CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 12,541	$ 9,072
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	41,834	61,282
Amortization	3,001	4,444
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	2,546	0
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	2,349	(1,407)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, net	1,230	14
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	699	0
Other, net	(750)	(180)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(49,671)	(30,108)
Inventories	(4,454)	(10,757)
Accounts payable	(6,246)	13,252
Accrued interest payable	8,207	5,874
Accrued compensation	(3,586)	(17,725)
Advances on contracts	34,006	(10,311)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	0	(84)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(528)	(8,054)
Other assets and liabilities	(13,650)	(11,897)
Net cash provided by operating activities	27,528	3,415
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(39,883)	(53,733)
Proceeds from the Infrastructure transaction	3,296	0
Proceeds from sales of assets	3,806	10,595
Purchases of business, net of cash acquired	(26,046)	0
Payment of unit adjustment liability	(5,580)	0
Other investing activities, net	(1,178)	2,903
Net cash used by investing activities	(65,585)	(40,235)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	(1,721)	4,093
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	65,000	63,719
Reductions	(18,424)	(15,064)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(16,562)	(16,536)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	(755)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	0	857
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	0	(166)
Common stock issued-options	0	214
Net cash provided by financing activities	28,293	36,362
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(479)	(1,851)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(10,243)	(2,309)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	93,605	95,250
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 83,362	$ 92,941