CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 36,448	$ (16,299)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	121,640	126,889
Amortization	8,847	11,067
Deferred income tax benefit	(2,528)	(11,801)
Equity in income or loss of unconsolidated entities, net	(581)	(297)
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	0	154
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustments	0	19,558
Other, net	(2,157)	(15,984)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(47,398)	(5,564)
Inventories	(13,363)	(24,850)
Accounts payable	9,949	(7,951)
Accrued interest payable	566	31
Accrued compensation	(14,782)	(5,719)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	(295)	(2,751)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(10,950)	(3,508)
Other assets and liabilities	(29,027)	(27,228)
Net cash provided by operating activities	56,369	35,747
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(120,191)	(107,845)
Proceeds from sales of assets	14,853	36,573
Other investing activities, net	(2,400)	1,348
Net cash used by investing activities	(107,738)	(69,924)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	4,188	(26,366)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	127,395	219,076
Reductions	(51,277)	(124,176)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(33,093)	(33,029)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(2,655)	(2,072)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,502	7,985
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(166)	0
Common stock issued-options	371	725
Other financing activities, net	0	(2,708)
Net cash provided by financing activities	49,265	39,435
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(4,145)	(5,073)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(6,249)	185
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	95,250	121,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 89,001	$ 121,369