CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 10,769	$ 83,537
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	188,182	207,330
Amortization	15,662	25,950
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(479)	(530)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities	308	160
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustments	21,787	0
Other, net	(29,263)	(3,674)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	(1,247)	(76,972)
Inventories	(23,298)	(6,667)
Accounts payable	(24,719)	3,150
Accrued interest payable	5,786	6,651
Accrued compensation	2,286	13,640
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	(4,755)	(16,697)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(8,050)	0
Other assets and liabilities	(41,600)	(45,771)
Net cash provided by operating activities	111,369	190,107
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(172,770)	(240,820)
Proceeds from sales of assets	42,889	37,180
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	(517)	(1,938)
Other investing activities, net	457	10,115
Net cash used by investing activities	(129,941)	(195,463)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	(39,302)	28,941
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	249,034	215,422
Reductions	(151,399)	(210,761)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(49,548)	(49,599)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(2,264)	(3,322)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	8,097	9,074
Common stock issued-options	725	1,668
Other financing activities, net	(2,709)	(1)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	12,634	(8,578)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,506)	(4,016)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(7,444)	(17,950)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	121,184	124,238
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 113,740	$ 106,288