Segment Information - Revenue By Geographic Region (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
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	$ 743,188	$ 662,382	$ 1,441,679	$ 1,276,539
Latin America including Brazil [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	163,329	124,206	300,997	277,094
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	96,149	96,122	192,349	180,011
Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	84,813	104,062	149,516	175,478
Diebold North America [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	398,897	337,992	798,817	643,956
Diebold International [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	$ 344,291	$ 324,390	$ 642,862	$ 632,583