Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 18,064	$ 42,782	$ 91,821	$ 69,048
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency hedges and translation	4,814	(105,655)	(35,654)	(56,561)
Interest rate hedges:
Net loss recognized in other comprehensive income	(133)	(587)	(64)	(809)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income	82	76	252	243
Total interest rate hedges	(215)	(663)	(316)	(1,052)
Pension and other post-retirement benefits:
Net actuarial loss amortization	4,330	2,447	12,967	7,441
Net prior service benefit amortization	(65)	(65)	(194)	(194)
Other	2	(772)	12	(3,376)
Total pension and other post retirement benefits	4,267	1,610	12,785	3,871
Unrealized gain (loss), net on securities:
Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income	132	2,969	3,049	965
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains (loss) included in net income	1,728	(872)	3,236	(2,340)
Total unrealized (loss) gain, net on securities	(1,596)	3,841	(187)	3,305
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	7,270	(100,867)	(23,372)	(50,437)
Comprehensive income (loss)	25,334	(58,085)	68,449	18,611
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	944	1,310	2,806	4,874
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	$ 24,390	$ (59,395)	$ 65,643	$ 13,737