Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Diebold, Incorporated shareholders' equity
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 809,963	$ 826,986
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	(1,174)	74,341
Common shares	545	686
Additional capital	13,628	13,013
Treasury shares	(1,685)	(2,885)
Dividends declared and paid	(18,418)	(18,094)
Balance at end of the period	802,859	894,047
Noncontrolling interests
Balance at beginning of the period	35,348	31,274
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(348)	794
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	(3,464)	(1,112)
Balance at end of the period	$ 31,536	$ 30,956