Restructuring and Other Charges - Restructuring Charges By Plan (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
EMEA Reorganization [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	$ 19,450
EMEA Reorganization [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	0
EMEA Reorganization [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	19,450
Global Workforce Reductions [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	42,946
Global Workforce Reductions [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	21,494
Global Workforce Reductions [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	21,452
Global Manufacturing Realignment [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	37,469
Global Manufacturing Realignment [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	11,579
Global Manufacturing Realignment [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	$ 25,890