CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (1,420)	$ 36,448
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	84,333	121,640
Amortization	6,046	8,847
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	5,019	0
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	2,274	(2,528)
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated entities, net	4,238	(581)
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	3,865	0
Other, net	16,926	(2,157)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(30,945)	(47,398)
Inventories	(12,884)	(13,363)
Accounts payable	(7,172)	9,949
Accrued interest payable	704	566
Accrued compensation	2,072	(14,782)
Advances on contracts	32,870	(9,063)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	0	(295)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(2,198)	(10,950)
Other assets and liabilities	(29,279)	(19,964)
Net cash provided by operating activities	74,449	56,369
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(81,615)	(120,191)
Proceeds from the Infrastructure Transaction	15,699	0
Proceeds from sales of assets	6,120	14,853
Purchases of business, net of cash acquired	(26,046)	0
Payment of unit adjustment liability	(11,160)	0
Other investing activities, net	(1,926)	(2,400)
Net cash used by investing activities	(98,928)	(107,738)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	(1,570)	4,188
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	108,431	127,395
Reductions	(62,595)	(51,277)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(33,146)	(33,093)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(1,586)	(2,655)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	0	4,502
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	0	(166)
Common stock issued-options	0	371
Other financing activities, net	(2)	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,532	49,265
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,191)	(4,145)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(16,138)	(6,249)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	93,605	95,250
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 77,467	$ 89,001