Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Domestic Plan Domestic Plan [Member] U.S. Plans UNITED STATES Non-U.S. Plans Foreign Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Total Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Information for pension plans with an ABO in excess of plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Annuity Buy Out Number of Participants Annuity Buy Out Number of Participants Annuity Buy Out Number of Participants Plan asset payment for settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Payment for Settlement Primary U.S. Pension Plan Obligation Settled Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement Settlement charge Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Capital Stock Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense Benefit Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Comprehensive provision (benefit) for income taxes allocation Comprehensive Provision Benefit For Income Taxes Allocation [Table Text Block] Tabular summary of comprehensive provision benefit for income taxes allocable to continuing opertions, discontinued operations, other compreshensive income or loss, shareholder's equity. Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Valuation Allowance Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block] Net Operating Losses Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Uncertain Tax Positions Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Interest and Other Income Interest and Other Income [Table Text Block] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Federal Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Foreign Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] 2020-2024 Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Subject To Expiration Next Five Years The amount of operating loss carryforwards available to reduce future taxable income, which are subject to expiration dates in the next five years. 2025-2029 Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Subject To Expiration Following Five Years The amount of operating loss carryforwards available to reduce future taxable income, which are subject to expiration dates in the following five years. 2030 and thereafter Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration Unlimited Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration Tax benefit of net operating loss carryforwards before valuation allowances Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Cover page. Document Type Document Type Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name 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 Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Smaller Reporting Company Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Statement, Business 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] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Prior year acquisitions adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Derecognition of disposition Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill Acquisitions/Dispositions Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease) Currency Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Goodwill, Ending Balance Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Operating lease cost(a) Operating Lease, Cost Short-term lease cost Short-term Lease, Cost Amortization of right-of-use assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Total lease cost Lease, Cost Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] UMWA Plans UMWA Plans Postretirement Medical [Member] Defined Benefit Plan by Plan Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Cash and cash equivalents Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Equity securities: Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities [Member] U.S. large-cap(a) Us Large Cap Equity Funds [Member] U.S. small/mid-cap(a) Us Small Mid Cap Equity Funds [Member] International(a) International Equity Funds [Member] U.S. equity funds(a) Us Equity Funds [Member] Canadian equity funds(a) Canadian Equity Funds [Member] European equity funds(a) European Equity Funds [Member] Emerging markets(a) Emerging Markets Equity Funds [Member] Other global equity funds(a) Other Non Us Equity Funds [Member] Dynamic asset allocation(c) Dynamic Asset Allocation [Member] Fixed-income securities: Fixed Income Funds [Member] Long duration - mutual fund(d) Long Duration Fixed Income Funds [Member] Long duration - Treasury strips(d) Long Duration Fixed Income Fund [Member] High yield(e) High Yield Fixed Income Funds [Member] Emerging markets(f) Emerging Markets Fixed Income Funds [Member] Multi asset real return(i) Multi Asset Real Return [Member] European fixed-income funds(b) European Fixed Income Funds [Member] Other types of investments: Other Types Of Investments [Member] Core property(g) (l) Core Property [Member] Structured credit(h) (l) Structured Credit Investment [Member] Structured Credit Investment [Member] Global private equity(j) (l) Private Equity Funds, US [Member] Energy debt(k) (l) Energy Debt Investment [Member] Energy Debt Investment [Member] Property funds(f) Property Funds [Member] Property Funds [Member] Global infrastructure fund(g) Global Infrastructure Fund [Member] Global Infrastructure Fund [Member] Other Other Funds [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Total Fair Value Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount % Actual Allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage % Target Allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Portfolio duration (in years) Defined Benefit Plan, Investment Portfolio, Term Defined Benefit Plan, Investment Portfolio, Term Maximum average weighted maturity (in years) Defined Benefit Plan, Actively Managed Mutual Fund, Average Weighted Maturity Period Defined Benefit Plan, Actively Managed Mutual Fund, Average Weighted Maturity Period Interest and Other Income [Abstract] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2024 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Later years Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] 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 AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Ending Balance Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Obligations and Funded Status Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes of Level 3 Plan Assets Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade Accounts Receivable Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Retirement Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risks Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair-value estimates Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] 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] Performance Shares Units PSU Performance Shares [Member] Market Share Units MSU Market Share Units MSU [Member] Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock [Member] Deferred Stock Units Deferred Stock Units [Member] Deferred Stock units. Performance-based Options Performance-Based Options [Member] Performance-Based Options [Member] Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] 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 Unrecognized Expense for Nonvested Awards at Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average No. of Years Unrecognized Expense to be Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Income tax benefit realized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options Black Lung and Other Plans Black Lung And Other Plans Postretirement Medical [Member] Retirement benefits other than pension Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] 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) Curtailment (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment Settlement loss Net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] AOCI 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 (shares) Shares, Issued Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Dividends to: Dividends [Abstract] Brink’s common shareholders ($0.60 per share) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Stock options and awards: Stock Options and Awards [Abstract] Stock Options and Awards [Abstract] Compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, 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 Dispositions of noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests Acquisitions with noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Ending Balance (shares) Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Buildings Building [Member] Building leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Vehicles Vehicles [Member] Capitalized software Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Other machinery and equipment Other Machinery and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 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] Benefit Program Termination Benefit Program Termination [Member] Benefit Program Termination [Member] Modification of Share-based Awards Modification of Share-based Awards [Member] Modification of Share-based Awards [Member] Other Restructuring Other Restructuring [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 Restructurings Other Restructurings [Member] Other Restructurings Plan [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Cumulative pretax charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Positions eliminated across the global workforce Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated Restructuring costs Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 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 Accrual adjustment Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Foreign currency exchange effects Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Restructuring Reserve, ending balance Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Minimum Repayments of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financing Lease Asset Classes Schedule of Financing Leased Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financing Leased Assets [Table Text Block] 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. Schedule of Capital Expenditures, Depreciation and Amortization by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long Lived Assets By Geographic Areas Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue By Geographical Areas Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Assets Outside the U.S. Schedule Of Net Assets Outside Us [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Financial Information About Equity Affiliates Held By Segments Schedule Of Financial Information About Equity Affiliates Held By Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Financial Information About Equity Affiliates Held By Segments, carrying value of investments, shear of earnings, undistributed earnings, etc. 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] Other Assets, Noncurrent Disclosure [Abstract] Other Assets Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Financing Leases Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Gross Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Gross Amount before accumulated depreciation of leased physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services Less: accumulated amortization Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Amortization Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Amortization Total Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Uncertain tax positions: Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Beginning of year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases related to prior-year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases related to prior-year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Increases related to current-year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Increases related to acquisitions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Acquisition Decreases related to acquisitions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Acquisition Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Effect of the expiration of statutes of limitation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Foreign currency exchange effects Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting From Foreign Currency Translation The gross amount of increase or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from foreign currency conversations or other reclassifications. End of year Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Other Assets and Other Liabilities Schedule of Other Assets and Other Liabilities [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Workers’ compensation and other claims Workers' Compensation Liability, Noncurrent Post-employment benefits Postemployment Benefits Liability, Noncurrent Asset retirement and remediation obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Acquisition-related obligations Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Noncurrent tax liabilities Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other Other Sundry Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Noncancellable commitments in equipment purchases Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Rodoban Rodoban [Member] Rodoban [Member] Dunbar Dunbar [Member] Dunbar [Member] 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 from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Reported net income (loss) 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 Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Payroll and other employee liabilities Accrued Employee Benefits, Current Taxes, except income taxes Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Acquisition-related obligations Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Workers’ compensation and other claims Workers' Compensation Liability, Current Cash held by cash management services operations(a) Amounts Held By Cash Logistics Operations Customer deposits held due to logistic reasons and are credited to their accounts the following day. Cash supply chain deposit liability Deposit Liability, Current Retirement benefits (see Note 4) Liability, Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits, Current Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] French airport security services company French airport security services company [Member] French airport security services company [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Disposal Date Disposal Date Percent of shares sold Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Percent of Business Sold Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Percent of Business Sold Net sales price Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Gain on sale of business Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Annual revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block] Tabular representation of allowance for doubtful accounts continuity. Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Nature of Error [Axis] Nature of Error [Axis] Nature of Error [Domain] Nature of Error [Domain] Internal Loss AR Rebuild Internal Loss AR Rebuild [Member] Internal Loss AR Rebuild [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Venezuela VENEZUELA ARGENTINA ARGENTINA Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Segments: Operating Segments [Member] Corporate items: Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Other items not allocated to segments: Segment Reconciling Items [Member] 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 Operating Profit Operating Income (Loss) General, administrative and other expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Foreign currency transaction losses Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Reconciliation of segment policies to GAAP Reconciliation Of Segment Policies To GAAP Reconciliation Of Segment Policies To GAAP Reorganization and Restructuring Acquisitions and dispositions Acquisitions And Dispositions Acquisitions And Dispositions Argentina highly inflationary impact Amount Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting Internal loss Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Period Increase (Decrease) Reporting compliance Reporting compliance Reporting compliance New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Right-of-use assets, net Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Amounts attributable to Brink’s: Amounts Attributable To Brink's Income (Loss) From [Abstract] Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) attributable to Brink’s Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income (loss) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income (loss) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table] Pension plan Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Argentina, Pesos Argentina, Pesos Brazil BRAZIL Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Share-based expense for modification Gain on lease termination Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination Bank fees Other Noninterest Expense Increase to bad debt expense Immaterial error correction Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount Brazil social tax credit Income Tax Credits and Adjustments Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuela operations Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount Foreign currency transaction losses Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Currency remeasurement gain (loss) 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] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] Estimated Future Benefits Payments [Line Items] Estimated Future Benefits Payments [Line Items] 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2024 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2025 through 2029 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Share-based Compensation Award, Three-year Vesting Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Additional Two-year Vesting Share-based Compensation Award, Additional Two-year Vesting [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Additional Two-year Vesting [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Current-year Share-based Compensation Award, Current-year [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Current-year [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Prior-year Share-based Compensation Award, Prior-year [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Prior-year [Member] Internal Metric Performance Share Units (IM PSU) Internal Metric Performance Share Units [Member] Internal Metric Performance Share Units [Member] TSR PSU TSR PSU [Member] TSR PSU [Member] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual With Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Employees Employees [Member] Brinks employeees. Director Director [Member] Number of shares authorized, not yet granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized The weighted-average fair value per share at grant date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average discount percent Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Percent of an employees award Reward Rate Of Stock Appreciation Over Performance Period Reward Rate Of Stock Appreciation Over Performance Period. Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Performance period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Actual shares earned and distributed (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Dividend Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Dividend Rate The weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Option, Nonvested, Weighted Average Exercise Price Deferred compensation plan, stock units held (shares) Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Foreign currency translation adjustments(b) 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(b) Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(c) Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(d) Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [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 Interest Expense Interest Expense Segments [Axis] South America Reportable Segments Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Carrying value of investments at year end Equity Method Investments Undistributed earnings Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Share in earnings of equity affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Financing leases Financing Lease Obligations [Member] Financing Lease Obligations [Member] Other long-term debt Long-term Debt [Member] 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2024 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Later years Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 250 Million Share Repurchase Program 250 Million Share Repurchase Program [Member] 250 Million Share Repurchase Program [Member] G4S Cash Management Operations G4S Cash Management Operations [Member] G4S Cash Management Operations [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent event date Subsequent Event, Date Stock repurchase program amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Purchase consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Annual revenues Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period Retirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Segment information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Discount percent 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 (in 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 (in dollars per share) Forfeited (in 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 (in 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 (in dollars per share) Target shares (shares) Accelerated Share Repurchases, Date [Axis] Accelerated Share Repurchases, Date [Axis] Accelerated Share Repurchases, Date [Domain] Accelerated Share Repurchases, Date [Domain] ASR December 2018 ASR December 2018 [Member] ASR December 2018 [Member] ASR February 2019 ASR February 2019 [Member] ASR February 2019 [Member] Shares of common stock authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Shares issued and outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Dividend declared (in dollars per share) Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Maximum shares allowed for issuance (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Stock repurchase program remaining amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Accelerated share repurchases payment Accelerated Share Repurchases, Settlement (Payment) or Receipt Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares ASR initial price per share (in dollars per share) Accelerated Share Repurchases, Initial Price Paid Per Share ASR, final price per share (in dollars per share) Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share Stock repuchase program amount used Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Average price per share (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Brink's common shareholders per share declared (dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Reorganization and Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Number of countries in which the entity operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] U.S. 401(K) Us Definded Contribtution Expense [Member] Other plans Other Defined Contribution Plans Expense [Member] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Matching defined contribution expense Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Maco Maco [Member] Maco [Member] 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] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Income taxes, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Purchase of currency conversion instruments Payments for Currency Conversion Instruments Amount of cash outflow for purchases of currency conversion instruments. Proceeds from sale of currency conversion instruments Proceeds from Currency Conversion Instruments Amount of cash inflow from sales of currency conversion instruments. Financing leases Capital Lease Obligations Payment of acquisition-related obligation Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities 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 Other Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] U.S. federal tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Venezuela deconsolidation and devaluation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deconsolidation and Devaluation of Equity Investment, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deconsolidation and Devaluation of Equity Investment, Percent Foreign rate differential Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Taxes on cross border income, net of credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Taxes on cross border income, net of credits, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Taxes on cross border income, net of credits, percent Tax on accelerated U.S. income(a) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Domestic Accelerated income, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Domestic Accelerated income, Percent Adjustments to valuation allowances Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Foreign income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign income taxes, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign income taxes, percent Tax reform Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent French business tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Other Reconciling Items, Percent State income taxes, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Share-based compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Percent Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Actual income tax rate on continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Accelerated U.S. income tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Domestic Accelerated income, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Domestic Accelerated income, Amount Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income from continuing operations before tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current tax expense (benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] U.S. federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits [Abstract] U.S. federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes of continuing operations Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Comprehensive provision (benefit) for income taxes allocable to Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Intraperiod Tax Allocation [Abstract] Continuing operations Discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Comprehensive provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Intraperiod Tax Allocation Mexico MEXICO Foreign currency derivative instrument gains Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Derivatives Gains on sale of property and equity investment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Impairment losses Asset Impairment Charges Royalty Income Royalty Income, Nonoperating Gains on business acquisitions and dispositions Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Other Other Operating Income Other operating income (expense) Prepaid Expense, Current [Abstract] Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Time Based Vesting Option Time Based Vesting Option [Member] Time Based Vesting Option [Member] Performance period for achieving stock price hurdles Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Performance Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Performance Period Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate fair value: Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected stock price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Contractual term in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Market price (in dollars per share) Market Price per Share As of the balance sheet date, the fair value per share for outstanding stock options that are fully vested or expected to vest. Weighted-average fair value estimate at grant date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average fair value estimate per share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 [Member] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 [Member] - Tax Reform Act Tax Reform Act Tax Expense Charge Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability Gross amount of the net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Net operating loss carryforwards Potential benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Interest and penalties included in income tax expense Accrued penalties and interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Currently remaining unrecognized tax positions that may be recognized by the end of following year Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Other items not allocated to segments Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [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 Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] (Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Prepayment penalties Other Noncash Expense (Gains) losses 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 Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuela operations 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 losses due to Argentina and Venezuela currency devaluations Foreign Currency Transaction 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 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 Marketable securities: Marketable Securities [Abstract] Purchases Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Sales Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Cash proceeds from sale of property, equipment and investments Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Redemption of cash-surrender value of life insurance policies Proceeds from Life Insurance Policy Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities 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 Long-term revolving credit facilities: Borrowings Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Long-term revolving credit facilities: Repayments Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Other long-term debt: Borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt Other long-term debt: Repayments Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Debt financing costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Prepayment penalties Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Repurchase shares of Brink's common stock Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity 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 Cross currency swap contract Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Financing Activities Net cash provided (used) 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 Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable (net of allowance: 2019 - $30.2; 2018 - $10.1) 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 Other intangibles Other Intangible Assets, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net 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 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 Lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Other Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingent liabilities (notes 4, 5, 15, 17, 23 and 24) 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] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Benefit plan adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax Foreign currency translation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax 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 ASU 2017-07 Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Asset Return Different from Expected Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Asset Return Different from Expected [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Asset Return Different from Expected [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change in Discount Rate Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change in Discount Rate [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change in Discount Rate [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change of Mortality Tables Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change of Mortality Tables [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change of Mortality Tables [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change in Census Data Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change in Census Data [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change in Census Data [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Claims Assumptions Updates Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Claims Assumptions Updates [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Claims Assumptions Updates [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change in Claims Experience Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change in Claims Experience [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Change in Claims Experience [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Excise Tax Update Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Excise Tax Update [Member] Actuarial Gains (Losses) - Excise Tax Update [Member] Changes in the benefit obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Interest cost Participant contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant Plan amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment Plan combinations Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Other Change Acquisition Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Business Combination Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment Settlements Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Divestitures(a) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Divestiture Actuarial (gains) losses Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Foreign currency exchange effects Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Benefit obligation at end of year Changes in plan assets [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Return on assets – actual Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Participant contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Net transfers to (from) plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred to (from) Plan Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan Benefits Paid From Trust The amount of payments made from trust for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents a periodic decrease to the plan obligations and a decrease to plan assets. Foreign currency exchange effects Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Fair value of plan assets at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan [Abstract] Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Current liability, included in accrued liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Noncurrent liability Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Net pension liability Liability, Defined Benefit Plan Benefit plan net actuarial losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Defined Benefit Plan Change In Net Actuarial Gains And Losses In Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward] Beginning of year - net gains and losses Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Reclassification adjustment for amortization of prior actuarial losses included in net income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Foreign currency exchange effects Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI, Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Unrealized Gain (Loss) During Period, Exchange Rate Changes, Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI, Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Unrealized Gain (Loss) During Period, Exchange Rate Changes, Before Tax End of year - net gains and losses Benefit plan prior service cost recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Defined Benefit Plan Change In Net Prior Service Cost Credit In Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward] Beginning of year - net prior service (cost) credit Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Prior service credit (cost) from plan amendments during the year Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Reclassification adjustment for amortization of prior service cost included in net income (loss) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Foreign currency exchange effects Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI, Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Exchange Rate Changes, Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI, Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Exchange Rate Changes, Before Tax End of year - net prior service (cost) credit Allowance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Shares authorized (in shares) Shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Shares outstanding (in shares) Reorganization and Restructuring Corporate items Capital Expenditures by Reportable Segment Depreciation and Amortization by Reportable Segment Depreciation Amortization of intangible assets: Amortization of Intangible Assets Total Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Operating cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability Financing cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Weighted average remaining lease term operating leases (years) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average remaining lease term finance leases (years) Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average discount rate operating leases (percent) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Weighted average discount rate finance leases (percent) Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent France FRANCE Canada CANADA Other Non U.S. Countries, Excluding France, Mexico, Brazil and Canada [Member] Non U.S. Countries, Excluding France, Mexico, Brazil and Canada [Member] Subtotal Non US Region [Member] Non US Region. U.S. Other Rest of World countries EMEA, Excluding France [Member] EMEA, Excluding France [Member] Other South American countries Latin America, Excluding Brazil and Mexico [Member] Latin America, Excluding Brazil and Mexico [Member] Assets held by Reportable Segment Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area Long-Lived Assets Net assets outside the U.S. Net Assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Finite-lived trade names Trade Names [Member] Developed technology Developed Technology Rights [Member] Other contract-related assets Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived trade names Indefinite Lived Trade Names [Member] Rights acquired through registration of a business name to gain or protect exclusive use thereof that has indefinite life. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Weighted-average amortization period Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Amortization of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Other Operating Income (Expense) Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Deferred tax assets Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Pension liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions Retirement benefits other than pensions Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Lease liabilities Deferred Tax Assets Operating Lease Liabilities Deferred Tax Assets Operating Lease Liabilities Workers’ compensation and other claims Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Property and equipment, net Deferred Tax Assets, Other Other assets and liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Alternative minimum and other tax credits(a) Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax Subtotal Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowances Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Right-of-use assets, net Deferred Tax Liabilities Right-of-Use assets Deferred Tax Liabilities Right-of-Use assets, net Goodwill and other intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Other assets and miscellaneous Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Finite-Lived Assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Noncurrent assets Noncurrent liabilities Included in: Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract] Foreign tax credit amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount State tax amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Carryforward period (in years) Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Carryforward Period Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Carryforward Period Remaining credits Deferred Tax Assets Alternative Minimum And Other Tax Credits Subject To Expiration The amount of Alternative minimum and other tax credits available to reduce future taxable income, which are subject to expiration dates. Nonvested share activity Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Fair Value of Shares Vested Share-based Compensation, Fair Value of Shares Vested [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the total fair value of shares vested during the year. Fair value of options calculation assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Option Activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block] Pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Benefit obligation at year end Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Average rate of increase in salaries - pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Average rate of increase in salaries - benefit obligation at year end Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facility - Amended Senior Secured Credit Facility - Amended [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facility - Amended [Member] Term Loan A Secured Debt [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Senior unsecured notes Unsecured Debt [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] Senior Secured Credit Facility - Original Senior Secured Credit Facilty - Original [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facilty - Original [Member] Six hundred million senior unsecured notes Six hundred million senior unsecured notes [Member] Six hundred million senior unsecured notes [Member] Three Committed Letter of Credit Facilities Three Committed Letter of Credit Facilities [Member] Three Committed Letter of Credit Facilities [Member] Ten Million Committed Facility Ten Million Committed Facility [Member] Ten Million Committed Facility [Member] Fifty Four Million Committed Letter Of Credit Facility Fifty Four Million Committed Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Fifty Four Million Committed Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Sixteen Million Committed Letter of Credit Facility Sixteen Million Committed Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Sixteen Million Committed Letter Of Credit Facility [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] Fifteen Million Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility Fifteen Million Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Fifteen Million Unsecured Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Long-term Debt Types [Abstract] Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount [Abstract] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt, aggregate principal amount Long-term Debt, Gross Line of credit maturity period Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period Quarterly principal payment, percentage Debt Instrument, Quarterly Periodic Payment Percentage, Principal Debt Instrument, Quarterly Periodic Payment Percentage, Principal 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 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 Undrawn letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Outstanding beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Forfeited or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Exercised (in shares) Outstanding ending balance (in shares) Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Expected to vest in future periods (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Beginning balance (in dollars per share) Granted (in dollars per share) Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercised, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercised, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Ending balance (in dollars per share) Outstanding beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding ending balance (in dollars per share) Exercisable (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expected to vest in future periods (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Expected to vest in future periods, Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Expected to vest in future periods, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Expected forfeiture rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Forfeiture Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Forfeiture Rate 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] Supplemental balance sheet disclosure leases Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosure Leases [Table Text Block] Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosure Leases [Table Text Block] Lease expenses Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Other information leases Other Information Leases [Table Text Block] Other Information Leases [Table Text Block] Operating lease future minimum lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Financing lease minimum repayments Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive stock 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 Deferred compensation common stock unit (shares) Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued Nonqualified U.S. pension plan Nonqualified United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] Nonqualified United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] Canada Plan Canada Plan [Member] Brazil Plan Brazil Plan [Member] UMWA Excise Tax UMWA Excise Tax [Member] Hedge fund of funds Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member] Private Equity Funds Private Equity Funds [Member] Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Estimated contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Black lung health care cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Black lung health care cost ultimate rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Discount percent Discount Rate Prescription Drugs Discount rate that pharmaceutical companies must proficde for Medicare Act-eligible prescription drugs. Excise tax percent Excise Tax, Percent Excise Tax, Percent UMWA obligation increase due to Cadillac plan excise tax Lockup provision Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Lockup Provision Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Lockup Provision Required notice Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Required Notice of Redemption, Period Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Required Notice of Redemption, Period Unfunded commitments Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments Defined contribution plan maximum annual contribution per employee percent Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent Investment [Table] Investment [Table] COLOMBIA COLOMBIA Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Interest income Interest Income, Other Gain (loss) on equity securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Transfer to Trading, Unrealized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other-than-temporary Impairment Foreign currency transaction losses(a) Derivative instruments Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net Retirement benefit cost other than service cost Amortization of Other Deferred Charges Prepayment penalties Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Interest on Colombia tax claim(h) Interest Expense, Other Interest on Brazil tax claim(c) Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Non-income taxes on intercompany billings(d) Taxes, Other Venezuela operations(e) Other Nonoperating Expense Gain on a disposition of a subsidiary(g) Other Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total Tax claim Loss Contingency, Loss in Period Income Statement [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating profit Interest expense Interest and other nonoperating expense Provision for income taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income (loss) Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Amounts attributable to Brink’s: Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Brink’s common shareholders(a): Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic: Diluted: Net income (loss) (in dollars per share) Weighted-average shares Earnings Per Share, Basic, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Diluted (shares) Deposits Deposit Assets Deferred profit sharing asset Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Income tax receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Noncurrent Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Equity method investment in unconsolidated entities Stop loss insurance receivable Insurance Settlements Receivable, Noncurrent Cash surrender value of life insurance policies Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Indemnification asset Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date Debt issue costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Other Other Assets, Miscellaneous Other assets 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] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Debt Long-term Line of Credit Financing leases Finance Lease, Liability 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 Interest Rate And Other Disclosures [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Short-term borrowings interest rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Reporting Unit [Axis] Reporting Unit [Axis] Reporting Unit [Domain] Reporting Unit [Domain] Remaining useful lives (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Number of reporting units Number of Reporting Units Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount Percent of Consolidated Revenue Percent of Consolidated Revenue Percent of Consolidated Revenue Rate decrease percent Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Remeasurement Decrease Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Remeasurement Decrease Official exchange rate Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Net monetary assets Net nonmonetary assets Assets, Noncurrent Devaluation settled rates Percentage Less Favorable Than Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Percentage Less Favorable Than Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Argentina conversion losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Deconsolidation, pretax Derecognition of the carrying amounts of assets included in the deconsolidation charge Derecognition Of The Carrying Amounts Of Assets Included In The Deconsolidation Charge Derecognition Of The Carrying Amounts Of Assets Included In The Deconsolidation Charge Derecognition of the carrying amounts of liabilities included in the deconsolidation charge Derecognition Of The Carrying Amounts Of Liabilities Included In The Deconsolidation Charge Derecognition Of The Carrying Amounts Of Liabilities Included In The Deconsolidation Charge Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Third-party expense Professional and Contract Services Expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross Percent of Accounts Receivable Percent of Accounts Receivable Percent of Accounts Receivable Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] 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] Receivables Receivable - increase (decrease) Increase (Decrease) in Contract Receivables, Net Customer 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 Capitalized costs to obtain contracts Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Schedule of Change in Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Change in Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Interest and Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest and Other Income [Text Block] Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Operating lease assets Finance lease assets Total lease assets Total lease assets Total lease assets Current liabilities operating leases Current liabilities financing leases Finance Lease, Liability, Current Noncurrent liabilities financing leases Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Total lease liabilities Total lease liabilities Total lease liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Land Land [Member] Leasehold improvements Capitalized software(a) Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Amortization Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Acquisitions and Dispositions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract] Prepaid Expense and Other Assets [Abstract] Prepaid expenses Prepaid general expenses General prepaid expenses. Mobile airtime inventory Mobile Airtime Inventory Mobile airtime inventory. Income tax receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Other Other Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid expenses and other Noncompete Agreements Noncompete Agreements [Member] BI BI [Member] BI [Member] COMEF COMEF [Member] COMEF [Member] TVS TVS [Member] TVS [Member] Worldbridge Worldbridge [Member] Worldbridge [Member] 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] Brink's de Colombia SA Brink's de Colombia SA [Member] Brink's de Colombia SA [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 Intangible asset decrease Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Goodwill increase Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) Noncurrent assets increase Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Assets Noncurrent liability increase Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Remaining Amortization Period Ownership percentage after remaining noncontrolling interest acquired Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions 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 Receivable from seller Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred Indemnification asset Fair value of future payments to sellers Contractual Obligation Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Fair value of purchase consideration Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Accounts receivables 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 Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Prepaid Expenses and Other Other Current Assets [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Benefit plan adjustments: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract] Benefit plan actuarial gains (losses) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Benefit plan prior service costs Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Deferred profit sharing Other Comprehensive Income Deferred Profit Sharing Before Tax Pre-tax amount resulting from profit sharing arrangements with employees where company is required to pay a specified percentage of taxable income. Because the future payments are based on future taxable income, accounting model follows that of deferred income taxes. 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), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Tax Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Provision (benefit) for income taxes Comprehensive income (loss) 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 (loss) attributable to Brink’s Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair value of plan assets Net asset value per share practical expedient(a) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Facilities Other Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Later years Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total Lease Payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: Interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease liabilities SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Beginning of year Expiring tax credits Acquisitions and dispositions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Amount Changes in judgment about deferred tax assets(a) Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Income from continuing operations Foreign currency exchange effects Deferred Tax Asset Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes Valuation Allowances The amount of increase or decrease in valuation allowances attributed to foreign currency changes. The effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes that are to be disclosed are those applicable to plans of a foreign operation whose functional currency is not the reporting currency. End of year Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Trade Trade Receivable Gross Other Other Accounts Receivable Total accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts receivable, net SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Beginning of year Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable(a) Write offs less recoveries Receivable Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Write Offs Against Allowance eceivable Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Write Offs Against Allowance Foreign currency exchange effects Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation End of year Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input, Revenue Multiple Measurement Input, Revenue Multiple [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] Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Assets Other Assets [Member] Other Liabilities Other 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] Currency Swap Currency Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] $400 million interest rate swap $400 million interest rate swap [Member] $400 million interest rate swap [Member] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Carrying value Unsecured Debt Fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Notional value of nonderivative instrument Notional Amount of Nonderivative Instruments Notional value of derivative instrument Derivative, Notional Amount Weighted average maturity Derivative, Term of Contract Fair value of foreign currency contract, net Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net Gain (loss) on foreign currency contract Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Fair value of contract, asset position Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of contract, liability position Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure 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, liability position Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Revenue Multiple Alternative Investment, Measurement Input