2014
Summarized Balance Sheet Information of Brand:
Current assets	$	815,809
Property and equipment , net	923,056
Other noncurrent assets	1,594,669
Total assets	$	3,333,534
Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt	$	68,748
Other current liabilities	360,714
Long-term debt	1,747,522
Other noncurrent liabilities	406,636
Total liabilities	2,583,620
Equity	749,914
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,333,534

(In thousands)	Period From November 27 2013 Through September 30 2014 (a)
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Net revenues	$	2,559,556
Gross profit	559,376
Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	(4,848		)
Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand	(1,595		)

(a) The Company's equity method investment in Brand began on November 26, 2013; accordingly, there is only approximately ten months of related equity income (loss). The results of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from January 1, 2013 through the date of closing are reported in the Company's results of operations for 2013.

The book value of the Company's equity method investment in Brand at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $285.7 million and $296.1 million, respectively. The Company's initial underlying equity in the net assets of Brand, upon consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction, was approximately $225 million. The difference between the initial fair value of the Company's equity method investment in Brand and the Company's underlying equity in the net assets of Brand was determined to be equity method goodwill and is not amortized.

The initial determination of fair value of the Company's equity method investment (Level 3) in Brand was derived with a primary reliance upon the income approach. Various DCF models were created based on the Company's most likely case view of cash flow projections for Brand over a five year horizon. The following table details quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs:

	Fair Value at December 31 2013				Range
(Dollars in thousands)			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Low		High
Equity method investment - Brand	$	296,082	Discounted cash flow	EBITDA Margin	10.9	%	12.6	%
				Ratio of capital expenditures to revenues	2.9	%	3.8	%
				Long-term revenue growth	3.0	%	3.0	%
				WACC Rate	9.25	%	9.25	%
				Cost of equity	12.5	%	12.5	%
				Implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.0X		7.5X
				Discount for lack of marketability	15	%	15	%

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No instances of impairment were noted on the Company's equity method investment at December 31, 2014.

As part of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company is required to make quarterly payments to the Company's partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture, either (at the Company's election) (i) in cash, with total payments to equal approximately $22 million per year on a pre-tax basis (approximately $15 million per year after-tax), or (ii) in kind through the transfer of approximately 2.5% of the Company's ownership interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture on an annual basis (the "unit adjustment liability"). The resulting liability is reflected in the caption, Unit adjustment liability, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company will recognize the change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability each period until the Company is no longer required to make these payments or chooses not to make these payments. The change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability is a non-cash expense. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $9.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability.

The Company's obligation to make a quarterly payment will cease upon the earlier of (i) Brand achieving $487.0 million in last twelve months' earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for three quarters, which need not be consecutive, or (ii) eight years after the closing of the Infrastructure Transaction. In addition, upon the initial public offering of Brand, the Company's quarterly payment obligation will decrease by the portion of CD&R's ownership interest sold or eliminated completely once CD&R's ownership interest in Brand falls below 20%. In the event of a liquidation event of Brand, CD&R is entitled to a liquidation preference of approximately $336 million, plus any quarterly payments that had been paid in kind.

The Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 include balances related to the unit adjustment liability of $93.8 million and $106.3 million, respectively, in the current and non-current captions, Unit adjustment liability. A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances related to the unit adjustment liability is included in Note 15, Financial Instruments.

The Company intends to make these quarterly payments in cash and will continue to evaluate the implications of making payments in cash or in kind based upon performance of the Infrastructure strategic venture. In the future, should the Company decide not to make the cash payment, the value of both the equity method investment in Brand and the related unit adjustment liability may be impacted, and the change may be reflected in earnings in that period.

Balances related to transactions between the Company and Brand are as follows:

(In thousands)	December 31 2014		December 31 2013
Balances due from Brand	$	1,860	$	85,908
Balances due to Brand	28,311		149,325

The remaining balances between the Company and Brand, at December 31, 2014, relate primarily to transition services and the funding of certain transferred defined benefit pension plan obligations through 2018. There is not expected to be any significant level of revenue or expense between the Company and Brand on an on-going basis once all aspects of the Infrastructure Transaction have been finalized.

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6. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

(In thousands)	Estimated Useful Lives	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
Land	—	$	15,721		$	16,652
Land improvements	5-20 years	15,898			13,615
Buildings and improvements	5-40 years	205,409			192,346
Machinery and equipment	3-20 years	1,861,965			1,969,493
Uncompleted construction	—	87,414			86,508
Gross property, plant and equipment		2,186,407			2,278,614
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,523,163		)	(1,567,268		)
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	663,244		$	711,346

Included in the amounts are $22.3 million and $23.5 million of property, plant and equipment under capital leases at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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

7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill by Segment

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment (there is no goodwill associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

(In thousands)	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment			Harsco Industrial Segment			Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	419,888		$	—		$	9,310	$	429,198
Foreign currency translation	2,067			—			—		2,067
Balance at December 31, 2013	421,955			—			9,310		431,265
Changes to goodwill	(300		)	6,839		(a)	—		6,539
Foreign currency translation	(21,649		)	—			—		(21,649		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	400,006		$	6,839		$	9,310	$	416,155

(a) Changes to goodwill relate to the initial acquisition of Hammco and related purchase price adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP occurring during the measurement period. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.

The Company's methodology for determining reporting unit fair value is described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Performance of the Company's 2014 annual impairment test did not result in impairment of any of the Company's reporting units.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets totaled $58.5 million, net of accumulated amortization of $147.9 million at December 31, 2014 and $53.3 million, net of accumulated amortization of $143.4 million at December 31, 2013. The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:

	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	157,530	$	112,211	$	150,307	$	110,889
Non-compete agreements	1,107		1,039		1,126		1,024
Patents	6,079		5,399		6,211		5,273
Technology related	26,548		21,233		27,185		18,931
Trade names	7,745		3,733		4,113		2,969
Other	7,420		4,290		7,753		4,348
Total	$	206,429	$	147,905	$	196,695	$	143,434

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The gross carrying amount of intangible assets increased in 2014 due to the acquisition of Hammco, as discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. As part of this transaction, the Company acquired the following finite-lived intangible assets (by major class):

(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Residual Value	Weighted-average amortization period
Customer related	$	13,928	—	12 years
Trade names	3,647		—	15 years
Total	$	17,575

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $9.9 million, $13.8 million and $17.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets.

(In thousands)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
Estimated amortization expense (a)	$	8,350	$	7,800	$	5,050	$	4,850	$	4,800

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

8. Debt and Credit Agreements

The Company has a multi-year revolving credit facility that is available for use throughout the world. The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the multi-year revolving credit facility and available credit at December 31, 2014. The multi-year revolving credit facility is described in more detail below the table.

	Summary of Credit Facility
	December 31, 2014
(In thousands)	Facility Limit		Outstanding Balance		Available Credit
Multi-year revolving credit facility (a U.S.-based program)	$	525,000	$	98,500	$	426,500

In March 2012, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") providing for $525 million of borrowing capacity through a syndicate of 14 banks.  The Credit Agreement matures in March 2017.  The Company has the option to increase the borrowing capacity available under the Credit Agreement to $550 million.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available in most major currencies with active markets and at interest rates based upon LIBOR, plus a margin.

On September 12, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No.1 ("Amendment No. 1") to the Credit Agreement. In addition to certain administrative and conforming modifications, Amendment No. 1 replaced the total consolidated debt to total consolidated capital ratio debt covenant. That debt covenant was replaced by a debt covenant for total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, which is not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company expensed $0.4 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 1.

On December 20, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 ("Amendment No. 2") to the Credit Agreement.  Amendment No. 2 modified certain defined terms to reflect the impact of the Infrastructure Transaction. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company expensed $0.3 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 2.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $98.5 million and $35.0 million, respectively, of Credit Agreement borrowings outstanding. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, all such balances were classified as long-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Classification of such balances is based on the Company's ability and intent to repay such amounts over the subsequent twelve months, as well as reflects the Company's ability and intent to borrow for a period longer than a year.To the extent the Company expects to repay any amounts within the subsequent twelve months, the amounts are classified as short-term borrowings.

Short-term borrowings amounted to $16.7 million and $7.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Short-term borrowings consist principally of bank overdrafts. The weighted-average interest rate for short-term borrowings at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 11.7% and 10.8%, respectively.

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	Long-Term Debt
(In thousands)	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
5.75% notes due May 15, 2018	$	448,626		$	448,268
2.7% notes due October 15, 2015	249,733			249,373
Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2017 with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.0% and 3.6% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	156,538			105,774
Total debt	854,897			803,415
Less: current maturities	(25,188		)	(20,257		)
Total long-term debt	$	829,709		$	783,158

At December 31, 2014, the Company's 2.7% notes due October 15, 2015 are classified as long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet based on the Company's intent to refinance this debt using debt capital markets and ability to refinance this debt using borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2015 are as follows:

(In thousands)
2016	$	11,732
2017	363,047
2018	453,759
2019	876

Cash payments for interest on all debt were $44.2 million, $50.1 million and $45.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In addition to the total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio covenant, which is not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0, the Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to a maximum of 10% of consolidated tangible assets and require a minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest charges ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. The Company’s 5.75% and 2.7% notes include covenants that require the Company to offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of par in the event of a change of control of the Company or disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets in combination with a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating to non-investment grade.  At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these and all other covenants.

9. Operating Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Rental expense under such operating leases was $19.7 million, $51.7 million and $54.9 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows:

(In thousands)
2015	$	14,642
2016	10,905
2017	7,204
2018	4,075
2019	3,546
After 2019	24,762

Total minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases at December 31, 2014 are $0.6 million.

The decrease in 2014 rental expense under operating leases is due to the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

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10. Employee Benefit Plans

Pension Benefits

The Company has defined benefit pension retirement plans covering a substantial number of employees. The defined benefits for salaried employees generally are based on years of service and the employee's level of compensation during specified periods of employment. Defined benefit plans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. The multiemployer plans in which the Company participates provide benefits to certain unionized employees. The Company's funding policy for qualified plans is consistent with statutory regulations and customarily equals the amount deducted for income tax purposes. Periodic voluntary contributions are made, as recommended, by the Company's pension committee. The Company's policy is to amortize prior service costs of defined benefit pension plans over the average future service period of active plan participants.

For most U.S. defined benefit pension plans and a majority of international defined benefit pension plans, accrued service is no longer granted. In place of these plans, the Company has established defined contribution pension plans providing for the Company to contribute a specified matching amount for participating employees' contributions to the plan. For U.S. employees, this match is made on employee contributions up to 4% of their eligible compensation. Additionally, the Company may provide a discretionary contribution of up to 2% of compensation for eligible employees. This discretionary amount has not been provided for the years 2014, 2013 and 2012. For non-U.S. employees, this match is up to 6% of eligible compensation with an additional 2% going towards insurance and administrative costs.

Net periodic pension cost for U.S. and international pension plans for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

	U.S. Plans									International Plans
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$	2,233		$	2,565		$	1,887		$	1,610		$	3,457		$	3,418
Interest cost	12,868			11,767			12,780			43,230			42,707			46,174
Expected return on plan assets	(16,786		)	(15,642		)	(15,617		)	(49,927		)	(46,920		)	(45,050		)
Recognized prior service costs	90			248			224			184			335			397
Recognized losses	3,352			5,052			4,637			14,102			16,447			15,194
Amortization of transition liability	—			—			—			—			—			8
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	—			—			1,510			60			(372		)	(2,589		)
Defined benefit plans pension cost	1,757			3,990			5,421			9,259			15,654			17,552
Multiemployer plans	1,199			12,444			10,186			1,762			5,449			5,539
Defined contribution plans	4,704			4,945			5,066			8,033			11,139			12,770
Net periodic pension cost	$	7,660		$	21,379		$	20,673		$	19,054		$	32,242		$	35,861

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The change in the financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	283,571		$	316,448		$	958,705		$	1,068,750
Service cost	2,233			2,565			1,610			3,457
Interest cost	12,868			11,767			43,230			42,707
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			75			689
Amendments	—			—			—			(394		)
Actuarial (gain) loss	49,939			(28,158		)	150,289			(8,245		)
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			(589		)	(1,619		)
Benefits paid	(23,292		)	(19,051		)	(41,522		)	(46,269		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			(62,250		)	19,744
Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)	—			—			—			(120,115		)
Other	—			—			55			—
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	325,319		$	283,571		$	1,049,603		$	958,705
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	233,579		$	218,084		$	770,911		$	783,059
Actual return on plan assets	15,465			31,931			80,518			68,535
Employer contributions	7,598			2,615			28,112			30,258
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			75			689
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			—			(1,028		)
Benefits paid	(23,292		)	(19,051		)	(40,948		)	(45,207		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			(47,623		)	11,455
Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)	—			—			—			(76,850		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	233,350		$	233,579		$	791,045		$	770,911
Funded status at end of year	$	(91,969	)	$	(49,992	)	$	(258,558	)	$	(187,794	)

(a) During 2013, certain international plans' benefit obligations and plan assets were transferred to the Infrastructure strategic venture as part of the Infrastructure Transaction, as described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.

Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Noncurrent assets	$	615	$	2,148	$	1,746	$	3,894
Current liabilities	2,102		2,045		524		534
Noncurrent liabilities	90,482		50,095		259,780		191,154
Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	157,165		109,348		479,382		401,300

Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Net actuarial loss	$	156,989	$	109,081	$	478,396	$	400,726
Prior service cost	176		267		986		574
Total	$	157,165	$	109,348	$	479,382	$	401,300

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit net periodic pension cost in 2015 are as follows:

(In thousands)	U.S. Plans		International  Plans
Net actuarial loss	$	4,919	$	17,254
Prior service cost	81		208
Total	$	5,000	$	17,462

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The Company's estimate of expected contributions to be paid in 2015 for the U.S. and international defined benefit plans are $2.5 million and $31.2 million, respectively.

Future Benefit Payments

The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows:

(In millions)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		2020-2024
U.S. Plans	$	18.5	$	18.8	$	18.6	$	18.8	$	18.7	$	94.5
International Plans	42.1		43.8		45.5		46.2		47.7		266.0

Net Periodic Pension Cost Assumptions

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

	U.S. Plans December 31						International Plans December 31						Global Weighted-Average December 31
	2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
Discount rates	4.7	%	3.8	%	4.4	%	4.7	%	4.3	%	4.8	%	4.7	%	4.2	%	4.7	%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.5	%	7.5	%	7.8	%	6.8	%	6.6	%	6.7	%	7.0	%	6.8	%	6.9	%
Rates of compensation increase	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.4	%	2.8	%	3.4	%	3.4	%	2.8	%	3.4	%

The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for the 2015 net periodic pension cost are 7.5% for the U.S. plans and 6.8% for the international plans. The expected global long-term rate of return on assets for 2015 is 7.0%.

Defined Benefit Pension Obligation Assumptions

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans				Global Weighted-Average
	December 31				December 31				December 31
	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
Discount rates	3.9	%	4.7	%	3.7	%	4.7	%	3.7	%	4.7	%
Rates of compensation increase	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.2	%	3.4	%	3.2	%	3.3	%

The U.S. discount rate was determined using a yield curve that was produced from a universe containing approximately 700 U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable (or callable with make-whole provisions), and excluding the 10% of the bonds with the highest yields and the 10% with the lowest yields within each maturity group. The discount rate was then developed as the level-equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates to discount the projected benefit payments. For international plans, the discount rate is aligned to corporate bond yields in the local markets, normally AA-rated corporations. The process and selection seeks to approximate the cash inflows with the timing and amounts of the expected benefit payments.

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	325.3	$	283.5	$	1,043.2	$	950.7

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Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Projected benefit obligation	$	314.9	$	274.8	$	1,032.1	$	926.8
Accumulated benefit obligation	314.9		274.8		1,026.0		923.9
Fair value of plan assets	222.3		222.6		771.8		737.6

The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:

	Target  Long-Term Allocation	Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31
U.S. Plans Asset Category		2014		2013
Domestic equity securities	34%-44%	39.1	%	41.8	%
International equity securities	14%-24%	18.2	%	19.5	%
Fixed income securities	28%-38%	30.3	%	25.9	%
Cash and cash equivalents	Less than 5%	3.1	%	3.2	%
Other	5%-15%	9.3	%	9.6	%

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

The Company reviews the long-term expected return on asset assumption on a periodic basis taking into account a variety of factors including the historical investment returns achieved over a long-term period, the targeted allocation of plan assets and future expectations based on a model of asset returns for an actively managed portfolio. The model simulates 1,000 different capital market results over 20 years. For both 2015 and 2014, the expected return-on-asset assumption for U.S. plans was 7.5%.

The U.S. defined benefit pension plans assets include 450,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $8.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 450,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $12.6 million at December 31, 2013. These shares represented 3.6% and 5.4% of total plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Dividends paid to the pension plans on the Company's common stock amounted to $0.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:

International Plans Asset Category	Target Long-Term Allocation		Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31
			2014		2013
Equity securities	32.5	%	36.9	%	38.5	%
Fixed income securities	42.5	%	45.3	%	42.0	%
Cash and cash equivalents	—		0.3	%	0.3	%
Other	25.0	%	17.5	%	19.2	%

Plan assets at December 31, 2014 in the U.K. defined benefit pension plan amounted to 94% of the international pension assets. These assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts asset/liability modeling studies and accordingly adjusts investment amounts within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.

73

For the international long-term rate of return assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns in risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class and plan expenses. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets. For both 2015 and 2014, the expected return on asset assumption for the U.K. plan was 6.8%. The remaining international pension plans, with assets representing 6% of the international pension assets, are under the guidance of professional investment managers and have similar investment objectives.

The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	44,064	$	44,064	$	—	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	47,313		13,335		33,978		—
International equities—mutual funds	42,446		42,446		—		—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	18,759		—		18,759		—
Corporate bonds and notes	11,347		11,347		—		—
Mutual funds—bonds	40,568		11,936		28,632		—
Other—mutual funds	21,700		21,700		—		—
Cash and money market accounts	7,153		7,153		—		—
Total	$	233,350	$	151,981	$	81,369	$	—

The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	292,150	$	—	$	292,150	$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	350,073		—		350,073		—
Insurance contracts	8,233		—		8,233		—
Other:
Real estate funds/limited partnerships	53,926		—		31,279		22,647
Other mutual funds	84,120		—		84,120		—
Cash and money market accounts	2,543		2,543		—		—
Total	$	791,045	$	2,543	$	765,855	$	22,647

The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	48,915	$	48,915	$	—	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	48,807		13,204		35,603		—
International equities—mutual funds	45,475		45,475		—		—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	18,787		—		18,787		—
Corporate bonds and notes	8,374		8,374		—		—
Mutual funds—bonds	33,326		33,326		—		—
Other—mutual funds	22,508		22,508		—		—
Cash and money market accounts	7,387		7,387		—		—
Total	$	233,579	$	179,189	$	54,390	$	—

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The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	296,980	$	—	$	296,980	$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	314,965		—		314,965		—
Insurance contracts	8,797		—		8,797		—
Other:
Real estate funds / limited partnerships	52,733		—		32,310		20,423
Other mutual funds	94,980		—		94,980		—
Cash and money market accounts	2,456		2,456		—		—
Total	$	770,911	$	2,456	$	748,032	$	20,423

The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for 2014, 2013 and 2012:

Level 3 Asset Changes for the Twelve Months Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Real Estate Limited Partnership:
Balance at beginning of year	$	20,423		$	17,746		$	12,025
Contributions to partnership	385			838			2,535
Cash distributions received	(1,614		)	(1,380		)	(1,270		)
Actual return on plan assets:
Related to asset still held at end of year	3,453			3,219			4,456
Balance at end of year	$	22,647		$	20,423		$	17,746

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

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

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

• Level 3 Fair Value Measurements—Real estate limited partnership interests are valued by the general partners based on the underlying assets. The limited partnership interests are valued using unobservable inputs and have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Multiemployer Plans

The Company contributes to numerous multiemployer pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover union-represented employees, many of whom are temporary in nature. The risks of participating in multiemployer pension plans differ from traditional company-sponsored defined benefit plans as follows:

• Assets contributed to a multiemployer pension plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to the employees of other participating employers;

• When a participating employer stops contributing to a multiemployer pension plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan become the responsibility of the remaining participating employers, subject to any exemptions that may apply; and

• If the Company elects to stop participation in a multiemployer pension plan, the Company may be required to pay a withdraw liability which is based upon the underfunded status of the plan.

75

The Company's participation in multiemployer pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is outlined below. The Company considers significant plans to be those plans to which the Company contributed more than 5% of total contributions to the plan in a given plan year or for which the Company believes the Company's share of the unfunded liability for the plan may be material to the Company.

(In thousands)
		Pension Protection Act Zone Status For Plan Years Ended
				Contributions By The Company For Years Ended (a)								Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement
										Subject to Financial Improvement Plan
	Identification Number										Surcharge Imposed
Pension Fund		2013	2012	2014		2013		2012
Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements:
New Zealand Steel Pension Fund	018-054-531	N/A	N/A	$	838	$	886	$	909	Yes	No	2016
Summary aggregate information for multiemployer plans which are not individually significant:
All other multiemployer plans (b)				2,123		17,007		14,905
Total Contributions				$	2,961	$	17,893	$	15,814

(a) These amounts represent either contributions for the plan year as confirmed by plan sponsors or the Company's estimates based on fiscal year accounts payable records which will be updated as confirmation is received from plan sponsors.

(b) The decrease in contributions by the Company for 2014 primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

For plan years ended 2014 and 2013, the Company contributed more than 5% of the total contributions to the New Zealand Steel Pension Fund. The New Zealand Steel Pension Fund is a defined benefit superannuation scheme registered in New Zealand under the Superannuation Schemes Act of 1989 to provide retirement benefits to the salaried employees of the New Zealand Steel United Group of companies. The New Zealand Steel Pension Fund financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 indicated total assets of $345.4 million and $276.1 million, respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $358.7 million and $302.4 million, respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $13.5 million and $13.3 million, respectively.

11. Income Taxes

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

(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
United States	$	20,168		$	(26,855	)	$	40,411
International	(11,846		)	(156,477		)	(258,906		)
Total income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss)	$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)

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

(In thousands)	2014		2013			2012
Income tax expense (benefit):
Currently payable:
U.S. federal	$	4,495	$	10,949		$	22,603
U.S. state	557		1,375			1,561
International	14,569		41,015			21,795
Total income taxes currently payable	19,621		53,339			45,959
Deferred U.S. federal	2,503		(17,341		)	(3,831		)
Deferred U.S. state	807		401			(843		)
Deferred international	4,240		(1,487		)	(6,034		)
Total income tax expense	$	27,171	$	34,912		$	35,251

Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on the gain or loss from discontinued business, were $36.0 million, $44.4 million and $42.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

76

The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate as a percentage of Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
U.S. federal income tax	$	2,913		$	(64,166	)	$	(76,473	)
U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	658			(851		)	290
U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	(1,882		)	(4,700		)	(3,580		)
Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction	—			13,181			—
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	4,420			(308		)	1,532
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	(5,298		)	(5,548		)	(5,470		)
Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,203			20,125			3,980
Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits	22,049			—			21,387
U.S. nondeductible items	1,216			2,953			1,470
Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction	1,465			74,946			—
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	—			—			92,763
Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	246			(483		)	(260		)
Loss from unconsolidated entities	(587		)	—			—
Other, net	(232		)	(237		)	(388		)
Total income tax expense	$	27,171		$	34,912		$	35,251

At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company's annual effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations was 326.5%, (19.0)% and (16.1)%, respectively.

The effective income tax rate changed between 2013 and 2014 primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of the $271.3 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and for the tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction recorded in 2013 compared with the restructuring and asset impairment charges recorded in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment for which no tax benefit was recorded in 2014.

The effective income tax rate changed between 2013 and 2012 primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of the $271.3 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment recorded in 2013 compared with the $265.0 million non-deductible goodwill impairment charges recorded during 2012, tax expense recorded for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets within certain foreign jurisdictions that the Harsco Infrastructure Segment operated, and for the tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction.

The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	2014					2013
(In thousands)	Asset			Liability		Asset			Liability
Depreciation and amortization	$	—		$	16,026	$	—		$	24,585
Expense accruals	27,657			—		28,550			—
Inventories	5,009			—		3,592			—
Provision for receivables	798			—		752			—
Deferred revenue	—			1,708		—			1,764
Operating loss carryforwards	75,635			—		75,443			—
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	16,476			—		16,085			—
Capital loss carryforwards	2,102			—		3,177			—
Pensions	86,995			—		81,564			—
Currency adjustments	35,386			—		27,536			—
Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	—			23,885		—			28,965
Unit adjustment liability	34,675			—		39,335			—
Post-retirement benefits	905			—		1,013			—
Other	9,079			—		6,159			—
Subtotal	294,717			41,619		283,206			55,314
Valuation allowance	(131,342		)	—		(127,164		)	—
Total deferred income taxes	$	163,375		$	41,619	$	156,042		$	55,314

77

The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

(In thousands)	2014		2013
Other current assets	$	39,003	$	44,315
Other assets	90,252		65,105
Other current liabilities	1,120		475
Deferred income taxes	6,379		8,217

At December 31, 2014, the tax-effected amount of net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") totaled $75.6 million. Tax-effected NOLs from international operations are $66.4 million. Of that amount, $44.8 million can be carried forward indefinitely, and $21.6 million will expire at various times between 2015 and 2033. Tax-effected U.S. state NOLs are $9.2 million. Of that amount, $0.4 million expire at various times between 2015 and 2018, $3.9 million expire at various times between 2019 and 2023, $1.5 million expire at various times between 2024 and 2028, and $3.4 million expire at various times between 2029 and 2033. At December 31, 2014, the tax-effected amount of capital loss carryforwards totaled $2.1 million which expire in 2018.

The valuation allowances of $131.3 million and $127.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related principally to deferred tax assets for pension liabilities, NOLs, capital losses, currency translation and foreign investment tax credits that are uncertain as to realizability. In 2014, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $8.0 million related to current year pension adjustments recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and a net increase of $6.5 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. This was offset by a $9.3 million reduction in valuation allowance from the effects of currency translation and a reduction of $1.1 million related to usage of a capital loss carryforward. Additionally, in 2013, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $9.4 million related to the Infrastructure Transaction and $7.1 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. This was offset by a $15.8 million reduction in valuation allowance related to U.K. pension adjustments recorded during the year through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and the effects of currency translation.

The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on certain non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as such amounts are indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, such earnings were approximately $705 million and $815 million, respectively. If these earnings were repatriated at December 31, 2014, the one-time tax cost associated with the repatriation would be approximately $124 million.

The Company had a tax holiday in Asia that expired in 2012, which had no impact on income tax expense for that year. The Company no longer has tax holidays in Europe and the Middle East as they have all expired.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $2.1 million, $3.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for interest and penalties primarily due to the expiration of statutes of limitation and resolution of examinations. The Company has accrued $2.8 million, $4.9 million and $8.0 million for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

78

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014 is as follows:

(In thousands)	Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits			Deferred Income Tax Benefits			Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits, Net of Deferred Income Tax Benefits
Balances, January 1, 2012	$	33,408		$	(517	)	$	32,891
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	584			(8		)	576
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	37			2			39
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,987		)	—			(3,987		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(5,124		)	154			(4,970		)
Balance at December 31, 2012	24,918			(369		)	24,549
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	500			(5		)	495
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	145			(4		)	141
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,050		)	—			(3,050		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(3,348		)	180			(3,168		)
Settlements	(1,616		)	—			(1,616		)
Balance at December 31, 2013	17,549			(198		)	17,351
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	288			(2		)	286
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	156			(55		)	101
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,056		)	—			(3,056		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(2,481		)	143			(2,338		)
Settlements	—			—			—
Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2014	$	12,456		$	(112	)	$	12,344

Included in the other reductions for tax positions related to prior years for 2014 is $3.1 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits of which $1.6 million relates to currency translation adjustments and $1.5 million was recognized as a result of closure of various foreign income tax examinations. These benefits were previously deemed to not meet the more likely than not standard.

Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that up to $0.2 million of unrecognized income tax benefits will be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations.

The Company files income tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S and international income tax examinations by tax authorities through 2008.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service completed its audit of the Company's 2010 income tax return in July 2014 and made no changes to the reported tax. 

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12. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets at both December 31, 2014 and 2013 include accruals in Other current liabilities of $1.2 million for environmental matters. The amounts charged against pre-tax income related to environmental matters totaled $1.9 million, $1.7 million and $1.2 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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

Brazilian Tax Disputes

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

In October 2009, the Company received notification of the SPRA's final administrative decision regarding the levying of ICMS in the State of São Paulo in relation to services provided to a customer in the State between January 2004 and May 2005. As of December 31, 2014, 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 is due to an increase in assessed interest and statutorily mandated legal fees for the year, as well as foreign currency translation.

Another ICMS tax case involving the SPRA refers to the tax period from January 2002 to December 2003, and is still pending at the administrative phase, where the aggregate amount assessed by the tax authorities in August 2005 was $9.5 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 $2.3 million, with penalty and interest assessed through that date increasing such amount by an additional $7.2 million. All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation.

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

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

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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 does not believe these claims to have merit and is vigorously defending itself against these claims; however, litigation is inherently unpredictable, particularly in foreign jurisdictions.  While the Company does not currently expect that the ultimate resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these labor-related disputes. 

The Company is continuing to review all known labor claims and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has established reserves of $8.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts considered to be probable and estimable. There can be no assurances that the Company will not conclude that it is necessary to increase the reserves relating to the claims, or take other actions as it continues to evaluate the potential liability with regard to these claims.

Customer Disputes

The Company, through its Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, provides services through long-term service contracts on a number of sites worldwide. As previously disclosed, a subcontractor at the site of a large customer has filed for arbitration against the Company, claiming that it is owed monetary damages from the Company in connection with its processing certain materials. The Company disputes that it is responsible for such alleged damages and intends to vigorously defend itself against this claim. In addition, the Company has impleaded its customer - which the Company believes has responsibility for any damages - into its arbitration with the subcontractor. The Company has concluded that a loss contingency is neither probable nor estimable and, therefore has not made any provision for any potential loss in its consolidated financial statements. Moreover, based on the information currently available to the Company, the Company does not expect that the ultimate resolution of this arbitration will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company, through its Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, may, in the normal of business, become involved in commercial disputes with other subcontractors or customers. Although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by a negative outcome in these or other lawsuits, claims and proceedings, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Other

The Company is named as one of many defendants (approximately 90 or more in most cases) in legal actions in the United States alleging personal injury from exposure to airborne asbestos over the past several decades. In their suits, the plaintiffs have named as defendants, among others, many manufacturers, distributors and installers of numerous types of equipment or products that allegedly contained asbestos.

The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit. The Company has never been a producer, manufacturer or processor of asbestos fibers. Any asbestos-containing part of a Company product used in the past was purchased from a supplier and the asbestos encapsulated in other materials such that airborne exposure, if it occurred, was not harmful and is not associated with the types of injuries alleged in the pending actions.

At December 31, 2014, there were 17,314 pending asbestos personal injury actions filed against the Company. Of those actions, 16,979 were filed in the New York Supreme Court (New York County), 115 were filed in other New York State Supreme Court Counties and 220 were filed in courts located in other states.

The complaints in most of those actions generally follow a form that contains a standard damages demand of $20 million or $25 million, regardless of the individual plaintiff's alleged medical condition, and without identifying any specific Company product.

At December 31, 2014, 16,816 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 163 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.

81

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

In view of the persistence of asbestos litigation in the United States, the Company expects to continue to receive additional claims in the future. The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending these claims and cases. At December 31, 2014, the Company has obtained dismissal in 27,550 cases by stipulation or summary judgment prior to trial.

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

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

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

13. Capital Stock

The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both having a par value of $1.25 per share. The preferred stock is issuable in series with terms as fixed by the Board of Directors (the "Board"). No preferred stock has been issued. Under the Company's Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (the "Agreement"), the Board authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one right for each share of common stock outstanding on the record date. The rights may only be exercised if, among other things and with certain exceptions, a person or group has acquired 15% or more of the Company's common stock without the prior approval of the Board. Each right entitles the holder to purchase 1/100th share of Harsco Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $230. Once the rights become exercisable, the holder of a right will be entitled, upon payment of the exercise price, to purchase a number of shares of common stock calculated to have a value of two times the exercise price of the right. The rights expire on October 9, 2017, do not have voting power, and may be redeemed by the Company at a price of $0.001 per right at any time until the 10th business day following public announcement that a person or group has accumulated 15% or more of the Company's common stock. The Agreement also includes an exchange feature. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, 806,599 and 806,789 shares, respectively, of $1.25 par value preferred stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the rights.

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The Board has authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows:

	Shares Authorized to be Purchased January 1	Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase	Shares Purchased	Remaining Shares Authorized for Purchase December 31
2012	1,713,423	—	—	1,713,423
2013	1,713,423	286,577	—	2,000,000
2014	2,000,000	—	150,000	1,850,000

At December 31, 2014, 1,850,000 shares remained available for repurchase under the Company's share repurchase program. Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased an additional 596,632 shares. The Company's share repurchase program expired on January 31, 2015.

The following table summarizes the Company's common stock:

	Common Stock
	Shares Issued	Treasury Shares (a)	Outstanding Shares
Outstanding, January 1, 2012	111,931,267	31,454,097	80,477,170
Stock options exercised	38,900	—	38,900
Vested restricted stock units	45,898	14,677	31,221
Other stock grants	47,873	10,536	37,337
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	112,063,938	31,479,310	80,584,628
Stock options exercised	20,000	—	20,000
Vested restricted stock units	25,215	9,358	15,857
Stock appreciation rights exercised	2,713	521	2,192
Other stock grants	86,827	30,579	56,248
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	112,198,693	31,519,768	80,678,925
Vested restricted stock units	65,851	4,418	61,433
Stock appreciation rights exercised	9,213	2,985	6,228
Other stock grants	83,591	20,327	63,264
Treasury shares purchased	—	150,000	(150,000	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	112,357,348	31,697,498	80,659,850

(a) The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.

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

(In thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2012
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(24,902	)	$	(226,449	)	$	(253,693	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	80,884			80,755			80,632
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	—			—			—
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	80,884			80,755			80,632
Loss from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)
Diluted	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)

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

(In thousands)	2014	2013	2012
Restricted stock units	301	265	148
Stock options	188	286	389
Stock appreciation rights	912	1,078	530
Performance share units	93	—	—
Other stock-based compensation units	—	101	317

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14. Stock-Based Compensation

The 2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2013 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 6,800,000 shares of the Company's common stock for use in paying incentive compensation awards in the form of stock options or other equity awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), or performance share units ("PSUs"). Of the 6,800,000 shares authorized, a maximum of 3,400,000 shares may be issued for awards other than option rights or SARs, as defined in the 2013 Plan. The 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan (the "1995 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of the Company's common stock for equity awards. Both plans have been approved by the Company's stockholders. At December 31, 2014, there were 5,616,343 shares available for granting equity awards under the 2013 Plan, of which 3,013,373 shares were available for awards other than option rights or SARs. At December 31, 2014, there were 107,063 shares available for granting equity awards under the 1995 Plan.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company's Board approves the granting of performance-based RSUs as the long-term equity component of director, officer and certain key employee compensation. The RSUs require no payment from the recipient and compensation cost is measured based on the market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date and is generally recorded over the vesting period. The vesting period for RSUs granted to non-employee directors is one year, and each RSU is exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company's common stock following the termination of the participant's service as a director. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2012, and prior, either vest on a pro rata basis over a three-year period or upon obtainment of the specified retirement age of 62. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2013, either "cliff" vest at the end of three years or upon obtainment of the specified retirement age of 62. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2014, either "cliff" vest at the end of three years, upon obtainment of the specified retirement age of 62 or upon meeting certain years of service criteria. Upon vesting, each RSU is exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company's common stock. RSUs do not have an option for cash payment.

The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

	RSUs	Weighted Average Fair Value		Expense
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)				2014		2013		2012
Directors:
2011	20,192	$	34.79	$	—	$	—	$	234
2012	30,618	$	21.44	—		255		402
2013	46,287	$	20.60	318		636		—
2014	36,840	$	24.80	602		—		—
Employees:
2009	121,625	$	25.98	—		—		43
2010	26,000	$	23.78	—		—		21
2011	17,250	$	23.55	3		69		195
2012	141,486	$	18.75	151		383		525
2013	170,582	$	20.63	325		633		—
2014	190,832	$	25.21	1,114		—		—
Total				$	2,513	$	1,976	$	1,420

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Restricted stock unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

	RSUs
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2012	62,641		$	25.39
Granted	172,104		$	19.23
Vested	(67,861	)	$	24.86
Forfeited	(25,411	)	$	20.35
Non-vested at December 31, 2012	141,473		$	19.19
Granted	216,869		$	20.62
Vested	(69,955	)	$	20.54
Forfeited	(74,546	)	$	22.61
Non-vested at December 31, 2013	213,841		$	19.95
Granted	227,672		$	25.14
Vested	(52,041	)	$	23.58
Forfeited	(84,956	)	$	20.92
Non-vested at December 31, 2014	304,516		$	22.94

At December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs was $4.0 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

There was no change in excess tax benefits from RSUs recognized in 2014 and 2012. There was a $0.1 million increase of excess tax benefits in 2013.

Stock Appreciation Rights

The Company may grant SARs to officers and certain key employees under the 2013 Plan.  The SARs generally vest on a pro-rata basis from one to five years from the grant date or upon certain retirement age and years of service criteria, and expire no later than ten years after the grant date, and the specified retirement age is 62.  The exercise price of the SARs is the fair value on the grant date.  Upon exercise, shares of Company's common stock are issued based on the increase in the fair value of the Company's common stock over the exercise price of the SAR.  SARs do not have an option for cash payment.

During 2012, the Company issued SARs covering 318,452 shares in March, 345,502 shares in May and 43,058 shares in September under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan to officers and key executive employees. During 2013, the Company issued SARs covering 903,814 shares in May, 5,018 shares in June and 15,000 shares in November under the 2013 Plan. During 2014, the Company issued SARs covering 51,900 shares in April, 255,090 shares in May, 31,405 shares in July, 84,290 shares in August, 15,808 shares in September and 12,401 shares in November under the 2013 Plan.

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

	SARs Issued
	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		SAR Grant Price		Fair Value of SAR
March 2012 Grant	1.56	%	3.50	%	6.5	43.9	%	$	23.73	$	6.10
May 2012 Grant	1.18	%	4.20	%	6.5	44.0	%	$	19.65	$	4.77
September 2012 Grant	1.00	%	3.80	%	6.5	44.3	%	$	21.37	$	6.20
May 2013 Grant	1.17	%	3.61	%	6.5	44.1	%	$	22.70	$	6.86
June 2013 Grant	1.41	%	3.56	%	6.5	44.1	%	$	23.03	$	7.07
November 2013 Grant	1.91	%	3.13	%	6.5	43.8	%	$	26.22	$	8.60
April 2014 Grant	1.98	%	3.53	%	6.0	44.3	%	$	23.25	$	7.25
May 2014 Grant (1st)	1.90	%	3.16	%	6.0	43.2	%	$	25.93	$	8.16
May 2014 Grant (2nd)	1.82	%	3.05	%	6.0	42.8	%	$	26.92	$	8.47
July 2014 Grant	2.00	%	3.24	%	6.0	41.2	%	$	25.27	$	7.55
August 2014 Grant	1.92	%	3.27	%	6.0	41.2	%	$	25.11	$	7.46
September 2014 Grant	2.03	%	3.50	%	6.0	40.6	%	$	23.43	$	6.72
November 2014 Grant	1.78	%	4.00	%	6.0	38.6	%	$	20.48	$	5.17

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SARs activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

	SARs
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (a)
Outstanding, January 1, 2012	—		$	—	$	—
Granted	707,012		$	21.23
Forfeited/Expired	(181,725	)	$	21.23
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	525,287		$	21.23	$	1.2
Granted	923,832		$	22.76
Exercised	(11,037	)	$	19.65
Forfeited/Expired	(476,624	)	$	22.28
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	961,458		$	22.20	$	5.6
Granted	450,894		$	25.20
Exercised	(52,667	)	$	20.21
Forfeited/Expired	(406,637	)	$	22.65
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	953,048		$	23.53	$	—

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

The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million and $0.1 million. No SARs were exercised in 2012.

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2014:

	SARs Outstanding					SARs Exercisable
Range of exercisable prices	Vested	Non-vested	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	Number Exercisable	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
$19.65 - $23.43	147,540	381,180	$	22.11	8.3	147,540	$	21.61
$23.73 - $26.92	59,098	365,230	$	25.31	9.0	59,098	$	24.04
	206,638	746,410	$	23.53	8.6	206,638	$	22.30

At December 31, 2014, outstanding SARs, substantially all of which are expected to vest, have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 8.6 years and no intrinsic value as the exercise price for all SARs exceeds the current market value. Vested and currently exercisable SARs have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 7.8 years and no aggregate intrinsic value.

At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested SARs was $3.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years.

Weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested SARs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

	SARs
	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, January 1, 2013	525,287		$	21.23
Granted	923,832		$	22.76
Vested	(121,953	)	$	21.65
Exercised	(11,037	)	$	19.65
Forfeited	(476,624	)	$	22.28
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013	839,505		$	22.27
Granted	450,894		$	25.20
Vested	(84,685	)	$	23.23
Exercised	(52,667	)	$	20.21
Forfeited	(406,637	)	$	22.65
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014	746,410		$	23.87

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Performance Stock Units

Beginning in 2014, the Company granted PSUs to officers and certain key employees that may be earned based on the Company's total shareholder return over the three-year performance period beginning January 1, 2014 (the "performance period"). PSUs are paid out at the end of the performance period based on the Company’s performance which is measured by determining the percentile rank of the total shareholder return of the Company's common stock in relation to the total shareholder return of the S&P Midcap 400 Industrial Group during the performance period. The payment of PSUs following the performance period will be based in accordance with the scale set forth in the PSU agreements and may range from 0% to 200% of the initial grant. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 15,700 shares in April, 82,526 shares in May, 11,487 shares in July, 26,550 shares in August, 4,980 shares in September and 3,906 shares in November under the 2013 Plan.

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

	PSUs Issued
	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		Fair Value of PSU
April 2014 Grant	0.75	%	—	%	2.73	34.3	%	$	18.00
May 2014 Grant (1st)	0.70	%	—	%	2.65	31.8	%	$	25.26
May 2014 Grant (2nd)	0.63	%	—	%	2.61	30.1	%	$	27.53
July 2014 Grant	0.74	%	—	%	2.42	26.9	%	$	22.31
August 2014 Grant	0.67	%	—	%	2.42	26.9	%	$	21.86
September 2014 Grant	0.72	%	—	%	2.29	25.7	%	$	15.26
November 2014 Grant	0.55	%	—	%	2.10	26.3	%	$	7.42

Total compensation expense related to PSUs was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested PSUs was $2.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

A summary of the Company's non-vested PSU activity during the year ending December 31, 2014 is presented in the following table:

	PSUs
	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013	—		$	—
Granted	145,149		$	22.82
Vested	(1,784	)	$	27.53
Forfeited	(9,796	)	$	25.26
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014	133,569		$	22.58

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Stock Options

The Company may grant incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options to officers, certain key employees and non-employee directors under the plans noted above. The stock options would generally vest three years from the grant date, which is the date the Board approved the grants, and expire no later than seven years after the grant date. The exercise price of the stock option would be fair value on the grant date. Upon exercise, a new share of Company common stock is issued for each stock option.

Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

	Stock Options
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)(a)
Outstanding, January 1, 2012	661,840		$	30.22	$	0.2
Exercised	(38,900	)	$	18.23	—
Forfeited/Expired	(294,940	)	$	31.29	$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	328,000		$	30.67	$	0.2
Exercised	(20,000	)	$	16.96	$	—
Forfeited/Expired	(79,000	)	$	31.00	$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	229,000		$	31.75	$	—
Forfeited/Expired	(107,500	)	$	31.75	$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	121,500		$	31.75	$	—

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

Compensation expense related to stock options totaled less than $0.1 million in both 2014 and 2012. Compensation expense related to stock options was $0.2 million in 2013.

At December 31, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options.

There were no stock options exercised and no net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options in 2014. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaled $0.4 million and $0.7 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during both 2013 and 2012 was $0.1 million.

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2014:

	Stock Options Outstanding					Stock Options Exercisable
Range of Exercisable Prices	Vested	Non-vested	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	Number Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
$31.75 - $31.75	121,500	—	$	31.75	3.1	121,500	$	31.75

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of non-vested stock options during the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:

	Stock Options
	Shares Under Option		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	149,000		$	10.90
Vested	(121,500	)	10.90
Forfeited	(27,500	)	10.90
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	—		$	10.90

Other Stock Grants

During 2014, the Company issued 27,672 common shares to the Interim Chief Executive Officer as part of his compensation agreement. These shares vested immediately and were not subject to any holding period restrictions. The fair value of these other stock grants were based on the market price of the Company's stock at the grant date. Expense recognized in 2014 for these other stock grants totaled $0.7 million.

In addition, 55,919 common shares were issued to other officers and key employees to settle previous fully-vested liability-based long-term incentive award programs.

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15. Financial Instruments

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

As collateral for the Company's performance and to insurers, the Company is contingently liable under standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees in the amounts of $269.4 million, $216.3 million and $208.8 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase since December 31, 2014 primarily relates to the issuance of performance bonds associated with the Company's large Switzerland rail order in the Harsco Rail Segment. These standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees are generally in force for up to 5 years. Certain issues have no scheduled expiration date. The Company pays fees to various banks and insurance companies that range from 0.32% to 2.50% per annum of the instrument's face value. If the Company were required to obtain replacement standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees at December 31, 2014 for those currently outstanding, it is the Company's opinion that the replacement costs would be within the present fee structure.

The Company has currency exposures in approximately 35 countries. The Company's primary foreign currency exposures during 2014 were in the European Economic and Monetary Union, the United Kingdom and Brazil.

Off-Balance Sheet Risk—Third-Party Guarantees

In connection with the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company has outstanding guarantees and letters of credit related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that are still in force. These guarantees and letters of credit are provided to enable the legacy business to obtain financing for their operations. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to these guarantees was approximately $15 million and $19 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These guarantees and letters of credit are expected to be replaced by Brand during 2015. There is no recognition of a liability related to these guarantees or letters of credit as the Company believes that the potential for making any payments is remote and they have been indemnified by Brand as part of the Infrastructure Transaction.

During June 2014, the Company provided a guarantee to Brand, as part of the net working capital settlement related to the Infrastructure Transaction, for certain matters occurring prior to closing. The remaining term of this guarantee is 6 years at December 31, 2014. The maximum potential amount of future payments related to this guarantee is approximately $3 million at December 31, 2014. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

The Company provided an environmental indemnification for properties that were sold to a third party in 2007. The maximum term of this guarantee is 20 years, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter is discovered on the properties. The Company is not aware of environmental issues related to these properties. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

The Company provided an environmental indemnification for property from a lease that terminated in 2006. The term of this guarantee is indefinite, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter was discovered on the property relating to the time the Company leased the property. The Company is not aware of any environmental issues related to this property. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to this guarantee is estimated to be $3.0 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

Any liabilities related to the Company's obligation to stand ready to act on third-party guarantees are included in the captions, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities (as appropriate), on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any recognition of these liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations for 2014, 2013 or 2012.

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

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

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

All derivative instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge foreign currency denominated balance sheet items are reported directly in earnings along with offsetting transaction gains and losses on the items being hedged. Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases may be accounted for as cash flow hedges, as deemed appropriate, if the criteria for hedge accounting are met. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are deferred as a separate component of equity and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. Generally, at December 31, 2014, these deferred gains and losses will be reclassified to earnings over 10 to 15 years from the balance sheet date. The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
December 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	420		$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	Other assets	52,989		Other liabilities	2,599
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	53,409		$	2,599
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	4,065	Other current liabilities	$	4,618

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
December 31, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	40	Other current liabilities	$	17
Cross currency interest rate swaps	Other assets	26,001		Other liabilities	13,410
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	26,041		$	13,427
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	1,216	Other current liabilities	$	3,267

All of the Company's derivatives are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at gross amounts and not offset. All of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps and certain foreign currency forward exchange 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 or net liability at either December 31, 2014 or 2013.

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The effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

(In thousands)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative—Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	358		Cost of services and products sold	$	4			$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(1,977		)		—			Cost of services and products sold	39,823			(a)
	$	(1,619	)		$	4			$	39,823
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	48		Cost of services and products sold	$	(8	)	Cost of services and products sold	$	(6	)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	2,409				—			Cost of services and products sold	(12,061		)	(a)
	$	2,457			$	(8	)		$	(12,067	)
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	(152	)	Cost of services and products sold	$	270			$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(4,748		)		—			Cost of services and products sold	(13,384		)	(a)
	$	(4,900	)		$	270			$	(13,384	)

(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 Twelve Months Ended December 31(a)
(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	(2,307	)	$	(10,463	)	$	(3,529	)

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

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange 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 forward exchange 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 forward exchange contracts are used to hedge commitments, such as foreign currency debt, firm purchase commitments and foreign currency cash flows for certain export sales transactions.

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The following tables summarize, by major currency, the contractual amounts of the Company's foreign currency forward exchange contracts in U.S. dollars at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The "Buy" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies, and the "Sell" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell foreign currencies. The recognized gains and losses offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2014:

(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	37,943	January 2015	$	179
British pounds sterling	Buy	2,783		January 2015	(4		)
Euros	Sell	193,370		January 2015 through March 2015	2,993
Euros	Buy	194,084		January 2015 through March 2015	(3,767		)
Other currencies	Sell	12,641		January 2015 through December 2015	439
Other currencies	Buy	28,001		January 2015 through June 2015	27
Total		$	468,822		$	(133	)

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2013:

(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	26,931	January 2014	$	(277	)
British pounds sterling	Buy	1,976		January 2014	15
Euros	Sell	248,943		January 2014 through July 2014	(335		)
Euros	Buy	242,385		January 2014 through March 2014	(1,335		)
Other currencies	Sell	12,708		January 2014 through July 2014	(134		)
Other currencies	Buy	8,907		January 2014 through August 2014	38
Total		$	541,850		$	(2,028	)

Included in the contracted amounts of foreign currency exchange forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013 are $121.2 million of foreign currency exchange forward contracts entered into by the Company under the Transition Services Agreement with Brand. The Company has recognized a $0.7 million mark-to-market liability associated with these foreign currency exchange forward contracts.

In addition to foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the Company designates certain loans as hedges of net investments in international subsidiaries. The Company recorded pre-tax net gains of $22.6 million and pre-tax net losses of $9.8 million and $5.3 million related to hedges of net investments during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in the caption, Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed local currency interest rate. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, 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 cross currency interest rate swaps are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in value attributed to the effect of the swaps' interest spread and changes in the credit worthiness of the counter-parties recorded in the caption, Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal. The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps:

	Contractual Amounts		Interest Rates
(In millions)			Receive	Pay
Maturing 2018	$	250.0	Fixed U.S. dollar rate	Fixed euro rate
Maturing 2020	220.0		Fixed U.S. dollar rate	Fixed British pound sterling rate
Maturing 2016 through 2017	8.8		Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed rupee rate

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Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities and Other Financial Instruments

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements (In thousands)	December 31 2014		December 31 2013
Assets
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	4,485	$	1,256
Cross currency interest rate swaps	52,989		26,001
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	4,618		3,284
Cross currency interest rate swaps	2,599		13,410

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability for the Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands)	2014				2013
Balance at beginning of year	$	106,343			$	—
Recognition of unit adjustment liability	—				107,500
Payments	(22,320		)		(2,123		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	9,740				966
Balance at end of year	$	93,762		(a)	$	106,343

(a) Does not total due to rounding.

See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, 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. Commodity derivatives, foreign currency forward exchange contracts and cross currency interest rate swaps 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.

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The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $885.0 million and $832.6 million, respectively, compared to carrying value of $854.9 million and $803.4 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.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

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

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited in the Harsco Industrial Segments due to the Company's large number of customers and their dispersion across different industries and geographies. However, the Company's Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and, to a lesser extent, the Harsco Rail Segment have several large customers throughout the world with significant accounts receivable balances. Consolidation in the global steel or rail industries could result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company.

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

16. Information by Segment and Geographic Area

The Company reports information about operating segments using the "management approach," which is based on the way management organizes and reports the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are identified based upon differences in products, services and markets served.

In 2014, the Company had three reportable segments. These segments and the types of products and services offered include the following:

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products. Major customers include steel mills and asphalt roofing manufacturers.

Harsco Industrial Segment

Major products include air-cooled heat exchangers; industrial grating; and boilers and water heaters. Major customers include industrial plants and the non-residential, commercial and public construction and retrofit markets; and the natural gas, natural gas processing and petrochemical industries.

Harsco Rail Segment

This Segment manufactures railway track maintenance equipment and provides track maintenance services. The major customers include private and government-owned railroads and urban mass transit systems worldwide.

In 2013 and 2012, the Company's reportable segments also include the following:

Harsco Infrastructure Segment

Historically, major services included project engineering and equipment installation, as well as the sale and rental of scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming systems for industrial maintenance and capital improvement projects, civil infrastructure projects, non-residential construction, and international multi-dwelling residential construction projects. Services were provided to industrial and petrochemical plants; the infrastructure construction, repair and maintenance markets; commercial and industrial construction contractors; and public utilities. As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, this Segment is not included in the Company's results of operations for 2014. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

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Other Information

The measurement basis of segment profit or loss is operating income (loss). There are no significant inter-segment sales. Corporate assets, at December 31, 2014, include principally cash, prepaid taxes, fair value of derivative instruments, the equity method investment in Brand and U.S. deferred income taxes. Countries with revenues from unaffiliated customers or net property, plant and equipment of ten percent or more of the consolidated totals (in at least one period presented) are as follows:

Information by Geographic Area (a)

	Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
	Year Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
United States	$	880,884	$	1,021,770	$	1,108,051
United Kingdom	257,885		353,915		331,894
All Other	926,969		1,520,835		1,606,073
Totals including Corporate	$	2,065,738	$	2,896,520	$	3,046,018

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

	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
	Balances at December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
United States	$	151,397	$	147,820	$	242,890
China	102,842		86,822		55,656
Brazil	69,515		63,161		65,019
All Other	339,490		413,543		902,660
Totals including Corporate	$	663,244	$	711,346	$	1,266,225

No single customer provided in excess of 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues in 2014, 2013, or 2012.

In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment had two customers that each provided in excess of 10% of this Segment's revenues under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites. Additionally, consolidation in the global steel industry has increased the Company's exposure to these customers. Should additional consolidations occur involving some of the steel industry's larger companies which are customers of the Company, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Industrial Segment had one customer that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. In 2014 and 2012, the Harsco Rail Segment had one customer and in 2013 two customers that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. The loss of any of these customers would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial positions or cash flows; however, it could have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.

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Operating Information by Segment:

The Company has reclassified segment operating results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 to conform to the revised manner in which the Company now allocates corporate expenses to operating segments as a result of changes in organizational structure resulting from the Infrastructure Transaction. The changes do not impact the Company's previously reported consolidated revenues from continuing operations, operating income (loss) from continuing operations or income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income.

	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Revenues
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	1,377,592		$	1,359,004		$	1,404,103
Harsco Infrastructure	—			885,377			937,293
Harsco Industrial	412,532			365,972			352,586
Harsco Rail	275,614			286,167			352,036
Total Revenues	$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018
Operating Income (Loss)
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	9,858		$	95,310		$	99,668
Harsco Infrastructure	—			(255,326		)	(350,497		)
Harsco Industrial	63,680			58,977			58,062
Harsco Rail	37,137			27,710			54,727
Corporate	(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
Total Operating Income (Loss)	$	63,471		$	(134,799	)	$	(174,790	)
Total Assets
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	1,472,277		$	1,595,221		$	1,561,973
Harsco Infrastructure (a)	—			456,323			1,018,979
Harsco Industrial	126,548			83,189			81,035
Harsco Rail	169,035			159,774			188,348
Corporate	495,941			147,241			125,634
Total Assets	$	2,263,801		$	2,441,748		$	2,975,969
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	159,844		$	158,837		$	163,137
Harsco Infrastructure	—			58,449			89,814
Harsco Industrial	4,928			3,329			3,098
Harsco Rail	5,591			10,362			10,116
Corporate	5,963			6,064			5,952
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	176,326		$	237,041		$	272,117
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	186,784		$	173,179		$	189,358
Harsco Infrastructure	—			62,889			63,137
Harsco Industrial	9,298			3,936			3,669
Harsco Rail	3,120			3,502			4,133
Corporate	8,776			2,641			4,726
Total Capital Expenditures	$	207,978		$	246,147		$	265,023

(a) The total assets of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment at December 31, 2013 represent assets held-for-sale, the value of the equity method investment in Brand, and related net deferred tax assets.

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

	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Segment operating income (loss)	$	110,675		$	(73,329	)	$	(138,040	)
General Corporate expense	(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	63,471			(134,799		)	(174,790		)
Interest income	1,702			2,087			3,676
Interest expense	(47,111		)	(49,654		)	(47,381		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	(9,740		)	(966		)	—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)

Information about Products and Services:

	Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Key Product and Services Groups
Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products	$	1,377,592	$	1,359,004	$	1,404,103
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a)	—		885,377		937,293
Railway track maintenance services and equipment	275,614		286,167		352,036
Air-cooled heat exchangers	226,529		180,738		175,896
Industrial grating products	139,711		142,355		136,157
Heat transfer products	46,292		42,879		40,533
Consolidated Revenues	$	2,065,738	$	2,896,520	$	3,046,018

(a) The Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales product group is associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment which was disposed of as part of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

17. Other Expenses

During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded pre-tax other expenses from continuing operations of $57.8 million, $15.1 million and $93.8 million, respectively. The major components of this Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows:

	Other (Income) Expenses
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net gains	$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)
Employee termination benefit costs	19,120			3,928			31,158
Costs to exit activities	4,908			5,382			38,626
Product line rationalization	—			—			24,966
Impaired asset write-downs	39,455			9,688			7,152
Other (income) expense	1,059			769			(2,278		)
Total	$	57,824		$	15,110		$	93,776

Other expenses in 2014 were incurred in conjunction with non-cash impaired asset write-downs, termination benefit costs and costs to exit activities in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment aligned with the Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan ("Project Orion") and the related focus on underperforming contracts, partially offset by net gains, primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and Harsco Industrial Segment. See Note 19, Restructuring Programs, for additional information on Project Orion.

97

Other expenses in 2013 were incurred in conjunction with impaired asset write-downs primarily in the Harsco Rail Segment, costs to exit activities primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and Corporate, employee termination benefit costs primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, partially offset by net gains primarily in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.

Substantially all other expenses in 2012 were incurred in conjunction with restructuring programs initiated within the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment in 2011 and the Harsco Infrastructure Segment in 2010. See Note 19, Restructuring Programs, for additional information on these restructuring programs.

Net Gains

Net gains result from the sales of redundant properties (primarily land, buildings and related equipment) and non-core assets. In 2014, gains related to assets sold primarily in North America and Latin America. In 2013, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States and Western Europe. In 2012, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States.

	Net Gains
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	(3,538	)	$	(1,043	)	$	(2,449	)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment	—			(2,864		)	(2,198		)
Harsco Industrial Segment	(2,077		)	(750		)	(1,089		)
Corporate	(1,103		)	—			(112		)
Total	$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)

Cash proceeds associated with these gains are included in the caption, Proceeds from sales of assets, in the cash flows from investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Employee Termination Benefit Costs

Costs and the related liabilities associated with involuntary termination benefit costs associated with one-time benefit arrangements provided as part of an exit or disposal activity are recognized by the Company when a formal plan for reorganization is approved at the appropriate level of management and communicated to the affected employees. Additionally, costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements, or in certain countries where statutory requirements dictate a minimum required benefit, are recognized when they are probable and estimable.

The employee termination benefits costs in 2014 related primarily to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, including the impact of Project Orion, primarily in Latin America and Western Europe. The employee termination benefit costs in 2013 related primarily to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and were primarily in Latin America, Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and North America. The employee termination benefit costs in 2012 related primarily to the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program and were primarily in Western Europe, North America, the United Kingdom and the Asia-Pacific region.

	Employee Termination Benefit Costs
(In thousands)	2014		2013			2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	18,169	$	3,561		$	8,082
Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	—		(326		)	17,291
Harsco Rail Segment	185		235			245
Harsco Industrial Segment	421		115			418
Corporate	345		343			5,122
Total	$	19,120	$	3,928		$	31,158

(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.

Costs to Exit Activities

Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized as follows:

• Costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease are recognized when an entity terminates the contract or when an entity ceases using the right conveyed by the contract. This includes the costs to terminate the contract before the end of its term or the costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the entity (e.g., lease run-out costs).

• Other costs associated with exit or disposal activities (e.g., costs to consolidate or close facilities and relocate equipment or employees) are recognized and measured at their fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred.

98

In 2014, $4.9 million of exit costs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, primarily related to North America and Western Europe, partially offset at Corporate by gains from currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings related to historic Harsco Infrastructure Segment entities which were not included as part of the Infrastructure Transaction and retained by the Company. The currency translation adjustments are non-cash items recognized when the Company has substantially liquidated the related investment in a foreign entity.

In 2013, $5.4 million of exit costs were incurred, principally at Corporate related to the preliminary phases of the Infrastructure Transaction and the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment at various sites.

In 2012, $38.6 million of exit costs were incurred, principally related to Western Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom. This consists primarily of branch structure reduction and office rationalization costs in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments. Costs to exit activities included $10.9 million of gains from currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings. The Company exited certain countries and recognized such adjustment gains in conjunction with the Company's 2011/2012 Restructuring Program.

	Costs to Exit Activities
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	6,395		$	2,705		$	3,627
Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	—			(254		)	34,820
Corporate	(1,487		)	2,931			179
Total	$	4,908		$	5,382		$	38,626

(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.

Product Line Rationalization

The Company did not record any product line rationalization charges in either 2014 or 2013. The product line rationalization charge of $25.0 million in 2012 represents a write-down of certain rental assets and sale inventories in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that were discontinued in conjunction with restructuring programs to streamline and optimize product offerings. These charges are net of estimated salvage value. Salvage values were based on estimates of proceeds to be realized through the sale of this inventory outside the normal course of business.

Impaired Asset Write-downs

Impaired asset write-downs are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value is estimated based upon the expected future realizable cash flows including anticipated selling prices. Non-cash impaired asset write-downs are included in the caption, Other, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities.

In 2014, $39.5 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment mostly in Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa and the Asia Pacific region as part of Project Orion. In 2013, $9.7 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Rail Segment related to certain contract services assets being written-down to the net realizable value. In 2012, impaired asset write-downs were recorded in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment principally in the Asia-Pacific region resulting from exiting an underperforming contract.

	Impaired Asset Write-downs
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	38,791	$	689	$	7,152
Harsco Rail Segment	590		8,999		—
Harsco Industrial Segment	74		—		—
Total	$	39,455	$	9,688	$	7,152

99

18. Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 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, net of tax	—				8				19,839				—			19,847
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisition 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	)

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(40,053		)	(a)	(1,961		)	(b)	(130,659		)	(c)	5			(172,668		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	(8,635		)		—				632				—			(8,003		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,205				4				16,431				—			18,640
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(1,447		)		—				—				—			(1,447		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,930		)		(1,957		)		(113,596		)		5			(163,478		)
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,647				(45		)		—				—			1,602
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(46,283		)		(2,002		)		(113,596		)		5			(161,876		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(40,173	)		$	(9,025	)		$	(483,278	)		$	(15	)	$	(532,491	)

(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.

(c) Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements.

100

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31 2014				Year Ended December 31 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a):
Actuarial losses	$	11,556		(b)	$	12,435		(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Actuarial losses	5,898			(b)	9,064			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
Prior-service costs	103			(b)	298			(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Prior-service costs	171			(b)	285			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
Total before tax	17,728				22,082
Tax benefit	(1,297		)		(2,243		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	16,431			$	19,839
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments (a):
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	4			$	11			Cost of services and products sold
Tax benefit	—				(3		)
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	4			$	8
Amortization of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments (a):
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	2,205			$	—			Other expenses
Tax benefit	—				—
Total reclassification of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	2,205			$	—

(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 for the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31 2014			Year Ended December 31 2013			Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	(1,447	)	$	(15,979	)	Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
Tax effect	—			—
Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments	$	(1,447	)	$	(15,979	)
Cash flow hedging instruments, before tax	$	—		$	(34	)	Loss on disposal of the 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 the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
Tax effect	—			—
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items	$	—		$	20,184

101

19. Restructuring Programs

In recent years, the Company has instituted restructuring programs to balance short-term profitability goals with long-term strategies. A primary objective of these programs has been to establish platforms upon which the affected businesses can grow with reduced fixed investment and generate annual operating expense savings.  The restructuring programs have been instituted in response to the continuing impact of global financial and economic uncertainty on the Company’s end markets. Restructuring costs incurred in these programs were recorded in the caption, Other expenses, of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The timing of associated cash payments is dependent on the type of restructuring cost and can extend over a multi-year period.

Project Orion

Under Project Orion, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment made organizational and process improvement changes, which are expected to improve return on capital and deliver a higher and more consistent level of service to customers by improving several core processes and simplifying the organizational structure. The Company incurred $12.0 million in employee termination benefit costs related to Project Orion during 2014. As a result of actions initiated under phase one of Project Orion, during 2014, the Company realized compensation savings of approximately $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, or approximately $17 million on an annualized basis, with benefits from phase two of Project Orion expected to commence in 2015. Annual recurring benefits from compensation and other operational savings under Project Orion are expected to be approximately $24 million and $13 million, respectively.

The restructuring accrual for Project Orion at December 31, 2014 and the activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

(In thousands)	Expense Incurred in 2014		Other Adjustments		Cash Expenditures			Foreign Currency Translation			Remaining Accrual December 31 2014
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Employee termination benefit costs	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668
Total	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668

The remaining accrual related to Project Orion is expected to be paid, principally, through 2015 with the remainder in the first half of 2016.

Prior Restructuring Programs

The remaining accrual for restructuring programs was $2.4 million and $5.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remaining accrual relates primarily to exit activity costs for lease terminations expected to be paid over the remaining life of the leases.

102

Two-Year Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

	2014 (a)
Quarterly	First		Second				Third			Fourth
Revenues	$	512.7	$	534.6			$	526.4		$	492.1
Gross profit (b)	103.2		117.1				115.4			83.2
Net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	11.1		(14.0		)		23.6			(45.6		)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$	0.14	$	(0.19	)		$	0.30		$	(0.56	)
Discontinued operations (c)	—		0.01				—			—
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	0.14	$	(0.17	)	(e)	$	0.29	(e)	$	(0.56	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$	0.14	$	(0.19	)		$	0.30		$	(0.56	)
Discontinued operations (c)	—		0.01				—			—
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	0.14	$	(0.17	)	(e)	$	0.29	(e)	$	(0.56	)

	2013 (a)
Quarterly	First		Second			Third				Fourth
Revenues	$	715.4	$	759.7		$	740.0			$	681.3
Gross profit (b)	151.1		182.6			172.2				156.4
Net income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	7.2		23.8			(233.7		)	(d)	(25.3		)	(d)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$	0.09	$	0.30		$	(2.89	)	(d)	$	(0.31	)	(d)
Discontinued operations (c)	—		(0.01		)	—				—
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	0.09	$	0.29		$	(2.89	)		$	(0.31	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$	0.09	$	0.30		$	(2.89	)	(d)	$	(0.31	)	(d)
Discontinued operations (c)	—		(0.01		)	—				—
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	0.09	$	0.29		$	(2.89	)		$	(0.31	)

(a) Sum of the quarters may not equal the total year due to rounding.

(b) Gross profit is defined as Revenues less costs and expenses associated directly with or allocated to products sold or services rendered.

(c) Discontinued operations related principally to the Gas Technologies Segment which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2007. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on discontinued operations.

(d) During 2013, the Company recorded a $271.3 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, or $3.16 per basic and diluted share. During the third and fourth quarters of 2013, there were $241.3 million and $30.0 million of pre-tax loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment incurred, respectively, related to the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the pre-tax loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.

(e) Does not total due to rounding.

103

Common Stock Price and Dividend Information

(Unaudited)

	Market Price Per Share				Dividends  Declared Per Share
	High		Low
2014
First quarter	$	28.19	$	21.16	$	0.205
Second quarter	27.77		22.43		0.205
Third quarter	27.56		19.26		0.205
Fourth quarter	21.81		16.48		0.205

2013
First quarter	$	26.02	$	22.84	$	0.205
Second quarter	24.75		20.98		0.205
Third quarter	27.03		23.20		0.205
Fourth quarter	28.99		23.86		0.205

Item 9.    Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A.    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 December 31, 2014. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective at December 31, 2014. There were 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 fourth quarter of 2014.

Management's Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting is included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2014 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm appearing in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Item 9B.    Other Information.

None.

104

PART III

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information regarding executive officers of the Company required by this Item is set forth as a Supplementary Item, titled "Executive Officers of the Registrant," at the end of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K) and is incorporated herein by reference. The other information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures that will be included under the sections entitled "Corporate Governance," "Proposal 1: Election of Directors - Nominees for Director," "Meetings and Committees of the Board," "Report of the Audit Committee" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" of the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2015 Proxy Statement"), which will be filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

The Company's Code of Conduct (the "Code"), which applies to all officers, directors and employees of the Company, may be found on the Company's Internet website, www.harsco.com. The Company intends to disclose on its website any amendments to the Code or any waiver from a provision of the Code granted to an executive officer or director of the Company. The Code is available in print, without charge, to any person who requests it. To request a copy of the Code please contact the Company's Senior Director—Corporate Communications at (717) 730-3683.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation.

The information regarding compensation of executive officers and directors required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures that will be included under the sections entitled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Executive Summary," "Discussion and Analysis of 2014 Compensation" and "Non-Employee Director Compensation" of the 2015 Proxy Statement. The other information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures that will be included under the sections entitled "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Compensation Committee Report" of the 2015 Proxy Statement.

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures that will be included under the section entitled "Share Ownership of Directors, Management and Certain Beneficial Owners" of the 2015 Proxy Statement.

Equity compensation plan information is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures that will be included under the section entitled "Equity Compensation Plan Information" of the 2015 Proxy Statement.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information regarding certain relationships and related transactions required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures that will be included under the section entitled "Transactions with Related Persons" of the 2015 Proxy Statement. The information regarding director independence required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures that will be included under the section entitled "Corporate Governance" of the 2015 Proxy Statement.

Item 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information regarding principal accounting fees and services required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures that will be included under the sections entitled "Report of the Audit Committee" and "Fees Billed by the Independent Auditors for Audit and Non-Audit Services" of the 2015 Proxy Statement.

105

PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) 1. The Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data is located under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

	Page
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	47

2. The following financial statement schedule should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data":

	Page
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years 2014, 2013 and 2012	107

Financial statement schedules other than that listed above are omitted because the required information is not applicable, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements.

106

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Continuing Operations

(In thousands)

COLUMN A	COLUMN B		COLUMN C		COLUMN D							COLUMN E
			Additions		Additions (Deductions)
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Cost and Expenses		Due to Currency Translation Adjustments			Other				Balance at End of Period
For the year 2014:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	6,638	$	9,892	$	(969	)	$	(442	)		$	15,119
Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance	$	127,164	$	24,252	$	(9,254	)	$	(10,820	)		$	131,342
For the year 2013:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	17,253	$	10,175	$	(191	)	$	(20,599	)	(a)	$	6,638
Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance	$	126,532	$	4,164	$	(5,769	)	$	2,237			$	127,164
For the year 2012:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	17,829	$	11,266	$	166		$	(12,008	)	(b)	$	17,253
Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance	$	99,617	$	18,552	$	3,449		$	4,914			$	126,532

(a) Includes principally the decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts since December 31, 2012 related to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction and utilization of previously reserved amounts.

(b) Includes principally the utilization of previously reserved amounts.

107

Listing of Exhibits Filed with Form 10-K

Exhibit Number	Description of Exhibit
2(a)	Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2013, by and among Harsco Corporation, on behalf of itself and the other sellers named therein, Bullseye, Inc., on behalf of itself and the other buyers named therein, Bullseye Investors, Inc. and CD&R Bullseye Holdings, L.P. (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2013, Commission File Number 001-03970). The registrant has omitted certain immaterial schedules and exhibits to this exhibit pursuant to the provisions of Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(2). The registrant will furnish a copy of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
3(a)	Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2013, Commission File Number 001-03970).
3(b)	Certificate of Designation filed September 25, 1997 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1997, Commission File Number 001-03970).
3(c)	By-laws, as amended October 28, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 28, 2014, Commission File Number 001-03970).
4(a)	Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form  8-A dated October 2, 1987, Commission File Number 001-03970).
4(b)	Rights Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2007, by and between Harsco Corporation and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 26, 2007, Commission File Number 001-03970).
4(c)	Debt and Equity Securities (incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated December 15, 1994, Registration No. 33-56885).
4(d) (i)	Indenture, dated as of May 15, 2008, by and between Harsco Corporation and the Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 20, 2008, Commission File Number 001-03970).
4(d) (ii)	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 15, 2008, by and between Harsco Corporation and the Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 20, 2008, Commission File Number 001-03970).
4(d) (iii)	Form of Global Security representing Harsco Corporation's 5.75% Senior Notes due 2018 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 20, 2008, Commission File Number 001-03970).
4(e) (i)	Indenture, dated as of September 20, 2010, by and between Harsco Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010, Commission File Number 001-03970).
4(e) (ii)	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 20, 2010, by and between Harsco Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010, Commission File Number 001-03970).
4(e) (iii)	Form of 2.700% Senior Notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010, Commission File Number 001-03970).
Material Contracts—Credit and Underwriting Agreements
10(a)(i)	Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated March 2, 2012, among Harsco Corporation, the lenders named therein, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, RBS Securities Inc., as syndication agent, and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, ING Bank N.V., Dublin Branch, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Lloyds TSB Bank PLC, as documentation agents (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 7, 2012, Commission File No. 001-03970).
10(a)(ii)	Amendment No. 1, dated September 12, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated March 2, 2012, among Harsco Corporation, the lenders named therein, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, RBS Securities Inc., as syndication agent, and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, ING Bank N.V., Dublin Branch, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Lloyds TSB Bank PLC, as documentation agents (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2013, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(a)(iii)	Amendment No. 2, dated December 20, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated March 2, 2012, among Harsco Corporation, the lenders named therein, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, RBS Securities Inc., as syndication agent, and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, ING Bank N.V., Dublin Branch, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Lloyds TSB Bank PLC, as documentation agents.
Material Contracts—Management Contracts and Compensatory Plans
10(b)	Harsco Corporation Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan as amended and restated January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the period ended December 31, 2008, Commission File Number 001-03970).

108

10(c)	Trust Agreement between Harsco Corporation and Dauphin Deposit Bank and Trust Company dated July 1, 1987 relating to the Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1987, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(d)	Harsco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as amended (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1991, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(e)	Trust Agreement between Harsco Corporation and Dauphin Deposit Bank and Trust Company dated November 22, 1988 relating to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1988, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(f)	Special Supplemental Retirement Benefit Agreement for D. C. Hathaway (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1988, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(g)	Harsco Corporation 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated effective March 12, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2012, Commission File No. 001-03970).
10(h)	Authorization, Terms and Conditions of the Annual Incentive Awards, as Amended and Restated April 27, 2004, under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 23, 2006, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(i)	Authorization, Terms and Conditions of Other Performance Awards under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended and restated) (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2007, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(j)	Restricted Stock Units Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 23, 2007, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(k)	Restricted Stock Units Agreement for International Employees (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(l)	Stock Option Contract (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 31, 2011, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(m)	Harsco Corporation 2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2013, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(n)	Harsco Corporation Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement (effective for grants on and after May 10, 2013) (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2013, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(o)	Harsco Corporation Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (effective for grants on and after May 10, 2013) (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2013, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(p)(i)	Harsco Corporation 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan as Amended and Restated at January 27, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Proxy Statement dated March 23, 2004 on Exhibit A, pages A-1 through A-9, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(p)(ii)	Amendment No. 1 to the Harsco Corporation 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(q)	Harsco Corporation Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement (Directors) (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2005, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(r)	Harsco Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (as Amended and Restated as of December 31, 2008) (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(s)	Settlement and Consulting Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(t)	Harsco Non-Qualified Retirement Savings & Investment Plan Part B—Amendment and Restatement as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(u)	Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2014, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(v)	Notification Letter to Henry W. Knueppel, dated March 7, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2012, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(w)	Separation and Release Agreement, dated March 9, 2012, between the Company and Salvatore D. Fazzolari (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2012, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(x)	Notification Letter to Patrick Decker dated July 28, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(y)	Separation Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2012, by and between the Company and Stephen J. Schnoor (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2012, Commission File Number 001-03970).

109

10(z)	Release Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2012, by and between the Company and Stephen J. Schnoor (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2012, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(aa)	Notification Letter to F. Nicholas Grasberger, III dated March 20, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(bb)	Retention and Severance Agreement, made as of October 27, 2013, by and between Harsco Corporation and Mark Kimmel (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2013, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(cc)	Notification Letter to David Everitt dated March 14, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(dd)	Notification Letter to F. N. Grasberger dated April 8, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(ee)	Notification Letter to C. Stump dated April 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(ff)	Notification Letter to F. N. Grasberger dated August 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2014, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(gg)	Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement (effective for grants on or after April 28, 2014) (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(hh)	Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (effective for grants on or after April 28, 2014) (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(ii)	Form of Performance Share Units Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, Commission File Number 001-03970).
Director Indemnity Agreements
10(jj)(i)	K. G. Eddy (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(jj)(ii)	T. D. Growcock (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, same as shown for K. G. Eddy, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(jj)(iii)	H. W. Knueppel (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, same as shown for K. G. Eddy, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(jj)(iv)	S. E. Graham (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, same as shown for K. G. Eddy, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(jj)(v)	D. C. Everitt (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, same as shown for K. G. Eddy, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(jj)(vi)	J. M. Loree (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, same as shown for K. G. Eddy, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(jj)(vii)	J. F. Earl (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, same as shown for K. G. Eddy, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(jj)(viii)	E. La Roche (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, same as shown for K. G. Eddy, Commission File Number 001-03970).
10(jj)(ix)	P. C. Widman (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, same as shown for K. G. Eddy, Commission File Number 001-03970).
12	Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
21	Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1	Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 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) and 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exhibits other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are either not applicable or not material.

110

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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	March 2, 2015	/s/ PETER F. MINAN
		Peter F. Minan Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

DATE	March 2, 2015	/s/ CHRISTOPHER J. STUMP
		Christopher J. Stump Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Capacity	Date
/s/ F. NICHOLAS GRASBERGER, III	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)	March 2, 2015
F. Nicholas Grasberger, III
/s/ PETER F. MINAN	Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	March 2, 2015
Peter F. Minan
/s/ DAVID C. EVERITT	Non-Executive Chairman and Director	March 2, 2015
David C. Everitt
/s/ JAMES F. EARL	Director	March 2, 2015
James F. Earl
/s/ KATHY G. EDDY	Director	March 2, 2015
Kathy G. Eddy
/s/ STUART E. GRAHAM	Director	March 2, 2015
Stuart E. Graham
/s/ TERRY D. GROWCOCK	Director	March 2, 2015
Terry D. Growcock
/s/ HENRY W. KNUEPPEL	Director	March 2, 2015
Henry W. Knueppel
/s/ ELAINE LA ROCHE	Director	March 2, 2015
Elaine La Roche
/s/ JAMES M. LOREE	Director	March 2, 2015
James M. Loree
/s/ PHILLIP C. WIDMAN	Director	March 2, 2015
Phillip C. Widman

111

EX-12

Exhibit 12

HARSCO CORPORATION

Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

	YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(In thousands)	2014 (a)			2013 (a)				2012 (a)				2011 (a)			2010 (a)
Pre-tax income from continuing operations attributable to Harsco shareholders	$	2,269		$	(191,537	)	(b)	$	(218,442	)	(c)	$	40,401		$	15,161
Add: Consolidated Fixed Charges computed below	67,181			78,637				80,073				86,608			97,334
Net adjustments for unconsolidated entities	1,558			(1,511		)		(256		)		(464		)	(214		)
Net adjustments for capitalized interest	(46		)	53				128				165			125
Consolidated Earnings Available for Fixed Charges	$	70,962		$	(114,358	)	(b)	$	(138,497	)	(c)	$	126,710		$	112,406
Consolidated Fixed Charges:
Interest expense per financial statements (d)	$	47,111		$	49,654			$	47,381			$	48,735		$	60,623
Interest expense capitalized	541			577				476				250			254
Portion of rentals (1/3) representing a reasonable approximation of the interest factor	19,529			28,406				32,216				37,623			36,457
Consolidated Fixed Charges	$	67,181		$	78,637			$	80,073			$	86,608		$	97,334
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges	1.06			—			(b)(e)	—			(c) (f)	1.46			1.15

(a) Does not include interest related to uncertain tax position obligations.

(b) During 2013, the Company recorded a $271.3 million, non-cash pre-tax long-lived asset impairment charge, or $3.16 per basic and diluted share.

(c) In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company incurred a $265.0 million, pre-tax goodwill impairment charge, or $3.29 per basic and diluted share.

(d) Includes amortization of debt discount.

(e) For the year ended December 31, 2013, the ratio coverage was less than 1:1. We would have needed to generate additional earnings of $193.0 million to achieve a coverage of 1:1.

(f) For the year ended December 31, 2012, the ratio coverage was less that 1:1. We would have needed to generate additional earnings of $218.6 million to achieve a coverage of 1:1.

EX-21

HARSCO CORPORATION		Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries of Registrant
Subsidiary	Country of Incorporation	Ownership Percentage
Harsco Metals Argentina S.A.	Argentina	100%
Harsco (Australia) Pty. Limited	Australia	100%
Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers Pty. Ltd.	Australia	80%
Harsco Metals Australia Pty. Ltd.	Australia	100%
Harsco Metals Australia Holding Investment Co. Pty. Ltd.	Australia	100%
Harsco Rail Pty. Ltd.	Australia	100%
Harsco Minerals Austria GmbH	Austria	100%
Harsco Metals AluServ Middle East W.L.L.	Bahrain	65%
Harsco Belgium S.P.R.L.	Belgium	100%
Harsco Metals Belgium S.A.	Belgium	100%
Harsco Metals Emirates Partnership	Belgium	65%
Harsco Rail Emirates Maatschap/Societe de Droit Commun	Belgium	100%
Harsco Brazil Investments SPRL	Belgium	100%
Harsco Chile Investments SPRL	Belgium	100%
Harsco (Bermuda) Limited	Bermuda	100%
Harsco do Brasil Participacoes e Servicos Siderurgicos Ltda.	Brazil	100%
Harsco Metals Limitada	Brazil	100%
Harsco Minerais Limitada	Brazil	100%
Harsco Canada Corporation Societe Harsco Canada	Canada	100%
Harsco Canada General Partner Limited	Canada	100%
Harsco Canada Limited Partnership	Canada	100%
Harsco Nova Scotia Holding Corporation	Canada	100%
Harsco Metals Chile S.A.	Chile	100%
Harsco Metals (Ningbo) Co. Ltd.	China	70%
Harsco Metals Tangshan Co. Ltd.	China	100%
Harsco Metals Zhejiang Co. Ltd.	China	70%
JiangSu Harsco Industrial Grating Company Limited	China	100%
Shanxi TISCO-Harsco Technology Co., Ltd.	China	60%
Harsco APAC Rail Machinery (Beijing) Co., Ltd.	China	100%
Harsco Technology China Co., Ltd.	China	100%
Harsco Industrial Grating China Holding Company Limited	China	100%
Harsco Infrastructure CZ s.r.o	Czech Republic	100%
Harsco Metals Czech s.r.o.	Czech Republic	65%
Harsco Metals CZ s.r.o	Czech Republic	100%
Hunnebeck Middle East FZE	Dubai	100%
Harsco Metals Egypt L.L.C.	Egypt	100%
Heckett Bahna Co. For Industrial Operations S.A.E.	Egypt	65%
Heckett MultiServ Bahna S.A.E.	Egypt	65%
Slag Processing Company Egypt (SLAR) S.A.E.	Egypt	60%
MultiServ Oy	Finland	100%

HARSCO CORPORATION		Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries of Registrant
Subsidiary	Country of Incorporation	Ownership Percentage
Harsco Metals France S.A.S.	France	100%
Harsco Minerals France S.A.S.	France	100%
Harsco France S.A.S.	France	100%
Harsco Minerals Deutschland GmbH	Germany	100%
Harsco Rail Europe GmbH	Germany	100%
Harsco (Gibraltar) Holding Limited	Gibraltar	100%
Alexandros International Ltd	Greece	100%
Harsco Metals Guatemala S.A.	Guatemala	100%
Harsco China Holding Company Limited	Hong Kong	100%
Harsco Industrial Grating China Holding Co. Ltd.	Hong Kong	70%
Harsco India Metals Private Limited	India	99.99%
Harsco India Private Ltd.	India	90%
Harsco India Services Private Ltd.	India	100%
Harsco Track Machines and Services Private Limited	India	100%
Harsco Metals Italia S.R.L.	Italy	100%
Ilserv S.R.L.	Italy	65%
Harsco Metals Nord Italia S.R.L.	Italy	100%
Harsco Luxembourg S.a.r.l	Luxembourg	100%
Harsco Metals Luxembourg S.A.	Luxembourg	100%
Harsco Metals Luxequip S.A.	Luxembourg	100%
Excell Americas Holdings Ltd S.a.r.L.	Luxembourg	100%
Harsco Americas Investments S.a.r.l.	Luxembourg	100%
Harsco International Finance S.a.r.l.	Luxembourg	100%
Harsco Industrial IKG de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	100%
Harsco Metals de Mexico S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	100%
Irving, S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	100%
Harsco Asia Investment B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Asia China Investment B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Asia Pacific Investment B.V.	Netherlands	100%
GasServ (Netherlands) VII B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco (Mexico) Holdings B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Infrastructure Industrial Services B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Infrastructure B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Infrastructure Construction Services B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Infrastructure Logistic Services B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Investments Europe B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Metals Holland B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Metals Transport B.V.	Netherlands	100%

HARSCO CORPORATION		Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries of Registrant
Subsidiary	Country of Incorporation	Ownership Percentage
Harsco Metals Oostelijk Staal International B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Minerals Europe B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Nederland Slag B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Heckett MultiServ China B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Heckett MultiServ Far East B.V.	Netherlands	100%
MultiServ International B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Slag Reductie (Pacific) B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Slag Reductie Nederland B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco (Peru) Holdings B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Europa B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Finance B.V.	Netherlands	100%
Harsco Metals SteelServ Limited	New Zealand	50%
Harsco Infrastructure Norge A.S.	Norway	100%
Harsco Metals Norway A.S.	Norway	100%
Harsco Minerals Arabia LLC (FZC)	Oman	100%
Harsco Steel Mill Trading Arabia LLC	Oman	100%
Harsco Metals Peru S.A.	Peru	100%
Harsco Metals Polska SP Z.O.O.	Poland	100%
Harsco Infrastructure Portugal Ltda.	Portugal	100%
Harsco Metals CTS Prestacao de Servicos Tecnicos e Aluguer de Equipamentos LDA Unipessoal	Portugal	100%
Harsco Al Darwish United W.L.L.	Qatar	49%
Harsco Metals Romania S.R.L.	Romania	100%
Harsco Baroom Ltd.	Saudi Arabia	51%
Harsco Metals Saudi Arabia Ltd.	Saudi Arabia	55%
Harsco Metals D.O.O. Smederevo	Serbia	100%
Harsco Infrastructure Slovensko s.r.o.	Slovak Republic	100%
Harsco Metals Slovensko s.r.o.	Slovak Republic	100%
Harsco Minerali d.o.o.	Slovenia	100%
Harsco Metals RSA Africa (Pty.) Ltd.	South Africa	100%
Harsco Metals South Africa (Pty.) Ltd.	South Africa	100%
Harsco Metals SRH Mill Services (Pty.) Ltd.	South Africa	100%
Harsco Metals SteelServ (Pty.) Ltd.	South Africa	100%
Harsco Metals Ilanga Pty. Ltd.	South Africa	100%
Harsco Infrastructure South Africa (Pty.) Ltd.	South Africa	100%
Harsco Metals Gesmafesa S.A.	Spain	100%
Harsco Metals Intermetal S.A.	Spain	100%
Harsco Metals Lycrete S.A.	Spain	100%
Harsco Metals Reclamet S.A.	Spain	100%
Excell Africa Holdings, Ltd.	St. Kitts & Nevis	100%
Harsco Infrastructure Sverige A.B.	Sweden	100%
Harsco Metals Sweden A.B.	Sweden	100%
Harsco Metals (Thailand) Company Ltd.	Thailand	100%
Harsco Sun Demiryolu Ekipmanlari Uretim Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi	Turkey	51%

HARSCO CORPORATION		Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries of Registrant
Subsidiary	Country of Incorporation	Ownership Percentage
Faber Prest Limited	U.K.	100%
Fourninezero Ltd.	U.K.	100%
Harsco (U.K.) Limited	U.K.	100%
Harsco (UK) Group Ltd	U.K.	100%
Harsco (UK) Holdings Ltd	U.K.	100%
Harsco (York Place) Limited	U.K.	100%
Harsco Fairerways Limited Partnership	U.K.	100%
Harsco Fairestways Limited Partnership	U.K.	100%
Harsco Fairways Partnership	U.K.	100%
Harsco Higherlands Limited Partnership	U.K.	100%
Harsco Highestlands Limited Partnership	U.K.	100%
Harsco Infrastructure Group Ltd.	U.K.	100%
Harsco Infrastructure Services Ltd.	U.K.	100%
Harsco Investment Ltd.	U.K.	100%
Harsco Leatherhead Limited	U.K.	100%
Harsco Metals 385 plc	U.K.	100%
Harsco Metals Group Limited	U.K.	100%
Harsco Metals Holdings Limited	U.K.	100%
Harsco Mole Valley Limited	U.K.	100%
Harsco Rail Limited	U.K.	100%
Harsco Surrey Limited	U.K.	100%
MultiServ Investment Limited	U.K.	100%
SGB Investments Ltd.	U.K.	100%
Short Brothers (Plant) Ltd.	U.K.	100%
Harsco Global Sourcing Limited	U.K.	100%
Harsco Environmental Services Limited	U.K.	100%
Harsco Defense Holding, LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Holdings, Inc.	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Infrastructure Holdings, Inc.	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Metals Holding LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Metals Intermetal LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Metals Investment LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Metals Operations LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Metals SRI LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Metals VB LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Minerals Technologies LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Minnesota Finance, Inc.	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Minnesota LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Technologies LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Industrial Hammco LLC	U.S.A.	100%
Harsco Metals Ukraine L.L.C.	Ukraine	100%

HARSCO CORPORATION	Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries of Registrant

Companies in which Harsco Corporation does not exert management control are not consolidated. These companies are listed below as unconsolidated entities.

Company Name	Country of Incorporation	Ownership Percentage
Phooltas Harsco Rail Solutions Private Limited	India	40%
P.T. Purna Baja Heckett	Indonesia	40%
Brand Energy & Infrastructure Holdings, Inc.	U.S.A.	29%

EX-23

Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-13175, 333-13173, 333-59832, 333-70710, 333-114958, and 333-188448) and on Form S-3 (No. 333-191104) of Harsco Corporation of our report dated March 2, 2015 relating to the consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 2, 2015

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K 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. 

March 2, 2015

/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 Annual Report on Form 10-K 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. 

March 2, 2015

/s/ PETER F. MINAN

Peter F. Minan

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 Annual Report of Harsco Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2014, 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.

March 2, 2015

/s/ F. NICHOLAS GRASBERGER, III

F. Nicholas Grasberger, III President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ PETER F. MINAN

Peter F. Minan 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

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

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

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs

Net periodic pension cost for U.S. and international pension plans for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

	U.S. Plans									International Plans
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$	2,233		$	2,565		$	1,887		$	1,610		$	3,457		$	3,418
Interest cost	12,868			11,767			12,780			43,230			42,707			46,174
Expected return on plan assets	(16,786		)	(15,642		)	(15,617		)	(49,927		)	(46,920		)	(45,050		)
Recognized prior service costs	90			248			224			184			335			397
Recognized losses	3,352			5,052			4,637			14,102			16,447			15,194
Amortization of transition liability	—			—			—			—			—			8
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	—			—			1,510			60			(372		)	(2,589		)
Defined benefit plans pension cost	1,757			3,990			5,421			9,259			15,654			17,552
Multiemployer plans	1,199			12,444			10,186			1,762			5,449			5,539
Defined contribution plans	4,704			4,945			5,066			8,033			11,139			12,770
Net periodic pension cost	$	7,660		$	21,379		$	20,673		$	19,054		$	32,242		$	35,861

Schedule of Net Funded Status

The change in the financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	283,571		$	316,448		$	958,705		$	1,068,750
Service cost	2,233			2,565			1,610			3,457
Interest cost	12,868			11,767			43,230			42,707
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			75			689
Amendments	—			—			—			(394		)
Actuarial (gain) loss	49,939			(28,158		)	150,289			(8,245		)
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			(589		)	(1,619		)
Benefits paid	(23,292		)	(19,051		)	(41,522		)	(46,269		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			(62,250		)	19,744
Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)	—			—			—			(120,115		)
Other	—			—			55			—
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	325,319		$	283,571		$	1,049,603		$	958,705
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	233,579		$	218,084		$	770,911		$	783,059
Actual return on plan assets	15,465			31,931			80,518			68,535
Employer contributions	7,598			2,615			28,112			30,258
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			75			689
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			—			(1,028		)
Benefits paid	(23,292		)	(19,051		)	(40,948		)	(45,207		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			(47,623		)	11,455
Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)	—			—			—			(76,850		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	233,350		$	233,579		$	791,045		$	770,911
Funded status at end of year	$	(91,969	)	$	(49,992	)	$	(258,558	)	$	(187,794	)

(a) During 2013, certain international plans' benefit obligations and plan assets were transferred to the Infrastructure strategic venture as part of the Infrastructure Transaction, as described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet

Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Noncurrent assets	$	615	$	2,148	$	1,746	$	3,894
Current liabilities	2,102		2,045		524		534
Noncurrent liabilities	90,482		50,095		259,780		191,154
Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	157,165		109,348		479,382		401,300

Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized

Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Net actuarial loss	$	156,989	$	109,081	$	478,396	$	400,726
Prior service cost	176		267		986		574
Total	$	157,165	$	109,348	$	479,382	$	401,300

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

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit net periodic pension cost in 2015 are as follows:

(In thousands)	U.S. Plans		International  Plans
Net actuarial loss	$	4,919	$	17,254
Prior service cost	81		208
Total	$	5,000	$	17,462

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments

The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows:

(In millions)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		2020-2024
U.S. Plans	$	18.5	$	18.8	$	18.6	$	18.8	$	18.7	$	94.5
International Plans	42.1		43.8		45.5		46.2		47.7		266.0

Schedule of Assumptions Used

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

	U.S. Plans December 31						International Plans December 31						Global Weighted-Average December 31
	2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
Discount rates	4.7	%	3.8	%	4.4	%	4.7	%	4.3	%	4.8	%	4.7	%	4.2	%	4.7	%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.5	%	7.5	%	7.8	%	6.8	%	6.6	%	6.7	%	7.0	%	6.8	%	6.9	%
Rates of compensation increase	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.4	%	2.8	%	3.4	%	3.4	%	2.8	%	3.4	%

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans				Global Weighted-Average
	December 31				December 31				December 31
	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
Discount rates	3.9	%	4.7	%	3.7	%	4.7	%	3.7	%	4.7	%
Rates of compensation increase	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.2	%	3.4	%	3.2	%	3.3	%

Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	325.3	$	283.5	$	1,043.2	$	950.7

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

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Projected benefit obligation	$	314.9	$	274.8	$	1,032.1	$	926.8
Accumulated benefit obligation	314.9		274.8		1,026.0		923.9
Fair value of plan assets	222.3		222.6		771.8		737.6

Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets

The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for 2014, 2013 and 2012:

Level 3 Asset Changes for the Twelve Months Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Real Estate Limited Partnership:
Balance at beginning of year	$	20,423		$	17,746		$	12,025
Contributions to partnership	385			838			2,535
Cash distributions received	(1,614		)	(1,380		)	(1,270		)
Actual return on plan assets:
Related to asset still held at end of year	3,453			3,219			4,456
Balance at end of year	$	22,647		$	20,423		$	17,746

Schedule of Multiemployer Plans

The Company's participation in multiemployer pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is outlined below. The Company considers significant plans to be those plans to which the Company contributed more than 5% of total contributions to the plan in a given plan year or for which the Company believes the Company's share of the unfunded liability for the plan may be material to the Company.

(In thousands)
		Pension Protection Act Zone Status For Plan Years Ended
				Contributions By The Company For Years Ended (a)								Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement
										Subject to Financial Improvement Plan
	Identification Number										Surcharge Imposed
Pension Fund		2013	2012	2014		2013		2012
Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements:
New Zealand Steel Pension Fund	018-054-531	N/A	N/A	$	838	$	886	$	909	Yes	No	2016
Summary aggregate information for multiemployer plans which are not individually significant:
All other multiemployer plans (b)				2,123		17,007		14,905
Total Contributions				$	2,961	$	17,893	$	15,814

(a) These amounts represent either contributions for the plan year as confirmed by plan sponsors or the Company's estimates based on fiscal year accounts payable records which will be updated as confirmation is received from plan sponsors.

(b) The decrease in contributions by the Company for 2014 primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

U.S. Plans

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

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets

The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	48,915	$	48,915	$	—	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	48,807		13,204		35,603		—
International equities—mutual funds	45,475		45,475		—		—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	18,787		—		18,787		—
Corporate bonds and notes	8,374		8,374		—		—
Mutual funds—bonds	33,326		33,326		—		—
Other—mutual funds	22,508		22,508		—		—
Cash and money market accounts	7,387		7,387		—		—
Total	$	233,579	$	179,189	$	54,390	$	—

The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	44,064	$	44,064	$	—	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	47,313		13,335		33,978		—
International equities—mutual funds	42,446		42,446		—		—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	18,759		—		18,759		—
Corporate bonds and notes	11,347		11,347		—		—
Mutual funds—bonds	40,568		11,936		28,632		—
Other—mutual funds	21,700		21,700		—		—
Cash and money market accounts	7,153		7,153		—		—
Total	$	233,350	$	151,981	$	81,369	$	—

The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:

	Target  Long-Term Allocation	Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31
U.S. Plans Asset Category		2014		2013
Domestic equity securities	34%-44%	39.1	%	41.8	%
International equity securities	14%-24%	18.2	%	19.5	%
Fixed income securities	28%-38%	30.3	%	25.9	%
Cash and cash equivalents	Less than 5%	3.1	%	3.2	%
Other	5%-15%	9.3	%	9.6	%

International Plans

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

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets

The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	292,150	$	—	$	292,150	$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	350,073		—		350,073		—
Insurance contracts	8,233		—		8,233		—
Other:
Real estate funds/limited partnerships	53,926		—		31,279		22,647
Other mutual funds	84,120		—		84,120		—
Cash and money market accounts	2,543		2,543		—		—
Total	$	791,045	$	2,543	$	765,855	$	22,647

The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	296,980	$	—	$	296,980	$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	314,965		—		314,965		—
Insurance contracts	8,797		—		8,797		—
Other:
Real estate funds / limited partnerships	52,733		—		32,310		20,423
Other mutual funds	94,980		—		94,980		—
Cash and money market accounts	2,456		2,456		—		—
Total	$	770,911	$	2,456	$	748,032	$	20,423

The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:

International Plans Asset Category	Target Long-Term Allocation		Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31
			2014		2013
Equity securities	32.5	%	36.9	%	38.5	%
Fixed income securities	42.5	%	45.3	%	42.0	%
Cash and cash equivalents	—		0.3	%	0.3	%
Other	25.0	%	17.5	%	19.2	%

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Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 26, 2013
Assets
Current assets	$ 815,809,000
Property and equipment , net	923,056,000
Other noncurrent assets	1,594,669,000
Total assets	3,333,534,000
Liabilities and Equity
Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt	68,748,000
Other current liabilities	360,714,000
Long-term debt	1,747,522,000
Other noncurrent liabilities	406,636,000
Total liabilities	2,583,620,000
Equity	749,914,000
Total liabilities and equity	3,333,534,000
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Net revenues	2,559,556,000
Gross profit	559,376,000
Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	(4,848,000)
Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand		(1,558,000)	1,548,000	564,000
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets						225,000,000
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability		9,740,000	966,000	0
Unit adjustment liability, current and non-current		93,800,000	106,300,000		106,300,000
Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand	(1,595,000)
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		285,700,000	296,082,000		296,082,000
Total annual payments, pre-tax					22,000,000
Total annual payments, after-tax					15,000,000
Transfer of ownership interest, percentage					2.50%
Investee EBITDA contingency threshold					487,000,000
Number of years after agreement that would terminate Company's quarterly payments contingency threshold						8
In event of an IPO, minimum co-venture interest in partnership that could terminate Company's quarterly payments						20.00%
Liquidation preference						$ 336,000,000
Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in Brand						29.00%

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 ReportingUnit
Goodwill [Line Items]
Total number of the Company's reporting units	5
Number of reporting units which have goodwill associated with them	3

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Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Common stock authorized (in shares)	150,000,000
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	4,000,000
Preferred stock authorized, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25
Common stock authorized, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25		$ 1.25
Shares Authorized to Be Purchased [Roll Forward]
Shares Authorized for Purchased, Beginning Balance	2,000,000			1,713,423	1,713,423
Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase	0		286,577	0
Shares Purchased	0
Remaining Shares Authorized for Purchase, Ending Balance	1,850,000		2,000,000		1,713,423
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of rights distributed for each share of common stock outstanding	1
Minimum percentage of common stock to be acquired to trigger exercise of rights	15.00%
Number of securities called by rights (in shares)	0.01
Exercise price of warrant or right (in dollars per share)	$ 230.00
Multiplier of exercise price of right to determine common share purchase rights	2
Redemption price per right (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001
Number of business days following the acquisition of stock after which rights become exercisable	10 days
Preferred stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of rights (in shares)	806,599		806,789
Treasury Stock [Member]
Shares Authorized to Be Purchased [Roll Forward]
Shares Purchased	150,000	[1]	0	0

[1] The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.

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Equity Method Investments (Details 2) (Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment - Brand	296,082	296,082	$ 285,700
Discounted Cash Flow Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Fair value unobservable input, EBITDA margin		10.90%
Fair value unobservable input, ratio of capital expenditures to revenue		2.90%
Fair value unobservable input, long-term revenue growth		3.00%
Fair value unobservable input, WACC rate		9.25%
Fair value unobservable input, cost of equity		12.50%
Fair value unobservable input, implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.0
Fair value unobservable input, discount for lack of marketability		15.00%
Discounted Cash Flow Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Fair value unobservable input, EBITDA margin		12.60%
Fair value unobservable input, ratio of capital expenditures to revenue		3.80%
Fair value unobservable input, long-term revenue growth		3.00%
Fair value unobservable input, WACC rate		9.25%
Fair value unobservable input, cost of equity		12.50%
Fair value unobservable input, implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.5
Fair value unobservable input, discount for lack of marketability		15.00%

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Stock-Based Compensation (Other Stock Grants) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,114	$ 0	$ 0
Other stock grants
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued		55,919
Recognized stock-based compensation expense		$ 700
Other stock grants | Interim Chief Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued		27,672

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Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

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

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 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, net of tax	—				8				19,839				—			19,847
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisition 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	)

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(40,053		)	(a)	(1,961		)	(b)	(130,659		)	(c)	5			(172,668		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	(8,635		)		—				632				—			(8,003		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,205				4				16,431				—			18,640
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(1,447		)		—				—				—			(1,447		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,930		)		(1,957		)		(113,596		)		5			(163,478		)
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,647				(45		)		—				—			1,602
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(46,283		)		(2,002		)		(113,596		)		5			(161,876		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(40,173	)		$	(9,025	)		$	(483,278	)		$	(15	)	$	(532,491	)

(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 years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31 2014				Year Ended December 31 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a):
Actuarial losses	$	11,556		(b)	$	12,435		(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Actuarial losses	5,898			(b)	9,064			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
Prior-service costs	103			(b)	298			(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Prior-service costs	171			(b)	285			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
Total before tax	17,728				22,082
Tax benefit	(1,297		)		(2,243		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	16,431			$	19,839
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments (a):
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	4			$	11			Cost of services and products sold
Tax benefit	—				(3		)
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	4			$	8
Amortization of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments (a):
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	2,205			$	—			Other expenses
Tax benefit	—				—
Total reclassification of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	2,205			$	—

(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 for the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31 2014			Year Ended December 31 2013			Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	(1,447	)	$	(15,979	)	Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
Tax effect	—			—
Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments	$	(1,447	)	$	(15,979	)
Cash flow hedging instruments, before tax	$	—		$	(34	)	Loss on disposal of the 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 the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
Tax effect	—			—
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items	$	—		$	20,184

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Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]

Schedule of accounts receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

	Accounts Receivable
(In thousands)	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
Trade accounts receivable	$	340,223		$	359,819
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(15,119		)	(6,638		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	325,104		$	353,181
Other receivables (a)	$	28,145		$	46,470

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

Schedule of provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable

The following table reflects the provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	9,892	$	10,175	$	11,266

Schedule of inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	Inventories
(In thousands)	December 31 2014		December 31 2013
Finished goods	$	30,001	$	23,112
Work-in-process	28,644		25,623
Raw materials and purchased parts	86,898		72,118
Stores and supplies	31,722		34,836
Total inventories	$	177,265	$	155,689
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	$	107,691	$	94,939
FIFO basis	13,383		9,859
Average cost basis	56,191		50,891
Total inventories	$	177,265	$	155,689

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Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 Country	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity has currency exposures	35
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Contingent liability outstanding	269.4	$ 216.3	$ 208.8
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees | Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Fees paid to various banks and insurance companies on face amount of instruments (as a percent)	0.32%
Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees | Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee term	5 years
Fees paid to various banks and insurance companies on face amount of instruments (as a percent)	2.50%
Payment Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	15.0	19.0
Net Working Capital Settlement [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee remaining term	6 years
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	3.0
Environmental indemnification for properties sold to third party in 2007 | Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee term	20 years
Environmental indemnification for property from a lease terminated in 2006
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	3.0	$ 3.0	$ 3.0

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Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 Y	Dec. 31, 2013 Y	Dec. 31, 2012 Y	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Expense (Income)	$ 1,114,000	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Vested (in shares)	(1,784)
Forfeited (in shares)	(9,796)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	133,569	0
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	227,672	216,869	172,104
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 25.14	$ 20.62	$ 19.23
Expense (Income)	2,513,000	1,976,000	1,420,000
Restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	213,841.000	141,473.000	62,641
Granted (in shares)	227,672	216,869	172,104
Vested (in shares)	(52,041)	(69,955)	(67,861)
Forfeited (in shares)	(84,956)	(74,546)	(25,411)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	304,516.000	213,841.000	141,473.000
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 19.95	$ 19.19	$ 25.39
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 25.14	$ 20.62	$ 19.23
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 23.58	$ 20.54	$ 24.86
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 20.92	$ 22.61	$ 20.35
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 22.94	$ 19.95	$ 19.19
Additional disclosures
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	4,000,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition	2 years 1 month
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	6,800,000
Number of shares available for grant	5,616,343
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Equity Awards, Other Than Options And Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	3,400,000
Number of shares available for grant	3,013,373
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	600,000
Number of shares available for grant	107,063
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	1 year
Granted (in shares)	36,840	46,287	30,618	20,192
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 24.80	$ 20.60	$ 21.44	$ 34.79
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	36,840	46,287	30,618	20,192
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 24.80	$ 20.60	$ 21.44	$ 34.79
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	0	0	234,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	0	255,000	402,000
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	318,000	636,000	0
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	602,000	0	0
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Retirement age of employees (in years)	62	62	62
Granted (in shares)	190,832	170,582	141,486	17,250	26,000	121,625
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 25.21	$ 20.63	$ 18.75	$ 23.55	$ 23.78	$ 25.98
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	190,832	170,582	141,486	17,250	26,000	121,625
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 25.21	$ 20.63	$ 18.75	$ 23.55	$ 23.78	$ 25.98
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	0	0	43,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	0	0	21,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	3,000	69,000	195,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	151,000	383,000	525,000
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense (Income)	$ 325,000	$ 633,000	$ 0

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Other Expenses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	$ (6,718,000)	$ (4,657,000)	$ (5,848,000)
Employee termination benefit costs	(19,120,000)	(3,928,000)	(31,158,000)
Costs to exit activities	4,908,000	5,382,000	38,626,000
Currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings		10,900,000
Product line rationalization		0	24,966,000
Impaired asset write-downs	39,455,000	9,688,000	7,152,000
Other (income) expense, miscellaneous	1,059,000	769,000	(2,278,000)
Other (income) expenses	57,824,000	15,110,000	93,776,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	(3,538,000)	(1,043,000)	(2,449,000)
Employee termination benefit costs	(18,169,000)	(3,561,000)	(8,082,000)
Costs to exit activities	6,395,000	2,705,000	3,627,000
Impaired asset write-downs	38,791,000	689,000	7,152,000
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	0	(2,864,000)	(2,198,000)
Employee termination benefit costs	0	(326,000)	(17,291,000)
Costs to exit activities	0	(254,000)	34,820,000
Impaired asset write-downs		8,999,000	0
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	(2,077,000)	(750,000)	(1,089,000)
Employee termination benefit costs	(421,000)	(115,000)	(418,000)
Impaired asset write-downs	74,000	0	0
Harsco Rail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Employee termination benefit costs	(185,000)	(235,000)	(245,000)
Impaired asset write-downs	590,000
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains	(1,103,000)	0	(112,000)
Employee termination benefit costs	(345,000)	(343,000)	(5,122,000)
Costs to exit activities	$ (1,487,000)	$ 2,931,000	$ 179,000

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Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital leases included in plant, property and equipment	22,300,000	$ 23,500,000
Gross property, plant and equipment	2,186,407,000	2,278,614,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,523,163,000)	(1,567,268,000)
Property, plant and equipment, net	663,244,000	711,346,000	1,266,225,000
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	15,721,000	16,652,000
Land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	15,898,000	13,615,000
Land improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Land improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	205,409,000	192,346,000
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	40 years
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,861,965,000	1,969,493,000
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years
Uncompleted construction
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	87,414,000	$ 86,508,000

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Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Shares Under Option
Exercised (in shares)		(20,000)	(38,900)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,114,000	$ 0	$ 0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	0	371,000	725,000
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Shares Under Option
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	229,000	328,000	661,840
Exercised (in shares)	0	(20,000)	(38,900)
Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	(107,500)	(79,000)	(294,940)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	121,500.0	229,000	328,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75	$ 30.67	$ 30.22
Exercised (in dollars per share)		$ 16.96	$ 18.23
Forfeited/Expired (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75	$ 31.00	$ 31.29
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75	$ 31.75	$ 30.67
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at beginning of period	0	200,000	200,000
Outstanding at end of period	0	0	200,000
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	100,000	200,000	100,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	0
Intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Shares Under Option
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	149,000
Vested (in shares)	(121,500)
Forfeited (in shares)	(27,500)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	0	149,000
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 10.90
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 10.90
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 10.90
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 10.90	$ 10.90
Stock options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period (in years)	7 years

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Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	$ 207,978	$ 246,147	$ 265,023
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	2,065,738	2,896,520	3,046,018
Property, plant and equipment, net	663,244	711,346	1,266,225
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	880,884	1,021,770	1,108,051
Property, plant and equipment, net	151,397	147,820	242,890
United Kingdom
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	257,885	353,915	331,894
China
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	102,842	86,822	55,656
All Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	926,969	1,520,835	1,606,073
Property, plant and equipment, net	339,490	413,543	902,660
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	9,298	3,936	3,669
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	$ 412,532	$ 365,972	$ 352,586

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Financial Instruments (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	$ (1,619)	$ 2,457	$ (4,900)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	4	(8)	270
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	39,823	(12,067)	(13,384)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	358	48	(152)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	0	(6)	0
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cost of services and products sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	4	(8)	270
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31	(2,307)	(10,463)	(3,529)
Cross currency interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	(1,977)	2,409	(4,748)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	0	0	0
Cross currency interest rate swaps | Cost of services and products sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	$ 39,823	$ (12,061)	$ (13,384)

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Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,065,738	$ 2,896,520	$ 3,046,018
Operating Income (Loss)	63,471	(134,799)	(174,790)
Total Assets	2,263,801	2,441,748	2,975,969
Depreciation and Amortization	176,326	237,041	272,117
Capital Expenditures	207,978	246,147	265,023
Interest income	1,702	2,087	3,676
Interest expense	(47,111)	(49,654)	(47,381)
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	9,740	966	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	8,322	(183,332)	(218,495)
Segment operating income
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	110,675	(73,329)	(138,040)
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,377,592	1,359,004	1,404,103
Operating Income (Loss)	9,858	95,310	99,668
Total Assets	1,472,277	1,595,221	1,561,973
Depreciation and Amortization	159,844	158,837	163,137
Capital Expenditures	186,784	173,179	189,358
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	885,377	937,293
Operating Income (Loss)	0	(255,326)	(350,497)
Total Assets	0	456,323	1,018,979
Depreciation and Amortization	0	58,449	89,814
Capital Expenditures	0	62,889	63,137
Harsco Rail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	275,614	286,167	352,036
Operating Income (Loss)	37,137	27,710	54,727
Total Assets	169,035	159,774	188,348
Depreciation and Amortization	5,591	10,362	10,116
Capital Expenditures	3,120	3,502	4,133
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	412,532	365,972	352,586
Operating Income (Loss)	63,680	58,977	58,062
Total Assets	126,548	83,189	81,035
Depreciation and Amortization	4,928	3,329	3,098
Capital Expenditures	9,298	3,936	3,669
General Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	(47,204)	(61,470)	(36,750)
Total Assets	495,941	147,241	125,634
Depreciation and Amortization	5,963	6,064	5,952
Capital Expenditures	$ 8,776	$ 2,641	$ 4,726

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Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options - Range of Exercise Prices) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Range of Exercisable Prices $31.75 - $31.75
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75
Stock options
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Vested	121,500
Non-vested	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 31.75
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 years 1 month 6 days
Number Exercisable	121,500
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 31.75

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Capital Stock (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended						2 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Feb. 26, 2015	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	1,850,000		2,000,000					1,713,423		1,713,423
Common Stock
Shares outstanding at the beginning of the period	112,357,348		112,198,693					112,063,938		111,931,267
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	31,697,498	[1]	31,519,768	[1]				31,479,310	[1]	31,454,097	[1]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	80,659,850		80,678,925					80,584,628		80,477,170
Stock options exercised			20,000		38,900
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	65,851		25,215		45,898
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	9,213		2,713
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	83,591		86,827		47,873
Treasury shares purchased	0
Shares outstanding at the end of the period	112,357,348		112,198,693					112,063,938		111,931,267
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	31,697,498	[1]	31,519,768	[1]				31,479,310	[1]	31,454,097	[1]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	80,659,850		80,678,925					80,584,628		80,477,170
Reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (in dollars)	$ (24,902)		$ (226,449)		$ (253,693)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	80,884,000		80,755,000		80,632,000
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	0		0		0
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted (in shares)	80,884,000		80,755,000		80,632,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.31)		$ (2.80)		$ (3.15)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.31)		$ (2.80)		$ (3.15)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Common Stock
Stock options exercised			0	[1]	0	[1]
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	4,418	[1]	9,358	[1]	14,677	[1]
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	2,985	[1]	521	[1]
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	20,327	[1]	30,579	[1]	10,536	[1]
Treasury shares purchased	(150,000)	[1]	0		0
Outstanding Shares
Common Stock
Stock options exercised			20,000		38,900
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	61,433		15,857		31,221
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	6,228		2,192
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	63,264		56,248		37,337
Treasury shares purchased	(150,000)
Subsequent Event [Member] | Treasury Stock [Member]
Common Stock
Treasury shares purchased							(596,632)

[1] The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.

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Information by Segment and Geographic Area

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Information by Segment and Georgraphic Area

Information by Segment and Geographic Area

The Company reports information about operating segments using the "management approach," which is based on the way management organizes and reports the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are identified based upon differences in products, services and markets served.

In 2014, the Company had three reportable segments. These segments and the types of products and services offered include the following:

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products. Major customers include steel mills and asphalt roofing manufacturers.

Harsco Industrial Segment

Major products include air-cooled heat exchangers; industrial grating; and boilers and water heaters. Major customers include industrial plants and the non-residential, commercial and public construction and retrofit markets; and the natural gas, natural gas processing and petrochemical industries.

Harsco Rail Segment

This Segment manufactures railway track maintenance equipment and provides track maintenance services. The major customers include private and government-owned railroads and urban mass transit systems worldwide.

In 2013 and 2012, the Company's reportable segments also include the following:

Harsco Infrastructure Segment

Historically, major services included project engineering and equipment installation, as well as the sale and rental of scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming systems for industrial maintenance and capital improvement projects, civil infrastructure projects, non-residential construction, and international multi-dwelling residential construction projects. Services were provided to industrial and petrochemical plants; the infrastructure construction, repair and maintenance markets; commercial and industrial construction contractors; and public utilities. As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, this Segment is not included in the Company's results of operations for 2014. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

Other Information

The measurement basis of segment profit or loss is operating income (loss). There are no significant inter-segment sales. Corporate assets, at December 31, 2014, include principally cash, prepaid taxes, fair value of derivative instruments, the equity method investment in Brand and U.S. deferred income taxes. Countries with revenues from unaffiliated customers or net property, plant and equipment of ten percent or more of the consolidated totals (in at least one period presented) are as follows:

Information by Geographic Area (a)

	Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
	Year Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
United States	$	880,884	$	1,021,770	$	1,108,051
United Kingdom	257,885		353,915		331,894
All Other	926,969		1,520,835		1,606,073
Totals including Corporate	$	2,065,738	$	2,896,520	$	3,046,018

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

	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
	Balances at December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
United States	$	151,397	$	147,820	$	242,890
China	102,842		86,822		55,656
Brazil	69,515		63,161		65,019
All Other	339,490		413,543		902,660
Totals including Corporate	$	663,244	$	711,346	$	1,266,225

No single customer provided in excess of 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues in 2014, 2013, or 2012.

In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment had two customers that each provided in excess of 10% of this Segment's revenues under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites. Additionally, consolidation in the global steel industry has increased the Company's exposure to these customers. Should additional consolidations occur involving some of the steel industry's larger companies which are customers of the Company, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Harsco Industrial Segment had one customer that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. In 2014 and 2012, the Harsco Rail Segment had one customer and in 2013 two customers that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. The loss of any of these customers would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial positions or cash flows; however, it could have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.

Operating Information by Segment:

The Company has reclassified segment operating results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 to conform to the revised manner in which the Company now allocates corporate expenses to operating segments as a result of changes in organizational structure resulting from the Infrastructure Transaction. The changes do not impact the Company's previously reported consolidated revenues from continuing operations, operating income (loss) from continuing operations or income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income.

	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Revenues
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	1,377,592		$	1,359,004		$	1,404,103
Harsco Infrastructure	—			885,377			937,293
Harsco Industrial	412,532			365,972			352,586
Harsco Rail	275,614			286,167			352,036
Total Revenues	$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018
Operating Income (Loss)
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	9,858		$	95,310		$	99,668
Harsco Infrastructure	—			(255,326		)	(350,497		)
Harsco Industrial	63,680			58,977			58,062
Harsco Rail	37,137			27,710			54,727
Corporate	(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
Total Operating Income (Loss)	$	63,471		$	(134,799	)	$	(174,790	)
Total Assets
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	1,472,277		$	1,595,221		$	1,561,973
Harsco Infrastructure (a)	—			456,323			1,018,979
Harsco Industrial	126,548			83,189			81,035
Harsco Rail	169,035			159,774			188,348
Corporate	495,941			147,241			125,634
Total Assets	$	2,263,801		$	2,441,748		$	2,975,969
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	159,844		$	158,837		$	163,137
Harsco Infrastructure	—			58,449			89,814
Harsco Industrial	4,928			3,329			3,098
Harsco Rail	5,591			10,362			10,116
Corporate	5,963			6,064			5,952
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	176,326		$	237,041		$	272,117
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	186,784		$	173,179		$	189,358
Harsco Infrastructure	—			62,889			63,137
Harsco Industrial	9,298			3,936			3,669
Harsco Rail	3,120			3,502			4,133
Corporate	8,776			2,641			4,726
Total Capital Expenditures	$	207,978		$	246,147		$	265,023

(a) The total assets of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment at December 31, 2013 represent assets held-for-sale, the value of the equity method investment in Brand, and related net deferred tax assets.

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

	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Segment operating income (loss)	$	110,675		$	(73,329	)	$	(138,040	)
General Corporate expense	(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	63,471			(134,799		)	(174,790		)
Interest income	1,702			2,087			3,676
Interest expense	(47,111		)	(49,654		)	(47,381		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	(9,740		)	(966		)	—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)

Information about Products and Services:

	Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Key Product and Services Groups
Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products	$	1,377,592	$	1,359,004	$	1,404,103
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a)	—		885,377		937,293
Railway track maintenance services and equipment	275,614		286,167		352,036
Air-cooled heat exchangers	226,529		180,738		175,896
Industrial grating products	139,711		142,355		136,157
Heat transfer products	46,292		42,879		40,533
Consolidated Revenues	$	2,065,738	$	2,896,520	$	3,046,018

(a) The Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales product group is associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment which was disposed of as part of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure Transaction.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts, Maximum)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum typical term of foreign currency forward exchange contracts (in days)	90 days

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Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

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

Schedule of restricted stock units issued and compensation expense

The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

	RSUs	Weighted Average Fair Value		Expense
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)				2014		2013		2012
Directors:
2011	20,192	$	34.79	$	—	$	—	$	234
2012	30,618	$	21.44	—		255		402
2013	46,287	$	20.60	318		636		—
2014	36,840	$	24.80	602		—		—
Employees:
2009	121,625	$	25.98	—		—		43
2010	26,000	$	23.78	—		—		21
2011	17,250	$	23.55	3		69		195
2012	141,486	$	18.75	151		383		525
2013	170,582	$	20.63	325		633		—
2014	190,832	$	25.21	1,114		—		—
Total				$	2,513	$	1,976	$	1,420

Schedule of restricted stock unit activity

Restricted stock unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

	RSUs
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2012	62,641		$	25.39
Granted	172,104		$	19.23
Vested	(67,861	)	$	24.86
Forfeited	(25,411	)	$	20.35
Non-vested at December 31, 2012	141,473		$	19.19
Granted	216,869		$	20.62
Vested	(69,955	)	$	20.54
Forfeited	(74,546	)	$	22.61
Non-vested at December 31, 2013	213,841		$	19.95
Granted	227,672		$	25.14
Vested	(52,041	)	$	23.58
Forfeited	(84,956	)	$	20.92
Non-vested at December 31, 2014	304,516		$	22.94

Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights award activity

SARs activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

	SARs
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (a)
Outstanding, January 1, 2012	—		$	—	$	—
Granted	707,012		$	21.23
Forfeited/Expired	(181,725	)	$	21.23
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	525,287		$	21.23	$	1.2
Granted	923,832		$	22.76
Exercised	(11,037	)	$	19.65
Forfeited/Expired	(476,624	)	$	22.28
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	961,458		$	22.20	$	5.6
Granted	450,894		$	25.20
Exercised	(52,667	)	$	20.21
Forfeited/Expired	(406,637	)	$	22.65
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	953,048		$	23.53	$	—

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

Schedule of nonvested awards activity

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2014:

	SARs Outstanding					SARs Exercisable
Range of exercisable prices	Vested	Non-vested	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	Number Exercisable	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
$19.65 - $23.43	147,540	381,180	$	22.11	8.3	147,540	$	21.61
$23.73 - $26.92	59,098	365,230	$	25.31	9.0	59,098	$	24.04
	206,638	746,410	$	23.53	8.6	206,638	$	22.30

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

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of non-vested stock options during the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:

	Stock Options
	Shares Under Option		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	149,000		$	10.90
Vested	(121,500	)	10.90
Forfeited	(27,500	)	10.90
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	—		$	10.90

Schedule of stock option activity

Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

	Stock Options
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)(a)
Outstanding, January 1, 2012	661,840		$	30.22	$	0.2
Exercised	(38,900	)	$	18.23	—
Forfeited/Expired	(294,940	)	$	31.29	$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	328,000		$	30.67	$	0.2
Exercised	(20,000	)	$	16.96	$	—
Forfeited/Expired	(79,000	)	$	31.00	$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	229,000		$	31.75	$	—
Forfeited/Expired	(107,500	)	$	31.75	$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	121,500		$	31.75	$	—

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

Schedule of outstanding and exercisable options

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2014:

	Stock Options Outstanding					Stock Options Exercisable
Range of Exercisable Prices	Vested	Non-vested	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	Number Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
$31.75 - $31.75	121,500	—	$	31.75	3.1	121,500	$	31.75

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

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

Schedule of stock appreciation rights valuation assumptions

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

	SARs Issued
	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		SAR Grant Price		Fair Value of SAR
March 2012 Grant	1.56	%	3.50	%	6.5	43.9	%	$	23.73	$	6.10
May 2012 Grant	1.18	%	4.20	%	6.5	44.0	%	$	19.65	$	4.77
September 2012 Grant	1.00	%	3.80	%	6.5	44.3	%	$	21.37	$	6.20
May 2013 Grant	1.17	%	3.61	%	6.5	44.1	%	$	22.70	$	6.86
June 2013 Grant	1.41	%	3.56	%	6.5	44.1	%	$	23.03	$	7.07
November 2013 Grant	1.91	%	3.13	%	6.5	43.8	%	$	26.22	$	8.60
April 2014 Grant	1.98	%	3.53	%	6.0	44.3	%	$	23.25	$	7.25
May 2014 Grant (1st)	1.90	%	3.16	%	6.0	43.2	%	$	25.93	$	8.16
May 2014 Grant (2nd)	1.82	%	3.05	%	6.0	42.8	%	$	26.92	$	8.47
July 2014 Grant	2.00	%	3.24	%	6.0	41.2	%	$	25.27	$	7.55
August 2014 Grant	1.92	%	3.27	%	6.0	41.2	%	$	25.11	$	7.46
September 2014 Grant	2.03	%	3.50	%	6.0	40.6	%	$	23.43	$	6.72
November 2014 Grant	1.78	%	4.00	%	6.0	38.6	%	$	20.48	$	5.17

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

Weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested SARs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

	SARs
	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, January 1, 2013	525,287		$	21.23
Granted	923,832		$	22.76
Vested	(121,953	)	$	21.65
Exercised	(11,037	)	$	19.65
Forfeited	(476,624	)	$	22.28
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013	839,505		$	22.27
Granted	450,894		$	25.20
Vested	(84,685	)	$	23.23
Exercised	(52,667	)	$	20.21
Forfeited	(406,637	)	$	22.65
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014	746,410		$	23.87

Performance Stock Units

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

Schedule of stock appreciation rights valuation assumptions

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

	PSUs Issued
	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		Fair Value of PSU
April 2014 Grant	0.75	%	—	%	2.73	34.3	%	$	18.00
May 2014 Grant (1st)	0.70	%	—	%	2.65	31.8	%	$	25.26
May 2014 Grant (2nd)	0.63	%	—	%	2.61	30.1	%	$	27.53
July 2014 Grant	0.74	%	—	%	2.42	26.9	%	$	22.31
August 2014 Grant	0.67	%	—	%	2.42	26.9	%	$	21.86
September 2014 Grant	0.72	%	—	%	2.29	25.7	%	$	15.26
November 2014 Grant	0.55	%	—	%	2.10	26.3	%	$	7.42

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

A summary of the Company's non-vested PSU activity during the year ending December 31, 2014 is presented in the following table:

	PSUs
	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013	—		$	—
Granted	145,149		$	22.82
Vested	(1,784	)	$	27.53
Forfeited	(9,796	)	$	25.26
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014	133,569		$	22.58

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Stock-Based Compensation (Performance Stock Units) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Fair value assumptions
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,114,000	$ 0	$ 0
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Vested (in shares)	(1,784)
Forfeited (in shares)	(9,796)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	133,569	0
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	3 years
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)				0.55%	0.72%	0.67%	0.74%		0.75%
Dividend yield (as a percent)				0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%		0.00%
Expected Life (Years)				2 years 1 month 6 days	2 years 3 months 15 days	2 years 5 months 3 days	2 years 5 months 3 days		2 years 8 months 24 days
Volatility				26.30%	25.70%	26.90%	26.90%		34.30%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)	$ 22.82			$ 7.42	$ 15.26	$ 21.86	$ 22.31		$ 18.00
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	900,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 2,000,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition	2 years
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)				3,906	4,980	26,550	11,487	82,526	15,700
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 22.82			$ 7.42	$ 15.26	$ 21.86	$ 22.31		$ 18.00
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 27.53
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 25.26
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 22.58
Performance Stock Units | May 2014 Grant 1
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)								0.70%
Dividend yield (as a percent)								0.00%
Expected Life (Years)								2 years 7 months 26 days
Volatility								31.80%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)								25.26
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)								25.26
Performance Stock Units | May 2014 Grant 2
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)								0.63%
Dividend yield (as a percent)								0.00%
Expected Life (Years)								2 years 7 months 11 days
Volatility								30.10%
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)								27.53
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)								27.53
Performance Stock Units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout of PSUs (percent of initial grant)	0.00%
Performance Stock Units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout of PSUs (percent of initial grant)	200.00%

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Debt and Credit Agreements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities

The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the multi-year revolving credit facility and available credit at December 31, 2014. The multi-year revolving credit facility is described in more detail below the table.

	Summary of Credit Facility
	December 31, 2014
(In thousands)	Facility Limit		Outstanding Balance		Available Credit
Multi-year revolving credit facility (a U.S.-based program)	$	525,000	$	98,500	$	426,500

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments

	Long-Term Debt
(In thousands)	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
5.75% notes due May 15, 2018	$	448,626		$	448,268
2.7% notes due October 15, 2015	249,733			249,373
Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2017 with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.0% and 3.6% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	156,538			105,774
Total debt	854,897			803,415
Less: current maturities	(25,188		)	(20,257		)
Total long-term debt	$	829,709		$	783,158

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt

The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2015 are as follows:

(In thousands)
2016	$	11,732
2017	363,047
2018	453,759
2019	876

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Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 26, 2013
Net Income Attributable to the Company and Transfers to Noncontrolling Interest
Net loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (24,792,000)	$ (227,941,000)	$ (254,612,000)
Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interests	0	711,000	0
Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	(24,792,000)	(227,230,000)	(254,612,000)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	15,699,000	303,039,000	0
Assets held-for-sale:
Cash and cash equivalents	62,843,000	93,605,000	95,250,000	93,605,000	62,843,000	121,184,000
Due from unconsolidated affiliate	28,145,000	46,470,000		46,470,000	28,145,000
Assets held-for-sale	1,355,000	113,968,000		113,968,000	1,355,000
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
Accrued compensation	53,780,000	53,113,000		53,113,000	53,780,000
Insurance liabilities - current portion	12,415,000	10,523,000		10,523,000	12,415,000
Other current liabilities	35,470,000	41,879,000		41,879,000	35,470,000
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	0	109,176,000		109,176,000	0
After-tax loss from discontinued operations	(110,000)	1,492,000	919,000
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	3,865,000	271,296,000	0
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction				300,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	(3,900,000)	(271,300,000)
Assets held-for-sale:
Cash and cash equivalents		1,290,000		1,290,000
Trade accounts receivable, net		28,471,000		28,471,000
Due from unconsolidated affiliate		65,728,000		65,728,000
Inventories		5,898,000		5,898,000
Other current assets		2,129,000		2,129,000
Property, plant and equipment, net		10,343,000		10,343,000
Other assets		109,000		109,000
Assets held-for-sale		113,968,000		113,968,000
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
Accounts payable		4,143,000		4,143,000
Accrued compensation		4,618,000		4,618,000
Income taxes payable		1,105,000		1,105,000
Insurance liabilities - current portion		21,000		21,000
Due to unconsolidated affiliate		97,079,000		97,079,000
Other current liabilities		2,210,000		2,210,000
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale		109,176,000		109,176,000
Divestiture Of Businesses, Transaction Expenses	20,100,000				2,200,000
Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in equity method investments							29.00%
Gas Technologies Divestiture
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
After-tax loss from discontinued operations	$ (100,000)	$ 1,500,000	$ 900,000

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Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	326.50%	(19.00%)	(16.10%)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 2,800,000	$ 4,900,000	$ 8,000,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income
United States	20,168,000	(26,855,000)	40,411,000
International	(11,846,000)	(156,477,000)	(258,906,000)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	8,322,000	(183,332,000)	(218,495,000)
Currently payable:
U.S. federal	4,495,000	10,949,000	22,603,000
U.S. state	557,000	1,375,000	1,561,000
International	14,569,000	41,015,000	21,795,000
Total income taxes currently payable	19,621,000	53,339,000	45,959,000
Deferred U.S. federal	2,503,000	(17,341,000)	(3,831,000)
Deferred U.S. state	807,000	401,000	(843,000)
Deferred international	4,240,000	(1,487,000)	(6,034,000)
Total income tax expense	27,171,000	34,912,000	35,251,000
Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on gain or loss from discontinued business	36,000,000	44,400,000	42,600,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
U.S. federal income tax	2,913,000	(64,166,000)	(76,473,000)
U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	658,000	(851,000)	290,000
U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	(1,882,000)	(4,700,000)	(3,580,000)
Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction	0	13,181,000	0
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	4,420,000	(308,000)	1,532,000
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	(5,298,000)	(5,548,000)	(5,470,000)
Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,203,000	20,125,000	3,980,000
Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits	22,049,000	0	21,387,000
U.S. nondeductible items	1,216,000	2,953,000	1,470,000
Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction	1,465,000	74,946,000	0
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	0	0	92,763,000
Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	246,000	(483,000)	(260,000)
Loss from unconsolidated entities	(587,000)	0	0
Other, net	(232,000)	(237,000)	(388,000)
Goodwill impairment charge	0	0	265,038,000
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Expense accruals	27,657,000	28,550,000
Inventories	5,009,000	3,592,000
Provision for receivables	798,000	752,000
Operating loss carryforwards	75,635,000	75,443,000
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	16,476,000	16,085,000
Capital loss carryforwards	2,102,000	3,177,000
Pensions	86,995,000	81,564,000
Currency adjustments	35,386,000	27,536,000
Unit adjustment liability	34,675,000	39,335,000
Post-retirement benefits	905,000	1,013,000
Other	9,079,000	6,159,000
Deferred tax assets, gross	294,717,000	283,206,000
Valuation allowance	(131,342,000)	(127,164,000)
Deferred tax assets, net	163,375,000	156,042,000
Depreciation and amortization	16,026,000	24,585,000
Deferred revenue	1,708,000	1,764,000
Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	23,885,000	28,965,000
Deferred tax liabilities	41,619,000	55,314,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Other current assets	39,003,000	44,315,000
Other assets	90,252,000	65,105,000
Other current liabilities	1,120,000	475,000
Deferred income taxes	6,379,000	8,217,000
Undistributed earnings indefinitely reinvested outside United States	705,000,000	815,000,000
One-time cost associated with repatriation of undistributed earnings indefinitely reinvested outside United States	124,000,000
Infrastructure transaction
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	(3,900,000)	(271,300,000)
Pension adjustments
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	8,000,000
Losses in certain jurisdictions that the Company determined it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	6,500,000	7,100,000
Currency translation
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	(9,300,000)
Capital loss carryforward
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense	(1,100,000)
Infrastructure Transaction
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense		9,400,000
Expiring in 2018
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Capital loss carryforwards	2,100,000
International operations
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	66,400,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards not subject to expiration	44,800,000
Operating losses subject to expiration	21,600,000
International operations | United Kingdom | Pensions and currency translation
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Non-cash tax expense		15,800,000
International operations | Europe, Asia and Middle East
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Reduction in income tax expense due to tax holidays	0	0
U.S. state
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	9,200,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2013 and 2017
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	400,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2018 and 2022
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	3,900,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2023 and 2027
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	1,500,000
U.S. state | Expiring between 2028 and 2032
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 3,400,000

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Debt and Credit Agreements (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 12, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 854,897,000	$ 803,415,000				$ 803,415,000
Less: current maturities	(25,188,000)	(20,257,000)				(20,257,000)
Total Long-term Debt	829,709,000	783,158,000				783,158,000
Cash payments for interest on all debt	44,200,000	50,100,000	45,500,000
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator	3.0
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator	1
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2016	11,732,000
2017	363,047,000
2018	453,759,000
2019	876,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.75% notes due May 15, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	448,626,000	448,268,000				448,268,000
Stated interest rate	5.75%	5.75%				5.75%
Redemption price (percent)	101.00%
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.7% notes due October 15, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	249,733,000	249,373,000				249,373,000
Stated interest rate	2.70%	2.70%				2.70%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	101.00%
Other financing payable in varying amounts due principally through 2018 with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.7% and 9.4% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	156,538,000	105,774,000				105,774,000
Weighted average interest rate	4.00%	3.60%				3.60%
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to consolidated tangible assets	10.00%
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator				3.5
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator				1
Debt Issuance Cost					$ 400,000	$ 300,000

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Restructuring Programs (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost

The restructuring accrual for Project Orion at December 31, 2014 and the activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

(In thousands)	Expense Incurred in 2014		Other Adjustments		Cash Expenditures			Foreign Currency Translation			Remaining Accrual December 31 2014
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Employee termination benefit costs	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668
Total	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$ 20,264		$ (18,447)	$ 2,700
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests			185,000
Cash dividends declared, Common, per share	$ 0.82		$ 0.82	$ 0.82
Stock options exercised, net, shares	0		20,000	38,900
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award Net of Forfeitures and Tax Obligations Settled in Shares	130,925		74,297	68,558
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation	905,000		15,909,000	704,000
Treasury Stock [Member]
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	150,000	[1]	0	0
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests			292,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation			(1,003,000)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests			(107,000)
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation	$ 905,000		$ 16,912,000	$ 704,000

[1] The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.

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Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Rental expense for property, plant and equipment	$ 19,700,000	$ 51,700,000	$ 54,900,000
Operating leases
2015	14,642,000
2016	10,905,000
2017	7,204,000
2018	4,075,000
2019	3,546,000
After 2019	24,762,000
Minimum rentals to be received under noncancelable subleases	$ 600,000

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Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value

The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
December 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	420		$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	Other assets	52,989		Other liabilities	2,599
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	53,409		$	2,599
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	4,065	Other current liabilities	$	4,618

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
December 31, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	40	Other current liabilities	$	17
Cross currency interest rate swaps	Other assets	26,001		Other liabilities	13,410
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	26,041		$	13,427
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	1,216	Other current liabilities	$	3,267

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance

The effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

(In thousands)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative—Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	358		Cost of services and products sold	$	4			$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(1,977		)		—			Cost of services and products sold	39,823			(a)
	$	(1,619	)		$	4			$	39,823
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	48		Cost of services and products sold	$	(8	)	Cost of services and products sold	$	(6	)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	2,409				—			Cost of services and products sold	(12,061		)	(a)
	$	2,457			$	(8	)		$	(12,067	)
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	(152	)	Cost of services and products sold	$	270			$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(4,748		)		—			Cost of services and products sold	(13,384		)	(a)
	$	(4,900	)		$	270			$	(13,384	)

(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 Twelve Months Ended December 31(a)
(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	(2,307	)	$	(10,463	)	$	(3,529	)

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

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps:

	Contractual Amounts		Interest Rates
(In millions)			Receive	Pay
Maturing 2018	$	250.0	Fixed U.S. dollar rate	Fixed euro rate
Maturing 2020	220.0		Fixed U.S. dollar rate	Fixed British pound sterling rate
Maturing 2016 through 2017	8.8		Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed rupee rate

ontracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2014:

(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	37,943	January 2015	$	179
British pounds sterling	Buy	2,783		January 2015	(4		)
Euros	Sell	193,370		January 2015 through March 2015	2,993
Euros	Buy	194,084		January 2015 through March 2015	(3,767		)
Other currencies	Sell	12,641		January 2015 through December 2015	439
Other currencies	Buy	28,001		January 2015 through June 2015	27
Total		$	468,822		$	(133	)

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2013:

(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	26,931	January 2014	$	(277	)
British pounds sterling	Buy	1,976		January 2014	15
Euros	Sell	248,943		January 2014 through July 2014	(335		)
Euros	Buy	242,385		January 2014 through March 2014	(1,335		)
Other currencies	Sell	12,708		January 2014 through July 2014	(134		)
Other currencies	Buy	8,907		January 2014 through August 2014	38
Total		$	541,850		$	(2,028	)

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements (In thousands)	December 31 2014		December 31 2013
Assets
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	4,485	$	1,256
Cross currency interest rate swaps	52,989		26,001
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	4,618		3,284
Cross currency interest rate swaps	2,599		13,410

Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability for the Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands)	2014				2013
Balance at beginning of year	$	106,343			$	—
Recognition of unit adjustment liability	—				107,500
Payments	(22,320		)		(2,123		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	9,740				966
Balance at end of year	$	93,762		(a)	$	106,343

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SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Continuing Operations

(In thousands)

COLUMN A	COLUMN B		COLUMN C		COLUMN D							COLUMN E
			Additions		Additions (Deductions)
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Cost and Expenses		Due to Currency Translation Adjustments			Other				Balance at End of Period
For the year 2014:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	6,638	$	9,892	$	(969	)	$	(442	)		$	15,119
Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance	$	127,164	$	24,252	$	(9,254	)	$	(10,820	)		$	131,342
For the year 2013:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	17,253	$	10,175	$	(191	)	$	(20,599	)	(a)	$	6,638
Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance	$	126,532	$	4,164	$	(5,769	)	$	2,237			$	127,164
For the year 2012:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	17,829	$	11,266	$	166		$	(12,008	)	(b)	$	17,253
Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance	$	99,617	$	18,552	$	3,449		$	4,914			$	126,532

(a) Includes principally the decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts since December 31, 2012 related to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction and utilization of previously reserved amounts.

(b) Includes principally the utilization of previously reserved amounts.

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Restructuring Programs

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring Programs

Restructuring Programs

In recent years, the Company has instituted restructuring programs to balance short-term profitability goals with long-term strategies. A primary objective of these programs has been to establish platforms upon which the affected businesses can grow with reduced fixed investment and generate annual operating expense savings.  The restructuring programs have been instituted in response to the continuing impact of global financial and economic uncertainty on the Company’s end markets. Restructuring costs incurred in these programs were recorded in the caption, Other expenses, of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The timing of associated cash payments is dependent on the type of restructuring cost and can extend over a multi-year period.

Project Orion

Under Project Orion, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment made organizational and process improvement changes, which are expected to improve return on capital and deliver a higher and more consistent level of service to customers by improving several core processes and simplifying the organizational structure. The Company incurred $12.0 million in employee termination benefit costs related to Project Orion during 2014. As a result of actions initiated under phase one of Project Orion, during 2014, the Company realized compensation savings of approximately $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, or approximately $17 million on an annualized basis, with benefits from phase two of Project Orion expected to commence in 2015. Annual recurring benefits from compensation and other operational savings under Project Orion are expected to be approximately $24 million and $13 million, respectively.

The restructuring accrual for Project Orion at December 31, 2014 and the activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

(In thousands)	Expense Incurred in 2014		Other Adjustments		Cash Expenditures			Foreign Currency Translation			Remaining Accrual December 31 2014
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Employee termination benefit costs	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668
Total	$	11,992	$	1,190	$	(5,331	)	$	(183	)	$	7,668

The remaining accrual related to Project Orion is expected to be paid, principally, through 2015 with the remainder in the first half of 2016.

Prior Restructuring Programs

The remaining accrual for restructuring programs was $2.4 million and $5.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remaining accrual relates primarily to exit activity costs for lease terminations expected to be paid over the remaining life of the leases.

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Equity Method Investments (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Balances due from Brand	$ 1,860	$ 85,908
Balances due to Brand	$ 28,311	$ 149,325

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Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

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

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

Information by Geographic Area (a)

	Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
	Year Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
United States	$	880,884	$	1,021,770	$	1,108,051
United Kingdom	257,885		353,915		331,894
All Other	926,969		1,520,835		1,606,073
Totals including Corporate	$	2,065,738	$	2,896,520	$	3,046,018

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

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

	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
	Balances at December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
United States	$	151,397	$	147,820	$	242,890
China	102,842		86,822		55,656
Brazil	69,515		63,161		65,019
All Other	339,490		413,543		902,660
Totals including Corporate	$	663,244	$	711,346	$	1,266,225

Schedule of Segment Operating Information by Segment

Operating Information by Segment:

The Company has reclassified segment operating results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 to conform to the revised manner in which the Company now allocates corporate expenses to operating segments as a result of changes in organizational structure resulting from the Infrastructure Transaction. The changes do not impact the Company's previously reported consolidated revenues from continuing operations, operating income (loss) from continuing operations or income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income.

	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Revenues
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	1,377,592		$	1,359,004		$	1,404,103
Harsco Infrastructure	—			885,377			937,293
Harsco Industrial	412,532			365,972			352,586
Harsco Rail	275,614			286,167			352,036
Total Revenues	$	2,065,738		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018
Operating Income (Loss)
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	9,858		$	95,310		$	99,668
Harsco Infrastructure	—			(255,326		)	(350,497		)
Harsco Industrial	63,680			58,977			58,062
Harsco Rail	37,137			27,710			54,727
Corporate	(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
Total Operating Income (Loss)	$	63,471		$	(134,799	)	$	(174,790	)
Total Assets
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	1,472,277		$	1,595,221		$	1,561,973
Harsco Infrastructure (a)	—			456,323			1,018,979
Harsco Industrial	126,548			83,189			81,035
Harsco Rail	169,035			159,774			188,348
Corporate	495,941			147,241			125,634
Total Assets	$	2,263,801		$	2,441,748		$	2,975,969
Depreciation and Amortization
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	159,844		$	158,837		$	163,137
Harsco Infrastructure	—			58,449			89,814
Harsco Industrial	4,928			3,329			3,098
Harsco Rail	5,591			10,362			10,116
Corporate	5,963			6,064			5,952
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	176,326		$	237,041		$	272,117
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals	$	186,784		$	173,179		$	189,358
Harsco Infrastructure	—			62,889			63,137
Harsco Industrial	9,298			3,936			3,669
Harsco Rail	3,120			3,502			4,133
Corporate	8,776			2,641			4,726
Total Capital Expenditures	$	207,978		$	246,147		$	265,023

(a) The total assets of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment at December 31, 2013 represent assets held-for-sale, the value of the equity method investment in Brand, and related net deferred tax assets.

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated

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

	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Segment operating income (loss)	$	110,675		$	(73,329	)	$	(138,040	)
General Corporate expense	(47,204		)	(61,470		)	(36,750		)
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	63,471			(134,799		)	(174,790		)
Interest income	1,702			2,087			3,676
Interest expense	(47,111		)	(49,654		)	(47,381		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	(9,740		)	(966		)	—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)

Schedule of Product Information

Information about Products and Services:

	Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Key Product and Services Groups
Global expertise in providing on-site services of material logistics, product quality improvement and resource recovery for iron, steel and metals manufacturing; as well as value added environmental solutions for industrial co-products	$	1,377,592	$	1,359,004	$	1,404,103
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a)	—		885,377		937,293
Railway track maintenance services and equipment	275,614		286,167		352,036
Air-cooled heat exchangers	226,529		180,738		175,896
Industrial grating products	139,711		142,355		136,157
Heat transfer products	46,292		42,879		40,533
Consolidated Revenues	$	2,065,738	$	2,896,520	$	3,046,018

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest, and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments

The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received, and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value.

Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the United States are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The Company's remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost methods.

Depreciation

Depreciation

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

Leases

Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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

The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1. The Company has five reporting units, only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2014. Almost all of the Company's goodwill is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

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

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)

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

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the service components of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments.

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granules products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.

Harsco Rail Segment—This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.

Harsco Industrial Segment—This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

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

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

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

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

In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits.

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

Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves

Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves

The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $23.3 million, $30.0 million and $33.8 million, respectively. Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net loss in the period determined. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $7.0 million, $7.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has recorded liabilities of $47.9 million and $52.4 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $3.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been included in current caption, Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current caption, Insurance liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Warranties

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

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

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies.

Financial Instruments and Hedging

Financial Instruments and Hedging

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

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

The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or variable U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively.

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

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

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

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2014:

On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")-issued changes related to a parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted FASB-issued changes related to financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists that could be used to offset the liability for an uncertain tax position. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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

In April 2014, the FASB issued changes related to reporting discontinued operations and disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The changes modify the criteria related to what transactions constitute discontinued operations and expands disclosure requirements. The changes become effective for the Company, prospectively, on January 1, 2015. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management is currently evaluating these changes.

In August 2014, the FASB issued changes related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability

The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012:

(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$	9,548		$	9,092		$	5,596
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	3,208			5,016			7,935
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(2,680		)	(1,966		)	(2,401		)
Warranties paid	(1,186		)	(2,573		)	(1,958		)
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(4		)	(21		)	(80		)
Warranty reserves, end of the year	$	8,886		$	9,548		$	9,092

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock Issued	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 1,219,918	$ 139,914	$ (744,644)	$ 149,066	$ 1,996,234	$ (364,191)	$ 43,539
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(254,101)				(254,612)		511
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.82 per share in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively	(66,132)				(66,132)
Noncontrolling interests	(2,605)						(2,605)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(46,538)					(46,977)	439
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	8,602						8,602
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	(704)						(704)
Stock options exercised, net 38,900 shares and 20,000 shares 2012 and 2013, respectively	710	49		661
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 68,558 shares, 74,297 shares and 130,925 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively	515	117	(561)	959
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	1,959			1,959
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	861,624	140,080	(745,205)	152,645	1,675,490	(411,168)	49,782
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(218,188)				(227,941)		9,753
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.82 per share in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively	(66,228)				(66,228)
Noncontrolling interests	(4,764)						(4,764)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	40,855					40,553	302
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,825						4,825
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	(185)			(292)			107
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	(15,909)			1,003			(16,912)
Stock options exercised, net 38,900 shares and 20,000 shares 2012 and 2013, respectively	400	25		375
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 68,558 shares, 74,297 shares and 130,925 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively	1,185	143	(1,032)	2,074
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	3,220			3,220
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	606,835	140,248	(746,237)	159,025	1,381,321	(370,615)	43,093
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(20,297)				(24,792)		4,495
Cash dividends declared:
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.82 per share in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively	(66,321)				(66,321)
Noncontrolling interests	(2,319)						(2,319)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(163,478)					(161,876)	(1,602)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,560						1,560
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	(905)						(905)
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 68,558 shares, 74,297 shares and 130,925 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively	1,551	196	(714)	2,069
Treasury shares repurchased, 150,000 shares in 2014	(2,864)		(2,864)
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	4,572			4,572
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 358,334	$ 140,444	$ (749,815)	$ 165,666	$ 1,290,208	$ (532,491)	$ 44,322

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Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]

Schedule of net income attributable to Company and transfers to noncontrolling interest

The following table discloses the effects of changes in the Company's ownership interests in subsidiaries on the Company's equity.

	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net loss attributable to the Company	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,941	)	$	(254,612	)
Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interest	—			711			—
Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,230	)	$	(254,612	)

Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block]

The carrying amounts of the remaining assets and liabilities that were aggregated in the captions, Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 were as follows:

(In thousands)	December 31 2013		(In thousands)	December 31 2013
Assets held-for-sale:			Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,290	Accounts payable	$	4,143
Trade accounts receivable, net	28,471		Accrued compensation	4,618
Due from unconsolidated affiliate	65,728		Income taxes payable	1,105
Inventories	5,898		Insurance liabilities - current portion	21
Other current assets	2,129		Due to unconsolidated affiliate	97,079
Property, plant and equipment, net	10,343		Other current liabilities	2,210
Other assets	109
	$	113,968		$	109,176

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Financial Instruments (Details 5) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, Level 2, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets - Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$ 4,485	$ 1,256
Assets - Cross-currency interest rate swaps	52,989	26,001
Liabilities - Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	4,618	3,284
Liabilities - Cross-currency interest rate swaps	$ 2,599	$ 13,410

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign

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

(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
United States	$	20,168		$	(26,855	)	$	40,411
International	(11,846		)	(156,477		)	(258,906		)
Total income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss)	$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

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

(In thousands)	2014		2013			2012
Income tax expense (benefit):
Currently payable:
U.S. federal	$	4,495	$	10,949		$	22,603
U.S. state	557		1,375			1,561
International	14,569		41,015			21,795
Total income taxes currently payable	19,621		53,339			45,959
Deferred U.S. federal	2,503		(17,341		)	(3,831		)
Deferred U.S. state	807		401			(843		)
Deferred international	4,240		(1,487		)	(6,034		)
Total income tax expense	$	27,171	$	34,912		$	35,251

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate as a percentage of Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
U.S. federal income tax	$	2,913		$	(64,166	)	$	(76,473	)
U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	658			(851		)	290
U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	(1,882		)	(4,700		)	(3,580		)
Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction	—			13,181			—
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	4,420			(308		)	1,532
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	(5,298		)	(5,548		)	(5,470		)
Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,203			20,125			3,980
Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits	22,049			—			21,387
U.S. nondeductible items	1,216			2,953			1,470
Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction	1,465			74,946			—
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	—			—			92,763
Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	246			(483		)	(260		)
Loss from unconsolidated entities	(587		)	—			—
Other, net	(232		)	(237		)	(388		)
Total income tax expense	$	27,171		$	34,912		$	35,251

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	2014					2013
(In thousands)	Asset			Liability		Asset			Liability
Depreciation and amortization	$	—		$	16,026	$	—		$	24,585
Expense accruals	27,657			—		28,550			—
Inventories	5,009			—		3,592			—
Provision for receivables	798			—		752			—
Deferred revenue	—			1,708		—			1,764
Operating loss carryforwards	75,635			—		75,443			—
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	16,476			—		16,085			—
Capital loss carryforwards	2,102			—		3,177			—
Pensions	86,995			—		81,564			—
Currency adjustments	35,386			—		27,536			—
Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	—			23,885		—			28,965
Unit adjustment liability	34,675			—		39,335			—
Post-retirement benefits	905			—		1,013			—
Other	9,079			—		6,159			—
Subtotal	294,717			41,619		283,206			55,314
Valuation allowance	(131,342		)	—		(127,164		)	—
Total deferred income taxes	$	163,375		$	41,619	$	156,042		$	55,314

The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

(In thousands)	2014		2013
Other current assets	$	39,003	$	44,315
Other assets	90,252		65,105
Other current liabilities	1,120		475
Deferred income taxes	6,379		8,217

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014 is as follows:

(In thousands)	Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits			Deferred Income Tax Benefits			Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits, Net of Deferred Income Tax Benefits
Balances, January 1, 2012	$	33,408		$	(517	)	$	32,891
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	584			(8		)	576
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	37			2			39
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,987		)	—			(3,987		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(5,124		)	154			(4,970		)
Balance at December 31, 2012	24,918			(369		)	24,549
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	500			(5		)	495
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	145			(4		)	141
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,050		)	—			(3,050		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(3,348		)	180			(3,168		)
Settlements	(1,616		)	—			(1,616		)
Balance at December 31, 2013	17,549			(198		)	17,351
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	288			(2		)	286
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	156			(55		)	101
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,056		)	—			(3,056		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(2,481		)	143			(2,338		)
Settlements	—			—			—
Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2014	$	12,456		$	(112	)	$	12,344

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Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 340,223,000	$ 359,819,000
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(15,119,000)	(6,638,000)
Trade accounts receivable, net	325,104,000	353,181,000
Other receivables	28,145,000	46,470,000
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trae accounts receivable	9,892,000	10,175,000	11,266,000
Inventories
Finished goods	30,001,000	23,112,000
Work-in-process	28,644,000	25,623,000
Raw materials and purchased parts	86,898,000	72,118,000
Stores and supplies	31,722,000	34,836,000
Total inventories	177,265,000	155,689,000
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	107,691,000	94,939,000
FIFO basis	13,383,000	9,859,000
Average cost basis	56,191,000	50,891,000
Total inventories	177,265,000	155,689,000
Excess of inventories valued at current costs over LIFO	33,000,000	28,000,000
Change in income as a result of LIFO basis inventory valuation over FIFO basis valuation	$ 100,000	$ 0	$ 100,000

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Capital Stock (Details 3) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	301	265	148
Stock options
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	188	286	389
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	912	1,078	530
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	93	0	0
Other stock-based compensation units
Antidilutive securities
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	101	317

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 62,843	$ 93,605
Trade accounts receivable, net	325,104	353,181
Other receivables	28,145	46,470
Inventories	177,265	155,689
Assets held-for-sale	1,355	113,968
Other current assets	87,110	75,842
Total current assets	681,822	838,755
Investments	288,505	298,856
Property, plant and equipment, net	663,244	711,346
Goodwill	416,155	431,265
Intangible assets, net	58,524	53,261
Other assets	155,551	108,265
Total assets	2,263,801	2,441,748
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	16,748	7,489
Current maturities of long-term debt	25,188	20,257
Accounts payable	146,506	181,410
Accrued compensation	53,780	53,113
Income taxes payable	1,985	7,199
Dividends payable	16,535	16,536
Insurance liabilities	12,415	10,523
Advances on contracts	117,398	24,053
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	0	109,176
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	8,142	24,954
Due to related party	22,320	22,320
Other current liabilities	144,543	129,739
Total current liabilities	565,560	606,769
Long-term debt	829,709	783,158
Deferred income taxes	6,379	8,217
Insurance liabilities	35,470	41,879
Retirement plan liabilities	350,889	241,049
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	20,169	27,292
Due to related party	71,442	84,023
Other liabilities	25,849	42,526
Total liabilities	1,905,467	1,834,913
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating cumulative preferred stock	0	0
Common stock, par value $1.25 (issued 112,357,348 and 112,198,693 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	140,444	140,248
Additional paid-in capital	165,666	159,025
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(532,491)	(370,615)
Retained earnings	1,290,208	1,381,321
Treasury stock, at cost (31,697,498 and 31,519,768 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	(749,815)	(746,237)
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders' equity	314,012	563,742
Noncontrolling interests	44,322	43,093
Total equity	358,334	606,835
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,263,801	$ 2,441,748

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Other Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of other expenses (income)

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

	Other (Income) Expenses
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net gains	$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)
Employee termination benefit costs	19,120			3,928			31,158
Costs to exit activities	4,908			5,382			38,626
Product line rationalization	—			—			24,966
Impaired asset write-downs	39,455			9,688			7,152
Other (income) expense	1,059			769			(2,278		)
Total	$	57,824		$	15,110		$	93,776

Schedule of net gains from sales of redundant properties and non-core assets

	Net Gains
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	(3,538	)	$	(1,043	)	$	(2,449	)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment	—			(2,864		)	(2,198		)
Harsco Industrial Segment	(2,077		)	(750		)	(1,089		)
Corporate	(1,103		)	—			(112		)
Total	$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)

Schedule of employee termination benefit costs

	Employee Termination Benefit Costs
(In thousands)	2014		2013			2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	18,169	$	3,561		$	8,082
Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	—		(326		)	17,291
Harsco Rail Segment	185		235			245
Harsco Industrial Segment	421		115			418
Corporate	345		343			5,122
Total	$	19,120	$	3,928		$	31,158

(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.

Schedule of exit costs

	Costs to Exit Activities
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	6,395		$	2,705		$	3,627
Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	—			(254		)	34,820
Corporate	(1,487		)	2,931			179
Total	$	4,908		$	5,382		$	38,626

(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.

Schedule of impaired asset write-downs

	Impaired Asset Write-downs
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	38,791	$	689	$	7,152
Harsco Rail Segment	590		8,999		—
Harsco Industrial Segment	74		—		—
Total	$	39,455	$	9,688	$	7,152

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	$ 7,151	$ (5,924)	$ (5,436)
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, deferred income taxes	(338)	(1,410)	567
Pension liability adjustments, deferred income taxes	13,454	(11,095)	7,572
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, deferred income taxes	$ (3)	$ (18)	$ (3)

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 206,429,000	$ 196,695,000
Accumulated Amortization	147,905,000	143,434,000
Intangible assets, net	58,524,000	53,261,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	17,575,000
Amortization expense for intangible assets	9,900,000	13,800,000	17,600,000
Estimated amortization expense for the next five years
2015	8,350,000
2016	7,800,000
2017	5,050,000
2018	4,850,000
2019	4,800,000
Customer related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	157,530,000	150,307,000
Accumulated Amortization	112,211,000	110,889,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	13,928,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value	0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,107,000	1,126,000
Accumulated Amortization	1,039,000	1,024,000
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,079,000	6,211,000
Accumulated Amortization	5,399,000	5,273,000
Technology related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	26,548,000	27,185,000
Accumulated Amortization	21,233,000	18,931,000
Trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	7,745,000	4,113,000
Accumulated Amortization	3,733,000	2,969,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	3,647,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value	0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	7,420,000	7,753,000
Accumulated Amortization	$ 4,290,000	$ 4,348,000

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Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

(In thousands)	Estimated Useful Lives	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
Land	—	$	15,721		$	16,652
Land improvements	5-20 years	15,898			13,615
Buildings and improvements	5-40 years	205,409			192,346
Machinery and equipment	3-20 years	1,861,965			1,969,493
Uncompleted construction	—	87,414			86,508
Gross property, plant and equipment		2,186,407			2,278,614
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,523,163		)	(1,567,268		)
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	663,244		$	711,346

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Dividends paid	$ 66,321,000	$ 66,228,000	$ 66,132,000
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	325,300,000	283,500,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	314,900,000	274,800,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	314,900,000	274,800,000
Fair value of plan assets	222,300,000	222,600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Number of capital market results simulated in the model for expected return on plan assets	1,000
Period for which results of capital markets are simulated	20 years
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.80%
Number of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets	450,000	450,000
Value of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets	8,500,000	12,600,000
Dividends paid	400,000	400,000	400,000
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.50%
Fair values of plan assets	233,350,000	233,579,000	218,084,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	233,579,000	218,084,000
Employer contributions	7,598,000	2,615,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	233,350,000	233,579,000	218,084,000
U.S. Plans | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	39.10%	41.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	34.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	44.00%
Fair values of plan assets	44,064,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	48,915,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44,064,000
U.S. Plans | Equity securities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	18.20%	19.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	14.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	24.00%
U.S. Plans | Harsco common stock
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	3.60%	5.40%
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	47,313,000	48,807,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	47,313,000	48,807,000
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	42,446,000	45,475,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	42,446,000	45,475,000
U.S. Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	30.30%	25.90%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	28.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	38.00%
U.S. Plans | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	18,759,000	18,787,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18,759,000	18,787,000
U.S. Plans | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	11,347,000	8,374,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,347,000	8,374,000
U.S. Plans | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	40,568,000	33,326,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	40,568,000	33,326,000
U.S. Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	9.30%	9.60%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	5.00%
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	15.00%
U.S. Plans | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	21,700,000	22,508,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	21,700,000	22,508,000
U.S. Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	3.10%	3.20%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	5.00%
Fair values of plan assets	7,153,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,387,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,153,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	151,981,000	179,189,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	151,981,000	179,189,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	44,064,000	48,915,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44,064,000	48,915,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	13,335,000	13,204,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	13,335,000	13,204,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	42,446,000	45,475,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	42,446,000	45,475,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	11,347,000	8,374,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,347,000	8,374,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	11,936,000	33,326,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,936,000	33,326,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	21,700,000	22,508,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	21,700,000	22,508,000
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	7,153,000	7,387,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,153,000	7,387,000
U.S. Plans | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	81,369,000	54,390,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	81,369,000	54,390,000
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	33,978,000	35,603,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	33,978,000	35,603,000
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	18,759,000	18,787,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18,759,000	18,787,000
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	28,632,000	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	28,632,000	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Equity securities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities | United States
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Corporate bonds and notes
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,043,200,000	950,700,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	1,032,100,000	926,800,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,026,000,000	923,900,000
Fair value of plan assets	771,800,000	737,600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.80%	6.60%	6.70%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.80%
Fair values of plan assets	791,045,000	770,911,000	783,059,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	770,911,000	783,059,000
Employer contributions	28,112,000	30,258,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	791,045,000	770,911,000	783,059,000
International Plans | United Kingdom
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets	94.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.80%
International Plans | International, other than UK
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets	6.00%
International Plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	36.90%	38.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	32.50%
International Plans | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	292,150,000	296,980,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	292,150,000	296,980,000
International Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	45.30%	42.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	42.50%
International Plans | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	350,073,000	314,965,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	350,073,000	314,965,000
International Plans | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	8,233,000	8,797,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,233,000	8,797,000
International Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	17.50%	19.20%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	25.00%
International Plans | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	53,926,000	52,733,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	53,926,000	52,733,000
International Plans | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	84,120,000	94,980,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	84,120,000	94,980,000
International Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	0.30%	0.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target Long-Term Allocation	0.00%
Fair values of plan assets	2,543,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,456,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,543,000
International Plans | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	2,543,000	2,456,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,543,000	2,456,000
International Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	2,543,000	2,456,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,543,000	2,456,000
International Plans | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	765,855,000	748,032,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	765,855,000	748,032,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	292,150,000	296,980,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	292,150,000	296,980,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	350,073,000	314,965,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	350,073,000	314,965,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	8,233,000	8,797,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,233,000	8,797,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	31,279,000	32,310,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	31,279,000	32,310,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	84,120,000	94,980,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	84,120,000	94,980,000
International Plans | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	22,647,000	20,423,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	22,647,000	20,423,000
International Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	22,647,000	20,423,000	17,746,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	20,423,000	17,746,000	12,025,000
Employer contributions	385,000	838,000	2,535,000
Cash distributions received	(1,614,000)	(1,380,000)	(1,270,000)
Actual return on plan assets - related to asset still held at end of year	3,453,000	3,219,000	4,456,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	22,647,000	20,423,000	17,746,000
International Plans | Level 3 | Other mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Fair values of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 0	$ 0

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Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Capital Stock

Capital Stock

The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both having a par value of $1.25 per share. The preferred stock is issuable in series with terms as fixed by the Board of Directors (the "Board"). No preferred stock has been issued. Under the Company's Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (the "Agreement"), the Board authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one right for each share of common stock outstanding on the record date. The rights may only be exercised if, among other things and with certain exceptions, a person or group has acquired 15% or more of the Company's common stock without the prior approval of the Board. Each right entitles the holder to purchase 1/100th share of Harsco Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $230. Once the rights become exercisable, the holder of a right will be entitled, upon payment of the exercise price, to purchase a number of shares of common stock calculated to have a value of two times the exercise price of the right. The rights expire on October 9, 2017, do not have voting power, and may be redeemed by the Company at a price of $0.001 per right at any time until the 10th business day following public announcement that a person or group has accumulated 15% or more of the Company's common stock. The Agreement also includes an exchange feature. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, 806,599 and 806,789 shares, respectively, of $1.25 par value preferred stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the rights.

The Board has authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows:

	Shares Authorized to be Purchased January 1	Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase	Shares Purchased	Remaining Shares Authorized for Purchase December 31
2012	1,713,423	—	—	1,713,423
2013	1,713,423	286,577	—	2,000,000
2014	2,000,000	—	150,000	1,850,000

At December 31, 2014, 1,850,000 shares remained available for repurchase under the Company's share repurchase program. Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased an additional 596,632 shares. The Company's share repurchase program expired on January 31, 2015.

The following table summarizes the Company's common stock:

	Common Stock
	Shares Issued	Treasury Shares (a)	Outstanding Shares
Outstanding, January 1, 2012	111,931,267	31,454,097	80,477,170
Stock options exercised	38,900	—	38,900
Vested restricted stock units	45,898	14,677	31,221
Other stock grants	47,873	10,536	37,337
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	112,063,938	31,479,310	80,584,628
Stock options exercised	20,000	—	20,000
Vested restricted stock units	25,215	9,358	15,857
Stock appreciation rights exercised	2,713	521	2,192
Other stock grants	86,827	30,579	56,248
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	112,198,693	31,519,768	80,678,925
Vested restricted stock units	65,851	4,418	61,433
Stock appreciation rights exercised	9,213	2,985	6,228
Other stock grants	83,591	20,327	63,264
Treasury shares purchased	—	150,000	(150,000	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	112,357,348	31,697,498	80,659,850

(a) The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.

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

(In thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2012
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(24,902	)	$	(226,449	)	$	(253,693	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	80,884			80,755			80,632
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	—			—			—
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	80,884			80,755			80,632
Loss from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)
Diluted	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)

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

(In thousands)	2014	2013	2012
Restricted stock units	301	265	148
Stock options	188	286	389
Stock appreciation rights	912	1,078	530
Performance share units	93	—	—
Other stock-based compensation units	—	101	317

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment (there is no goodwill associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

(In thousands)	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment			Harsco Industrial Segment			Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	419,888		$	—		$	9,310	$	429,198
Foreign currency translation	2,067			—			—		2,067
Balance at December 31, 2013	421,955			—			9,310		431,265
Changes to goodwill	(300		)	6,839		(a)	—		6,539
Foreign currency translation	(21,649		)	—			—		(21,649		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	400,006		$	6,839		$	9,310	$	416,155

(a) Changes to goodwill relate to the initial acquisition of Hammco and related purchase price adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP occurring during the measurement period. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.

Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

The gross carrying amount of intangible assets increased in 2014 due to the acquisition of Hammco, as discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. As part of this transaction, the Company acquired the following finite-lived intangible assets (by major class):

(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Residual Value	Weighted-average amortization period
Customer related	$	13,928	—	12 years
Trade names	3,647		—	15 years
Total	$	17,575

The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:

	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	157,530	$	112,211	$	150,307	$	110,889
Non-compete agreements	1,107		1,039		1,126		1,024
Patents	6,079		5,399		6,211		5,273
Technology related	26,548		21,233		27,185		18,931
Trade names	7,745		3,733		4,113		2,969
Other	7,420		4,290		7,753		4,348
Total	$	206,429	$	147,905	$	196,695	$	143,434

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense

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

(In thousands)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
Estimated amortization expense (a)	$	8,350	$	7,800	$	5,050	$	4,850	$	4,800

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

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Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

As collateral for the Company's performance and to insurers, the Company is contingently liable under standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees in the amounts of $269.4 million, $216.3 million and $208.8 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase since December 31, 2014 primarily relates to the issuance of performance bonds associated with the Company's large Switzerland rail order in the Harsco Rail Segment. These standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees are generally in force for up to 5 years. Certain issues have no scheduled expiration date. The Company pays fees to various banks and insurance companies that range from 0.32% to 2.50% per annum of the instrument's face value. If the Company were required to obtain replacement standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees at December 31, 2014 for those currently outstanding, it is the Company's opinion that the replacement costs would be within the present fee structure.

The Company has currency exposures in approximately 35 countries. The Company's primary foreign currency exposures during 2014 were in the European Economic and Monetary Union, the United Kingdom and Brazil.

Off-Balance Sheet Risk—Third-Party Guarantees

In connection with the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company has outstanding guarantees and letters of credit related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that are still in force. These guarantees and letters of credit are provided to enable the legacy business to obtain financing for their operations. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to these guarantees was approximately $15 million and $19 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These guarantees and letters of credit are expected to be replaced by Brand during 2015. There is no recognition of a liability related to these guarantees or letters of credit as the Company believes that the potential for making any payments is remote and they have been indemnified by Brand as part of the Infrastructure Transaction.

During June 2014, the Company provided a guarantee to Brand, as part of the net working capital settlement related to the Infrastructure Transaction, for certain matters occurring prior to closing. The remaining term of this guarantee is 6 years at December 31, 2014. The maximum potential amount of future payments related to this guarantee is approximately $3 million at December 31, 2014. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

The Company provided an environmental indemnification for properties that were sold to a third party in 2007. The maximum term of this guarantee is 20 years, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter is discovered on the properties. The Company is not aware of environmental issues related to these properties. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

The Company provided an environmental indemnification for property from a lease that terminated in 2006. The term of this guarantee is indefinite, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter was discovered on the property relating to the time the Company leased the property. The Company is not aware of any environmental issues related to this property. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to this guarantee is estimated to be $3.0 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

Any liabilities related to the Company's obligation to stand ready to act on third-party guarantees are included in the captions, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities (as appropriate), on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any recognition of these liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations for 2014, 2013 or 2012.

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

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

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

All derivative instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge foreign currency denominated balance sheet items are reported directly in earnings along with offsetting transaction gains and losses on the items being hedged. Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases may be accounted for as cash flow hedges, as deemed appropriate, if the criteria for hedge accounting are met. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are deferred as a separate component of equity and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. Generally, at December 31, 2014, these deferred gains and losses will be reclassified to earnings over 10 to 15 years from the balance sheet date. The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
December 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	420		$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	Other assets	52,989		Other liabilities	2,599
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	53,409		$	2,599
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	4,065	Other current liabilities	$	4,618

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
December 31, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	40	Other current liabilities	$	17
Cross currency interest rate swaps	Other assets	26,001		Other liabilities	13,410
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	26,041		$	13,427
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	1,216	Other current liabilities	$	3,267

All of the Company's derivatives are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at gross amounts and not offset. All of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps and certain foreign currency forward exchange 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 or net liability at either December 31, 2014 or 2013.

The effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

(In thousands)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") on Derivative—Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income—Effective Portion			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative—Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	358		Cost of services and products sold	$	4			$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(1,977		)		—			Cost of services and products sold	39,823			(a)
	$	(1,619	)		$	4			$	39,823
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	48		Cost of services and products sold	$	(8	)	Cost of services and products sold	$	(6	)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	2,409				—			Cost of services and products sold	(12,061		)	(a)
	$	2,457			$	(8	)		$	(12,067	)
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	(152	)	Cost of services and products sold	$	270			$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	(4,748		)		—			Cost of services and products sold	(13,384		)	(a)
	$	(4,900	)		$	270			$	(13,384	)

(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 Twelve Months Ended December 31(a)
(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Cost of services and products sold	$	(2,307	)	$	(10,463	)	$	(3,529	)

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

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange 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 forward exchange 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 forward exchange 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 forward exchange contracts in U.S. dollars at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The "Buy" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies, and the "Sell" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell foreign currencies. The recognized gains and losses offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2014:

(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	37,943	January 2015	$	179
British pounds sterling	Buy	2,783		January 2015	(4		)
Euros	Sell	193,370		January 2015 through March 2015	2,993
Euros	Buy	194,084		January 2015 through March 2015	(3,767		)
Other currencies	Sell	12,641		January 2015 through December 2015	439
Other currencies	Buy	28,001		January 2015 through June 2015	27
Total		$	468,822		$	(133	)

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2013:

(In thousands)	Type	U.S. Dollar Equivalent		Maturity	Recognized Gain (Loss)
British pounds sterling	Sell	$	26,931	January 2014	$	(277	)
British pounds sterling	Buy	1,976		January 2014	15
Euros	Sell	248,943		January 2014 through July 2014	(335		)
Euros	Buy	242,385		January 2014 through March 2014	(1,335		)
Other currencies	Sell	12,708		January 2014 through July 2014	(134		)
Other currencies	Buy	8,907		January 2014 through August 2014	38
Total		$	541,850		$	(2,028	)

Included in the contracted amounts of foreign currency exchange forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013 are $121.2 million of foreign currency exchange forward contracts entered into by the Company under the Transition Services Agreement with Brand. The Company has recognized a $0.7 million mark-to-market liability associated with these foreign currency exchange forward contracts.

In addition to foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the Company designates certain loans as hedges of net investments in international subsidiaries. The Company recorded pre-tax net gains of $22.6 million and pre-tax net losses of $9.8 million and $5.3 million related to hedges of net investments during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in the caption, Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed local currency interest rate. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, 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 cross currency interest rate swaps are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in value attributed to the effect of the swaps' interest spread and changes in the credit worthiness of the counter-parties recorded in the caption, Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal. The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps:

	Contractual Amounts		Interest Rates
(In millions)			Receive	Pay
Maturing 2018	$	250.0	Fixed U.S. dollar rate	Fixed euro rate
Maturing 2020	220.0		Fixed U.S. dollar rate	Fixed British pound sterling rate
Maturing 2016 through 2017	8.8		Floating U.S. dollar rate	Fixed rupee rate

Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities and Other Financial Instruments

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements (In thousands)	December 31 2014		December 31 2013
Assets
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	4,485	$	1,256
Cross currency interest rate swaps	52,989		26,001
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	4,618		3,284
Cross currency interest rate swaps	2,599		13,410

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability for the Twelve Months Ended December 31 (In thousands)	2014				2013
Balance at beginning of year	$	106,343			$	—
Recognition of unit adjustment liability	—				107,500
Payments	(22,320		)		(2,123		)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	9,740				966
Balance at end of year	$	93,762		(a)	$	106,343

(a) Does not total due to rounding.

See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, 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. Commodity derivatives, foreign currency forward exchange contracts and cross currency interest rate swaps are classified as Level 2 fair value based upon pricing models using market-based inputs. Model inputs can be verified, and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $885.0 million and $832.6 million, respectively, compared to carrying value of $854.9 million and $803.4 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.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

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

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited in the Harsco Industrial Segments due to the Company's large number of customers and their dispersion across different industries and geographies. However, the Company's Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and, to a lesser extent, the Harsco Rail Segment have several large customers throughout the world with significant accounts receivable balances. Consolidation in the global steel or rail industries could result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company.

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

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Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Interest and penalties recognized	$ 2,100,000	$ 3,100,000	$ 1,800,000
Interest and penalties accrued	2,800,000	4,900,000	8,000,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	17,549,000	24,918,000	33,408,000
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	288,000	500,000	584,000
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	156,000	145,000	37,000
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	3,056,000	3,050,000	3,987,000
Statutes of limitations expirations	2,481,000	3,348,000	5,124,000
Settlements	0	1,616,000
Balance at the end of the period	12,456,000	17,549,000	24,918,000
Reconciliation of Deferred Income Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(198,000)	(369,000)	(517,000)
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	(2,000)	(5,000)	(8,000)
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	(55,000)	(4,000)	2,000
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	0	0	0
Statutes of limitation expirations	143,000	180,000	154,000
Settlements	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	(112,000)	(198,000)	(369,000)
Reconciliation of Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	12,344,000	17,351,000	24,549,000	32,891,000
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	286,000	495,000	576,000
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	101,000	141,000	39,000
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,056,000)	(3,050,000)	(3,987,000)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(2,338,000)	(3,168,000)	(4,970,000)
Settlements	0	(1,616,000)
Balance at the end of the period	12,344,000	17,351,000	24,549,000	32,891,000
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to currency translation	1,600,000
Portion of UTB, expected to be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations within next twelve months	200,000
Foreign jurisdiction
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Settlements	1,500,000
Reconciliation of Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Decrease related to previously unrecognized tax benefits that were recognized in 2012 due to change in enacted legislation	$ 3,100,000

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (20,297)	$ (218,188)	$ (254,101)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	164,588	221,266	251,905
Amortization	11,738	15,775	20,212
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	9,740	966	0
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	7,551	(18,427)	(10,708)
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	1,558	(1,548)	(564)
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	0	37	308
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	0	0	31,443
Goodwill impairment charge	0	0	265,038
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	3,865	271,296	0
Other, net	39,376	2,735	(27,098)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	7,026	(34,504)	22,016
Inventories	(19,991)	18,510	2,365
Accounts payable	(28,901)	14,319	(37,649)
Accrued interest payable	70	(1,836)	(319)
Accrued compensation	5,699	(9,860)	517
Increase (Decrease) in Deposits	92,769	(21,365)	(63,923)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	0	(6,788)	(5,211)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(2,672)	(17,705)	(7,883)
Other assets and liabilities	(46,273)	(26,428)	12,531
Net cash provided by operating activities	225,846	188,255	198,879
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(207,978)	(246,147)	(265,023)
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	15,699	303,039	0
Proceeds from sales of assets	14,976	18,984	49,779
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	26,336	2,849	740
Payment of unit adjustment liability	(22,320)	(2,123)	0
Other investing activities, net	(2,721)	(8,219)	(3,284)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(228,680)	62,685	(219,268)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	8,851	(1,901)	(43,464)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	177,499	316,804	285,850
Reductions	(131,007)	(498,600)	(184,372)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(66,322)	(66,211)	(66,068)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(2,186)	(3,381)	(2,605)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	0	(166)	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	0	4,825	8,097
Common stock issued-options	0	371	725
Common stock acquired for treasury	(941)	0	0
Deferred pension underfunding payment to unconsolidated affiliate	(7,688)	0	0
Other financing activities, net	0	(405)	(2,709)
Net cash used by financing activities	(21,794)	(248,664)	(4,546)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(6,134)	(3,921)	(999)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(30,762)	(1,645)	(25,934)
Cash and cash equivalents	62,843	93,605	95,250
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	62,843	93,605	95,250
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
Working capital	(1,107)	0	0
Propery, plant and equipment	(330)	(2,437)	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	(6,839)	0	0
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	(17,575)	0	0
Other noncurrent assets and liabilites, net	$ (485)	$ (412)	$ (740)

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common stock, par value	$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common stock, shares issued	112,357,348	112,198,693
Treasury stock, shares	31,697,498	31,519,768

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Debt and Credit Agreements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Credit Agreements

Debt and Credit Agreements

The Company has a multi-year revolving credit facility that is available for use throughout the world. The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the multi-year revolving credit facility and available credit at December 31, 2014. The multi-year revolving credit facility is described in more detail below the table.

	Summary of Credit Facility
	December 31, 2014
(In thousands)	Facility Limit		Outstanding Balance		Available Credit
Multi-year revolving credit facility (a U.S.-based program)	$	525,000	$	98,500	$	426,500

In March 2012, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") providing for $525 million of borrowing capacity through a syndicate of 14 banks.  The Credit Agreement matures in March 2017.  The Company has the option to increase the borrowing capacity available under the Credit Agreement to $550 million.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available in most major currencies with active markets and at interest rates based upon LIBOR, plus a margin.

On September 12, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No.1 ("Amendment No. 1") to the Credit Agreement. In addition to certain administrative and conforming modifications, Amendment No. 1 replaced the total consolidated debt to total consolidated capital ratio debt covenant. That debt covenant was replaced by a debt covenant for total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, which is not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company expensed $0.4 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 1.

On December 20, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 ("Amendment No. 2") to the Credit Agreement.  Amendment No. 2 modified certain defined terms to reflect the impact of the Infrastructure Transaction. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company expensed $0.3 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 2.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $98.5 million and $35.0 million, respectively, of Credit Agreement borrowings outstanding. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, all such balances were classified as long-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Classification of such balances is based on the Company's ability and intent to repay such amounts over the subsequent twelve months, as well as reflects the Company's ability and intent to borrow for a period longer than a year.To the extent the Company expects to repay any amounts within the subsequent twelve months, the amounts are classified as short-term borrowings.

Short-term borrowings amounted to $16.7 million and $7.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Short-term borrowings consist principally of bank overdrafts. The weighted-average interest rate for short-term borrowings at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 11.7% and 10.8%, respectively.

	Long-Term Debt
(In thousands)	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
5.75% notes due May 15, 2018	$	448,626		$	448,268
2.7% notes due October 15, 2015	249,733			249,373
Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2017 with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.0% and 3.6% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	156,538			105,774
Total debt	854,897			803,415
Less: current maturities	(25,188		)	(20,257		)
Total long-term debt	$	829,709		$	783,158

At December 31, 2014, the Company's 2.7% notes due October 15, 2015 are classified as long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet based on the Company's intent to refinance this debt using debt capital markets and ability to refinance this debt using borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2015 are as follows:

(In thousands)
2016	$	11,732
2017	363,047
2018	453,759
2019	876

Cash payments for interest on all debt were $44.2 million, $50.1 million and $45.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In addition to the total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio covenant, which is not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0, the Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to a maximum of 10% of consolidated tangible assets and require a minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest charges ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. The Company’s 5.75% and 2.7% notes include covenants that require the Company to offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of par in the event of a change of control of the Company or disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets in combination with a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating to non-investment grade.  At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these and all other covenants.

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SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 6,638		$ 17,253		$ 17,829
Charged to Cost and Expenses	9,892		10,175		11,266
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments	(969)		(191)		166
Other	(442)	[1]	(20,599)	[1]	(12,008)	[1]
Balance at End of Period	15,119		6,638		17,253
Deferred Tax Assets - Valuation Allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	127,164		126,532		99,617
Charged to Cost and Expenses	24,252		4,164	[2]	18,552
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments	(9,254)		(5,769)		3,449
Other	(10,820)		(2,237)	[3]	(4,914)
Balance at End of Period	$ 131,342		$ 127,164		$ 126,532

[1] Includes principally the utilization of previously reserved amounts.

[2] .

[3] {F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmVlMjhiNTM0Y2I3NTQ0YWZhZmQ3NzI4ZjM4NDAzOTEyfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246QTlBNzY5MDk5RDQ4MTA5REQzNjNCRUZBMzYyMERFNTcM}

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Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 285,252	$ 481,052	$ 503,339
Total costs and expenses	2,002,267	3,031,319	3,220,808
Income tax expense (benefit)	27,171	34,912	35,251
Net Loss	20,297	218,188	254,101
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Total costs and expenses	17,728	22,082
Income tax expense (benefit)	(1,297)	(2,243)
Net Loss	16,431	19,839
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Actuarial Losses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11,556	12,435
Cost of services and products sold	5,898	9,064
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Prior Service Costs
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	103	298
Cost of services and products sold	171	285
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of services and products sold	4	11
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	(3)
Net Loss	4	8
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	0	20,184
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Net Loss	0	20,184
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	0	(34)
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	13
Net Loss	0	(21)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	(1,447)	(15,979)
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Net Loss	(1,447)	(15,979)
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Expenses	2,205	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Net Loss	$ 2,205	$ 0

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Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HARSCO CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000045876
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		80,082,946
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 2,151,796,000

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Operating Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Leases [Abstract]

Operating Leases

Operating Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Rental expense under such operating leases was $19.7 million, $51.7 million and $54.9 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows:

(In thousands)
2015	$	14,642
2016	10,905
2017	7,204
2018	4,075
2019	3,546
After 2019	24,762

Total minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases at December 31, 2014 are $0.6 million.

The decrease in 2014 rental expense under operating leases is due to the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

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Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	53,409	$ 26,041
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	2,599	13,427
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	420	40
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	0	17
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cross currency interest rate swaps | Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	52,989	26,001
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cross currency interest rate swaps | Other liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	2,599	13,410
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Minimum
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Period over which gains and losses are reclassified to earnings	10 years
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maximum
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Period over which gains and losses are reclassified to earnings	15 years
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives - Fair Value	4,065	1,216
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives - Fair Value	4,618	$ 3,267

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Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	$ (370,615)	$ (411,168)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(172,668)	16,824
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	18,640	19,847
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	(8,003)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(1,447)	4,184
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(163,478)	40,855	(46,538)
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,602	(302)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(161,876)	40,553
Balance at December 31, 2014	(532,491)	(370,615)	(411,168)
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	6,110	62,308
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(40,053)	(39,848)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	2,205	0
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	(8,635)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(1,447)	(15,979)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,930)	(55,827)
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,647	(371)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(46,283)	(56,198)
Balance at December 31, 2014	(40,173)	6,110
Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	(7,023)	(8,139)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,961)	1,060
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	4	8
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	0	(21)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,957)	1,047
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(45)	69
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(2,002)	1,116
Balance at December 31, 2014	(9,025)	(7,023)
Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	(369,682)	(465,286)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(130,659)	55,581
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	16,431	19,839
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	632
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	0	20,184
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(113,596)	95,604
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(113,596)	95,604
Balance at December 31, 2014	(483,278)	(369,682)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	(20)	(51)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5	31
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	0	0
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Equity Method Investee	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5	31
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	5	31
Balance at December 31, 2014	$ (15)	$ (20)

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from continuing operations:
Service revenues	$ 1,365,696	$ 2,229,966	$ 2,340,996
Product revenues	700,042	666,554	705,022
Total revenues	2,065,738	2,896,520	3,046,018
Costs and expenses from continuing operations:
Cost of services sold	1,151,842	1,766,730	1,861,732
Cost of products sold	494,944	467,485	487,784
Selling, general and administrative expenses	285,252	481,052	503,339
Research and development expenses	6,348	9,570	9,139
Goodwill impairment charge	0	0	265,038
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	6,057	291,372	0
Other expenses	57,824	15,110	93,776
Total costs and expenses	2,002,267	3,031,319	3,220,808
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	63,471	(134,799)	(174,790)
Interest income	1,702	2,087	3,676
Interest expense	(47,111)	(49,654)	(47,381)
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	(9,740)	(966)	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss)	8,322	(183,332)	(218,495)
Income tax expense	(27,171)	(34,912)	(35,251)
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(1,558)	1,548	564
Loss from continuing operations	(20,407)	(216,696)	(253,182)
Discontinued operations:
Loss on disposal of discontinued business	176	(2,398)	(1,843)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to discontinued business	(66)	906	924
Loss from discontinued operations	110	(1,492)	(919)
Net loss	(20,297)	(218,188)	(254,101)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,495)	(9,753)	(511)
Net loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	(24,792)	(227,941)	(254,612)
Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax	(24,902)	(226,449)	(253,693)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	110	(1,492)	(919)
Net loss attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$ (24,792)	$ (227,941)	$ (254,612)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	80,884	80,755	80,632
Basic loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.31)	$ (2.80)	$ (3.15)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)
Basic loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$ (0.31)	$ (2.82)	$ (3.16)
Diluted weighted average shares of stock outstanding	80,884	80,755	80,632
Diluted loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.31)	$ (2.80)	$ (3.15)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)
Diluted loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$ (0.31)	$ (2.82)	$ (3.16)

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Acquisitions and Dispositions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

In January 2014, the Company acquired Hammco Corporation ("Hammco"), a U.S. manufacturer of high specification air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas and petrochemical processing markets. Hammco has been included in the results of the Harsco Industrial Segment. Inclusion of pro forma financial information for this transaction is not necessary due to the immaterial size of the acquisition. The purchase price allocation for this acquisition is now final.

Net Loss Attributable to the Company and Changes to Noncontrolling Interest

The following table discloses the effects of changes in the Company's ownership interests in subsidiaries on the Company's equity.

	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net loss attributable to the Company	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,941	)	$	(254,612	)
Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interest	—			711			—
Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	$	(24,792	)	$	(227,230	)	$	(254,612	)

Dispositions

Infrastructure Transaction

In November 2013, the Company consummated the previously announced transaction to sell the Company's Harsco Infrastructure Segment into a strategic venture with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R") as part of a transaction that combines the Harsco Infrastructure Segment with Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., which CD&R simultaneously acquired (the "Infrastructure Transaction"). The Company has contributed substantially all of the Company's equity interest in, and the net assets of, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to the strategic venture in exchange for $300 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments, and an approximate 29% equity interest in the resulting entity (the "Infrastructure strategic venture" or "Brand"). The Company's equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting as prescribed by U.S. GAAP. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments.

As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company recorded an estimated loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment of $271.3 million during 2013 and recorded an additional loss of $3.9 million during 2014. Further adjustment to the loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment may be necessary as the result of the final valuation of certain items. The Company does not expect that the ultimate conclusion of these items will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment represents the difference between the book value of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, less costs to sell, and the sum of the cash consideration plus the fair value of the Company's approximate 29% equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture. The fair value of the equity interest was determined based on the expected future discounted cash flows of the Infrastructure strategic venture.

While the Infrastructure Transaction was consummated on November 26, 2013, the ownership interest in certain jurisdictions did not transfer as of December 31, 2013. The carrying amounts of the remaining assets and liabilities that were aggregated in the captions, Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 were as follows:

(In thousands)	December 31 2013		(In thousands)	December 31 2013
Assets held-for-sale:			Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,290	Accounts payable	$	4,143
Trade accounts receivable, net	28,471		Accrued compensation	4,618
Due from unconsolidated affiliate	65,728		Income taxes payable	1,105
Inventories	5,898		Insurance liabilities - current portion	21
Other current assets	2,129		Due to unconsolidated affiliate	97,079
Property, plant and equipment, net	10,343		Other current liabilities	2,210
Other assets	109
	$	113,968		$	109,176

The ownership interest in the jurisdictions representing the assets held-for-sale and liabilities of assets held-for-sale at December 31, 2013 were transferred to Brand during January 2014.

Additionally, the Company incurred $2.2 million and $20.1 million of transaction costs during the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in conjunction with the Infrastructure Transaction.

Harsco Gas Technologies

Consistent with the strategic focus to grow and allocate financial resources principally to the Company's industrial services businesses, the Company sold the Gas Technologies Segment to Taylor Wharton International in 2007. The Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012 reflect the Gas Technologies Segment's results as discontinued operations. The Company recorded after-tax income from discontinued operations of $0.1 million and after-tax losses from discontinued operations of $1.5 million and $0.9 million, in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The income in 2014 and losses incurred in 2013 and 2012 included charges related to potential and contingent claims.

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Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

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 2014:

On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")-issued changes related to a parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted FASB-issued changes related to financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists that could be used to offset the liability for an uncertain tax position. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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

In April 2014, the FASB issued changes related to reporting discontinued operations and disclosure of disposals of components of an entity. The changes modify the criteria related to what transactions constitute discontinued operations and expands disclosure requirements. The changes become effective for the Company, prospectively, on January 1, 2015. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management is currently evaluating these changes.

In August 2014, the FASB issued changes related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The 2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2013 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 6,800,000 shares of the Company's common stock for use in paying incentive compensation awards in the form of stock options or other equity awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), or performance share units ("PSUs"). Of the 6,800,000 shares authorized, a maximum of 3,400,000 shares may be issued for awards other than option rights or SARs, as defined in the 2013 Plan. The 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan (the "1995 Plan") authorizes the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of the Company's common stock for equity awards. Both plans have been approved by the Company's stockholders. At December 31, 2014, there were 5,616,343 shares available for granting equity awards under the 2013 Plan, of which 3,013,373 shares were available for awards other than option rights or SARs. At December 31, 2014, there were 107,063 shares available for granting equity awards under the 1995 Plan.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company's Board approves the granting of performance-based RSUs as the long-term equity component of director, officer and certain key employee compensation. The RSUs require no payment from the recipient and compensation cost is measured based on the market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date and is generally recorded over the vesting period. The vesting period for RSUs granted to non-employee directors is one year, and each RSU is exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company's common stock following the termination of the participant's service as a director. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2012, and prior, either vest on a pro rata basis over a three-year period or upon obtainment of the specified retirement age of 62. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2013, either "cliff" vest at the end of three years or upon obtainment of the specified retirement age of 62. RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees in 2014, either "cliff" vest at the end of three years, upon obtainment of the specified retirement age of 62 or upon meeting certain years of service criteria. Upon vesting, each RSU is exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company's common stock. RSUs do not have an option for cash payment.

The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

	RSUs	Weighted Average Fair Value		Expense
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)				2014		2013		2012
Directors:
2011	20,192	$	34.79	$	—	$	—	$	234
2012	30,618	$	21.44	—		255		402
2013	46,287	$	20.60	318		636		—
2014	36,840	$	24.80	602		—		—
Employees:
2009	121,625	$	25.98	—		—		43
2010	26,000	$	23.78	—		—		21
2011	17,250	$	23.55	3		69		195
2012	141,486	$	18.75	151		383		525
2013	170,582	$	20.63	325		633		—
2014	190,832	$	25.21	1,114		—		—
Total				$	2,513	$	1,976	$	1,420

Restricted stock unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

	RSUs
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2012	62,641		$	25.39
Granted	172,104		$	19.23
Vested	(67,861	)	$	24.86
Forfeited	(25,411	)	$	20.35
Non-vested at December 31, 2012	141,473		$	19.19
Granted	216,869		$	20.62
Vested	(69,955	)	$	20.54
Forfeited	(74,546	)	$	22.61
Non-vested at December 31, 2013	213,841		$	19.95
Granted	227,672		$	25.14
Vested	(52,041	)	$	23.58
Forfeited	(84,956	)	$	20.92
Non-vested at December 31, 2014	304,516		$	22.94

At December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs was $4.0 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

There was no change in excess tax benefits from RSUs recognized in 2014 and 2012. There was a $0.1 million increase of excess tax benefits in 2013.

Stock Appreciation Rights

The Company may grant SARs to officers and certain key employees under the 2013 Plan.  The SARs generally vest on a pro-rata basis from one to five years from the grant date or upon certain retirement age and years of service criteria, and expire no later than ten years after the grant date, and the specified retirement age is 62.  The exercise price of the SARs is the fair value on the grant date.  Upon exercise, shares of Company's common stock are issued based on the increase in the fair value of the Company's common stock over the exercise price of the SAR.  SARs do not have an option for cash payment.

During 2012, the Company issued SARs covering 318,452 shares in March, 345,502 shares in May and 43,058 shares in September under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan to officers and key executive employees. During 2013, the Company issued SARs covering 903,814 shares in May, 5,018 shares in June and 15,000 shares in November under the 2013 Plan. During 2014, the Company issued SARs covering 51,900 shares in April, 255,090 shares in May, 31,405 shares in July, 84,290 shares in August, 15,808 shares in September and 12,401 shares in November under the 2013 Plan.

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

	SARs Issued
	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		SAR Grant Price		Fair Value of SAR
March 2012 Grant	1.56	%	3.50	%	6.5	43.9	%	$	23.73	$	6.10
May 2012 Grant	1.18	%	4.20	%	6.5	44.0	%	$	19.65	$	4.77
September 2012 Grant	1.00	%	3.80	%	6.5	44.3	%	$	21.37	$	6.20
May 2013 Grant	1.17	%	3.61	%	6.5	44.1	%	$	22.70	$	6.86
June 2013 Grant	1.41	%	3.56	%	6.5	44.1	%	$	23.03	$	7.07
November 2013 Grant	1.91	%	3.13	%	6.5	43.8	%	$	26.22	$	8.60
April 2014 Grant	1.98	%	3.53	%	6.0	44.3	%	$	23.25	$	7.25
May 2014 Grant (1st)	1.90	%	3.16	%	6.0	43.2	%	$	25.93	$	8.16
May 2014 Grant (2nd)	1.82	%	3.05	%	6.0	42.8	%	$	26.92	$	8.47
July 2014 Grant	2.00	%	3.24	%	6.0	41.2	%	$	25.27	$	7.55
August 2014 Grant	1.92	%	3.27	%	6.0	41.2	%	$	25.11	$	7.46
September 2014 Grant	2.03	%	3.50	%	6.0	40.6	%	$	23.43	$	6.72
November 2014 Grant	1.78	%	4.00	%	6.0	38.6	%	$	20.48	$	5.17

SARs activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

	SARs
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (a)
Outstanding, January 1, 2012	—		$	—	$	—
Granted	707,012		$	21.23
Forfeited/Expired	(181,725	)	$	21.23
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	525,287		$	21.23	$	1.2
Granted	923,832		$	22.76
Exercised	(11,037	)	$	19.65
Forfeited/Expired	(476,624	)	$	22.28
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	961,458		$	22.20	$	5.6
Granted	450,894		$	25.20
Exercised	(52,667	)	$	20.21
Forfeited/Expired	(406,637	)	$	22.65
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	953,048		$	23.53	$	—

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

The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million and $0.1 million. No SARs were exercised in 2012.

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2014:

	SARs Outstanding					SARs Exercisable
Range of exercisable prices	Vested	Non-vested	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	Number Exercisable	Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
$19.65 - $23.43	147,540	381,180	$	22.11	8.3	147,540	$	21.61
$23.73 - $26.92	59,098	365,230	$	25.31	9.0	59,098	$	24.04
	206,638	746,410	$	23.53	8.6	206,638	$	22.30

At December 31, 2014, outstanding SARs, substantially all of which are expected to vest, have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 8.6 years and no intrinsic value as the exercise price for all SARs exceeds the current market value. Vested and currently exercisable SARs have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 7.8 years and no aggregate intrinsic value.

At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested SARs was $3.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years.

Weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested SARs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

	SARs
	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, January 1, 2013	525,287		$	21.23
Granted	923,832		$	22.76
Vested	(121,953	)	$	21.65
Exercised	(11,037	)	$	19.65
Forfeited	(476,624	)	$	22.28
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013	839,505		$	22.27
Granted	450,894		$	25.20
Vested	(84,685	)	$	23.23
Exercised	(52,667	)	$	20.21
Forfeited	(406,637	)	$	22.65
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014	746,410		$	23.87

Performance Stock Units

Beginning in 2014, the Company granted PSUs to officers and certain key employees that may be earned based on the Company's total shareholder return over the three-year performance period beginning January 1, 2014 (the "performance period"). PSUs are paid out at the end of the performance period based on the Company’s performance which is measured by determining the percentile rank of the total shareholder return of the Company's common stock in relation to the total shareholder return of the S&P Midcap 400 Industrial Group during the performance period. The payment of PSUs following the performance period will be based in accordance with the scale set forth in the PSU agreements and may range from 0% to 200% of the initial grant. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 15,700 shares in April, 82,526 shares in May, 11,487 shares in July, 26,550 shares in August, 4,980 shares in September and 3,906 shares in November under the 2013 Plan.

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

	PSUs Issued
	Risk-free Interest rate		Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)	Volatility		Fair Value of PSU
April 2014 Grant	0.75	%	—	%	2.73	34.3	%	$	18.00
May 2014 Grant (1st)	0.70	%	—	%	2.65	31.8	%	$	25.26
May 2014 Grant (2nd)	0.63	%	—	%	2.61	30.1	%	$	27.53
July 2014 Grant	0.74	%	—	%	2.42	26.9	%	$	22.31
August 2014 Grant	0.67	%	—	%	2.42	26.9	%	$	21.86
September 2014 Grant	0.72	%	—	%	2.29	25.7	%	$	15.26
November 2014 Grant	0.55	%	—	%	2.10	26.3	%	$	7.42

Total compensation expense related to PSUs was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested PSUs was $2.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

A summary of the Company's non-vested PSU activity during the year ending December 31, 2014 is presented in the following table:

	PSUs
	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2013	—		$	—
Granted	145,149		$	22.82
Vested	(1,784	)	$	27.53
Forfeited	(9,796	)	$	25.26
Non-vested shares, December 31, 2014	133,569		$	22.58

Stock Options

The Company may grant incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options to officers, certain key employees and non-employee directors under the plans noted above. The stock options would generally vest three years from the grant date, which is the date the Board approved the grants, and expire no later than seven years after the grant date. The exercise price of the stock option would be fair value on the grant date. Upon exercise, a new share of Company common stock is issued for each stock option.

Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

	Stock Options
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)(a)
Outstanding, January 1, 2012	661,840		$	30.22	$	0.2
Exercised	(38,900	)	$	18.23	—
Forfeited/Expired	(294,940	)	$	31.29	$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	328,000		$	30.67	$	0.2
Exercised	(20,000	)	$	16.96	$	—
Forfeited/Expired	(79,000	)	$	31.00	$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	229,000		$	31.75	$	—
Forfeited/Expired	(107,500	)	$	31.75	$	—
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	121,500		$	31.75	$	—

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

Compensation expense related to stock options totaled less than $0.1 million in both 2014 and 2012. Compensation expense related to stock options was $0.2 million in 2013.

At December 31, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options.

There were no stock options exercised and no net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options in 2014. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaled $0.4 million and $0.7 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during both 2013 and 2012 was $0.1 million.

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2014:

	Stock Options Outstanding					Stock Options Exercisable
Range of Exercisable Prices	Vested	Non-vested	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	Number Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
$31.75 - $31.75	121,500	—	$	31.75	3.1	121,500	$	31.75

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of non-vested stock options during the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:

	Stock Options
	Shares Under Option		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	149,000		$	10.90
Vested	(121,500	)	10.90
Forfeited	(27,500	)	10.90
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	—		$	10.90

Other Stock Grants

During 2014, the Company issued 27,672 common shares to the Interim Chief Executive Officer as part of his compensation agreement. These shares vested immediately and were not subject to any holding period restrictions. The fair value of these other stock grants were based on the market price of the Company's stock at the grant date. Expense recognized in 2014 for these other stock grants totaled $0.7 million.

In addition, 55,919 common shares were issued to other officers and key employees to settle previous fully-vested liability-based long-term incentive award programs.

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Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans

Pension Benefits

The Company has defined benefit pension retirement plans covering a substantial number of employees. The defined benefits for salaried employees generally are based on years of service and the employee's level of compensation during specified periods of employment. Defined benefit plans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. The multiemployer plans in which the Company participates provide benefits to certain unionized employees. The Company's funding policy for qualified plans is consistent with statutory regulations and customarily equals the amount deducted for income tax purposes. Periodic voluntary contributions are made, as recommended, by the Company's pension committee. The Company's policy is to amortize prior service costs of defined benefit pension plans over the average future service period of active plan participants.

For most U.S. defined benefit pension plans and a majority of international defined benefit pension plans, accrued service is no longer granted. In place of these plans, the Company has established defined contribution pension plans providing for the Company to contribute a specified matching amount for participating employees' contributions to the plan. For U.S. employees, this match is made on employee contributions up to 4% of their eligible compensation. Additionally, the Company may provide a discretionary contribution of up to 2% of compensation for eligible employees. This discretionary amount has not been provided for the years 2014, 2013 and 2012. For non-U.S. employees, this match is up to 6% of eligible compensation with an additional 2% going towards insurance and administrative costs.

Net periodic pension cost for U.S. and international pension plans for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

	U.S. Plans									International Plans
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$	2,233		$	2,565		$	1,887		$	1,610		$	3,457		$	3,418
Interest cost	12,868			11,767			12,780			43,230			42,707			46,174
Expected return on plan assets	(16,786		)	(15,642		)	(15,617		)	(49,927		)	(46,920		)	(45,050		)
Recognized prior service costs	90			248			224			184			335			397
Recognized losses	3,352			5,052			4,637			14,102			16,447			15,194
Amortization of transition liability	—			—			—			—			—			8
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	—			—			1,510			60			(372		)	(2,589		)
Defined benefit plans pension cost	1,757			3,990			5,421			9,259			15,654			17,552
Multiemployer plans	1,199			12,444			10,186			1,762			5,449			5,539
Defined contribution plans	4,704			4,945			5,066			8,033			11,139			12,770
Net periodic pension cost	$	7,660		$	21,379		$	20,673		$	19,054		$	32,242		$	35,861

The change in the financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	U.S. Plans						International Plans
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	283,571		$	316,448		$	958,705		$	1,068,750
Service cost	2,233			2,565			1,610			3,457
Interest cost	12,868			11,767			43,230			42,707
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			75			689
Amendments	—			—			—			(394		)
Actuarial (gain) loss	49,939			(28,158		)	150,289			(8,245		)
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			(589		)	(1,619		)
Benefits paid	(23,292		)	(19,051		)	(41,522		)	(46,269		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			(62,250		)	19,744
Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)	—			—			—			(120,115		)
Other	—			—			55			—
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	325,319		$	283,571		$	1,049,603		$	958,705
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	233,579		$	218,084		$	770,911		$	783,059
Actual return on plan assets	15,465			31,931			80,518			68,535
Employer contributions	7,598			2,615			28,112			30,258
Plan participants' contributions	—			—			75			689
Settlements/curtailments	—			—			—			(1,028		)
Benefits paid	(23,292		)	(19,051		)	(40,948		)	(45,207		)
Effect of foreign currency	—			—			(47,623		)	11,455
Infrastructure Transaction transfer (a)	—			—			—			(76,850		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	233,350		$	233,579		$	791,045		$	770,911
Funded status at end of year	$	(91,969	)	$	(49,992	)	$	(258,558	)	$	(187,794	)

(a) During 2013, certain international plans' benefit obligations and plan assets were transferred to the Infrastructure strategic venture as part of the Infrastructure Transaction, as described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.

Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Noncurrent assets	$	615	$	2,148	$	1,746	$	3,894
Current liabilities	2,102		2,045		524		534
Noncurrent liabilities	90,482		50,095		259,780		191,154
Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	157,165		109,348		479,382		401,300

Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Net actuarial loss	$	156,989	$	109,081	$	478,396	$	400,726
Prior service cost	176		267		986		574
Total	$	157,165	$	109,348	$	479,382	$	401,300

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit net periodic pension cost in 2015 are as follows:

(In thousands)	U.S. Plans		International  Plans
Net actuarial loss	$	4,919	$	17,254
Prior service cost	81		208
Total	$	5,000	$	17,462

The Company's estimate of expected contributions to be paid in 2015 for the U.S. and international defined benefit plans are $2.5 million and $31.2 million, respectively.

Future Benefit Payments

The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows:

(In millions)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		2020-2024
U.S. Plans	$	18.5	$	18.8	$	18.6	$	18.8	$	18.7	$	94.5
International Plans	42.1		43.8		45.5		46.2		47.7		266.0

Net Periodic Pension Cost Assumptions

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

	U.S. Plans December 31						International Plans December 31						Global Weighted-Average December 31
	2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
Discount rates	4.7	%	3.8	%	4.4	%	4.7	%	4.3	%	4.8	%	4.7	%	4.2	%	4.7	%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.5	%	7.5	%	7.8	%	6.8	%	6.6	%	6.7	%	7.0	%	6.8	%	6.9	%
Rates of compensation increase	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.4	%	2.8	%	3.4	%	3.4	%	2.8	%	3.4	%

The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for the 2015 net periodic pension cost are 7.5% for the U.S. plans and 6.8% for the international plans. The expected global long-term rate of return on assets for 2015 is 7.0%.

Defined Benefit Pension Obligation Assumptions

The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans				Global Weighted-Average
	December 31				December 31				December 31
	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
Discount rates	3.9	%	4.7	%	3.7	%	4.7	%	3.7	%	4.7	%
Rates of compensation increase	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.2	%	3.4	%	3.2	%	3.3	%

The U.S. discount rate was determined using a yield curve that was produced from a universe containing approximately 700 U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable (or callable with make-whole provisions), and excluding the 10% of the bonds with the highest yields and the 10% with the lowest yields within each maturity group. The discount rate was then developed as the level-equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates to discount the projected benefit payments. For international plans, the discount rate is aligned to corporate bond yields in the local markets, normally AA-rated corporations. The process and selection seeks to approximate the cash inflows with the timing and amounts of the expected benefit payments.

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	325.3	$	283.5	$	1,043.2	$	950.7

Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

	U.S. Plans				International Plans
	December 31				December 31
(In millions)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Projected benefit obligation	$	314.9	$	274.8	$	1,032.1	$	926.8
Accumulated benefit obligation	314.9		274.8		1,026.0		923.9
Fair value of plan assets	222.3		222.6		771.8		737.6

The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:

	Target  Long-Term Allocation	Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31
U.S. Plans Asset Category		2014		2013
Domestic equity securities	34%-44%	39.1	%	41.8	%
International equity securities	14%-24%	18.2	%	19.5	%
Fixed income securities	28%-38%	30.3	%	25.9	%
Cash and cash equivalents	Less than 5%	3.1	%	3.2	%
Other	5%-15%	9.3	%	9.6	%

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

The Company reviews the long-term expected return on asset assumption on a periodic basis taking into account a variety of factors including the historical investment returns achieved over a long-term period, the targeted allocation of plan assets and future expectations based on a model of asset returns for an actively managed portfolio. The model simulates 1,000 different capital market results over 20 years. For both 2015 and 2014, the expected return-on-asset assumption for U.S. plans was 7.5%.

The U.S. defined benefit pension plans assets include 450,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $8.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 450,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $12.6 million at December 31, 2013. These shares represented 3.6% and 5.4% of total plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Dividends paid to the pension plans on the Company's common stock amounted to $0.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:

International Plans Asset Category	Target Long-Term Allocation		Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31
			2014		2013
Equity securities	32.5	%	36.9	%	38.5	%
Fixed income securities	42.5	%	45.3	%	42.0	%
Cash and cash equivalents	—		0.3	%	0.3	%
Other	25.0	%	17.5	%	19.2	%

Plan assets at December 31, 2014 in the U.K. defined benefit pension plan amounted to 94% of the international pension assets. These assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts asset/liability modeling studies and accordingly adjusts investment amounts within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.

For the international long-term rate of return assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns in risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class and plan expenses. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets. For both 2015 and 2014, the expected return on asset assumption for the U.K. plan was 6.8%. The remaining international pension plans, with assets representing 6% of the international pension assets, are under the guidance of professional investment managers and have similar investment objectives.

The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	44,064	$	44,064	$	—	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	47,313		13,335		33,978		—
International equities—mutual funds	42,446		42,446		—		—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	18,759		—		18,759		—
Corporate bonds and notes	11,347		11,347		—		—
Mutual funds—bonds	40,568		11,936		28,632		—
Other—mutual funds	21,700		21,700		—		—
Cash and money market accounts	7,153		7,153		—		—
Total	$	233,350	$	151,981	$	81,369	$	—

The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2014 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	292,150	$	—	$	292,150	$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	350,073		—		350,073		—
Insurance contracts	8,233		—		8,233		—
Other:
Real estate funds/limited partnerships	53,926		—		31,279		22,647
Other mutual funds	84,120		—		84,120		—
Cash and money market accounts	2,543		2,543		—		—
Total	$	791,045	$	2,543	$	765,855	$	22,647

The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks	$	48,915	$	48,915	$	—	$	—
Mutual funds—equities	48,807		13,204		35,603		—
International equities—mutual funds	45,475		45,475		—		—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	18,787		—		18,787		—
Corporate bonds and notes	8,374		8,374		—		—
Mutual funds—bonds	33,326		33,326		—		—
Other—mutual funds	22,508		22,508		—		—
Cash and money market accounts	7,387		7,387		—		—
Total	$	233,579	$	179,189	$	54,390	$	—

The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:

(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities	$	296,980	$	—	$	296,980	$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds	314,965		—		314,965		—
Insurance contracts	8,797		—		8,797		—
Other:
Real estate funds / limited partnerships	52,733		—		32,310		20,423
Other mutual funds	94,980		—		94,980		—
Cash and money market accounts	2,456		2,456		—		—
Total	$	770,911	$	2,456	$	748,032	$	20,423

The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for 2014, 2013 and 2012:

Level 3 Asset Changes for the Twelve Months Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Real Estate Limited Partnership:
Balance at beginning of year	$	20,423		$	17,746		$	12,025
Contributions to partnership	385			838			2,535
Cash distributions received	(1,614		)	(1,380		)	(1,270		)
Actual return on plan assets:
Related to asset still held at end of year	3,453			3,219			4,456
Balance at end of year	$	22,647		$	20,423		$	17,746

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

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

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

• Level 3 Fair Value Measurements—Real estate limited partnership interests are valued by the general partners based on the underlying assets. The limited partnership interests are valued using unobservable inputs and have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Multiemployer Plans

The Company contributes to numerous multiemployer pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover union-represented employees, many of whom are temporary in nature. The risks of participating in multiemployer pension plans differ from traditional company-sponsored defined benefit plans as follows:

• Assets contributed to a multiemployer pension plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to the employees of other participating employers;

• When a participating employer stops contributing to a multiemployer pension plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan become the responsibility of the remaining participating employers, subject to any exemptions that may apply; and

• If the Company elects to stop participation in a multiemployer pension plan, the Company may be required to pay a withdraw liability which is based upon the underfunded status of the plan.

The Company's participation in multiemployer pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is outlined below. The Company considers significant plans to be those plans to which the Company contributed more than 5% of total contributions to the plan in a given plan year or for which the Company believes the Company's share of the unfunded liability for the plan may be material to the Company.

(In thousands)
		Pension Protection Act Zone Status For Plan Years Ended
				Contributions By The Company For Years Ended (a)								Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreement
										Subject to Financial Improvement Plan
	Identification Number										Surcharge Imposed
Pension Fund		2013	2012	2014		2013		2012
Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements:
New Zealand Steel Pension Fund	018-054-531	N/A	N/A	$	838	$	886	$	909	Yes	No	2016
Summary aggregate information for multiemployer plans which are not individually significant:
All other multiemployer plans (b)				2,123		17,007		14,905
Total Contributions				$	2,961	$	17,893	$	15,814

(a) These amounts represent either contributions for the plan year as confirmed by plan sponsors or the Company's estimates based on fiscal year accounts payable records which will be updated as confirmation is received from plan sponsors.

(b) The decrease in contributions by the Company for 2014 primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

For plan years ended 2014 and 2013, the Company contributed more than 5% of the total contributions to the New Zealand Steel Pension Fund. The New Zealand Steel Pension Fund is a defined benefit superannuation scheme registered in New Zealand under the Superannuation Schemes Act of 1989 to provide retirement benefits to the salaried employees of the New Zealand Steel United Group of companies. The New Zealand Steel Pension Fund financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 indicated total assets of $345.4 million and $276.1 million, respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $358.7 million and $302.4 million, respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $13.5 million and $13.3 million, respectively.

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Financial Instruments (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 885,000,000		$ 832,600,000
Carrying value of long-term debt	854,897,000		803,415,000
Unit adjustment liability
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	106,343,000
Recognition of unit adjustment liability	0
Payments	(22,320,000)
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	9,740,000		966,000
Balance at end of year	93,762,000	[1]	106,343,000
Contingent Consideration for Acquisition [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year					0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings			107,500,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			(2,123,000)
Balance at end of year			$ 106,343,000	[1]	$ 0

[1] Does not total due to rounding.

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Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

(In thousands)	Estimated Useful Lives	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
Land	—	$	15,721		$	16,652
Land improvements	5-20 years	15,898			13,615
Buildings and improvements	5-40 years	205,409			192,346
Machinery and equipment	3-20 years	1,861,965			1,969,493
Uncompleted construction	—	87,414			86,508
Gross property, plant and equipment		2,186,407			2,278,614
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,523,163		)	(1,567,268		)
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	663,244		$	711,346

Included in the amounts are $22.3 million and $23.5 million of property, plant and equipment under capital leases at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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

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Debt and Credit Agreements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 12, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012 bank	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator	3.0
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator	1
Short-term borrowings	$ 16,748,000				$ 7,489,000
Weighted average interest rate	11.70%				10.80%
Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Limit	525,000,000		525,000,000
Outstanding Balance	98,500,000
Available Credit	426,500,000
Number of lenders providing credit facility (in banks)			14
Contingent increase to maximum borrowing capacity			550,000,000
Variable basis of interest rates			LIBOR
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator		3.5
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator		1
Debt Issuance Cost				400,000	300,000
U.S. commercial paper program
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$ 98,500,000				$ 35,000,000

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Accounts Receivable and Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable and Inventories

Accounts Receivable and Inventories

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

	Accounts Receivable
(In thousands)	December 31 2014			December 31 2013
Trade accounts receivable	$	340,223		$	359,819
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(15,119		)	(6,638		)
Trade accounts receivable, net	$	325,104		$	353,181
Other receivables (a)	$	28,145		$	46,470

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

The following table reflects the provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	$	9,892	$	10,175	$	11,266

Inventories consist of the following:

	Inventories
(In thousands)	December 31 2014		December 31 2013
Finished goods	$	30,001	$	23,112
Work-in-process	28,644		25,623
Raw materials and purchased parts	86,898		72,118
Stores and supplies	31,722		34,836
Total inventories	$	177,265	$	155,689
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis	$	107,691	$	94,939
FIFO basis	13,383		9,859
Average cost basis	56,191		50,891
Total inventories	$	177,265	$	155,689

Inventories valued on the LIFO basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $33 million and $28 million, respectively, less than the amounts of such inventories valued at current costs.

During 2014, as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis, net loss decreased from that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $0.1 million. During 2013, there was no significant impact on net loss as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on a LIFO basis. During 2012, as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis, net loss decreased from that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $0.1 million.

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Equity Method Investments (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments

As a result of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company owns an approximate 29% equity interest in Brand at December 31, 2014. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure Transaction.

Brand is a leading provider of specialized services to the global energy, industrial and infrastructure markets that combines a global footprint, broad service offerings and rigorous operating processes to support customer required facility maintenance and turnaround needs and capital driven upgrade and expansion plans. Brand's range of services includes work access, corrosion management, atmospheric and immersion coatings, insulation services, fireproofing and refractory, mechanical services, forming and shoring and other complementary specialty services. Brand delivers services through a global network of strategically located branches in six continents with a particular focus on major hydrocarbon and power generation markets globally. In addition, Brand has co-located branches at energy-related customer facilities providing a consistent presence for required maintenance work.

The Company records the Company's proportionate share of Brand's net income or loss one quarter in arrears. Accordingly, the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 does not include any amounts related to the Infrastructure strategic venture in the caption, Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net. Brand's summarized balance sheet information at September 30, 2014 and summarized statement of operations information for the period from November 27, 2013 through September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)	September 30 2014
Summarized Balance Sheet Information of Brand:
Current assets	$	815,809
Property and equipment , net	923,056
Other noncurrent assets	1,594,669
Total assets	$	3,333,534
Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt	$	68,748
Other current liabilities	360,714
Long-term debt	1,747,522
Other noncurrent liabilities	406,636
Total liabilities	2,583,620
Equity	749,914
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,333,534

(In thousands)	Period From November 27 2013 Through September 30 2014 (a)
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Net revenues	$	2,559,556
Gross profit	559,376
Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	(4,848		)
Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand	(1,595		)

(a) The Company's equity method investment in Brand began on November 26, 2013; accordingly, there is only approximately ten months of related equity income (loss). The results of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from January 1, 2013 through the date of closing are reported in the Company's results of operations for 2013.

The book value of the Company's equity method investment in Brand at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $285.7 million and $296.1 million, respectively. The Company's initial underlying equity in the net assets of Brand, upon consummation of the Infrastructure Transaction, was approximately $225 million. The difference between the initial fair value of the Company's equity method investment in Brand and the Company's underlying equity in the net assets of Brand was determined to be equity method goodwill and is not amortized.

The initial determination of fair value of the Company's equity method investment (Level 3) in Brand was derived with a primary reliance upon the income approach. Various DCF models were created based on the Company's most likely case view of cash flow projections for Brand over a five year horizon. The following table details quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs:

	Fair Value at December 31 2013				Range
(Dollars in thousands)			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Low		High
Equity method investment - Brand	$	296,082	Discounted cash flow	EBITDA Margin	10.9	%	12.6	%
				Ratio of capital expenditures to revenues	2.9	%	3.8	%
				Long-term revenue growth	3.0	%	3.0	%
				WACC Rate	9.25	%	9.25	%
				Cost of equity	12.5	%	12.5	%
				Implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.0X		7.5X
				Discount for lack of marketability	15	%	15	%

No instances of impairment were noted on the Company's equity method investment at December 31, 2014.

As part of the Infrastructure Transaction, the Company is required to make quarterly payments to the Company's partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture, either (at the Company's election) (i) in cash, with total payments to equal approximately $22 million per year on a pre-tax basis (approximately $15 million per year after-tax), or (ii) in kind through the transfer of approximately 2.5% of the Company's ownership interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture on an annual basis (the "unit adjustment liability"). The resulting liability is reflected in the caption, Unit adjustment liability, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company will recognize the change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability each period until the Company is no longer required to make these payments or chooses not to make these payments. The change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability is a non-cash expense. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $9.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability.

The Company's obligation to make a quarterly payment will cease upon the earlier of (i) Brand achieving $487.0 million in last twelve months' earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for three quarters, which need not be consecutive, or (ii) eight years after the closing of the Infrastructure Transaction. In addition, upon the initial public offering of Brand, the Company's quarterly payment obligation will decrease by the portion of CD&R's ownership interest sold or eliminated completely once CD&R's ownership interest in Brand falls below 20%. In the event of a liquidation event of Brand, CD&R is entitled to a liquidation preference of approximately $336 million, plus any quarterly payments that had been paid in kind.

The Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 include balances related to the unit adjustment liability of $93.8 million and $106.3 million, respectively, in the current and non-current captions, Unit adjustment liability. A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances related to the unit adjustment liability is included in Note 15, Financial Instruments.

The Company intends to make these quarterly payments in cash and will continue to evaluate the implications of making payments in cash or in kind based upon performance of the Infrastructure strategic venture. In the future, should the Company decide not to make the cash payment, the value of both the equity method investment in Brand and the related unit adjustment liability may be impacted, and the change may be reflected in earnings in that period.

Balances related to transactions between the Company and Brand are as follows:

(In thousands)	December 31 2014		December 31 2013
Balances due from Brand	$	1,860	$	85,908
Balances due to Brand	28,311		149,325

The remaining balances between the Company and Brand, at December 31, 2014, relate primarily to transition services and the funding of certain transferred defined benefit pension plan obligations through 2018. There is not expected to be any significant level of revenue or expense between the Company and Brand on an on-going basis once all aspects of the Infrastructure Transaction have been finalized.

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill by Segment

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment (there is no goodwill associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

(In thousands)	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment			Harsco Industrial Segment			Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	419,888		$	—		$	9,310	$	429,198
Foreign currency translation	2,067			—			—		2,067
Balance at December 31, 2013	421,955			—			9,310		431,265
Changes to goodwill	(300		)	6,839		(a)	—		6,539
Foreign currency translation	(21,649		)	—			—		(21,649		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	400,006		$	6,839		$	9,310	$	416,155

(a) Changes to goodwill relate to the initial acquisition of Hammco and related purchase price adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP occurring during the measurement period. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.

The Company's methodology for determining reporting unit fair value is described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Performance of the Company's 2014 annual impairment test did not result in impairment of any of the Company's reporting units.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets totaled $58.5 million, net of accumulated amortization of $147.9 million at December 31, 2014 and $53.3 million, net of accumulated amortization of $143.4 million at December 31, 2013. The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:

	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	157,530	$	112,211	$	150,307	$	110,889
Non-compete agreements	1,107		1,039		1,126		1,024
Patents	6,079		5,399		6,211		5,273
Technology related	26,548		21,233		27,185		18,931
Trade names	7,745		3,733		4,113		2,969
Other	7,420		4,290		7,753		4,348
Total	$	206,429	$	147,905	$	196,695	$	143,434

The gross carrying amount of intangible assets increased in 2014 due to the acquisition of Hammco, as discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. As part of this transaction, the Company acquired the following finite-lived intangible assets (by major class):

(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Residual Value	Weighted-average amortization period
Customer related	$	13,928	—	12 years
Trade names	3,647		—	15 years
Total	$	17,575

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $9.9 million, $13.8 million and $17.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets.

(In thousands)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
Estimated amortization expense (a)	$	8,350	$	7,800	$	5,050	$	4,850	$	4,800

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

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent liabilities	350,889,000	241,049,000
Global Weighted-Average
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	4.70%	4.20%	4.70%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.00%	6.80%	6.90%
Rates of compensation increase	3.40%	2.80%	3.40%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.70%	4.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.20%	3.30%
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	283,571,000	316,448,000
Service cost	2,233,000	2,565,000	1,887,000
Interest cost	12,868,000	11,767,000	12,780,000
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Amendments	0	0
Actuarial loss	49,939,000	(28,158,000)
Settlements/curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	(23,292,000)	(19,051,000)
Effect of foreign currency	0	0
Change in benefit obligation, Infrastructure transaction	0	0
Other	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	325,319,000	283,571,000	316,448,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	233,579,000	218,084,000
Actual return on plan assets	15,465,000	31,931,000
Employer contributions	7,598,000	2,615,000
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Settlements/curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	(23,292,000)	(19,051,000)
Effect of foreign currency	0	0
Other	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	233,350,000	233,579,000	218,084,000
Funded status at end of year	(91,969,000)	(49,992,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent assets	615,000	2,148,000
Current liabilities	2,102,000	2,045,000
Noncurrent liabilities	90,482,000	50,095,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	157,165,000	109,348,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	156,989,000	109,081,000
Prior service cost	176,000	267,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	157,165,000	109,348,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	4,919,000
Prior service cost	81,000
Total	5,000,000
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	2,500,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	18,500,000
2016	18,800,000
2017	18,600,000
2018	18,800,000
2019	18,700,000
2020-2024	94,500,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	4.70%	3.80%	4.40%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.80%
Rates of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.90%	4.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
Number of U.S. dollar-denomincated, AA-graded corporate bonds in yield curve universe	700
Highest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve univers (as a percent)	10.00%
Lowest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve universe (as a percent)	10.00%
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	958,705,000	1,068,750,000
Service cost	1,610,000	3,457,000	3,418,000
Interest cost	43,230,000	42,707,000	46,174,000
Plan participants' contributions	75,000	689,000
Amendments	0	(394,000)
Actuarial loss	150,289,000	(8,245,000)
Settlements/curtailments	(589,000)	(1,619,000)
Benefits paid	(41,522,000)	(46,269,000)
Effect of foreign currency	(62,250,000)	19,744,000
Change in benefit obligation, Infrastructure transaction	0	(120,115,000)
Other	55,000	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,049,603,000	958,705,000	1,068,750,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	770,911,000	783,059,000
Actual return on plan assets	80,518,000	68,535,000
Employer contributions	28,112,000	30,258,000
Plan participants' contributions	75,000	689,000
Settlements/curtailments	0	(1,028,000)
Benefits paid	(41,522,000)	(46,269,000)
Benefits paid	(40,948,000)	(45,207,000)
Effect of foreign currency	(47,623,000)	11,455,000
Other	0	(76,850,000)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	791,045,000	770,911,000	783,059,000
Funded status at end of year	(258,558,000)	(187,794,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Noncurrent assets	1,746,000	3,894,000
Current liabilities	524,000	534,000
Noncurrent liabilities	259,780,000	191,154,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	479,382,000	401,300,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	478,396,000	400,726,000
Prior service cost	986,000	574,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	479,382,000	401,300,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	17,254,000
Prior service cost	208,000
Total	17,462,000
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	31,200,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	42,100,000
2016	43,800,000
2017	45,500,000
2018	46,200,000
2019	47,700,000
2020-2024	266,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rates	4.70%	4.30%	4.80%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.80%	6.60%	6.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.40%	2.80%	3.40%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rates	3.70%	4.70%
Rates of compensation increase	3.20%	3.40%

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Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 segment	Dec. 31, 2013 Customer	Dec. 31, 2012 Customer	Dec. 31, 2011 Customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 663,244	711,346	1,266,225
Number of reportable segments	3
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	2	2
Harsco Rail [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	1	2	2
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	1	1
BRAZIL
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 69,515	63,161	65,019

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Contributions By The Company	$ 2,961,000	$ 17,893,000	$ 15,814,000
Minimum
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Minimum contribution to the plan in a plan year to classify it as a significant plan as a percent of total contributions (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
New Zealand Steel Pension Fund
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Total assets				345,400,000	276,100,000
Total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits				358,700,000	302,400,000
Total contributions for all participating employers				13,500,000	13,300,000
New Zealand Steel Pension Fund | Minimum
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multi-employer Plan, Period Contributions Percentage Threshold	5.00%	5.00%
All other multiemployer plans
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Contributions By The Company	2,123,000	17,007,000	14,905,000
Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements | New Zealand Steel Pension Fund
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Contributions By The Company	$ 838,000	$ 886,000	$ 909,000

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic pension cost, U.S. Plans	$ 7,660	$ 21,379	$ 20,673
Net periodic pension cost, International Plans	19,054	32,242	35,861
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Multiemployer plans	1,199	12,444	10,186
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Multiemployer plans	1,762	5,449	5,539
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans	4,704	4,945	5,066
U.S. Plans | Maximum
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	4.00%
Employer discretionary contribution (as a percent)	2.00%
International Plans
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Additional contribution towards insurance and administrative costs (as a percent)	2.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans	8,033	11,139	12,770
International Plans | Maximum
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	6.00%
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	2,233	2,565	1,887
Interest cost	12,868	11,767	12,780
Expected return on plan assets	(16,786)	(15,642)	(15,617)
Recognized prior service costs	90	248	224
Recognized losses	3,352	5,052	4,637
Amortization of transition liability	0	0	0
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	0	0	1,510
Defined benefit plans pension cost	1,757	3,990	5,421
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1,610	3,457	3,418
Interest cost	43,230	42,707	46,174
Expected return on plan assets	(49,927)	(46,920)	(45,050)
Recognized prior service costs	184	335	397
Recognized losses	14,102	16,447	15,194
Amortization of transition liability	0	0	8
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	60	(372)	(2,589)
Defined benefit plans pension cost	$ 9,259	$ 15,654	$ 17,552

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Restructuring Programs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Non-cash product rationalization expense		$ 0	$ 24,966,000
Proceeds from sales of assets	14,976,000	18,984,000	49,779,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member] | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax restructuring charges	11,992,000
Compensation savings realized	6,000,000
Compensation savings, annualized basis	17,000,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	1,190,000
Cash Payments	(5,331,000)
Foreign Currency Translation	(183,000)
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	7,668,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member] | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment | Employee termination benefit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Compensation savings, annualized basis	24,000,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense and Other Adjustments	11,992,000
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	(1,190,000)
Cash Payments	(5,331,000)
Foreign Currency Translation	(183,000)
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	7,668,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan (Project Orion) [Member] | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Compensation savings, annualized basis	13,000,000
2011/2012 Restructuring Program
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	2,400,000	5,100,000
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Non-cash product rationalization expense	$ 0

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Equity Method Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Summary of equity method investments

Brand's summarized balance sheet information at September 30, 2014 and summarized statement of operations information for the period from November 27, 2013 through September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)	September 30 2014
Summarized Balance Sheet Information of Brand:
Current assets	$	815,809
Property and equipment , net	923,056
Other noncurrent assets	1,594,669
Total assets	$	3,333,534
Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt	$	68,748
Other current liabilities	360,714
Long-term debt	1,747,522
Other noncurrent liabilities	406,636
Total liabilities	2,583,620
Equity	749,914
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,333,534

(In thousands)	Period From November 27 2013 Through September 30 2014 (a)
Summarized Statement of Operations Information of Brand:
Net revenues	$	2,559,556
Gross profit	559,376
Net income (loss) attributable to Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	(4,848		)
Harsco's equity in income (loss) of Brand	(1,595		)

(a) The Company's equity method investment in Brand began on November 26, 2013; accordingly, there is only approximately ten months of related equity income (loss). The results of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment from January 1, 2013 through the date of closing are reported in the Company's results of operations for 2013.

Summary of quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used for initial determination of fair value of Brand

The following table details quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs:

	Fair Value at December 31 2013				Range
(Dollars in thousands)			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Low		High
Equity method investment - Brand	$	296,082	Discounted cash flow	EBITDA Margin	10.9	%	12.6	%
				Ratio of capital expenditures to revenues	2.9	%	3.8	%
				Long-term revenue growth	3.0	%	3.0	%
				WACC Rate	9.25	%	9.25	%
				Cost of equity	12.5	%	12.5	%
				Implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.0X		7.5X
				Discount for lack of marketability	15	%	15	%

Summary of balances related to transactions between Company and Brand

Balances related to transactions between the Company and Brand are as follows:

(In thousands)	December 31 2014		December 31 2013
Balances due from Brand	$	1,860	$	85,908
Balances due to Brand	28,311		149,325

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Prior period adjustments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements Adjustment Amount	$ 3.0	$ 2.6	$ 3.5
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements Amount Per Diluted Share	$ 0.04	$ 0.03	$ 0.04

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

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 Consolidated Balance Sheets at both December 31, 2014 and 2013 include accruals in Other current liabilities of $1.2 million for environmental matters. The amounts charged against pre-tax income related to environmental matters totaled $1.9 million, $1.7 million and $1.2 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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

Brazilian Tax Disputes

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

In October 2009, the Company received notification of the SPRA's final administrative decision regarding the levying of ICMS in the State of São Paulo in relation to services provided to a customer in the State between January 2004 and May 2005. As of December 31, 2014, 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 is due to an increase in assessed interest and statutorily mandated legal fees for the year, as well as foreign currency translation.

Another ICMS tax case involving the SPRA refers to the tax period from January 2002 to December 2003, and is still pending at the administrative phase, where the aggregate amount assessed by the tax authorities in August 2005 was $9.5 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 $2.3 million, with penalty and interest assessed through that date increasing such amount by an additional $7.2 million. All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation.

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

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

Brazilian Labor Disputes

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

The Company is continuing to review all known labor claims and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has established reserves of $8.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts considered to be probable and estimable. There can be no assurances that the Company will not conclude that it is necessary to increase the reserves relating to the claims, or take other actions as it continues to evaluate the potential liability with regard to these claims.

Customer Disputes

The Company, through its Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, provides services through long-term service contracts on a number of sites worldwide. As previously disclosed, a subcontractor at the site of a large customer has filed for arbitration against the Company, claiming that it is owed monetary damages from the Company in connection with its processing certain materials. The Company disputes that it is responsible for such alleged damages and intends to vigorously defend itself against this claim. In addition, the Company has impleaded its customer - which the Company believes has responsibility for any damages - into its arbitration with the subcontractor. The Company has concluded that a loss contingency is neither probable nor estimable and, therefore has not made any provision for any potential loss in its consolidated financial statements. Moreover, based on the information currently available to the Company, the Company does not expect that the ultimate resolution of this arbitration will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company, through its Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, may, in the normal of business, become involved in commercial disputes with other subcontractors or customers. Although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by a negative outcome in these or other lawsuits, claims and proceedings, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Other

The Company is named as one of many defendants (approximately 90 or more in most cases) in legal actions in the United States alleging personal injury from exposure to airborne asbestos over the past several decades. In their suits, the plaintiffs have named as defendants, among others, many manufacturers, distributors and installers of numerous types of equipment or products that allegedly contained asbestos.

The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit. The Company has never been a producer, manufacturer or processor of asbestos fibers. Any asbestos-containing part of a Company product used in the past was purchased from a supplier and the asbestos encapsulated in other materials such that airborne exposure, if it occurred, was not harmful and is not associated with the types of injuries alleged in the pending actions.

At December 31, 2014, there were 17,314 pending asbestos personal injury actions filed against the Company. Of those actions, 16,979 were filed in the New York Supreme Court (New York County), 115 were filed in other New York State Supreme Court Counties and 220 were filed in courts located in other states.

The complaints in most of those actions generally follow a form that contains a standard damages demand of $20 million or $25 million, regardless of the individual plaintiff's alleged medical condition, and without identifying any specific Company product.

At December 31, 2014, 16,816 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 163 cases in New York County are pending on the Active or In Extremis Docket created for plaintiffs who can demonstrate a malignant condition or physical impairment.

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

In view of the persistence of asbestos litigation in the United States, the Company expects to continue to receive additional claims in the future. The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending these claims and cases. At December 31, 2014, the Company has obtained dismissal in 27,550 cases by stipulation or summary judgment prior to trial.

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

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

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

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Other Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Expenses

Other Expenses

During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded pre-tax other expenses from continuing operations of $57.8 million, $15.1 million and $93.8 million, respectively. The major components of this Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows:

	Other (Income) Expenses
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net gains	$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)
Employee termination benefit costs	19,120			3,928			31,158
Costs to exit activities	4,908			5,382			38,626
Product line rationalization	—			—			24,966
Impaired asset write-downs	39,455			9,688			7,152
Other (income) expense	1,059			769			(2,278		)
Total	$	57,824		$	15,110		$	93,776

Other expenses in 2014 were incurred in conjunction with non-cash impaired asset write-downs, termination benefit costs and costs to exit activities in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment aligned with the Harsco Metals & Minerals Improvement Plan ("Project Orion") and the related focus on underperforming contracts, partially offset by net gains, primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and Harsco Industrial Segment. See Note 19, Restructuring Programs, for additional information on Project Orion.

Other expenses in 2013 were incurred in conjunction with impaired asset write-downs primarily in the Harsco Rail Segment, costs to exit activities primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and Corporate, employee termination benefit costs primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, partially offset by net gains primarily in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.

Substantially all other expenses in 2012 were incurred in conjunction with restructuring programs initiated within the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment in 2011 and the Harsco Infrastructure Segment in 2010. See Note 19, Restructuring Programs, for additional information on these restructuring programs.

Net Gains

Net gains result from the sales of redundant properties (primarily land, buildings and related equipment) and non-core assets. In 2014, gains related to assets sold primarily in North America and Latin America. In 2013, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States and Western Europe. In 2012, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States.

	Net Gains
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	(3,538	)	$	(1,043	)	$	(2,449	)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment	—			(2,864		)	(2,198		)
Harsco Industrial Segment	(2,077		)	(750		)	(1,089		)
Corporate	(1,103		)	—			(112		)
Total	$	(6,718	)	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)

Cash proceeds associated with these gains are included in the caption, Proceeds from sales of assets, in the cash flows from investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Employee Termination Benefit Costs

Costs and the related liabilities associated with involuntary termination benefit costs associated with one-time benefit arrangements provided as part of an exit or disposal activity are recognized by the Company when a formal plan for reorganization is approved at the appropriate level of management and communicated to the affected employees. Additionally, costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements, or in certain countries where statutory requirements dictate a minimum required benefit, are recognized when they are probable and estimable.

The employee termination benefits costs in 2014 related primarily to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, including the impact of Project Orion, primarily in Latin America and Western Europe. The employee termination benefit costs in 2013 related primarily to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and were primarily in Latin America, Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and North America. The employee termination benefit costs in 2012 related primarily to the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program and were primarily in Western Europe, North America, the United Kingdom and the Asia-Pacific region.

	Employee Termination Benefit Costs
(In thousands)	2014		2013			2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	18,169	$	3,561		$	8,082
Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	—		(326		)	17,291
Harsco Rail Segment	185		235			245
Harsco Industrial Segment	421		115			418
Corporate	345		343			5,122
Total	$	19,120	$	3,928		$	31,158

(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.

Costs to Exit Activities

Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized as follows:

• Costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease are recognized when an entity terminates the contract or when an entity ceases using the right conveyed by the contract. This includes the costs to terminate the contract before the end of its term or the costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the entity (e.g., lease run-out costs).

• Other costs associated with exit or disposal activities (e.g., costs to consolidate or close facilities and relocate equipment or employees) are recognized and measured at their fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred.

In 2014, $4.9 million of exit costs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, primarily related to North America and Western Europe, partially offset at Corporate by gains from currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings related to historic Harsco Infrastructure Segment entities which were not included as part of the Infrastructure Transaction and retained by the Company. The currency translation adjustments are non-cash items recognized when the Company has substantially liquidated the related investment in a foreign entity.

In 2013, $5.4 million of exit costs were incurred, principally at Corporate related to the preliminary phases of the Infrastructure Transaction and the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment at various sites.

In 2012, $38.6 million of exit costs were incurred, principally related to Western Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom. This consists primarily of branch structure reduction and office rationalization costs in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments. Costs to exit activities included $10.9 million of gains from currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings. The Company exited certain countries and recognized such adjustment gains in conjunction with the Company's 2011/2012 Restructuring Program.

	Costs to Exit Activities
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	6,395		$	2,705		$	3,627
Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	—			(254		)	34,820
Corporate	(1,487		)	2,931			179
Total	$	4,908		$	5,382		$	38,626

(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.

Product Line Rationalization

The Company did not record any product line rationalization charges in either 2014 or 2013. The product line rationalization charge of $25.0 million in 2012 represents a write-down of certain rental assets and sale inventories in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that were discontinued in conjunction with restructuring programs to streamline and optimize product offerings. These charges are net of estimated salvage value. Salvage values were based on estimates of proceeds to be realized through the sale of this inventory outside the normal course of business.

Impaired Asset Write-downs

Impaired asset write-downs are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value is estimated based upon the expected future realizable cash flows including anticipated selling prices. Non-cash impaired asset write-downs are included in the caption, Other, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities.

In 2014, $39.5 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment mostly in Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa and the Asia Pacific region as part of Project Orion. In 2013, $9.7 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Rail Segment related to certain contract services assets being written-down to the net realizable value. In 2012, impaired asset write-downs were recorded in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment principally in the Asia-Pacific region resulting from exiting an underperforming contract.

	Impaired Asset Write-downs
(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	38,791	$	689	$	7,152
Harsco Rail Segment	590		8,999		—
Harsco Industrial Segment	74		—		—
Total	$	39,455	$	9,688	$	7,152

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Warranty activity
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$ 9,548,000	$ 9,092,000	$ 5,596,000
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	3,208,000	5,016,000	7,935,000
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(2,680,000)	(1,966,000)	(2,401,000)
Warranties paid	(1,186,000)	(2,573,000)	(1,958,000)
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(4,000)	(21,000)	(80,000)
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	8,886,000	9,548,000	9,092,000
Self-insurance
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance expense from continuing operations	23,300,000	30,000,000	33,800,000
Decrease in pre-tax insurance expense due to retrospective insurance reserve adjustments from continuing operations	7,000,000	7,200,000	4,300,000
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims	47,900,000	52,400,000
Liabilities covered by insurance carriers	$ 3,800,000	$ 4,000,000

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Capital Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Share Repurchases

The Board has authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows:

	Shares Authorized to be Purchased January 1	Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase	Shares Purchased	Remaining Shares Authorized for Purchase December 31
2012	1,713,423	—	—	1,713,423
2013	1,713,423	286,577	—	2,000,000
2014	2,000,000	—	150,000	1,850,000

Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward

The following table summarizes the Company's common stock:

	Common Stock
	Shares Issued	Treasury Shares (a)	Outstanding Shares
Outstanding, January 1, 2012	111,931,267	31,454,097	80,477,170
Stock options exercised	38,900	—	38,900
Vested restricted stock units	45,898	14,677	31,221
Other stock grants	47,873	10,536	37,337
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	112,063,938	31,479,310	80,584,628
Stock options exercised	20,000	—	20,000
Vested restricted stock units	25,215	9,358	15,857
Stock appreciation rights exercised	2,713	521	2,192
Other stock grants	86,827	30,579	56,248
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	112,198,693	31,519,768	80,678,925
Vested restricted stock units	65,851	4,418	61,433
Stock appreciation rights exercised	9,213	2,985	6,228
Other stock grants	83,591	20,327	63,264
Treasury shares purchased	—	150,000	(150,000	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	112,357,348	31,697,498	80,659,850

(a) The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

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

(In thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2012
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(24,902	)	$	(226,449	)	$	(253,693	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	80,884			80,755			80,632
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	—			—			—
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	80,884			80,755			80,632
Loss from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
Basic	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)
Diluted	$	(0.31	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.15	)

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

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

(In thousands)	2014	2013	2012
Restricted stock units	301	265	148
Stock options	188	286	389
Stock appreciation rights	912	1,078	530
Performance share units	93	—	—
Other stock-based compensation units	—	101	317

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net loss	$ (20,297)	$ (218,188)	$ (254,101)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $7,151, $(5,924) and $(5,436) in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(47,930)	(55,827)	11,434
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(338), $(1,410) and $567 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(1,957)	1,047	(4,333)
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $13,454, $(11,095) and $7,572 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(113,596)	95,604	(53,645)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(3), $(18) and $(3) in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	5	31	6
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(163,478)	40,855	(46,538)
Total comprehensive loss	(183,775)	(177,333)	(300,639)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,893)	(10,055)	(950)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	$ (186,668)	$ (187,388)	$ (301,589)

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Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	$ 2,065,738	$ 2,896,520	$ 3,046,018
Outsourced, on-site services to steel mills and other metals producers and resource recovery technologies for the re-use of industrial waste stream by-products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	1,377,592	1,359,004	1,404,103
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	0	885,377	937,293
Railway track maintenance services and equipment
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	275,614	286,167	352,036
Air-cooled heat exchangers
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	226,529	180,738	175,896
Industrial grating products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	139,711	142,355	136,157
Heat transfer products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	$ 46,292	$ 42,879	$ 40,533

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest, and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities.

The Company's management has evaluated all activity of the Company and concluded that subsequent events are properly reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes as required by U.S. GAAP.

Reclassifications and Out of Period Adjustments

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

During 2014, the Company recorded out-of-period adjustments that had the net effect of decreasing after-tax income by $3.5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2014. The adjustments are primarily the result of the increases in reserves related to Brazilian labor claims not recorded in the correct period, correcting expenses that should not have been capitalized in accordance with the Company's policies and revenue that should not have been recognized in accordance with a customer contract. The Company assessed the individual and aggregate impact of these adjustments on the current year and all prior periods and determined that the cumulative effect of the adjustments was not material to the full-year 2014 results, and did not result in a material misstatement to any previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements. Consequently, the Company recorded the $3.5 million net adjustment during 2014 and has not revised any previously issued annual financial statements or interim financial data.

During the second quarter of 2013, the Company recorded non-cash out-of-period adjustments that had the net effect of increasing after-tax income by $3.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2013, and by $2.6 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the first half of 2013. The adjustments are primarily the result of correcting claims-paid information for certain international accrued insurance reserves which were identified during the regular, periodic evaluation of these reserves during the quarter. The Company assessed the individual and aggregate impact of these adjustments on the current year and all prior periods and determined that the cumulative effect of the adjustments was not material to the full-year 2013 results, and did not result in a material misstatement to any previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements. Consequently, the Company recorded the $3.0 million net adjustment in the second quarter of 2013 and has not revised any previously issued annual financial statements or interim financial data.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Equity Method Investments

The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received, and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value.

Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment.

See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments.

Inventories

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

Depreciation

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

Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays. See Note 6, Property, Plant and Equipment, and Note 8, Debt and Credit Agreements, for additional information on capital leases and Note 9, Operating Leases, for additional information on operating leases.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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

The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1. The Company has five reporting units, only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2014. Almost all of the Company's goodwill is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.

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

See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information on goodwill.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate the book value of an asset may be impaired. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a discounted cash flow model. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, and Note 17, Other Expenses, for additional information on impairment of long-lived assets (other than goodwill).

Revenue Recognition

Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the service components of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments.

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granules products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.

Harsco Rail Segment—This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.

Harsco Industrial Segment—This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.

Income Taxes

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

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

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

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

In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits.

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

See Note 11, Income Taxes, for additional information on income taxes.

Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves

The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $23.3 million, $30.0 million and $33.8 million, respectively. Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net loss in the period determined. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $7.0 million, $7.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has recorded liabilities of $47.9 million and $52.4 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $3.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been included in current caption, Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current caption, Insurance liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Warranties

The Company has recorded product warranty reserves of $8.9 million, $9.5 million and $9.1 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold. The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012:

(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$	9,548		$	9,092		$	5,596
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	3,208			5,016			7,935
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(2,680		)	(1,966		)	(2,401		)
Warranties paid	(1,186		)	(2,573		)	(1,958		)
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(4		)	(21		)	(80		)
Warranty reserves, end of the year	$	8,886		$	9,548		$	9,092

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

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in Operating income (loss) from continuing operations. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies.

Financial Instruments and Hedging

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

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

The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or variable U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively.

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

See Note 15, Financial Instruments, for additional information on financial instruments and hedging.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements. See Note 13, Capital Stock, for additional information on earnings per share.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

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

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 431,265	$ 429,198
Changes to goodwill	6,539
Foreign currency translation	(21,649)	2,067
Balance at the end of the period	416,155	431,265
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	421,955	419,888
Changes to goodwill	(300)
Foreign currency translation	(21,649)	2,067
Balance at the end of the period	400,006	421,955
Harsco Industrial [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	0
Changes to goodwill	6,839
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	6,839	0
Harsco Rail [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	9,310	9,310
Changes to goodwill	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 9,310	$ 9,310

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Financial Instruments (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Pre-tax net gains and losses on certain loans designated as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries	$ 22,600,000	$ (9,800,000)	$ (5,300,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	468,822,000	541,850,000		541,850,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	(133,000)	(2,028,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent		121,200,000		121,200,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)				700,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | British pounds sterling
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	37,943,000	26,931,000		26,931,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	179,000	(277,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | Euros
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	193,370,000	248,943,000		248,943,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	2,993,000	(335,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | No currency
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	12,641,000	12,708,000		12,708,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	439,000	(134,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | British pounds sterling
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	2,783,000	1,976,000		1,976,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	(4,000)	15,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | Euros
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	194,084,000	242,385,000		242,385,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	(3,767,000)	(1,335,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | No currency
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	28,001,000	8,907,000		8,907,000
Recognized Gain (Loss)	27,000	38,000
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maturing 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	250,000,000
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maturing 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	220,000,000
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maturing 2013 through 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	$ 8,800,000

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2005
Environmental
Commitments and Contingencies
Accruals for environmental matters	$ 1.2	$ 1.2
Charges related to environmental matters	1.9	1.7	1.2
loss contingency, Brazilian labor claims [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims	8.6	3.1
Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants	90
Number of pending claims	17,314
Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number	27,550
Other | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	20.0
Other | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	25.0
Pending Litigation, Active Or In Extremis Docket [Member] | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	163
Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority | Brazilian Tax Disputes - Case 1
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Principal Amount	2.0
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount	25.0
Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority | Brazilian Tax Disputes - Case 2
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value				9.5
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Principal Amount				2.3
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount				$ 7.2
New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	16,979
New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court | Pending And Future Litigation, Deferred Or Inactive Docket [Member] | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	16,816
New York State Supreme Court, Counties Excluding New York County [Member] | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	115
Courts Located In States Other Than New York [Member] | Other
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of pending claims	220

XML

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

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

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 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, net of tax	—				8				19,839				—			19,847
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisition 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	)

	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(40,053		)	(a)	(1,961		)	(b)	(130,659		)	(c)	5			(172,668		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity method investee	(8,635		)		—				632				—			(8,003		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,205				4				16,431				—			18,640
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the Infrastructure Transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(1,447		)		—				—				—			(1,447		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,930		)		(1,957		)		(113,596		)		5			(163,478		)
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,647				(45		)		—				—			1,602
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(46,283		)		(2,002		)		(113,596		)		5			(161,876		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(40,173	)		$	(9,025	)		$	(483,278	)		$	(15	)	$	(532,491	)

(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.

(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.

(c) Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements.

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31 2014				Year Ended December 31 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a):
Actuarial losses	$	11,556		(b)	$	12,435		(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Actuarial losses	5,898			(b)	9,064			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
Prior-service costs	103			(b)	298			(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Prior-service costs	171			(b)	285			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
Total before tax	17,728				22,082
Tax benefit	(1,297		)		(2,243		)
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	16,431			$	19,839
Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments (a):
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	4			$	11			Cost of services and products sold
Tax benefit	—				(3		)
Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	4			$	8
Amortization of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments (a):
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	2,205			$	—			Other expenses
Tax benefit	—				—
Total reclassification of cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments	$	2,205			$	—

(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 for the years endedDecember 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31 2014			Year Ended December 31 2013			Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	(1,447	)	$	(15,979	)	Loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
Tax effect	—			—
Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments	$	(1,447	)	$	(15,979	)
Cash flow hedging instruments, before tax	$	—		$	(34	)	Loss on disposal of the 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 the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
Tax effect	—			—
Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items	$	—		$	20,184

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Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Appreciation Rights) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	May 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	May 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	May 31, 2014	Aug. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)	206,638
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares	746,410
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 23.53
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	8 years 7 months
Number of exercisable options (in shares)	206,638
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 22.30
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	$ 0	$ 100,000	$ 0
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	145,149
Vested (in shares)	(1,784)
Forfeited stock appreciation rights (in shares)	(9,796)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	133,569	0
$19.65 - $22.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)	147,540
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares	381,180
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 22.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	8 years 4 months
Number of exercisable options (in shares)	147,540
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 21.61
$23.03 - $26.22
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)	59,098
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares	365,230
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 25.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	9 years
Number of exercisable options (in shares)	59,098
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 24.04
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	450,894	923,832
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)				1.78%	2.03%	1.92%	2.00%	1.98%	1.91%	1.41%	1.17%	1.00%	1.18%	1.56%
Dividend yield (as a percent)				4.00%	3.50%	3.27%	3.24%	3.53%	3.13%	3.56%	3.61%	3.80%	4.20%	3.50%
Expected life				6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Volatility (as a percent)				38.60%	40.60%	41.20%	41.20%	44.30%	43.80%	44.10%	44.10%	44.30%	44.00%	43.90%
SAR grant price				$ 20.48	$ 23.43		$ 25.27	$ 23.25	$ 26.22	$ 23.03	$ 22.70	$ 21.37	$ 19.65	$ 23.73		$ 25.11
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)	$ 25.20	$ 22.76		$ 5.17	$ 6.72	$ 7.46	$ 7.55	$ 7.25	$ 8.60	$ 7.07	$ 6.86	$ 6.20	$ 4.77	$ 6.10
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	961,458	525,287	0
Granted (in shares)	450,894	923,832	707,012
Exercised (in shares)	(52,667)	(11,037)
Forfeited/expired (in shares)			(181,725)
Forfeited (in shares)	(406,637)	(476,624)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	953,048	961,458	525,287
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 22.20	$ 21.23	$ 0.00
Granted	$ 25.20	$ 22.76	$ 21.23
Exercised	$ 20.21	$ 19.65
Forfeited/expired	$ 22.65	$ 22.28	$ 21.23
Outstanding at end of period	$ 23.53	$ 22.20	$ 21.23
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0	5,600,000	1,200,000														0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised	200,000	100,000	0
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	7 years 9 months
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,800,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition	2 years 8 months
Unvested activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	839,505	525,287
Granted (in shares)	450,894	923,832
Vested (in shares)	(84,685)	(121,953)
Exercised stock appreciation rights (in shares)	(52,667)	(11,037)
Forfeited stock appreciation rights (in shares)	(406,637)	(476,624)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	746,410	839,505	525,287
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 22.27	$ 21.23
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 25.20	$ 22.76		$ 5.17	$ 6.72	$ 7.46	$ 7.55	$ 7.25	$ 8.60	$ 7.07	$ 6.86	$ 6.20	$ 4.77	$ 6.10
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 23.23	$ 21.65
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$ 20.21	$ 19.65
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 22.65	$ 22.28
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 23.87	$ 22.27	$ 21.23
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	1 year
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | $19.65 - $22.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 19,650
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 23,430
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | $23.03 - $26.22
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 23,730
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 26,920
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)												43,058	345,502	318,452
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)												43,058	345,502	318,452
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period (in years)	10 years
Retirement age of employees (in years)	62
Granted (in shares)				12,401	15,808	84,290	31,405	51,900	15,000	5,018	903,814				255,090
Unvested activity
Granted (in shares)				12,401	15,808	84,290	31,405	51,900	15,000	5,018	903,814				255,090
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	5 years
May 2014 Grant 1 | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)															1.90%
Dividend yield (as a percent)															3.16%
Expected life															6 years
Volatility (as a percent)															43.20%
SAR grant price															25.93
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)															8.16
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)															8.16
May 2014 Grant 2 | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Fair value assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)															1.82%
Dividend yield (as a percent)															3.05%
Expected life															6 years
Volatility (as a percent)															42.80%
SAR grant price															26.92
Fair value of award (in dollars per share)															8.47
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)															8.47

XML

Operating Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases

Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows:

(In thousands)
2015	$	14,642
2016	10,905
2017	7,204
2018	4,075
2019	3,546
After 2019	24,762

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

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

(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
United States	$	20,168		$	(26,855	)	$	40,411
International	(11,846		)	(156,477		)	(258,906		)
Total income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss)	$	8,322		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)

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

(In thousands)	2014		2013			2012
Income tax expense (benefit):
Currently payable:
U.S. federal	$	4,495	$	10,949		$	22,603
U.S. state	557		1,375			1,561
International	14,569		41,015			21,795
Total income taxes currently payable	19,621		53,339			45,959
Deferred U.S. federal	2,503		(17,341		)	(3,831		)
Deferred U.S. state	807		401			(843		)
Deferred international	4,240		(1,487		)	(6,034		)
Total income tax expense	$	27,171	$	34,912		$	35,251

Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on the gain or loss from discontinued business, were $36.0 million, $44.4 million and $42.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate as a percentage of Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
U.S. federal income tax	$	2,913		$	(64,166	)	$	(76,473	)
U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	658			(851		)	290
U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	(1,882		)	(4,700		)	(3,580		)
Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction	—			13,181			—
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	4,420			(308		)	1,532
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	(5,298		)	(5,548		)	(5,470		)
Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	2,203			20,125			3,980
Restructuring and impairment charges with no realizable tax benefits	22,049			—			21,387
U.S. nondeductible items	1,216			2,953			1,470
Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure Transaction	1,465			74,946			—
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	—			—			92,763
Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	246			(483		)	(260		)
Loss from unconsolidated entities	(587		)	—			—
Other, net	(232		)	(237		)	(388		)
Total income tax expense	$	27,171		$	34,912		$	35,251

At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company's annual effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations was 326.5%, (19.0)% and (16.1)%, respectively.

The effective income tax rate changed between 2013 and 2014 primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of the $271.3 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and for the tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction recorded in 2013 compared with the restructuring and asset impairment charges recorded in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment for which no tax benefit was recorded in 2014.

The effective income tax rate changed between 2013 and 2012 primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of the $271.3 million loss on disposal of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment recorded in 2013 compared with the $265.0 million non-deductible goodwill impairment charges recorded during 2012, tax expense recorded for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets within certain foreign jurisdictions that the Harsco Infrastructure Segment operated, and for the tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure Transaction.

The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	2014					2013
(In thousands)	Asset			Liability		Asset			Liability
Depreciation and amortization	$	—		$	16,026	$	—		$	24,585
Expense accruals	27,657			—		28,550			—
Inventories	5,009			—		3,592			—
Provision for receivables	798			—		752			—
Deferred revenue	—			1,708		—			1,764
Operating loss carryforwards	75,635			—		75,443			—
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	16,476			—		16,085			—
Capital loss carryforwards	2,102			—		3,177			—
Pensions	86,995			—		81,564			—
Currency adjustments	35,386			—		27,536			—
Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	—			23,885		—			28,965
Unit adjustment liability	34,675			—		39,335			—
Post-retirement benefits	905			—		1,013			—
Other	9,079			—		6,159			—
Subtotal	294,717			41,619		283,206			55,314
Valuation allowance	(131,342		)	—		(127,164		)	—
Total deferred income taxes	$	163,375		$	41,619	$	156,042		$	55,314

The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

(In thousands)	2014		2013
Other current assets	$	39,003	$	44,315
Other assets	90,252		65,105
Other current liabilities	1,120		475
Deferred income taxes	6,379		8,217

At December 31, 2014, the tax-effected amount of net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") totaled $75.6 million. Tax-effected NOLs from international operations are $66.4 million. Of that amount, $44.8 million can be carried forward indefinitely, and $21.6 million will expire at various times between 2015 and 2033. Tax-effected U.S. state NOLs are $9.2 million. Of that amount, $0.4 million expire at various times between 2015 and 2018, $3.9 million expire at various times between 2019 and 2023, $1.5 million expire at various times between 2024 and 2028, and $3.4 million expire at various times between 2029 and 2033. At December 31, 2014, the tax-effected amount of capital loss carryforwards totaled $2.1 million which expire in 2018.

The valuation allowances of $131.3 million and $127.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related principally to deferred tax assets for pension liabilities, NOLs, capital losses, currency translation and foreign investment tax credits that are uncertain as to realizability. In 2014, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $8.0 million related to current year pension adjustments recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and a net increase of $6.5 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. This was offset by a $9.3 million reduction in valuation allowance from the effects of currency translation and a reduction of $1.1 million related to usage of a capital loss carryforward. Additionally, in 2013, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $9.4 million related to the Infrastructure Transaction and $7.1 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions where the Company determined that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. This was offset by a $15.8 million reduction in valuation allowance related to U.K. pension adjustments recorded during the year through Accumulated other comprehensive loss and the effects of currency translation.

The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on certain non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as such amounts are indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, such earnings were approximately $705 million and $815 million, respectively. If these earnings were repatriated at December 31, 2014, the one-time tax cost associated with the repatriation would be approximately $124 million.

The Company had a tax holiday in Asia that expired in 2012, which had no impact on income tax expense for that year. The Company no longer has tax holidays in Europe and the Middle East as they have all expired.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $2.1 million, $3.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for interest and penalties primarily due to the expiration of statutes of limitation and resolution of examinations. The Company has accrued $2.8 million, $4.9 million and $8.0 million for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014 is as follows:

(In thousands)	Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits			Deferred Income Tax Benefits			Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits, Net of Deferred Income Tax Benefits
Balances, January 1, 2012	$	33,408		$	(517	)	$	32,891
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	584			(8		)	576
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	37			2			39
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,987		)	—			(3,987		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(5,124		)	154			(4,970		)
Balance at December 31, 2012	24,918			(369		)	24,549
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	500			(5		)	495
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	145			(4		)	141
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,050		)	—			(3,050		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(3,348		)	180			(3,168		)
Settlements	(1,616		)	—			(1,616		)
Balance at December 31, 2013	17,549			(198		)	17,351
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	288			(2		)	286
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	156			(55		)	101
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,056		)	—			(3,056		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(2,481		)	143			(2,338		)
Settlements	—			—			—
Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2014	$	12,456		$	(112	)	$	12,344

Included in the other reductions for tax positions related to prior years for 2014 is $3.1 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits of which $1.6 million relates to currency translation adjustments and $1.5 million was recognized as a result of closure of various foreign income tax examinations. These benefits were previously deemed to not meet the more likely than not standard.

Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that up to $0.2 million of unrecognized income tax benefits will be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations.

The Company files income tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S and international income tax examinations by tax authorities through 2008.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service completed its audit of the Company's 2010 income tax return in July 2014 and made no changes to the reported tax.