Document And Entity Information (USD $)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Oct. 25, 2011
Jun. 30, 2010
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]   
Document Type10-Q  
Document Fiscal Year Focus2011  
Amendment Flagfalse  
Document Period End DateSep. 30, 2011
Document Fiscal Period FocusQ2  
Entity Registrant NameBRINKS CO  
Entity Central Index Key0000078890  
Current Fiscal Year End Date--12-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned IssuerYes  
Entity Voluntary FilersNo  
Entity Current Reporting StatusYes  
Entity Filer CategoryLarge Accelerated Filer  
Entity Public Float  $ 906,581,912
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 46,830,971