CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 23,747	$ (195,118)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	124,855	178,136
Amortization	8,937	12,967
Change in fair value to the unit adjustment liability	7,417	0
Deferred income tax expense	2,339	3,465
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(1,057)	(1,015)
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	3,865	241,323
Other, net	16,677	(1,449)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(37,798)	(21,194)
Inventories	(22,409)	(10,671)
Accounts payable	(17,735)	28,882
Accrued interest payable	8,741	6,333
Accrued compensation	9,415	(5,036)
Advances on contracts	96,041	(17,536)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	0	(870)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(2,455)	(14,496)
Other assets and liabilities	(36,171)	(39,634)
Net cash provided by operating activities	184,409	164,087
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(134,289)	(181,706)
Proceeds from the Infrastructure Transaction	15,699	0
Proceeds from sales of assets	11,153	16,947
Purchases of business, net of cash acquired	(26,244)	(2,841)
Payment of unit adjustment liability	(16,740)	0
Other investing activities, net	473	(4,985)
Net cash used by investing activities	(149,948)	(172,585)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	3,971	239
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	117,470	284,861
Reductions	(120,544)	(203,677)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(49,734)	(49,652)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(2,186)	(2,880)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	0	4,622
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	0	(166)
Common stock issued-options	0	371
Other financing activities, net	0	(405)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(51,023)	33,313
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(4,440)	(4,253)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(21,002)	20,562
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	93,605	95,250
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 72,603	$ 115,812