CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (9,556)	$ 12,459	$ 125,772
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation	276,021	279,234	282,976
Amortization	34,420	36,005	28,555
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(690)	(390)	(504)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities	226	176	410
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment		43,158
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	67,320
Other, net	(7,432)	(20,629)	6,145
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	(58,011)	4,395	111,207
Inventories	7,976	12,599	35,798
Accounts payable	(2,713)	36,529	(54,701)
Accrued interest payable	(375)	(2,615)	(1,305)
Accrued compensation	12,554	16,305	(23,402)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	(19,629)	29,817
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	30,471
Other assets and liabilities	(31,806)	(45,616)	(76,493)
Net cash provided by operating activities	298,776	401,427	434,458
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(313,101)	(192,348)	(165,320)
Proceeds from sales of assets	42,653	22,663	2,115
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired*	(1,938)	(27,643)	(103,241)
Other investing activities, net	16,564	(4,695)	(2,914)
Net cash used by investing activities	(255,822)	(202,023)	(269,360)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	21,637	(25,706)	(79,670)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	301,515	747,213	482,493
Reductions	(297,854)	(821,038)	(487,171)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(66,146)	(65,976)	(63,813)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(4,171)	(5,850)	(3,487)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests		(1,159)	(13,057)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	8,851	698	5,332
Common stock issued - options	2,403	997	995
Common stock acquired for treasury	(5,788)
Other financing activities, net	(1)	(700)	(5,705)
Net cash used by financing activities	(39,554)	(171,521)	(164,083)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(6,454)	2,171	1,833
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(3,054)	30,054	2,848
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	124,238	94,184	91,336
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 121,184	$ 124,238	$ 94,184