Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Income used in basic and diluted earnings per share:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 45,163	$ 2,512
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(11)
Net income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	$ 45,163	$ 2,501
Denominator (in thousands):
Weighted-average number of common shares used in basic earnings per share	62,725	65,762
Effect of dilutive shares	608	468
Weighted-average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	63,333	66,230
Basic earnings per share
Net Income from continuing operations	$ 0.72	$ 0.04
Loss from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Net income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	$ 0.72	$ 0.04
Diluted earnings per share
Net Income from continuing operations	$ 0.71	$ 0.04
Loss from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Net income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	$ 0.71	$ 0.04
Anti-dilutive shares (in thousands):
Anti-dilutive shares not used in calculating diluted weighted-average shares	1,596	2,023