Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges - Restructuring Charges By Plan (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
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs	$ 374	$ 1,033	$ 44	$ 1,254
Restructuring Charges	717	4,485	2,440	16,286
EMEA Reorganization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(34)	3,452	296	15,032
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date			19,746
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			19,746
Global Shared Services Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	377		2,100
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date			2,100
Global Shared Services Plan [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date			1,930
Global Shared Services Plan [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date			$ 170