Segment Information - Summary of Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Segment Information
Total sales	$ 707,113	$ 743,188	$ 1,340,624	$ 1,441,679
Intersegment revenue	26,128	28,998	54,593	61,380
Operating (loss) profit	(23,622)	38,260	(37,538)	91,271
Capital expenditures	8,828	8,372	18,156	20,669
Depreciation and amortization	22,363	19,084	42,194	38,795
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	602,776	635,422	602,776	635,422	661,910
Total assets	2,526,068	2,569,329	2,526,068	2,569,329	2,592,987
Diebold North America [Member]
Summary of Segment Information
Total sales	368,386	398,897	699,241	798,817
Intersegment revenue	19,841	13,294	38,892	26,901
Operating (loss) profit	13,434	35,665	7,536	90,596
Capital expenditures	5,559	7,315	11,199	12,600
Depreciation and amortization	16,394	14,908	30,330	27,115
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	419,200	457,904	419,200	457,904
Total assets	1,011,864	1,072,470	1,011,864	1,072,470
Diebold International [Member]
Summary of Segment Information
Total sales	338,727	344,291	641,383	642,862
Intersegment revenue	6,287	15,704	15,701	34,479
Operating (loss) profit	(37,056)	2,595	(45,074)	675
Capital expenditures	3,269	1,057	6,957	8,069
Depreciation and amortization	5,969	4,176	11,864	11,680
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	183,576	177,518	183,576	177,518
Total assets	$ 1,514,204	$ 1,496,859	$ 1,514,204	$ 1,496,859