Segment Information - Revenue By Geographic Region (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	$ 698,491	$ 614,157
Latin America including Brazil [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	137,668	152,888
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	96,200	83,889
Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	64,703	71,416
Diebold North America [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	399,920	305,964
Diebold International [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	$ 298,571	$ 308,193