Goodwill and Other Assets (Textuals) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill and Other Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 168,714	$ 0
Capitalized software development costs	51,117	55,575
Amortization expense on capitalized software	18,742	17,315	16,768
Impairment of assets	2,962	175,849	2,500
Equity earnings of an investee	1,813	2,982	2,456
Dividend declared by non consolidated affiliate	2,470	2,172	2,610
Diebold North America [Member]
Goodwill and Other Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		0
Impairment of assets	2,962	7,135	2,500
Shanghai Diebold King Safe Company [Member]
Goodwill and Other Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in subsidiary company	50.00%
Investments in subsidiary accounted under equity method of investment	$ 11,461	$ 12,118