Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 45,965	$ 4,135
Foreign currency hedges and translation	25,565	14,945
Interest rate hedges:
Gain recognized in other comprehensive income	170	40
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	94	89
Total interest rate hedges	76	(49)
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Net actuarial loss amortization	4,332	2,503
Net prior service cost (benefit) amortization	(64)	(64)
Other	5	(1,710)
Total pension and other postretirement benefits	4,273	729
Unrealized gain (loss), net on securities
Unrealized holding losses arising during period	(416)	(837)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income	328	(164)
Total unrealized gain (loss), net on securities	(744)	(673)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	29,170	14,952
Comprehensive income	75,135	19,087
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	794	1,905
Comprehensive income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	$ 74,341	$ 17,182