Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Diebold, Incorporated shareholders' equity
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 826,986	$ 961,155
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	74,341	17,182
Common shares	686	537
Additional capital	13,013	8,257
Treasury shares	(2,885)	(21,451)
Dividends declared	(18,094)	(18,650)
Balance at end of the period	894,047	947,030
Noncontrolling interests
Balance at beginning of the period	31,274	28,659
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	794	1,905
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	(1,112)	(310)
Balance at end of the period	$ 30,956	$ 30,254