Restructuring and Other Charges - Restructuring Charges By Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 26,182		$ 4,183		$ 25,203
Severance [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	4,000		3,226		14,376
Severance [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	19,284		1,315		6,815
Other [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	239	[1]	368	[1]	3,397	[1]
Other [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	2,659	[2]	460	[2]	615	[2]
Gain on sale of real estate [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 0		$ (1,186)		$ 0

[1] Other costs in the DNA segment for the year ended December 31, 2009 include costs to move inventory related to facility closures and consolidation of warehouse operations and distribution centers.

[2] Other costs in the DI segment for the year ended December 31, 2011 include legal fees, accelerated depreciation and lease termination fees.