Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

(In thousands)	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment			Harsco Industrial Segment		Harsco Rail Segment		Consolidated Totals
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	380,761		$	6,806	$	12,800	$	400,367
Changes to goodwill	—			33		226		259
Foreign currency translation	(18,375		)	—		—		(18,375		)
Balance at December 31, 2016	362,386			6,839		13,026		382,251
Foreign currency translation	19,507			—		—		19,507
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	381,893		$	6,839	$	13,026	$	401,758

Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer related	$	153,014	$	121,385	$	146,840	$	112,610
Patents	5,825		5,700		5,729		5,534
Technology related	26,131		26,131		25,687		25,634
Trade names	8,317		4,845		8,306		4,529
Other	8,875		5,850		8,512		5,200
Total	$	202,162	$	163,911	$	195,074	$	153,507

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)	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022
Estimated amortization expense (a)	$	5,000	$	4,750	$	4,500	$	4,250	$	4,000

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