CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (218,188)	$ (254,101)	$ (9,556)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	221,266	251,905	276,021
Amortization	15,775	20,212	34,420
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(18,427)	(10,708)	20,826
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(1,548)	(564)	(690)
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	37	308	226
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	0	31,443	67,320
Goodwill impairment charge	0	265,038	0
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	271,296	0	0
Other, net	2,735	(27,098)	(7,432)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	(34,504)	22,016	(58,011)
Inventories	18,510	2,365	7,976
Accounts payable	14,319	(37,649)	(2,713)
Accrued interest payable	(1,836)	(319)	(375)
Accrued compensation	(9,860)	517	12,554
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	(6,788)	(5,211)	(19,629)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(17,705)	(7,883)	30,471
Other assets and liabilities	(46,827)	(51,392)	(52,632)
Net cash provided by operating activities	188,255	198,879	298,776
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(246,147)	(265,023)	(313,101)
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	303,039	0	0
Proceeds from sales of assets	18,984	49,779	42,653
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	2,849	740	1,938
Other investing activities, net	(10,342)	(3,284)	16,564
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	62,685	(219,268)	(255,822)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	(1,901)	(43,464)	21,637
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	316,804	285,850	301,515
Reductions	(498,600)	(184,372)	(297,854)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(66,211)	(66,068)	(66,146)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(3,381)	(2,605)	(4,171)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(166)	0	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,825	8,097	8,851
Common stock issued-options	371	725	2,403
Common stock acquired for treasury	0	0	(5,788)
Other financing activities, net	(405)	(2,709)	(1)
Net cash used by financing activities	(248,664)	(4,546)	(39,554)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(3,921)	(999)	(6,454)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(1,645)	(25,934)	(3,054)
Cash and cash equivalents	93,605	95,250	121,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	93,605	95,250	121,184
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
Propery, plant and equipment	(2,437)	0	(1,394)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilites, net	$ (412)	$ (740)	$ (544)