CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (16,299)	$ 51,547
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	126,889	137,631
Amortization	11,067	17,295
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	(297)	(336)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities	154	160
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustments	19,558	0
Other, net	(15,984)	(3,992)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable	(5,564)	(87,027)
Inventories	(24,850)	(14,507)
Accounts payable	(7,951)	9,382
Accrued interest payable	31	405
Accrued compensation	(5,719)	1,919
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	(2,751)	(11,146)
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	(3,508)	0
Other assets and liabilities	(39,029)	(34,466)
Net cash provided by operating activities	35,747	66,865
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(107,845)	(166,876)
Proceeds from sales of assets	36,573	33,388
Other investing activities, net	1,348	3,831
Net cash used by investing activities	(69,924)	(129,657)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings, net	(26,366)	57,597
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions	219,076	166,924
Reductions	(124,176)	(162,460)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(33,029)	(33,042)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(2,072)	(600)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	7,985	660
Common stock issued-options	725	1,330
Other financing activities, net	(2,708)	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	39,435	30,409
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(5,073)	3,440
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	185	(28,943)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	121,184	124,238
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 121,369	$ 95,295