Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges - Restructuring Charges By Segment (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
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 2,462		$ 1,437		$ 4,902		$ 17,723
Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(157)		1,715		(113)		2,969
Diebold North America [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,313		391		4,870		1,186
Diebold North America [Member] | Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		220		0		220
Diebold International [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(621)		781		(329)		15,230
Diebold International [Member] | Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ (230)	[1]	$ 45	[1]	$ 361	[1]	$ 1,087	[1]

[1] Other costs in the DI segment include legal fees, accelerated depreciation and lease termination fees.