CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 51,547	$ 41,389
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation	137,631	139,918
Amortization	17,295	18,016
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(336)	(189)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities	160	176
Other, net	(3,992)	(14,337)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	(87,027)	(81,129)
Inventories	(14,507)	13,367
Accounts payable	9,382	16,771
Accrued interest payable	405	11,370
Accrued compensation	1,919	13,790
Harsco Infrastructure Segment Restructuring Program accrual	(11,146)
Other assets and liabilities	(34,466)	(33,492)
Net cash provided by operating activities	66,865	125,650
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(166,876)	(74,590)
Proceeds from sales of assets	33,388	16,288
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired		(27,643)
Other investing activities	3,831	1,720
Net cash used by investing activities	(129,657)	(84,225)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	57,597	3,485
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	166,924	180,890
Reductions	(162,460)	(177,117)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(33,042)	(32,964)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(600)	(3,948)
Contributions of equity from noncontrolling interests	660	354
Common stock issued-options	1,330	437
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	30,409	(28,863)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	3,440	(4,294)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(28,943)	8,268
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	124,238	94,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 95,295	$ 102,452