CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (254,101)	$ (9,556)	$ 12,459
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	251,905	276,021	279,234
Amortization	20,212	34,420	36,005
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(10,708)	20,826	(26,617)
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(564)	(690)	(390)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities	308	226	176
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	0	0	43,158
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	31,443	67,320	0
Goodwill impairment charge	265,038	0	0
Other, net	(27,098)	(7,432)	(20,629)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	22,016	(58,011)	4,395
Inventories	2,365	7,976	12,599
Accounts payable	(37,649)	(2,713)	36,529
Accrued interest payable	(319)	(375)	(2,615)
Accrued compensation	517	12,554	16,305
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	(5,211)	(19,629)	29,817
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(7,883)	30,471	0
Other assets and liabilities	(51,392)	(52,632)	(18,999)
Net cash provided by operating activities	198,879	298,776	401,427
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(265,023)	(313,101)	(192,348)
Proceeds from sales of assets	49,779	42,653	22,663
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(740)	(1,938)	(27,643)
Other investing activities, net	(3,284)	16,564	(4,695)
Net cash used by investing activities	(219,268)	(255,822)	(202,023)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	(43,464)	21,637	(25,706)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	285,850	301,515	747,213
Reductions	(184,372)	(297,854)	(821,038)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(66,068)	(66,146)	(65,976)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(2,605)	(4,171)	(5,850)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	0	0	(1,159)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	8,097	8,851	698
Common stock issued-options	725	2,403	997
Common stock acquired for treasury	0	(5,788)	0
Other financing activities, net	(2,709)	(1)	(700)
Net cash used by financing activities	(4,546)	(39,554)	(171,521)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(999)	(6,454)	2,171
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(25,934)	(3,054)	30,054
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	121,184	124,238	94,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	95,250	121,184	124,238
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
Working capital, other than cash	0	0	(1,918)
Propery, plant and equipment	0	(1,394)	(15,600)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilites, net	(740)	(544)	(10,125)
Net cash used to acquire businesses	$ (740)	$ (1,938)	$ (27,643)