Goodwill and Other Assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 473,807	$ 490,142
Accumulated impairment losses	(220,744)	(220,744)
Balance	253,063	269,398
Goodwill acquired	26,003
Currency translation adjustment	(6,115)	(16,335)
Goodwill	493,695	473,807
Accumulated impairment losses	(220,744)	(220,744)
Balance	272,951	253,063
Diebold North America [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	112,113	112,163
Accumulated impairment losses	(13,171)	(13,171)
Balance	98,942	98,992
Goodwill acquired	0
Currency translation adjustment	63	(50)
Goodwill	112,176	112,113
Accumulated impairment losses	(13,171)	(13,171)
Balance	99,005	98,942
Diebold International [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	361,694	377,979
Accumulated impairment losses	(207,573)	(207,573)
Balance	154,121	170,406
Goodwill acquired	26,003
Currency translation adjustment	(6,178)	(16,285)
Goodwill	381,519	361,694
Accumulated impairment losses	(207,573)	(207,573)
Balance	$ 173,946	$ 154,121