Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Diebold, Incorporated shareholders' equity
Balance at beginning of period	$ 596,764	$ 809,963
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	17,752	(1,174)
Common shares	573	545
Additional capital	15,122	13,628
Treasury shares	(1,307)	(1,685)
Dividends paid	(18,653)	(18,418)
Balance at end of period	610,251	802,859
Noncontrolling interests
Balance at beginning of period	24,051	35,348
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,507)	(348)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	(1,508)	(3,464)
Balance at end of period	$ 17,036	$ 31,536