CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 83,537	$ 62,321
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation	207,330	209,428
Amortization	25,950	27,033
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(530)	(309)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities	160	176
Other, net	(3,674)	(17,271)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	(76,972)	(57,299)
Inventories	(6,667)	8,606
Accounts payable	3,150	14,524
Accrued interest payable	6,651	21,252
Accrued compensation	13,640	16,429
Harsco Infrastructure Segment Restructuring Program accrual	(16,697)
Other assets and liabilities	(45,771)	(48,910)
Net cash provided by operating activities	190,107	235,980
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(240,820)	(129,942)
Proceeds from sales of assets	37,180	18,421
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	(1,938)	(27,643)
Other investing activities	10,115	(3,093)
Net cash used by investing activities	(195,463)	(142,257)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	28,941	(50,919)
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	215,422	499,267
Reductions	(210,761)	(251,646)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(49,599)	(49,460)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(3,322)	(5,020)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		(1,159)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	9,074	442
Common stock issued-options	1,668	820
Other financing activities	(1)	(369)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(8,578)	141,956
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(4,016)	474
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(17,950)	236,153
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	124,238	94,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 106,288	$ 330,337