Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Diebold, Incorporated shareholders' equity
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 947,030	$ 1,038,358	$ 961,155	$ 1,046,379
Net income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	20,804	29,731	23,305	53,655
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	33,817	(24,226)	48,491	(36,445)
Interest rate hedges	(340)	(633)	(389)	(820)
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	1,532	1,335	2,261	2,698
Unrealized (loss) gain, net on available for sale securities	137	130	(536)	655
Comprehensive income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated	55,950	6,337	73,132	19,743
Common shares	43	44	580	211
Additional capital	2,865	3,252	11,122	11,108
Treasury shares	(36,140)	(9,773)	(57,591)	(21,128)
Dividends declared	(18,440)	(17,981)	(37,090)	(36,076)
Balance at end of the period	951,308	1,020,237	951,308	1,020,237
Noncontrolling interests
Balance at beginning of the period	30,254	25,808	28,659	25,647
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,327	659	2,961	957
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	332	123	603	(14)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,659	782	3,564	943
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	(735)	(9)	(1,045)	(9)
Balance at end of the period	$ 31,178	$ 26,581	$ 31,178	$ 26,581