Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges - Restructuring Charges By Plan (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Global Realigment Plan [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	$ 4,770
Global Realigment Plan [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	2,873
Global Realigment Plan [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	1,897
Global Shared Services Plan [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	2,789
Global Shared Services Plan [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	2,527
Global Shared Services Plan [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	262
EMEA Reorganization [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	16,906
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	$ 16,906