Goodwill and Other Assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 490,142	$ 502,967
Accumulated impairment losses	(220,744)	(52,030)
Balance	269,398	450,937
Impairment loss	0	(168,714)	0
Tax benefit (note 4)		(3,922)
Currency translation adjustment	(16,335)	(8,903)
Goodwill	473,807	490,142	502,967
Accumulated impairment losses	(220,744)	(220,744)	(52,030)
Balance	253,063	269,398	450,937
Diebold North America [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	112,163	112,120
Accumulated impairment losses	(13,171)	(13,171)
Balance	98,992	98,949
Impairment loss		0
Tax benefit (note 4)		0
Currency translation adjustment	(50)	43
Goodwill	112,113	112,163
Accumulated impairment losses	(13,171)	(13,171)
Balance	98,942	98,992
Diebold International [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	377,979	390,847
Accumulated impairment losses	(207,573)	(38,859)
Balance	170,406	351,988
Impairment loss		(168,714)
Tax benefit (note 4)		(3,922)
Currency translation adjustment	(16,285)	(8,946)
Goodwill	361,694	377,979
Accumulated impairment losses	(207,573)	(207,573)
Balance	$ 154,121	$ 170,406