Segment Information - Summary of Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Segment Information
Total sales	$ 698,491	$ 614,157
Intersegment revenue	32,382	34,892
Operating profit (loss)	54,644	8,869
Capital expenditures	12,297	10,902
Depreciation	13,282	11,983
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	652,695	656,311	642,256
Total assets	2,631,392	2,531,537	2,517,443
Diebold North America [Member]
Summary of Segment Information
Total sales	399,920	305,964
Intersegment revenue	13,607	19,626
Operating profit (loss)	55,297	16,152
Capital expenditures	5,285	5,779
Depreciation	6,895	6,759
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	465,358	462,840
Total assets	1,057,410	1,012,990
Diebold International [Member]
Summary of Segment Information
Total sales	298,571	308,193
Intersegment revenue	18,775	15,266
Operating profit (loss)	(653)	(7,283)
Capital expenditures	7,012	5,123
Depreciation	6,387	5,224
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	187,337	193,471
Total assets	$ 1,573,982	$ 1,518,547