Segment Information - Revenue By Geographic Region (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	$ 633,511	$ 698,491
Latin America including Brazil [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	124,405	137,668
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	112,183	96,200
Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	66,068	64,703
Diebold North America [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	330,855	399,920
Diebold International [Member]
Revenue summary by geographic region
Total sales	$ 302,656	$ 298,571