CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (29,572)	$ 12,807
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation	65,454	67,929
Amortization	6,488	8,593
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(169)	(211)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities		88
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	12,246
Other, net	(9,830)	(4,372)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	212	(38,681)
Inventories	(17,269)	(14,313)
Accounts payable	(9,522)	10,547
Accrued interest payable	5,552	6,199
Accrued compensation	(11,760)	(9,704)
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	(1,317)	(9,116)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(599)
Other assets and liabilities	(11,340)	(16,626)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	(1,426)	13,140
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(52,789)	(67,257)
Proceeds from sales of assets	22,488	6,617
Other investing activities, net	(2,020)	4,733
Net cash used by investing activities	(32,321)	(55,907)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	(19,527)	29,431
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	139,066	70,482
Reductions	(61,196)	(66,566)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(16,499)	(16,507)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		(600)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	7,935	333
Common stock issued-options	542	1,239
Other financing activities, net	(2,708)
Net cash provided by financing activities	47,613	17,812
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	1,554	2,029
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	15,420	(22,926)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	121,184	124,238
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 136,604	$ 101,312