Restructuring and Other Charges - Restructuring Charges By Plan (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 15,241	$ 26,182	$ 4,183
Other Restructuring Costs	(503)	5,675	124
Global Realigment Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	15,633
Additional restructuring charges	4,000
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	15,633
Global Realigment Plan [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	8,774
Global Realigment Plan [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	6,859
Global Shared Services Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,097
Additional restructuring charges	6,000
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	3,097
Global Shared Services Plan [Member] | Diebold North America [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	2,808
Global Shared Services Plan [Member] | Diebold International [Member]
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	289
EMEA Reorganization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(2,986)	19,450
Cumulative total restructuring costs for significant plans
Costs incurred to date	16,464
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	16,464
Global Workforce Reductions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 0	$ 1,057	$ 4,059