Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Beginning balance, Shares Shares, Issued Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Dividends to: Dividends [Abstract] Brink’s common shareholders Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Share-based compensation: Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition Consideration from exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Consideration from exercise of stock options, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Other share-based benefit transactions Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Other Long-term Incentive Plans, Requisite Service Period Recognition Other share-based benefit transactions, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Share-Based Benefit Programs Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Share-Based Benefit Programs Ending balance Ending balance, Shares Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Trading Securities [Table] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash from Short Term Borrowings Cash from Short Term Borrowings [Member] Cash from Short Term Borrowings [Member] Cash Held From Customers Cash Held From Customers [Member] Cash Held From Customers [Member] Deposits liability Deposits [Member] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items] Interest Interest Paid Income taxes, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Capital Leases Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other intangibles Other Intangible Assets, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Restricted cash held for customers Customer Deposits, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Accrued pension costs Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent Retirement benefits other than pensions Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingent liabilities (notes 4, 8 and 13) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] The Brink's Company (Brink's) shareholders: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Shares issued and outstanding: 2018 - 50.9; 2017 - 50.5 Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Brink’s shareholders Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Secured Credit Facility Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term loan A Secured Debt [Member] Senior unsecured notes Unsecured Debt [Member] Multi-currency revolving facility Foreign Line of Credit [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Six hundred million senior unsecured notes Six hundred million senior unsecured notes [Member] Six hundred million senior unsecured notes [Member] Two Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facilities Two Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facilities [Member] Two Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facilities [Member] Forty Million Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facility Forty Million Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Forty Million Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Fifty Four Million Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facility Fifty Four Million Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Fifty Four Million Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Line of credit maturity period Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period Annual amortization percent Debt Instrument, Annual Amortization Percent Debt Instrument, Annual Amortization Percent Debt maturity period Debt Instrument, Term Available capacity amount Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Interest rate margin Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Commitment Fee Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Interest Rate Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Undrawn letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Number of term loan facilities Line of Credit, Number of Credit Facilities Line of Credit, Number of Credit Facilities Amount available Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive stock options and awards (shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Antidilutive stock options and awards excluded from denominator (shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Share-based goods and nonemployee services transaction, quantity of securities issued (shares) Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued Segment Reporting [Abstract] Reconciliation of Revenue and Operating Profit from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Revenue and Operating Profit from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of each significant reconciling item, Operating profit (loss) and revenues in the reconciliation of totals of such items in reportable segments to the entity's corresponding consolidated amount. Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Maco Maco [Member] Maco [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Other Assets Other Assets [Member] Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Carrying value Unsecured Debt Fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Notional value Derivative, Notional Amount Weighted average maturity Derivative, Term of Contract Number of interest rate swaps Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Fair Value of swap, net Interest Rate Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Fair value of swap, asset position Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Scheduled installments period Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period Potential undiscounted amount minimum Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low Potential undiscounted amount maximum Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Revenue multiple Fair Value Inputs, Revenue Multiple Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Asset Related Adjustments Facility Closing [Member] Severance Costs Employee Severance [Member] Lease Terminations Contract Termination [Member] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Reorganization and Restructuring 2016 Reorganization and Restructuring 2016 [Member] Reorganization and Restructuring 2016 [Member] Other Restructuring Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Positions eliminated across the global workforce Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated Expected cost savings Effect on Future Earnings, Amount Expected costs Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance Restructuring Reserve Expense (benefit) Restructuring Charges Payments and utilization Payments for Restructuring Foreign currency exchange effects Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Restructuring Reserve, ending balance Reorganization and Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Nonvested share activity Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Option activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Provision for income taxes (in millions) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Tax Reform Act Tax Expense Charge Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability Foreign tax credit amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from contracts with customers Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Pro Forma under Old Revenue Recognition Standard Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Impact of New Revenue Recognition Standard Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Receivables Receivable - increase (decrease) Increase (Decrease) in Contract Receivables, Net Contract Asset Contract with Customer, Asset, Net Contract asset increase (decrease) Contract with Customer, Asset, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Measure of Progress Contract Liability Contract with Customer, Liability Contract liability - increase (decrease) Contract with Customer, Liability, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Measure of Progress Revenue recognized included in beginning balance Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Revenue - revenue from performance obligation in prior periods Contract with Customer, Asset, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Estimate of Transaction Price Capitalized costs to obtain contracts Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of presentation Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Benefit Plan Adjustments Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Beginning balance Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss) Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income Ending balance Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Segment information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Shares used to calculate earnings per share Stock Acquired Repurchase Authorization [Text Block] Description of share repurchase program authorized by an entity's Board of Directors. Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] UMWA Plans UMWA Plans Postretirement Medical [Member] Black Lung and Other Plans Black Lung And Other Plans Postretirement Medical [Member] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] U.S. Plans Domestic Plan [Member] Non-U.S. Plans Foreign Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost on projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Return on assets – expected Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Settlement loss Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock [Member] Performance Shares Units PSU Performance Shares [Member] Market Share Units MSU Market Share Units MSU [Member] Deferred Stock Units Deferred Stock Units [Member] Deferred Stock units. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares (in thousands) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Nonvested, beginning balance, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Forfeited, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Vested, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Nonvested, ending balance, shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Nonvested, beginning balance (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested, ending balance (dollars per share) Actual shares earned and distributed (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Benefit plan adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Benefit plan adjustments Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Benefit plan adjustments(a) Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(b) Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(c) Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Benefit Plans Adjustments Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Amounts Arising During the Current Period, Pretax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Amounts Arising During the Current Period, Income Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Amounts Reclassified to Net Income (Loss), Pretax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Amounts Reclassified to Net Income (Loss), Income Tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Cost of revenues Cost of Revenue Selling, general and administrative expenses Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense Interest and other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other operating income (expense) Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Performance-Based Options Performance-Based Options [Member] Performance-Based Options [Member] Time Based Vesting Option Time Based Vesting Option [Member] Time Based Vesting Option [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning balance, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Forfeited, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Exercised, shares Ending balance, shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning balance (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending balance (dollars per share) Retirement benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental cash flow information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Restricted Cash Borrowings Restricted Cash Borrowings [Member] Restricted Cash Borrowings [Member] Other Short Term Debt, Other [Member] Short Term Debt, Other [Member] Other Non-US Dollar-denominated Facilities Other Non-US Dollar-denominated Facilities [Member] Capital leases Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Long-term Debt Types [Abstract] Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount [Abstract] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Debt Long-term Line of Credit Capital Leases Capital Lease Obligations Total long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total Debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Long-term Debt by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Current liabilities Debt, Current Noncurrent liabilities Other Disclosures [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Unamortized debt costs Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block] Par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Other Acquisitions Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Actual revenue results included in consolidation Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Actual net income results included in consolidation Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Revenues Revenue, Net Reported net income attributable to Brink's Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Pro forma revenue results Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Pro forma net income results Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Transaction costs Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Fair value of financial instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] Investment [Axis] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] Venezuela Investment Venezuela Investment [Member] Venezuela Investment [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Argentine pesos Argentina, Pesos Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Venezuela VENEZUELA Argentina ARGENTINA Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Rate decrease percent Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Remeasurement Decrease Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Remeasurement Decrease Remeasurement rate Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Remeasurement Net remeasurement loss Amount Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Investment in Venezuela operations Equity Method Investments Net payables to other Brink's affiliates Due to Affiliate Nonmonetary assets Assets, Noncurrent Net monetary assets Net Assets Accumulated other comprehensive losses related to Venezuela Percent of Consolidated Revenue Percent of Consolidated Revenue Percent of Consolidated Revenue Official exchange rate Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Equity Securities Marketable Securities, Equity Securities Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Costs and expenses: Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Other operating income (expense) Operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest Expense Interest and other income (expense) Income from continuing operations before tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Brink’s Amounts attributable to Brink’s Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Brink’s common shareholders Basic: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations (dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income (loss) (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Continuing operations (dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income (loss) (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average shares Earnings Per Share, Basic, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic (shares) Diluted (shares) Cash dividends paid per common share (dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable segments Operating Segments [Member] Other items not allocated to segments Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] North America North America [Member] South America South America [Member] Rest of World Rest of World [Member] Rest of World [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Core services Core services [Member] Core services [Member] High-value services High-value services [Member] High-value services [Member] Other security services Other security services [Member] Other security services [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenue disaggregated by reportable segment and type of service Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Gains on sale of property, equipment and marketable securities Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets Gain on business dispositions Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Impairment losses Other Asset Impairment Charges Retirement benefit funding (more) less than expense: Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation, Noncash [Abstract] Pension Pension Cost (Reversal of Cost) Other than pension Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) Remeasurement (gains) losses due to Venezuela currency devaluation Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Other operating Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable and income taxes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Accounts payable, income taxes payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable, income taxes payable and accrued liabilities The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid, combined with the net change during the period in the amount of cash payments due to taxing authorities for taxes that are based on the reporting entity's earnings. Restricted cash held for customers Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Customer obligations Increase (Decrease) in Customer Deposits Prepaid and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Dispositions, net of cash disposed Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Purchases Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Sales Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Cash proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash used by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Cash supply chain customer debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Debt Borrowings Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt Repayments Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Payment of acquisition-related obligation Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities Dividends to: Shareholders of Brink’s Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Tax withholdings associated with share-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash (used) provided by financing activities Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Increase (decrease) Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingent matters Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Operating Profit Other assets Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Benefit plan adjustments: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract] Benefit plan actuarial gains Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Benefit plan prior service cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Total benefit plan adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Unrealized net gains on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Gains on cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Other comprehensive income before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Provision for income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Brink's Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Corporate expenses Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Venezuela operations Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Acquisitions and dispositions, Revenues Gain (Loss) on Acquisition and Disposition of Businesses Gain (Loss) on Acquisition and Disposition of Businesses General, administrative and other expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Foreign currency transaction gains Reconciliation of segment policies to GAAP Reconciliation Of Segment Policies To GAAP Reconciliation Of Segment Policies To GAAP Reorganization and Restructuring Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Acquisitions and dispositions, Operating profit Acquisitions And Dispositions Acquisitions And Dispositions Share-based compensation plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock Transactions, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Stock Transactions, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Dividends (dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared AATI AATI [Member] American Armored Transport, Inc. AATI [Member] Pag Facil Pag Facil [Member] Pag Facil [Member] LGS LGS [Member] Global Security S.A. LGS [Member] Maco Litoral Maco Litoral [Member] Maco Litoral [Member] Temis Temis [Member] Temis [Member] Number of acquired operations Number of Businesses Acquired Acquisition date Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition Percentage of shares acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Entity number of employees Entity Number of Employees Entity Number of branches Entity Number Of Branches Entity Number Of Branches Entity Number of armored vehicles Entity Number Of Armored Vehicles Entity Number Of Armored Vehicles Goodwill increase Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) Intangible assets decrease Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Noncurrent liability increase Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Purchase consideration - cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Indemnification Assets Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date Fair value of future payments to sellers Contractual Obligation Fair value of purchase consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Property and equipment, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Other noncurrent assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Share-based payment expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Share-based payment expense, net of tax Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax