Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Diebold, Incorporated shareholders' equity
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 894,047	$ 947,030	$ 826,986	$ 961,155
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	(33,088)	55,950	41,253	73,132
Common shares	252	43	938	580
Additional capital	7,756	2,865	20,769	11,122
Treasury shares	(11)	(36,140)	(2,896)	(57,591)
Dividends declared and paid	(18,219)	(18,440)	(36,313)	(37,090)
Balance at end of the period	850,737	951,308	850,737	951,308
Noncontrolling interests
Balance at beginning of the period	30,956	30,254	31,274	28,659
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,068	1,659	1,862	3,564
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	0	(735)	(1,112)	(1,045)
Balance at end of the period	$ 32,024	$ 31,178	$ 32,024	$ 31,178