Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Diebold, Incorporated shareholders' equity
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 850,737	$ 951,308	$ 826,986	$ 961,155
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	24,390	(59,395)	65,643	13,737
Common shares	45	5	983	585
Additional capital	4,758	4,117	25,527	15,239
Treasury shares	(180)	(47,261)	(3,076)	(104,852)
Dividends declared and paid	(18,260)	(18,056)	(54,573)	(55,146)
Balance at end of the period	861,490	830,718	861,490	830,718
Noncontrolling interests
Balance at beginning of the period	32,024	31,178	31,274	28,659
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	944	1,310	2,806	4,874
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	(980)	(4,823)	(2,092)	(5,868)
Balance at end of the period	$ 31,988	$ 27,665	$ 31,988	$ 27,665