CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 9,072	$ (29,572)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	61,282	65,454
Amortization	4,444	6,488
Deferred income tax benefit	(1,407)	(7,367)
Equity in income or loss of unconsolidated entities, net	14	(169)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustments	0	12,246
Other, net	(180)	(9,830)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(30,108)	212
Inventories	(10,757)	(17,269)
Accounts payable	13,252	(9,522)
Accrued interest payable	5,874	5,552
Accrued compensation	(17,725)	(11,760)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	(84)	(1,317)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(8,054)	(599)
Other assets and liabilities	(22,208)	(3,973)
Net cash provided (used ) by operating activities	3,415	(1,426)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(53,733)	(52,789)
Proceeds from sales of assets	10,595	22,488
Other investing activities, net	2,903	(2,020)
Net cash used by investing activities	(40,235)	(32,321)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	4,093	(19,527)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	63,719	139,066
Reductions	(15,064)	(61,196)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(16,536)	(16,499)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(755)	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	857	7,935
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(166)	0
Common stock issued-options	214	542
Other financing activities, net	0	(2,708)
Net cash provided by financing activities	36,362	47,613
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,851)	1,554
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(2,309)	15,420
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	95,250	121,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 92,941	$ 136,604