CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (195,118)	$ 10,769
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	178,136	188,182
Amortization	12,967	15,662
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	3,465	(6,867)
Equity in income or loss of unconsolidated entities, net	(1,015)	(479)
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	0	308
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	0	21,787
Impairment of long-lived assets	241,323	0
Other, net	(1,449)	(29,263)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(21,194)	(1,247)
Inventories	(10,671)	(23,298)
Accounts payable	28,882	(24,719)
Accrued interest payable	6,333	5,786
Accrued compensation	(5,036)	2,286
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	(870)	(4,755)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(14,496)	(8,050)
Other assets and liabilities	(57,170)	(34,733)
Net cash provided by operating activities	164,087	111,369
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(181,706)	(172,770)
Proceeds from sales of assets	16,947	42,889
Purchases of business, net of cash acquired	(2,841)	(517)
Other investing activities, net	(4,985)	457
Net cash used by investing activities	(172,585)	(129,941)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	239	(39,302)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	284,861	249,034
Reductions	(203,677)	(151,399)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(49,652)	(49,548)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(2,880)	(2,264)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,622	8,097
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(166)	0
Common stock issued-options	371	725
Other financing activities, net	(405)	(2,709)
Net cash provided by financing activities	33,313	12,634
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(4,253)	(1,506)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	20,562	(7,444)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	95,250	121,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 115,812	$ 113,740