Segment Information - Summary of Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Segment Information
Total sales	$ 633,511	$ 698,491
Intersegment revenue	28,465	32,382
Operating (loss) profit	(13,916)	54,644
Capital expenditures	9,328	12,297
Depreciation and amortization	19,831	19,711
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	647,483	652,695	661,910
Total assets	2,629,533	2,631,392	2,592,987
Diebold North America [Member]
Summary of Segment Information
Total sales	330,855	399,920
Intersegment revenue	19,051	13,607
Operating (loss) profit	(5,972)	54,931
Capital expenditures	5,640	5,285
Depreciation and amortization	13,936	12,207
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	452,709	465,358
Total assets	1,078,539	1,057,410
Diebold International [Member]
Summary of Segment Information
Total sales	302,656	298,571
Intersegment revenue	9,414	18,775
Operating (loss) profit	(7,944)	(287)
Capital expenditures	3,688	7,012
Depreciation and amortization	5,895	7,504
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	194,774	187,337
Total assets	$ 1,550,994	$ 1,573,982