Restructuring and Other Charges - Restructuring Charges By Plan (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
EMEA Reorganization [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	$ 19,780
EMEA Reorganization [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	0
EMEA Reorganization [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	19,780
Global Shared Services Plan [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	1,723
Global Shared Services Plan [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	1,437
Global Shared Services Plan [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	$ 286