The invention relates to a bank note handling device and a bank note detection method. A bank note handling device is provided with: a bank note receiving and dispensing section which has an opening for inserting and discharging a bank note and which also has a bank note pocket disposed below the opening and temporarily storing a bank note which has been inserted through the opening or a bank note which is to be discharged through the opening; a first shutter which is provided at the opening; a second shutter which is provided between the opening and the bank note pocket; a sensor which detects whether or not a bank note is present between the opening and the bank note pocket; and a first lever which is provided on the side of the first shutter which faces the second shutter. When the first shutter closes, at least a part of the first lever moves to the second shutter side through a space which the sensor cannot detect.