ACCO Brands (ACCO) 10-K 27 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover page

Cover page - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 18, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-08454
Entity Registrant Name	ACCO Brands Corporation
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	36-2704017
Entity Address, Address Line One	Four Corporate Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Lake Zurich
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60047
City Area Code	847
Local Phone Number	541-9500
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Trading Symbol	ACCO
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 755.8
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		96,656,239
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be issued in connection with registrant’s annual stockholders' meeting expected to be held on May 19, 2020 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
Entity Central Index Key	0000712034
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 27.8	$ 67
Accounts receivable less allowances for discounts and doubtful accounts of $16.4 and $16.0, respectively		453.7	428.4
Inventories		283.3	340.6
Other current assets		41.2	44.2
Total current assets		806	880.2
Total property, plant and equipment		651.7	618.7
Less: accumulated depreciation		(384.6)	(355)
Property, plant and equipment, net	[1]	267.1	263.7
Right of use asset, leases		101.9	0
Deferred income taxes		119	115.1
Goodwill		718.6	708.9
Identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $271.9 and $236.4, respectively		758.6	787
Other non-current assets		17.4	31.5
Total assets		2,788.6	2,786.4
Current liabilities:
Notes payable		3.7	0
Current portion of long-term debt		29.5	39.5
Accounts payable		245.7	274.6
Accrued compensation		48.5	41.6
Accrued customer program liabilities		99.7	114.5
Operating Lease, Liability, Current		21.8	0
Other current liabilities		139.9	129
Total current liabilities		588.8	599.2
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs of $5.6 and $5.5, respectively		777.2	843
Long-term lease liabilities		89.8	11
Deferred income taxes		177.5	176.2
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations		283.2	257.2
Other non-current liabilities		98.4	110.1
Total liabilities		2,014.9	1,996.7
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding		0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 100,412,933 and 106,249,322 shares issued and 96,445,488 and 102,748,700 outstanding, respectively		1	1.1
Treasury stock, 3,967,445 and 3,500,622 shares, respectively		(38.2)	(33.9)
Paid-in capital		1,890.8	1,941
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(505.7)	(461.7)
Accumulated deficit		(574.2)	(656.8)
Total stockholders' equity		773.7	789.7
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$ 2,788.6	$ 2,786.4
[1]	Net property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 contained $68.5 million and $51.9 million of computer software assets, respectively, which are classified within machinery and equipment and construction in progress. Depreciation expense for software was $8.9 million , $8.2 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for Sales Discounts, Doubtful Accounts and Cash Discounts, Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 16.4
Allowance for Sales Discounts, Doubtful Accounts, Cash Discounts and Returns, Accounts Receivable, Current		$ 16
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	271.9	236.4
Debt Issuance cost, unamortized	$ 5.6	$ 5.5
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	100,412,933	106,249,322
Common stock, shares outstanding	96,400,000	102,700,000
Treasury stock, shares	3,967,445	3,500,622

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net sales		$ 1,955.7	$ 1,941.2	$ 1,948.8
Cost of products sold		1,322.2	1,313.4	1,291.5
Gross profit		633.5	627.8	657.3
Operating costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses		389.9	392.4	415.5
Amortization of intangibles		35.4	36.7	35.6
Restructuring charges		12	11.7	21.7
Total operating costs and expenses		437.3	440.8	472.8
Operating income	[1]	196.2	187	184.5
Non-operating expense (income):
Interest expense		43.2	41.2	41.1
Interest income		(3.2)	(4.4)	(5.8)
Non-operating pension income		(5.5)	(9.3)	(8.5)
Other (income) expense, net		(1.8)	1.6	(0.4)
Income before income tax		163.5	157.9	158.1
Income tax expense		56.7	51.2	26.4
Net income		$ 106.8	$ 106.7	$ 131.7
Basic income per share:
Basic income per share		$ 1.07	$ 1.02	$ 1.22
Diluted income per share:
Diluted income per share		$ 1.06	$ 1	$ 1.19
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		99.5	104.8	108.1
Diluted		101	107	110.9
[1]	Operating income as presented in the segment table above is defined as i) net sales; ii) less cost of products sold; iii) less SG&A expenses; iv) less amortization of intangibles; and v) less restructuring charges.

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net income	$ 106.8	$ 106.7	$ 131.7
Other Comprehensive Income (loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax
Unrealized (loss) income on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0.9, $(0.8) and $1.0, respectively	(2.3)	1.9	(2.3)
Foreign currency translation:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(1.3), $(0.6) and $5.0, respectively	(0.3)	6.2	(19.5)
Other Comprehensive Income (loss) Pension and Other Post-retirement Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax
Recognition of deferred pension and other post-retirement items, net of tax benefit of $13.6, $2.2 and $5.8, respectively	(41.4)	(8.7)	(19.9)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(44)	(0.6)	(41.7)
Comprehensive income	$ 62.8	$ 106.1	$ 90

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	$ 0.9	$ (0.8)	$ 1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	(1.3)	(0.6)	5
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax	$ 13.6	$ 2.2	$ 5.8

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating activities
Net income	$ 106.8	$ 106.7	$ 131.7
Amortization of inventory step-up	0.9	0.1	0.9
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets	0.7	0.2	(1.3)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	8.7	22.7	(45.2)
Depreciation	34.9	34	35.6
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2.3	2.1	2.9
Amortization of intangibles	35.4	36.7	35.6
Stock-based compensation	10.1	8.8	17
Loss on debt extinguishment	0.2	0.3	0
Changes in balance sheet items:
Accounts receivable	(14.8)	46	10.2
Inventories	71.4	(92.9)	2.5
Other assets	(0.4)	5.5	4.2
Accounts payable	(32.8)	101	(18.7)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(26.7)	(72.5)	(8.3)
Accrued income taxes	7.2	(3.9)	37.8
Net cash provided by operating activities	203.9	194.8	204.9
Investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(32.8)	(34.1)	(31)
Proceeds from the disposition of assets	0.5	0.2	4.2
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(41.3)	(38)	(292.3)
Other assets acquired	(6)	0	0
Net cash used by investing activities	(79.6)	(71.9)	(319.1)
Financing activities
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	325.8	225.3	484.1
Repayments of long-term debt	(387.9)	(249.5)	(296.5)
Repayments of notes payable, net	(8.5)	0	0
Payments for debt issuance costs	(3.4)	(0.6)	(3.6)
Repurchases of common stock	(65)	(75)	(36.6)
Dividends paid	(24.4)	(25.1)	0
Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation	(4.2)	(7.5)	(9.4)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4.2	6.8	4.2
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities	(163.4)	(125.6)	142.2
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(0.1)	(7.2)	6
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(39.2)	(9.9)	34
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of the period	67	76.9	42.9
End of the period	27.8	67	76.9
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest	42.1	37.9	38
Income taxes	$ 41.9	$ 33.7	$ 34.8

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Deficit
Balance at start of period at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 708.7	$ 1.1	$ 2,015.7	$ (419.4)	$ (17)	$ (871.7)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	131.7					131.7
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instrument, net of tax	(2.3)			(2.3)
Translation impact	(19.5)			(19.5)
Pension and post-retirement adjustment, net of tax	(19.9)			(19.9)
Common stock repurchases	(36.6)		(36.6)
Stock-based compensation	17		17
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(5.2)		4.2		(9.4)
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 774.1	$ 1.1	1,999.7	(461.1)	$ (26.4)	(739.2)
Balance at start of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	107,906,644	110,086,283			2,179,639
Increase (Decrease) In Capital Stock [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	2,045,321	2,778,795			733,474
Common stock repurchases	(3,267,881)	(3,267,881)			0
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	106,684,084	109,597,197			2,913,113
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	$ 106.7					106.7
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instrument, net of tax	1.9			1.9
Translation impact	6.2			6.2
Pension and post-retirement adjustment, net of tax	(8.7)			(8.7)
Common stock repurchases	(75)		(75)
Stock-based compensation	8.8		9.5			(0.7)
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(0.7)		6.8		$ (7.5)
Dividends declared per share	(25.1)					(25.1)
Other	(0.1)					(0.1)
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 789.7	$ 1.1	1,941	(461.7)	$ (33.9)	(656.8)
Increase (Decrease) In Capital Stock [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	2,058,575	2,646,084			587,509
Common stock repurchases	(5,993,959)	(5,993,959)			0
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	102,748,700	106,249,322			3,500,622
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	$ 106.8					106.8
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instrument, net of tax	(2.3)			(2.3)
Translation impact	(0.3)			(0.3)
Pension and post-retirement adjustment, net of tax	(41.4)			(41.4)
Common stock repurchases	(65)	$ (0.1)	(64.9)
Stock-based compensation	10.1		10.5			(0.4)
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(0.1)		4.2		$ (4.3)
Dividends declared per share	(24.4)					(24.4)
Other	0.1	0	0	0	0	0.1
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 773.7	$ 1	$ 1,890.8	$ (505.7)	$ (38.2)	$ (574.2)
Increase (Decrease) In Capital Stock [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	1,545,942	2,012,765			466,823
Common stock repurchases	(7,849,154)	(7,849,154)			0
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	96,445,488	100,412,933			3,967,445

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.245	$ 0.24

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 , the terms "ACCO Brands," "ACCO," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to ACCO Brands Corporation, a Delaware corporation incorporated in 2005, and its consolidated domestic and international subsidiaries. The management of ACCO Brands Corporation is responsible for the accuracy and internal consistency of the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ACCO Brands Corporation and its domestic and international subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Effective August 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition (the "Foroni Acquisition") of Indústria Gráfica Foroni Ltda. ("Foroni"), a leading provider of Foroni ® branded notebooks and paper-based school and office products in Brazil. The preliminary purchase price was $42.1 million , and is subject to working capital and other adjustments. We also assumed $7.6 million of debt. The Foroni Acquisition advances our strategy to expand in faster growing geographies and product categories, add consumer-centric brands and diversify our customer base. The results of Foroni are included in the ACCO Brands International segment effective August 1, 2019. On July 2, 2018, we completed the acquisition (the "GOBA Acquisition") of GOBA Internacional, S.A. de C.V. ("GOBA") for a purchase price of $37.2 million , net of cash acquired and working capital adjustments. GOBA is a leading provider of Barrilito ® branded school and craft products in Mexico . The acquisition increased the breadth and depth of our distribution throughout Mexico, especially with wholesalers and retailers and added a strong offering of school and craft products to our product portfolio in Mexico. The results of GOBA are included in the ACCO Brands International segment as of July 2, 2018. On January 31, 2017, we completed the acquisition (the "Esselte Acquisition") of Esselte Group Holdings AB ("Esselte"). The acquisition of Esselte made ACCO Brands a leading European manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer and office products, and improved ACCO Brands' scale. Esselte products are primarily marketed under the Leitz ® , Rapid ® and Esselte ® brands in the storage and organization, stapling, punching, binding and laminating equipment and do-it-yourself tools product categories. The results of Esselte are included in all three of the Company's operating segments, but primarily in the ACCO Brands EMEA segment as of February 1, 2017. For more information on these acquisitions, see " Note 3. Acquisitions ." On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), applying the transition method in accounting standard ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements. ASU 2018-11 allows an entity to initially apply ASU 2016-02 at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. For more information, see " Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Adopted Accounting Standards " and " Note 5. Leases ." Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, primarily due to the Company's adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) at the beginning of 2019.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	2. Significant Accounting Policies, Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Adopted Accounting Standards Nature of Business ACCO Brands is a designer, marketer and manufacturer of recognized consumer and end-user demanded brands used in businesses, schools, and homes. ACCO Brands has three operating business segments based in different geographic regions. Each business segment designs, markets, sources, manufactures, and sells recognized consumer and other end-user demanded branded products used in businesses, schools, and homes. Product designs are tailored to end-user preferences in each geographic region, and where possible, leverage common engineering, design, and sourcing. Our product categories include storage and organization; stapling; punching; laminating, shredding, and binding machines; dry erase boards; notebooks; calendars; computer accessories; and do-it-yourself tools, among others. Our portfolio includes both globally and regionally recognized brands. The revenue in the North America and International segments includes significant sales of consumer products that have very important, seasonal selling periods related to back-to-school and calendar year-end. For North America and Mexico, back-to-school straddles the second and third quarters, and for the Southern hemisphere it takes place in the fourth and first quarters. We expect sales of consumer products to become a greater percentage of our revenue because demand for consumer back-to-school products is growing faster than demand for most business-related and calendar products. We distribute our products through a wide variety of retail and commercial channels to ensure that they are readily and conveniently available for purchase by consumers and other end-users, wherever they prefer to shop. These channels include mass retailers, e-tailers, discount, drug/grocery and variety chains, warehouse clubs, hardware and specialty stores, independent office product dealers, office superstores, wholesalers, and contract stationers. We also sell direct to commercial and consumer end-users through e-commerce sites and our direct sales organization. Use of Estimates Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). Preparation of our financial statements requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses presented for each reporting period in the financial statements and the related accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We regularly review our assumptions and estimates, which are based on historical experience and, where appropriate, current business trends. We believe that the following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies, which require significant, subjective and complex judgments to be made by our management. Cash and Cash Equivalents Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are included in cash and cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable and Allowances for Sales/Pricing/Cash Discounts and Doubtful Accounts Trade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for sales/pricing discounts and doubtful accounts. The allowance for sales/pricing/cash discounts represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with the products previously sold to customers, and is recorded at the same time that the sales are recognized. The allowance is based on historical trends. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations, usually due to a customer's potential insolvency. The allowance includes amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowance includes a provision for customer defaults on a general formulaic basis when it is determined the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet be associated with a specific customer. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical experience and existing economic conditions. The allowances are recorded as reductions to "Net sales" and "Accounts receivable, net." Inventories Inventories are priced at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. When necessary, the write-down of inventory to its net realizable value is recorded for obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance or engineering/material changes. These estimates could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual requirements if future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from our expectations. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided, principally on a straight-line basis, over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Gains or losses resulting from dispositions are included in operating income. Betterments and renewals, which improve and extend the life of an asset are capitalized; maintenance and repair costs are expensed. Purchased computer software is capitalized and amortized over the software’s useful life. The following table shows estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment: Property, plant and equipment Useful Life Buildings 40 to 50 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of lease term or the life of the asset Machinery, equipment and furniture 3 to 10 years Computer software 5 to 10 years We capitalize interest for major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is depreciated over the useful lives of those assets. We capitalized interest of $0.5 million , $0.6 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Long-Lived Assets We test long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets’ carrying amount may not be recoverable from its undiscounted future cash flow. When such events occur, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flow expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group. The cash flows are based on our best estimate at the time of future cash flow, derived from the most recent business projections. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flow. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on our weighted average cost of capital, computed by selecting market rates at the valuation dates for debt and equity that are reflective of the risks associated with an investment in our industry as estimated by using comparable publicly traded companies. Intangible Assets Intangible assets are comprised primarily of indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets acquired and arising from the application of purchase accounting. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated at least annually to determine whether the indefinite useful life is appropriate. In addition, amortizable intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives. Certain of our trade names have been assigned an indefinite life as we currently anticipate that these trade names will contribute cash flows to ACCO Brands indefinitely. We test indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment annually, during the second quarter, or any interim period when market or business events indicate there may be a potential adverse impact on a particular intangible. The test may be on a qualitative or quantitative basis as allowed by GAAP. We consider the implications of both external factors (e.g., market growth, pricing, competition, and technology) and internal factors (e.g., product costs, margins, support expenses, and capital investment) and their potential impact on cash flows in both the near and long term, as well as their impact on any identifiable intangible asset associated with the business. Based on recent business results, consideration of significant external and internal factors, and the resulting business projections, indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed to determine whether they are likely to remain indefinite-lived, or whether a finite life is more appropriate. In addition, based on events in the period and future expectations, management considers whether the potential for impairment exists. Finite lived intangibles are amortized over 10 , 15 , 23 or 30 years. We performed our annual assessment, in the second quarter of 2019 , on a qualitative basis, and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any indefinite-lived intangibles was less than its carrying amounts. Goodwill Goodwill has been recorded on our balance sheet and represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition when compared with the fair value of the net assets acquired. The authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level. We have determined that our reporting units are ACCO Brands North America, ACCO Brands EMEA and ACCO Brands International. We test goodwill for impairment annually, during the second quarter, or any interim period when market or business events indicate there may be a potential adverse impact on goodwill. As permitted by GAAP, we may perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test as required by GAAP. We performed our annual assessment in the second quarter of 2019 , on a qualitative basis, and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if it is determined that a qualitative assessment is not appropriate, we would perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test where we calculate the fair value of the reporting units. When applying a fair-value-based test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared with its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, an impairment charge is recognized, however, the loss recognized is not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Employee Benefit Plans We provide a range of benefits to our employees and retired employees, including pension, post-retirement, post-employment and health care benefits. We record annual amounts relating to these plans based on calculations specified by GAAP, which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, mortality rate tables, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trends. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis and modifications to these assumptions are made based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate. As required by GAAP, the effect of our modifications and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are generally recorded to a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") in stockholders’ equity and amortized over future periods. Income Taxes Deferred tax liabilities or assets are established for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting bases and are subsequently adjusted to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Facts and circumstances may change and cause us to revise our conclusions regarding our ability to realize certain net operating losses and other deferred tax attributes. The amount of income taxes that we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax position is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts and circumstances existing at that time. We believe that we have adequately provided for reasonably foreseeable outcomes related to these matters. However, our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period any assessments are received, revised or resolved. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Act was signed into law. The U.S. Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to: (i) reducing the future U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; (ii) requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries (the "Transition Toll Tax"); (iii) bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property; (iv) a general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; (v) a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI"); (vi) the repeal of domestic production activity deductions; (vii) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation expenses; (viii) limitations on the use of foreign tax credits to reduce U.S. income tax liability; and (ix) a new provision that allows a domestic corporation an immediate deduction for a portion of its foreign derived intangible income ("FDII"). The Company has elected to treat taxes due on taxable income related to GILTI as a current period expense when incurred. With the enactment of the U.S. Tax Act, we believe that our offshore cash can be accessed without adverse U.S. tax consequences. After analyzing our global working capital and cash requirements, the Company has reassessed and updated its indefinite reinvestment assertion under ASC 740. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has recorded $2.0 million of deferred taxes on approximately $331 million of unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that may be remitted to the U.S. The Company has $177 million of additional unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are indefinitely reinvested and for which no deferred taxes have been provided. For further information on the U.S. Tax Act, see " Note 12. Income Taxes " to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. of this report. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount reflective of the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Taxes we collect concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items incurred that are immaterial in the context of the contract are expensed. At the inception of each contract, the Company assesses the products and services promised and identifies each distinct performance obligation. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers all products and services promised regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or implied within the contract or by standard business practices. Products : For our products, we transfer control and recognize a sale primarily when we either ship the product from our manufacturing facility or distribution center, or upon delivery to a customer specified location depending upon the terms in the customer agreement. In addition, we recognize revenue for private label products as the product is manufactured (or over-time) when a contract has an enforceable right to payment. For consignment arrangements, revenue is not recognized until the products are sold to the end customer. Customer Program Costs : Customer programs and incentives ("Customer Program Costs") are a common practice in our industry. We incur Customer Program Costs to obtain favorable product placement, to promote sell-through of products and to maintain competitive pricing. The amount of consideration we receive and revenue we recognize is impacted by Customer Program Costs, including sales rebates (which are generally tied to achievement of certain sales volume levels); in-store promotional allowances; shared media and customer catalog allowances; other cooperative advertising arrangements; freight allowance programs offered to our customers; allowances for discounts and reserves for returns. We recognize Customer Program Costs, primarily as a deduction to gross sales, at the time that the associated revenue is recognized. Customer Program Costs are based on management's best estimates using the most likely amount method and is an amount that is unlikely to be reversed. In the absence of a signed contract, estimates are based on historical or projected experience for each program type or customer. We adjust our estimate of revenue when the most likely amount of consideration we expect to receive changes. Service or Extended Maintenance Agreements ("EMAs"): Depending on the terms of the EMA, we may defer recognition of the consideration received for any unsatisfied obligations. We use an observable price to determine the stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations or an estimated cost plus margin approach, for our separately priced service/maintenance agreements that extend mechanical and maintenance coverage beyond our base warranty coverage to our Print Finishing Solutions customers. These agreements range in duration from three to sixty months , however, most agreements are one year or less. We generally receive payment at inception of the EMAs and recognize revenue over the term of the agreement on a straight line basis. Shipping and Handling : Freight and distribution activities performed before the customer obtains control of the goods are not considered promised services under customer contracts and therefore are not distinct performance obligations. The Company has chosen to account for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment activity, and therefore accrues the expense of freight and distribution in "Cost of products sold" when products are shipped. We reflect all amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling in net sales and the costs we incurred for shipping and handling (including costs to ship and move product from the seller’s place of business to the buyer’s place of business, as well as costs to store, move and prepare products for shipment) in cost of products sold. Reserve for Sales Returns: The reserve for sales returns represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with the potential return of products previously sold to customers, and is recorded at the same time that the sales are recognized. The reserve includes a general provision for product returns based on historical trends. In addition, the reserve includes amounts for currently authorized customer returns that are considered to be abnormal in comparison to the historical trends. We record the returns reserve, on a gross basis, as a reduction to " Net sales " and " Cost of products sold " with increases to " Other current liabilities " and " Inventories ." Cost of Products Sold Cost of products sold includes all manufacturing, product sourcing and distribution costs, including depreciation related to assets used in the manufacturing, procurement and distribution process, allocation of certain information technology costs supporting those processes, inbound freight, shipping and handling costs, purchasing costs associated with materials and packaging used in the production processes. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") include advertising, marketing, and selling (including commissions) expenses, research and development, customer service, depreciation related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution processes and all other general and administrative expenses outside the manufacturing and distribution functions (e.g., finance, human resources, information technology, legal and other corporate expenses). Advertising Expenses Advertising expenses were $98.4 million , $105.5 million and $114.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. These costs primarily include, but are not limited to, cooperative advertising and promotional allowances as described in " Customer Program Costs " above, and are principally expensed as incurred. Warranty Reserves We offer our customers various warranty terms based on the type of product that is sold. Estimated future obligations related to products sold under these warranty terms are provided by charges to cost of products sold in the same period in which the related revenue is recognized. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses were $21.8 million , $23.8 million and $23.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, are classified as SG&A expenses and are charged to expense as incurred. Stock-Based Compensation Our primary types of share-based compensation consist of stock options, restricted stock unit awards and performance stock unit awards. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Where awards are made with non-substantive vesting periods (for example, where a portion of the award vests due to retirement eligibility), we estimate and recognize expense based on the period from the grant date to the date on which the employee is retirement eligible. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Foreign Currency Translation Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the period. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of AOCI in stockholders’ equity. Some transactions are made in currencies different from an entity’s functional currency; gains and losses on these foreign currency transactions are included in the income statement. Derivative Financial Instruments We recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and record those instruments at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge and is effective, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in the same period. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in AOCI and are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. Certain forecasted transactions, and assets and liabilities are exposed to foreign currency risk. We continually monitor our foreign currency exposures in order to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. Principal currencies hedged against the U.S. dollar include the Euro, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, British pound and Japanese yen. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). While the Company does not expect a material impact to its consolidated financial statements, we are currently in the process of evaluating the adoption of ASU 2018-15. ASU 2018-015 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of the standard is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements have not been issued. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2018-15 beginning January 1, 2020. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which removes certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod allocations and interim calculations, and adds guidance to reduce complexity in accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the effects the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. There are no other recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), applying the transition method in accounting standard ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements. ASU 2018-11 allows an entity to initially apply ASU 2016-02 at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The cumulative effect of the changes on our January 1, 2019, opening Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 was as follows: (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 Adjustments due to ASU 2016-02 Balance at January 1, 2019 Assets: Property, plant and equipment, net $ 263.7 $ (0.9 ) $ 262.8 Right of use asset, leases — 90.9 90.9 Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Current portion of long-term debt 39.5 (0.1 ) 39.4 Lease liabilities — 24.1 24.1 Long-term debt, net 843.0 (0.1 ) 842.9 Long-term lease liabilities 11.0 65.6 76.6 Accumulated deficit (656.8 ) 0.5 (656.3 ) The impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our Consolidated Balance Sheet for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows: (in millions) As Reported Balances without adoption of ASU 2016-02 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Assets: Property, plant and equipment, net $ 267.1 $ 267.9 $ (0.8 ) Right of use asset, leases 101.9 — 101.9 Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Current portion of long-term debt 29.5 29.6 (0.1 ) Lease liabilities 21.8 0.2 21.6 Long-term debt, net 777.2 777.4 (0.2 ) Long-term lease liabilities 89.8 10.5 79.3 Accumulated deficit (574.2 ) (574.7 ) 0.5 See " Note 5. Leases " for further details and the required disclosures related to ASU 2016-02. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 did not materially affect our Consolidated Statements of Income , Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity. There were no other accounting standards that were adopted in 2019 that had a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. On January 1, 2018, we adopted the accounting standard ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (Topic 606) and applied it to contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. A completed contract is one where all (or substantially all) of the revenue was recognized in accordance with the revenue guidance that was in effect before the date of initial application of ASU 2014-09. We recognized the cumulative effect of $1.6 million , net of tax, upon adopting ASU 2014-09 as an addition to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The comparative information for 2017 has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for that period. See " Note 17. Revenue Recognition " for the required disclosures related to ASU 2014-09.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	3. Acquisitions Acquisition of Foroni Effective August 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Foroni, a leading provider of Foroni ® branded notebooks and paper-based school and office products in Brazil. The Foroni Acquisition advances our strategy to expand in faster growing geographies and product categories, add consumer-centric brands and diversify our customer base. The results of Foroni are included in the ACCO Brands International segment effective August 1, 2019. The preliminary purchase price was R$159.5 million ( US$42.1 million based on July 31, 2019 exchange rates) subject to working capital and other adjustments. We also assumed $7.6 million in debt. A portion of the purchase price ( R$25.0 million or US$6.6 million based on July 31, 2019 exchange rates) is being held in an escrow account for a period of up to 6 years after closing in the event of any claims against the sellers under the quota purchase agreement. The Company may also make claims against the sellers directly, subject to limitations in the quota purchase agreement, if the escrow is depleted. The Foroni Acquisition and related expenses were funded by cash on hand. For accounting purposes, the Company was the acquiring enterprise. The Foroni Acquisition is being accounted for as a purchase business combination and Foroni's results are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of August 1, 2019. The net sales for Foroni were $30.5 million for the five months owned during the year ended December 31, 2019. The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the consideration given to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Foroni acquisition: (in millions) At August 1, 2019 Calculation of Goodwill: Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment $ 42.1 Plus fair value of liabilities assumed: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 12.4 Deferred tax liabilities 4.0 Debt 7.6 Lease liabilities 5.6 Fair value of liabilities assumed $ 29.6 Less fair value of assets acquired: Cash acquired — Accounts receivable 17.5 Inventory 12.3 Property and equipment 9.1 Identifiable intangibles 11.1 Deferred tax assets 2.7 Right of use asset, leases 5.6 Other assets 3.6 Fair value of assets acquired $ 61.9 Goodwill $ 9.8 We are continuing our review of our fair value estimate of assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the measurement period, which will conclude as soon as we receive the information we are seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learn that more information is not available. This measurement period will not exceed one year from the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. The preliminary goodwill of $9.8 million is primarily attributable to synergies expected to be realized from facility integration, headcount reduction and other operational streamlining activities, and from the existence of an assembled workforce. Our fair value estimate of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is pending the completion of several elements, including the final determination of the purchase price, pending calculations of working capital and other adjustments, of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the final review by our management. The primary areas that are not yet finalized relate to intangible assets, property and equipment, reserves and liabilities, and income and other taxes. Accordingly, there could be material adjustments to our condensed consolidated financial statements, including changes in our amortization and depreciation expense related to the valuation of intangible assets and property and equipment acquired and their respective useful lives, among other adjustments. The final determination of the purchase price, fair values and resulting goodwill may differ significantly from what is reflected in these condensed consolidated financial statements. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 , transaction costs related to the Foroni Acquisition were $1.5 million . These costs were reported as selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income . Pro forma financial information is not presented because it is not material. Cumberland Asset Acquisition On January 31, 2019, the Company completed the purchase of certain assets, including inventory and certain identifiable intangibles, for the Cumberland brand (the "Cumberland Asset Acquisition") in Australia for a purchase price of A$8.2 million ( US$6.0 million based on January 31, 2019 exchange rates). The Cumberland Asset Acquisition extends our presence in Australia into new product categories. The Company accounted for the transaction as an asset acquisition, as the set of assets acquired does not meet the criteria to be classified as a business under GAAP. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 , transaction costs related to the Cumberland Asset Acquisition were US$0.1 million . These costs were reported as SG&A expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income . The following table summarizes the fair value of assets acquired: (in millions) At January 31, 2019 Inventory $ 2.8 Identifiable intangibles 3.2 Fair value of assets acquired $ 6.0 Acquisition of GOBA On July 2, 2018, the Company completed the GOBA Acquisition. GOBA is a leading provider of Barrilito ® branded school and craft products in Mexico . The acquisition increased the breadth and depth of our distribution throughout Mexico, especially with wholesalers and retailers and added a strong offering of school and craft products to our product portfolio in Mexico. The purchase price paid at closing was Mex $796.8 million (US $39.9 million based on July 2, 2018 exchange rates), and was later reduced by US$0.8 million of working capital adjustments. The purchase price, net of cash acquired of $1.9 million , was $37.2 million . A portion of the purchase price (Mex $115.0 million ( US$5.8 million based on July 2, 2018 exchange rates)) is being held in an escrow account for a period of up to 5 years after closing in the event of any claims against the sellers under the stock purchase agreement. The Company may also make claims against the sellers directly, subject to limitations in the stock purchase agreement, if the escrow is depleted. The GOBA Acquisition and related expenses were funded by increased borrowing under our revolving facility. For accounting purposes, the Company was the acquiring enterprise. The GOBA Acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination. The results of GOBA are included in the ACCO Brands International segment as of July 2, 2018. The net sales for GOBA for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 were $23.7 million . The following table presents the allocation of the consideration given to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the GOBA Acquisition: (in millions) At July 2, 2018 Calculation of Goodwill: Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment $ 39.1 Plus fair value of liabilities assumed: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 10.1 Deferred tax liabilities 3.1 Other non-current liabilities 6.5 Fair value of liabilities assumed $ 19.7 Less fair value of assets acquired: Cash acquired 1.9 Accounts receivable 30.0 Inventory 7.1 Property and equipment 0.6 Identifiable intangibles 10.3 Deferred tax assets 2.0 Other assets 4.2 Fair value of assets acquired $ 56.1 Goodwill $ 2.7 In the second quarter of 2019 we finalized our fair value estimate of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. For the year ended December 31, 2018, transaction costs related to the GOBA Acquisition were US$1.1 million . These costs were reported as interest and SG&A expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income . Acquisition of Esselte Group Holdings AB On January 31, 2017, ACCO Europe Limited ("ACCO Europe"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the Esselte Acquisition. The Esselte Acquisition was made pursuant to the share purchase agreement, dated October 21, 2016, as amended (the "Purchase Agreement"), among ACCO Europe, the Company and an entity controlled by J. W. Childs (the "Seller"). As a result of the acquisition of Esselte, ACCO Brands became a leading European manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer and office products. The Esselte acquisition added the Leitz ® , Rapid ® and Esselte ® brands in the storage and organization, stapling, punching, business machines and do-it-yourself tools product categories to the Company's portfolio. The combination improved ACCO Brands’ scale and enhanced its position as an industry leader in Europe. The purchase price paid at closing was €302.9 million ( US$326.8 million based on January 31, 2017 exchange rates) and was subject to a working capital adjustment that reduced it by $0.3 million . The purchase price, net of cash acquired of $34.2 million , was $292.3 million . A warranty and indemnity insurance policy held by the Company and ACCO Europe insures certain of Seller’s contractual obligations to ACCO Europe under the Purchase Agreement for up to €40.0 million ( US$43.2 million based on January 31, 2017 exchange rates) for a period of up to seven years , subject to certain deductibles and limitations set forth in the policy. The Esselte Acquisition and related expenses were funded through a term loan of €300.0 million ( US$320.8 million based on January 27, 2017 exchange rates) and cash on hand. For accounting purposes, the Company was the acquiring enterprise. The Esselte Acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination and Esselte's results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of February 1, 2017. The following table presents the allocation of the consideration given to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Esselte Acquisition: (in millions) At January 31, 2017 Calculation of Goodwill: Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment $ 326.5 Plus fair value of liabilities assumed: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 121.9 Deferred tax liabilities 83.6 Pension obligations 174.1 Other non-current liabilities 5.8 Fair value of liabilities assumed $ 385.4 Less fair value of assets acquired: Cash acquired 34.2 Accounts receivable 60.0 Inventory 41.9 Property, plant and equipment 75.6 Identifiable intangibles 277.0 Deferred tax assets 106.3 Other assets 10.4 Fair value of assets acquired $ 605.4 Goodwill $ 106.5 In the fourth quarter of 2017 we finalized our fair value estimate of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill. The goodwill of $106.5 million is primarily attributable to synergies expected to be realized from facility integration, headcount reduction and other operational streamlining activities, and from the existence of an assembled workforce. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , transaction costs related to the Esselte Acquisition were $5.0 million . These costs were reported as SG&A expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.

Long-term Debt and Short-term B

Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Short-Term Borrowings	3.50 to 1.00 2.25% 1.25% ≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and > 3.25 to 1.00 2.00% 1.00% ≤ 3.25 to 1.00 and > 3.00 to 1.00 1.75% 0.75% ≤ 3.00 to 1.00 and > 2.00 to 1.00 1.50% 0.50% ≤ 2.00 to 1.00 1.25% 0.25% As of December 31, 2019 , the applicable rate on Euro, Australian and Canadian dollar loans was 1.50 percent and the applicable rate on Base Rate loans was 0.50 percent . Undrawn amounts under the Revolving Facility are subject to a commitment fee rate of 0.20 percent to 0.35 percent per annum, depending on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio. As of December 31, 2019 , the commitment fee rate was 0.25 percent . Prepayments Subject to certain conditions and specific exceptions, the Credit Agreement requires the Company to prepay outstanding amounts under the Credit Agreement under various circumstances, including (a) if sales or dispositions of certain property or assets in any fiscal year result in the receipt of net cash proceeds of $12.0 million , then an amount equal to 100 percent of the net cash proceeds received in excess of such $12.0 million , and (b) with respect to the AUD Term Loan A, in an amount equal to 100 percent of the net cash proceeds received from the disposition of any real property located in Australia. The Company also would be required to make prepayments in the event it receives proceeds related to certain property insurance or condemnation awards and from additional debt other than debt permitted under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also contains other customary prepayment obligations and provides for voluntary commitment reductions and prepayment of loans, subject to certain conditions and exceptions. Dividends and Share Repurchases Under the Credit Agreement, the Company may pay dividends and/or repurchase shares in an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of: (i) the greater of $30.0 million and 1 percent of the Company’s Consolidated Total Assets (as defined in the Credit Agreement); plus (ii) an additional amount not to exceed $75.0 million in any fiscal year (provided the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio after giving pro forma effect to the restricted payment would be greater than 3.25 :1.00 and less than or equal to 3.75 :1.00); plus (iii) an additional amount so long as the Consolidated Leverage Ratio after giving pro forma effect to the restricted payment would be less than or equal to 3.25 :1.00; plus (iv) any Net Equity Proceeds (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Financial Covenants The Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as of the end of any fiscal quarter may not exceed 3.75 :1.00; provided that as of the end of any fiscal quarter in which a Material Acquisition (as defined in the Credit Agreement) occurs, and as of the end of the three fiscal quarters thereafter, the maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio level will increase by 0.50 :1.00, provided that no more than one such increase can be in effect at any time. The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the end of any fiscal quarter at or above 3.00 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2019 , our Consolidated Leverage Ratio was approximately 2.6 to 1 and our Interest Coverage Ratio was approximately 7.5 to 1. Other Covenants and Restrictions The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults, certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, certain ERISA-related events, changes in control or ownership and invalidity of any loan document. The Credit Agreement also establishes limitations on the aggregate amount of Permitted Acquisitions and Investments (each as defined in the Credit Agreement) that the Company and its subsidiaries may make during the term of the Credit Agreement. Incremental Facilities The Credit Agreement permits the Company to seek increases in the size of the Revolving Facility and the Term A Facility prior to maturity by up to $500.0 million in the aggregate, subject to lender commitment and the conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. Senior Unsecured Notes due December 2024 (the "Senior Unsecured Notes") The Senior Unsecured Notes Indenture contains covenants that could limit the ability of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or, in the case of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries, preferred stock; (ii) create liens; (iii) pay dividends, make certain investments or make other restricted payments; (iv) sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (vi) allow any restricted subsidiary to pay dividends, loans, or assets to the Company or other restricted subsidiaries. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Senior Unsecured Notes Indenture also provides for events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the then outstanding Senior Unsecured Notes to be immediately due and payable. Compliance with Loan Covenants As of and for the periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the Company was in compliance with all applicable loan covenants under its senior secured credit facilities and the Senior Unsecured Notes. Guarantees and Security Generally, obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company's existing and future subsidiaries, and are secured by substantially all of the Company's and certain guarantor subsidiaries' assets, subject to certain exclusions and limitations. The Senior Unsecured Notes are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by each of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries other than certain excluded subsidiaries. The Senior Unsecured Notes and the related guarantees rank equally in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the Company and the guarantors, senior in right of payment to all of the existing and future subordinated debt of the Company and the guarantors, and effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future secured indebtedness of the Company and the guarantors to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The Senior Unsecured Notes and the guarantees are and will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including trade payables, of each of the Company's subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes." id="sjs-B4">4. Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings Notes payable and long-term debt, listed in order of the priority of security interests in assets of the Company, consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) 2019 2018 Euro Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 1.5% at December 31, 2019) $ 275.9 $ — Euro Senior Secured Term Loan A, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 1.50% at December 31, 2018) — 289.0 USD Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 3.44% at December 31, 2019) 97.5 — Australian Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 2.45% at December 31, 2019) 41.6 — Australian Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 3.56% at December 31, 2018) — 43.0 U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 3.26% at December 31, 2019) 8.2 — U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 4.36% at December 31, 2018) — 106.8 Australian Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 2.44% at December 30, 2019) 14.0 — Australian Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 3.54% at December 31, 2018) — 73.9 Senior Unsecured Notes, due December 2024 (fixed interest rate of 5.25%) 375.0 375.0 Other borrowings 3.8 0.3 Total debt 816.0 888.0 Less: Current portion 33.2 39.5 Debt issuance costs, unamortized 5.6 5.5 Long-term debt, net $ 777.2 $ 843.0 The Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), dated as of January 27, 2017, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and various lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provided for a five-year senior secured credit facility, which consisted of a €300.0 million ( US$320.8 million based on January 27, 2017, exchange rates) term loan facility, an A$80.0 million ( US$60.4 million based on January 27, 2017, exchange rates) term loan facility, and a US$400.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility"). Effective July 26, 2018, the Company entered into the First Amendment (the "First Amendment") to the Credit Agreement among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The First Amendment increased the aggregate revolving credit commitments under the Revolving Facility by $100.0 million such that, after giving effect to such increase, the aggregate amount of revolving credit available under the Revolving Facility was $500.0 million . In addition, the First Amendment also affected certain technical amendments to the Credit Agreement, including the addition of provisions relating to LIBOR successor rate procedures if LIBOR becomes unascertainable or is discontinued in the future and to expressly permit certain intercompany asset transfers. The changes related to LIBOR successor rate procedures are not expected to have a material effect on the Company. Effective May 23, 2019, the Company entered into the Second Amendment (the "Second Amendment") to the Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things: • extend the maturity date to May 23, 2024; • increase the aggregate revolving credit commitments under the Revolving Facility from $500.0 million to $600.0 million ; • establish a new term loan facility denominated in U.S. Dollars in an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million (the "USD Term Loan"); • replace the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 :1.00 with a minimum interest coverage ratio, as calculated under the Credit Agreement, of 3.00 :1.00; • reflect a more favorable restricted payment covenant, with the consolidated leverage ratio hurdle for unlimited restricted payments (including share repurchases and dividends) as calculated under the Credit Agreement increasing from 2.50 x to 3.25 x; • reflect, in certain cases, more favorable pricing with a 25 basis point reduction in the applicable rate on outstanding loans than was in effect prior to the Second Amendment based on the Company's then current consolidated leverage ratio, along with lower fees on undrawn amounts; • eliminate the requirement to make annual principal prepayments of excess cash flow; • reduce amortization payments for the term loans; and • increase the qualified receivables transaction basket with respect to sales or financings of certain receivables. Effective upon the closing of the Second Amendment, the Company borrowed the entire principal amount committed under the USD Term Loan, which was used to repay revolver borrowings and, in combination with the increase in the Revolving Facility, resulted in $200.0 million of additional liquidity becoming available under the Revolving Facility. We incurred and capitalized approximately $3.3 million in bank, legal and other fees associated with the Second Amendment. During 2019, the Company repaid $70.6 million of debt, net of borrowings of $325.8 million . As of December 31, 2019 , there were $22.2 million in borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility. The remaining amount available for borrowings was $566.6 million (allowing for $11.2 million of letters of credit outstanding on that date). Amortization The outstanding principal amounts under the Term A Loan Facility are payable in quarterly installments in an amount representing, on an annual basis, 1.25 percent of the initial aggregate principal amount of such loan facility and increasing to 2.5 percent in September 2023. Interest Rates Amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Euro Rate with a 0 percent floor, the Australian BBSR Rate, the Canadian BA Rate or the Base Rate, as applicable and as each such rate is defined in the Credit Agreement, plus an "applicable rate." The applicable rate applied to outstanding Euro, Australian and Canadian dollar denominated loans and Base Rate loans is based on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as follows: Consolidated Leverage Ratio Applicable Rate on Euro/AUD/CDN Dollar Loans Applicable Rate on Base Rate Loans > 3.50 to 1.00 2.25% 1.25% ≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and > 3.25 to 1.00 2.00% 1.00% ≤ 3.25 to 1.00 and > 3.00 to 1.00 1.75% 0.75% ≤ 3.00 to 1.00 and > 2.00 to 1.00 1.50% 0.50% ≤ 2.00 to 1.00 1.25% 0.25% As of December 31, 2019 , the applicable rate on Euro, Australian and Canadian dollar loans was 1.50 percent and the applicable rate on Base Rate loans was 0.50 percent . Undrawn amounts under the Revolving Facility are subject to a commitment fee rate of 0.20 percent to 0.35 percent per annum, depending on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio. As of December 31, 2019 , the commitment fee rate was 0.25 percent . Prepayments Subject to certain conditions and specific exceptions, the Credit Agreement requires the Company to prepay outstanding amounts under the Credit Agreement under various circumstances, including (a) if sales or dispositions of certain property or assets in any fiscal year result in the receipt of net cash proceeds of $12.0 million , then an amount equal to 100 percent of the net cash proceeds received in excess of such $12.0 million , and (b) with respect to the AUD Term Loan A, in an amount equal to 100 percent of the net cash proceeds received from the disposition of any real property located in Australia. The Company also would be required to make prepayments in the event it receives proceeds related to certain property insurance or condemnation awards and from additional debt other than debt permitted under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also contains other customary prepayment obligations and provides for voluntary commitment reductions and prepayment of loans, subject to certain conditions and exceptions. Dividends and Share Repurchases Under the Credit Agreement, the Company may pay dividends and/or repurchase shares in an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of: (i) the greater of $30.0 million and 1 percent of the Company’s Consolidated Total Assets (as defined in the Credit Agreement); plus (ii) an additional amount not to exceed $75.0 million in any fiscal year (provided the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio after giving pro forma effect to the restricted payment would be greater than 3.25 :1.00 and less than or equal to 3.75 :1.00); plus (iii) an additional amount so long as the Consolidated Leverage Ratio after giving pro forma effect to the restricted payment would be less than or equal to 3.25 :1.00; plus (iv) any Net Equity Proceeds (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Financial Covenants The Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as of the end of any fiscal quarter may not exceed 3.75 :1.00; provided that as of the end of any fiscal quarter in which a Material Acquisition (as defined in the Credit Agreement) occurs, and as of the end of the three fiscal quarters thereafter, the maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio level will increase by 0.50 :1.00, provided that no more than one such increase can be in effect at any time. The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the end of any fiscal quarter at or above 3.00 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2019 , our Consolidated Leverage Ratio was approximately 2.6 to 1 and our Interest Coverage Ratio was approximately 7.5 to 1. Other Covenants and Restrictions The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults, certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, certain ERISA-related events, changes in control or ownership and invalidity of any loan document. The Credit Agreement also establishes limitations on the aggregate amount of Permitted Acquisitions and Investments (each as defined in the Credit Agreement) that the Company and its subsidiaries may make during the term of the Credit Agreement. Incremental Facilities The Credit Agreement permits the Company to seek increases in the size of the Revolving Facility and the Term A Facility prior to maturity by up to $500.0 million in the aggregate, subject to lender commitment and the conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. Senior Unsecured Notes due December 2024 (the "Senior Unsecured Notes") The Senior Unsecured Notes Indenture contains covenants that could limit the ability of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or, in the case of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries, preferred stock; (ii) create liens; (iii) pay dividends, make certain investments or make other restricted payments; (iv) sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (vi) allow any restricted subsidiary to pay dividends, loans, or assets to the Company or other restricted subsidiaries. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Senior Unsecured Notes Indenture also provides for events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the then outstanding Senior Unsecured Notes to be immediately due and payable. Compliance with Loan Covenants As of and for the periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the Company was in compliance with all applicable loan covenants under its senior secured credit facilities and the Senior Unsecured Notes. Guarantees and Security Generally, obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company's existing and future subsidiaries, and are secured by substantially all of the Company's and certain guarantor subsidiaries' assets, subject to certain exclusions and limitations. The Senior Unsecured Notes are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by each of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries other than certain excluded subsidiaries. The Senior Unsecured Notes and the related guarantees rank equally in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the Company and the guarantors, senior in right of payment to all of the existing and future subordinated debt of the Company and the guarantors, and effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future secured indebtedness of the Company and the guarantors to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The Senior Unsecured Notes and the guarantees are and will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including trade payables, of each of the Company's subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	5. Leases On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), applying the transition method in accounting standard ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements. ASU 2018-11 allows an entity to initially apply ASU 2016-02 at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company recorded a net increase to beginning retained earnings of $0.5 million as of January 1, 2019 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASU 2016-02. The impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on our Consolidated Balance Sheet was material, but the impact was immaterial for our Consolidated Statements of Income , Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity. The Company leases its corporate headquarters, various other facilities for distribution, manufacturing, and offices, as well as vehicles, forklifts and other equipment. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases are included in " Right of use asset, leases " ("ROU Assets"), and the current portion of the lease liability is included in " Lease liabilities " and the non-current portion is included in " Long-term lease liabilities " in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company currently has an immaterial amount of financing leases and leases with terms of more than one month and less than 12 months. ROU Assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Because most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, the Company uses its incremental collateralized borrowing rate, on a regional basis, in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is dependent upon duration of the lease and has been segmented into three groups of time. All leases within the same region and the same group of time share the same incremental borrowing rate. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are combined for accounting purposes for all classes of assets except information technology equipment. The components of lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 Operating lease cost $ 29.6 Sublease income (1.7 ) Total lease cost $ 27.9 Total rental expense reported in our Consolidated Statements of Income for all non-cancelable operating leases (reduced by minor amounts for subleases) amounted to $27.9 million , $33.0 million and $30.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Other information related to leases for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows: (in millions, except lease term and discount rate) 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 29.6 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 35.5 Weighted average remaining lease term: Operating leases 7.0 years Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 5.3 % Future minimum lease payments, net of sub-lease income, for all non-cancelable leases as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) 2020 $ 28.4 2021 24.0 2022 19.8 2023 15.6 2024 13.5 Thereafter 41.5 Total minimum lease payments 142.8 Less imputed interest 31.2 Future minimum payments for leases, net of sublease rental income and imputed interest $ 111.6

Pension and Other Retiree Benef

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Retiree Benefits	6. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits We have a number of pension plans, principally in Germany, the U.K. and the U.S. The plans provide for payment of retirement benefits, primarily commencing between the ages of 60 and 65 , and also for payment of certain disability and severance benefits. After meeting certain qualifications, an employee acquires a vested right to future benefits. The benefits payable under the plans are generally determined based on an employee’s length of service and earnings. The majority of these plans have been frozen and are no longer accruing additional service benefits. Cash contributions to the plans are made as necessary to ensure legal funding requirements are satisfied. In the Esselte Acquisition, we acquired numerous pension plans, primarily in Germany (which is frozen to new participants) and the U.K. The Esselte U.K. plan is frozen and was merged into the legacy ACCO U.K. plan in 2019, which was frozen on September 30, 2012. On January 20, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors approved plan amendments to temporarily freeze our ACCO Brands Corporation Pension Plan for Salaried and Certain Hourly Paid Employees in the U.S. (the "U.S. Salaried Plan") effective March 7, 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the U.S. Salaried Plan became permanently frozen and, as of December 31, 2014, we permanently froze a portion of our U.S. pension plan for certain bargained hourly employees. As of December 31, 2016, all of our Canadian pension plans were frozen. We also provide post-retirement health care and life insurance benefits to certain employees and retirees in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. All but one of these benefit plans is no longer open to new participants. Many employees and retirees outside of the U.S. are covered by government health care programs. The following table sets forth our defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans funded status and the amounts recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Change in projected benefit obligation (PBO) Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 188.3 $ 206.5 $ 627.3 $ 695.0 $ 6.2 $ 6.8 Service cost 1.3 1.6 1.3 1.9 — 0.1 Interest cost 7.4 6.7 13.4 12.9 0.2 0.2 Actuarial loss (gain) 25.2 (15.6 ) 67.6 (26.6 ) (0.9 ) (0.3 ) Participants’ contributions — — 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Benefits paid (10.6 ) (10.9 ) (28.6 ) (26.9 ) (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Curtailment gain — — — (0.9 ) — — Settlement gain — — (0.4 ) (2.0 ) — — Plan amendments — — — 6.8 — — Foreign exchange rate changes — — 10.0 (35.3 ) 0.1 (0.3 ) Other items — — — 2.3 — — Projected benefit obligation at end of year 211.6 188.3 690.7 627.3 5.3 6.2 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 141.1 162.1 417.6 463.8 — — Actual return on plan assets 21.9 (15.8 ) 45.5 (10.0 ) — — Employer contributions 5.6 5.7 14.1 14.9 0.3 0.3 Participants’ contributions — — 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Benefits paid (10.6 ) (10.9 ) (28.7 ) (26.9 ) (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Settlement gain — — (0.4 ) (2.0 ) — — Foreign exchange rate changes — — 12.1 (24.6 ) — — Other items — — — 2.3 — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 158.0 141.1 460.3 417.6 — — Funded status (Fair value of plan assets less PBO) $ (53.6 ) $ (47.2 ) $ (230.4 ) $ (209.7 ) $ (5.3 ) $ (6.2 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of: Other non-current assets $ — $ — $ 1.2 $ 1.4 $ — $ — Other current liabilities — — 6.8 6.7 0.5 0.6 Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations 53.6 47.2 224.8 204.4 4.8 5.6 Components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain) 74.1 64.7 129.8 97.1 (4.0 ) (3.5 ) Unrecognized prior service cost (credit) 1.4 1.5 4.9 5.0 (0.2 ) (0.2 ) Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations of $283.2 million as of December 31, 2019 , increased from $257.2 million as of December 31, 2018 , primarily due to lower discount rate assumptions compared to the prior year. In addition, lower discount rates were the primary reason for the actuarial losses that were recognized in 2019. The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $891.3 million and $806.1 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The following table sets out information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 211.6 $ 188.3 $ 638.4 $ 564.6 Fair value of plan assets 158.0 141.1 417.5 362.9 The following table sets out information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Projected benefit obligation $ 211.6 $ 188.3 $ 649.1 $ 574.0 Fair value of plan assets 158.0 141.1 417.5 362.9 The components of net periodic benefit (income) expense for pension and post-retirement plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Service cost $ 1.3 $ 1.6 $ 1.4 $ 1.3 $ 1.9 $ 1.9 $ — $ 0.1 $ — Interest cost 7.4 6.7 7.1 13.4 12.9 13.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 Expected return on plan assets (11.7 ) (11.8 ) (12.3 ) (20.5 ) (22.7 ) (21.8 ) — — — Amortization of net loss (gain) 2.2 2.7 2.0 3.3 3.4 3.0 (0.4 ) (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Amortization of prior service cost 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 — — — (0.1 ) — Curtailment gain — — — — (0.6 ) — — — — Settlement loss — — — 0.1 — — — — — Net periodic benefit income (1) $ (0.4 ) $ (0.4 ) $ (1.4 ) $ (2.1 ) $ (5.1 ) $ (3.5 ) $ (0.2 ) $ (0.2 ) $ (0.2 ) (1) The components, other than service cost, are included in the line " Non-operating pension income " in the Consolidated Statements of Income . Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations that were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Current year actuarial loss (gain) $ 15.0 $ 12.0 $ 5.9 $ 43.3 $ 5.3 $ 14.3 $ (1.0 ) $ (0.3 ) $ — Amortization of actuarial (loss) gain (2.2 ) (2.7 ) (2.0 ) (3.3 ) (3.4 ) (3.0 ) 0.4 0.4 0.4 Current year prior service cost — — — — 6.5 — — — — Amortization of prior service (cost) credit (0.4 ) (0.4 ) (0.4 ) (0.3 ) 0.3 — — 0.1 — Foreign exchange rate changes — — — 3.4 (7.1 ) 10.7 — 0.1 (0.2 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 12.4 $ 8.9 $ 3.5 $ 43.1 $ 1.6 $ 22.0 $ (0.6 ) $ 0.3 $ 0.2 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and other comprehensive income (loss) $ 12.0 $ 8.5 $ 2.1 $ 41.0 $ (3.5 ) $ 18.5 $ (0.8 ) $ 0.1 $ — Assumptions The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 3.3 % 4.6 % 3.7 % 1.8 % 2.5 % 2.3 % 2.7 % 3.7 % 3.2 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A 2.9 % 3.0 % 2.8 % N/A N/A N/A The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit (income) expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 4.0 % 3.5 % 3.8 % 2.4 % 2.1 % 2.3 % 3.6 % 3.2 % 3.4 % Expected long-term rate of return 7.4 % 7.4 % 7.8 % 5.0 % 5.0 % 5.5 % N/A N/A N/A Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A 3.0 % 2.8 % 3.1 % N/A N/A N/A The weighted average health care cost trend rates used to determine post-retirement benefit obligations and net periodic benefit (income) expense as of December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 were as follows: Post-retirement 2019 2018 2017 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 7 % 7 % 7 % Rate that the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 4 % 5 % 5 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2027 2026 2025 Plan Assets The investment strategy for the Company is to optimize investment returns through a diversified portfolio of investments, taking into consideration underlying plan liabilities and asset volatility. Each plan has a different target asset allocation, which is reviewed periodically and is based on the underlying liability structure. The target asset allocation for our U.S. plan is 56.5 percent in equity securities, 33.5 percent in fixed income securities and 10 percent in alternative assets. The target asset allocation for non-U.S. plans is set by the local plan trustees. Our pension plan weighted average asset allocations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: 2019 2018 U.S. International U.S. International Asset category Equity securities 56 % 13 % 58 % 16 % Fixed income 33 46 27 20 Real estate 3 3 3 5 Other (2) 8 38 12 59 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % (2) Multi-strategy hedge funds, insurance contracts and cash and cash equivalents for certain of our plans. U.S. Pension Plan Assets The fair value measurements of our U.S. pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) Quoted Prices Significant Significant Fair Value Mutual funds $ 103.2 $ — $ — $ 103.2 Exchange traded funds 48.4 — — 48.4 Common collective trust funds — 1.5 — 1.5 Investments measured at net asset value (3) Multi-strategy hedge funds 4.9 Total $ 151.6 $ 1.5 $ — $ 158.0 (3) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in these tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the table that presents our defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans funded status. The fair value measurements of our U.S. pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (in millions) Quoted Prices Significant Significant Fair Value Mutual funds $ 77.1 $ — $ — $ 77.1 Exchange traded funds 54.0 — — 54.0 Common collective trust funds — 1.7 — 1.7 Investments measured at net asset value (3) Multi-strategy hedge funds 8.3 Total $ 131.1 $ 1.7 $ — $ 141.1 Mutual funds and exchange traded funds: The fair values of mutual fund and common stock fund investments are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (level 1 inputs). Common collective trusts : The fair values of participation units held in common collective trusts are based on their net asset values, as reported by the managers of the common collective trusts and as supported by the unit prices of actual purchase and sale transactions occurring as of or close to the financial statement date (level 2 inputs). International Pension Plans Assets The fair value measurements of our international pension plans assets by asset category as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) Quoted Prices Significant Significant Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents $ 1.4 $ — $ — $ 1.4 Equity securities 59.9 — — 59.9 Exchange traded funds 0.4 — — 0.4 Corporate debt securities — 79.3 — 79.3 Multi-strategy hedge funds — 85.9 — 85.9 Insurance contracts — 29.6 — 29.6 Real estate — 3.9 3.9 Government debt securities — 132.5 — 132.5 Investments measured at net asset value (3) Multi-strategy hedge funds 57.0 Real estate 10.4 Total $ 61.7 $ 331.2 $ — $ 460.3 The fair value measurements of our international pension plans assets by asset category as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (in millions) Quoted Prices Significant Significant Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents $ 2.7 $ — $ — $ 2.7 Equity securities 65.7 — — 65.7 Exchange traded funds 0.3 — — 0.3 Corporate debt securities — 71.7 — 71.7 Multi-strategy hedge funds — 196.3 — 196.3 Insurance contracts — 25.4 — 25.4 Government debt securities — 14.0 — 14.0 Investments measured at net asset value (3) Multi-strategy hedge funds 21.0 Real estate 20.5 Total $ 68.7 $ 307.4 $ — $ 417.6 Equity securities and exchange traded funds: The fair values of equity securities are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (level 1 inputs). Debt securities: Fixed income securities, such as corporate and government bonds and other debt securities, consist of index-linked securities. These debt securities are valued using quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information, including market interest rate curves, referenced credit spreads, and estimated prepayment rates, where applicable (level 2 inputs). Insurance contracts: Valued at contributions made, plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses, which approximate fair value (level 2 inputs). Multi-strategy hedge funds : The fair values of participation units held in multi-strategy hedge funds are based on their net asset values, as reported by the managers of the funds and are based on the daily closing prices of the underlying investments (level 2 inputs). Real estate: Real estate consists of managed real estate investment trust securities (level 2 inputs). Cash Contributions We contributed $20.0 million to our pension and post-retirement plans in 2019 and expect to contribute approximately $20 million in 2020 . The following table presents estimated future benefit payments to participants for the next ten fiscal years: Pension Post-retirement (in millions) Benefits Benefits 2020 $ 41.7 $ 0.5 2021 42.3 0.5 2022 42.9 0.5 2023 43.5 0.4 2024 44.0 0.4 Years 2025 - 2029 228.1 1.0 We also sponsor a number of defined contribution plans. Contributions are determined under various formulas. Costs related to such plans amounted to $12.4 million , $13.3 million and $13.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively. Multi-Employer Pension Plan We are a participant in a multi-employer pension plan. The plan has reported significant underfunded liabilities and declared itself in critical and declining status (red). As a result, the trustees of the plan adopted a rehabilitation plan (RP) in an effort to forestall insolvency. Our required contributions to this plan could increase due to the shrinking contribution base resulting from the insolvency of or withdrawal of other participating employers, from the inability or the failure of withdrawing participating employers to pay their withdrawal liability, from lower than expected returns on pension fund assets, and from other funding deficiencies. In the event that we withdraw from participation in the plan, we will be required to make withdrawal liability payments for a period of 20 years or longer in certain circumstances. The present value of our withdrawal liability payments would be recorded as an expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income and as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in the first year of our withdrawal. The most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone status available in 2019 and 2018 is for the plan’s years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The zone status is based on information that we received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percen t funded. The Company's contributions are not more than 5 percent of the total contributions to the plan. Details regarding the plan are outlined in the table below. Pension Protection Act Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented Contributions Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreement Year Ended December 31, Pension Fund EIN/Pension Plan Number 2019 2018 2019 2018 2017 Surcharge Imposed PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund 11-6166763 / 001 Red Red Implemented $ 0.2 $ 0.3 $ 0.2 Yes 6/30/2023

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	7. Stock-Based Compensation The ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan (the "Plan") provides for stock based awards generally in the form of stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance stock units ("PSUs"), any of which may be granted alone or with other types of awards and dividend equivalents. A total of up to 11,775,000 shares may be issued under awards to key employees and non-employee directors under the Plan. Beginning in 2018, the Company initiated a cash dividend to stockholders and began accruing dividend equivalents (“DEs") on all outstanding RSUs and PSUs as permitted by the Plan. DEs entitle holders of RSUs and PSUs to the same dividend value per share as holders of common stock. RSUs and PSUs are credited with DEs that are converted to RSUs and PSUs at the fair market value of our common stock on the dates the dividend payments are made and are subject to the same terms and conditions as the underlying award. DEs credited to RSUs and PSUs will only be paid to the extent the awards vest and any performance goals are achieved. Beginning in 2017, per ASU No. 2016-09 Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, the Company made the allowed accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, which affects the timing of stock compensation expense. Prior to 2017, forfeitures were estimated at the time of grant in order to calculate the amount of share-based payment awards ultimately expected to vest and the forfeiture rate was based on historical experience. We will satisfy the requirement for delivering shares of our common stock for our Plan by issuing new shares. The following table summarizes the impact of all stock-based compensation expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Selling, general and administrative expense $ 10.1 $ 8.8 $ 17.0 Loss before income tax (10.1 ) (8.8 ) (17.0 ) Income tax benefit (2.4 ) (2.2 ) (6.1 ) Net loss $ (7.7 ) $ (6.6 ) $ (10.9 ) There was no capitalization of stock-based compensation expense. Stock-based compensation expense by award type for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Stock option compensation expense $ 2.7 $ 2.0 $ 2.4 RSU compensation expense 5.1 4.7 4.3 PSU compensation expense 2.3 2.1 10.3 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 10.1 $ 8.8 $ 17.0 Stock Options The exercise price of each stock option equals or exceeds the fair market price of our stock on the date of grant. Options can generally be exercised over a maximum term of up to seven years. Stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2019 generally vest ratably over three years from the grant date. SSARs were last issued in 2009 and expired in 2016. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted average assumptions as outlined in the following table: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Weighted average expected lives 4.6 years 4.8 years 4.8 years Weighted average risk-free interest rate 2.49 % 2.62 % 2.04 % Weighted average expected volatility 36.1 % 36.4 % 39.7 % Expected dividend yield 2.65 % 1.87 % 0.00 % Weighted average grant date fair value $ 2.40 $ 3.76 $ 4.70 Volatility is calculated using ACCO Brands' historic volatility. The weighted average expected option term reflects ACCO Brands' historic life for all option tranches. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. A summary of the changes in stock options outstanding under the Plan during the year ended December 31, 2019 is presented below: Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 31, 2018 4,125,067 $ 9.46 Granted 1,303,255 $ 9.05 Exercised (559,371 ) $ 7.54 Forfeited (451,258 ) $ 12.01 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 4,417,693 $ 9.32 3.9 years $ 4.8 million Exercisable shares at December 31, 2019 2,468,344 $ 8.53 2.4 years $ 4.4 million We received cash of $4.2 million , $6.8 million and $4.2 million from the exercise of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 totaled $1.0 million , $4.1 million and $2.8 million , respectively. The fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was $1.9 million , $2.3 million and $2.6 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2019 , we had unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options of $3.4 million , which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. Stock Unit Awards RSUs vest over a pre-determined period of time, generally three years from the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 includes $1.1 million , $1.1 million and $0.8 million , respectively, of expense related to shares of stock (included in RSU compensation expense) which were RSUs granted to non-employee directors as a component of their compensation. The non-employee director RSUs became fully vested on the grant date. PSUs also vest over a pre-determined period of time, generally not longer than three years, but are further subject to the achievement of certain business performance criteria being met during the three-year performance period. Based upon the level of achieved performance, the number of shares actually awarded can vary from 0% to 150% of the original grant. There were 1,716,445 RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2019 . All outstanding RSUs as of December 31, 2019 vest within three years of their date of grant. We generally recognize compensation expense for our RSU awards ratably over the service period. Also outstanding as of December 31, 2019 were 1,021,543 PSUs. All outstanding PSUs as of December 31, 2019 vest at the end of their respective three-year performance periods subject to the level of achievement of the performance targets associated with such awards. Upon vesting, all of the remaining RSU and PSU awards will be converted into the right to receive one share of common stock of the Company for each unit that vests. The cost of these awards is determined using the fair value of the shares on the date of grant, and compensation expense is generally recognized over the period during which the employee provides the requisite service to the Company. We generally recognize compensation expense for our PSU awards ratably over the vesting period based on management’s judgment of the likelihood that performance measures will be attained. A summary of the changes in the RSUs outstanding under the Plan during 2019 is presented below: Stock Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2018 1,446,634 $ 10.72 Granted 679,601 $ 8.74 Vested and distributed (362,165 ) $ 7.74 Forfeited and cancelled (47,625 ) $ 11.81 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,716,445 $ 10.53 Vested and deferred at December 31, 2019 (1) 512,525 $ 9.37 (1) Included in outstanding at December 31, 2019 . Vested and deferred RSUs are primarily related to deferred compensation for non-employee directors. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we granted 465,378 and 438,521 RSUs, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of our RSUs was $8.74 , $12.71 , and $12.65 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The fair value of RSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was $3.6 million , $4.7 million and $5.5 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2019 , we have unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs of $5.6 million , which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. A summary of the changes in the PSUs outstanding under the Plan during 2019 is presented below: Stock Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2018 1,604,394 $ 9.46 Granted 895,389 $ 8.35 Vested (1,059,825 ) $ 7.66 Forfeited and cancelled (34,384 ) $ 11.27 Other - decrease due to performance of PSUs (384,031 ) $ 10.32 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,021,543 $ 9.98 For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 we granted 747,996 and 706,732 PSUs, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , 1,059,825 , 1,327,613 and 1,502,327 PSUs vested, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of our PSUs was $8.35 , $12.82 , and $12.75 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The fair value of PSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was $8.1 million , $10.0 million and $9.3 million respectively. As of December 31, 2019 , we have unrecognized compensation expense related to PSUs of $4.0 million , which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	8. Inventories The components of inventories were as follows: December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 Raw materials $ 44.4 $ 55.4 Work in process 3.5 4.3 Finished goods 235.4 280.9 Total inventories $ 283.3 $ 340.6

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	9. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net The components of net property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 Land and improvements $ 24.0 $ 25.2 Buildings and improvements to leaseholds 145.0 144.2 Machinery and equipment 475.1 440.7 Construction in progress 7.6 8.6 651.7 618.7 Less: accumulated depreciation (384.6 ) (355.0 ) Property, plant and equipment, net (1) $ 267.1 $ 263.7 (1) Net property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 contained $68.5 million and $51.9 million of computer software assets, respectively, which are classified within machinery and equipment and construction in progress. Depreciation expense for software was $8.9 million , $8.2 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Goodwill and Identifiable Intan

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets	10. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows: (in millions) ACCO ACCO ACCO Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 375.6 $ 129.4 $ 165.3 $ 670.3 Acquisitions (1) — — 2.4 2.4 Foreign currency translation — 36.2 — 36.2 Balance at December 31, 2018 375.6 165.6 167.7 708.9 Acquisitions (1) — — 10.1 10.1 Foreign currency translation — 0.1 (0.5 ) (0.4 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 375.6 $ 165.7 $ 177.3 $ 718.6 (1) Goodwill has been recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the GOBA Acquisition and represents the excess of the cost of the GOBA Acquisition when compared to the fair value estimate of the net assets acquired on July 2, 2018 (the date of the GOBA Acquisition). Goodwill has been recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the Foroni Acquisition and represents the excess of the cost of the Foroni Acquisition when compared to the fair value estimate of the net assets acquired on August 1, 2019 (the effective date of the Foroni Acquisition). See " Note 3. Acquisitions " for details on the calculation of the goodwill acquired in the acquisitions. The goodwill balance includes $215.1 million of accumulated impairment losses, which occurred prior to December 31, 2016. The authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level. We have determined that our reporting units are ACCO Brands North America, ACCO Brands EMEA and ACCO Brands International. We test goodwill for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. The Company performed this annual assessment, on a qualitative basis, as allowed by GAAP, in the second quarter of 2019 and concluded that no impairment existed. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests, principally in determining the fair value of each reporting unit and the indefinite lived intangible assets. While we believe our judgments and assumptions are reasonable, different assumptions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, impairment charges could be required. Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, loss of significant customers, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets or in entity structure, and divestitures may adversely impact the assumptions used in the valuations and ultimately result in future impairment charges. Identifiable Intangibles We test indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. We performed this annual assessment, on a qualitative basis, as allowed by GAAP, for our indefinite-lived trade names in the second quarter of 2019 and concluded that no impairment existed. For one of our indefinite-lived trade names that was not substantially above its carrying value, Mead ® , we performed a quantitative test in the second quarter of 2018. A 1.5% long-term growth and an 11.5% discount rate were used. We concluded that the Mead ® trade name was not impaired. Acquired Identifiable Intangibles Foroni Acquisition The preliminary valuation of identifiable intangible assets of $11.1 million acquired in the Foroni Acquisition includes an amortizable trade name, "Foroni ® ," which has been recorded at its estimated fair value. The fair value of the trade name was determined using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of royalty fees derived from projected revenues. The Foroni ® trade name is expected to be amortized over 23 years on a straight-line basis. Cumberland Asset Acquisition The valuation of identifiable intangible assets of $3.2 million acquired in the Cumberland Asset Acquisition includes an amortizable trade name and amortizable customer relationships, which have been recorded at their estimated fair values. The fair value of the trade name was determined using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of royalty fees derived from projected revenues. The fair value of the customer relationships was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method which is based on the present value of the projected after-tax cash flows. The amortizable trade name will be amortized over 10 years on a straight-line basis while the customer relationships will be amortized on an accelerated basis over 7 years from January 31, 2019, the date the Cumberland assets were acquired by the Company. The allocation of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the Cumberland Asset Acquisition was as follows: (in millions) Fair Value Remaining Useful Life Ranges Trade name - amortizable $ 0.8 10 Years Customer relationships 2.4 7 Years Total identifiable intangibles acquired $ 3.2 GOBA Acquisition The valuation of identifiable intangible assets of $10.3 million acquired in the GOBA Acquisition include an amortizable trade name and amortizable customer relationships, which have been recorded at their estimated fair values. The fair value of the trade name was determined using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of royalty fees derived from projected revenues. The fair value of the customer relationships was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method which is based on the present value of the projected after-tax cash flows. The amortizable trade name will be amortized over 15 years on a straight-line basis, while the customer relationships are being amortized on an accelerated basis over 10 years , from July 2, 2018 , the date GOBA was acquired by the Company. The allocations of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the GOBA Acquisition were as follows: (in millions) Fair Value Remaining Useful Life Ranges Trade name - amortizable $ 3.8 15 years Customer relationships 6.5 10 years Total identifiable intangibles acquired $ 10.3 Esselte Acquisition The identifiable intangible assets of $277.0 million acquired in the Esselte Acquisition include amortizable customer relationships, and indefinite lived and amortizable trade names and patents, which have been recorded at their estimated fair values. The fair value of the trade names and patents was determined using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of royalty fees derived from projected revenues. The fair value of the customer relationships was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method, which is based on the present value of the projected after-tax cash flows. Amortizable customer relationships, trade names and patents are expected to be amortized over lives ranging from 10 to 30 years from the Esselte Acquisition date of January 31, 2017. The customer relationships are being amortized on an accelerated basis. The allocations of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the Esselte Acquisition were as follows: (in millions) Fair Value Remaining Useful Life Ranges Trade name - indefinite lived $ 116.8 Indefinite Trade names - amortizable 53.2 15-30 Years Customer relationships 102.4 15 Years Patents 4.6 10 Years Total identifiable intangibles acquired $ 277.0 The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by class of identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (in millions) Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trade names $ 467.3 $ (44.5 ) (1) $ 422.8 $ 471.7 $ (44.5 ) (1) $ 427.2 Amortizable intangible assets: Trade names 316.7 (83.7 ) 233.0 306.0 (70.5 ) 235.5 Customer and contractual relationships 241.0 (142.3 ) 98.7 240.2 (120.5 ) 119.7 Patents 5.5 (1.4 ) 4.1 5.5 (0.9 ) 4.6 Subtotal 563.2 (227.4 ) 335.8 551.7 (191.9 ) 359.8 Total identifiable intangibles $ 1,030.5 $ (271.9 ) $ 758.6 $ 1,023.4 $ (236.4 ) $ 787.0 (1) Accumulated amortization prior to the adoption of authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets, at which time further amortization ceased. The Company’s intangible amortization expense was $ 35.4 million , $ 36.7 million and $ 35.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the next five years is as follows: (in millions) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Estimated amortization expense (2) $ 32.0 $ 28.4 $ 24.9 $ 22.6 $ 21.0 (2) Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, additional intangible asset acquisitions, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and other events.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	11. Restructuring For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , the Company recorded restructuring charges of $12.0 million , $11.7 million and $21.7 million , respectively, primarily for severance expenses associated with several cost savings initiatives. In 2019, we recorded $5.6 million of restructuring expense for our North America segment, $2.3 million for our EMEA segment, and $2.7 million for our International segment. In addition, we recorded $1.4 million of restructuring expense for Corporate. During 2018, the Company initiated cost savings plans related to changes in the operating structure of its North America segment and included costs associated with the integration of Esselte within the EMEA segment During 2017, the Company initiated cost savings plans related to the consolidation and integration of Esselte affecting all three of the Company's segments, but primarily the EMEA segment. In addition, the cost savings initiatives undertaken by the North America segment were expanded during 2017 to include the change in the operating structure in North America, including integration of our former Computer Products Group segment. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we recorded restructuring charges of $12.0 million , $11.7 million and $21.7 million , respectively. The summary of the activity in the restructuring liability (which is included in " Other current liabilities ") for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows: (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 Provision Cash Non-cash Balance at December 31, 2019 Employee termination costs (1) $ 7.9 $ 10.9 $ (8.1 ) $ — $ 10.7 Termination of lease agreements (2) 1.8 0.5 (1.7 ) — 0.6 Other (3) — 0.6 (0.1 ) — 0.5 Total restructuring liability $ 9.7 $ 12.0 $ (9.9 ) $ — $ 11.8 (1) We expect the remaining $10.7 million employee termination costs to be substantially paid within the next twelve months . (2) We expect the remaining $0.6 million termination of lease costs to be substantially paid within the next six months . (3) We expect the remaining $0.5 million of other costs to be substantially paid in the next six months . The summary of the activity in the restructuring accounts for the year ended December 31, 2018 was as follows: (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 Provision Cash Non-cash Balance at December 31, 2018 Employee termination costs $ 12.0 $ 8.3 $ (12.1 ) $ (0.3 ) $ 7.9 Termination of lease agreements 0.8 3.2 (2.0 ) (0.2 ) 1.8 Other 0.5 0.2 (0.6 ) (0.1 ) — Total restructuring liability $ 13.3 $ 11.7 $ (14.7 ) $ (0.6 ) $ 9.7 The summary of the activity in the restructuring accounts for the year ended December 31, 2017 was as follows: (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2016 Esselte Acquisition (4) Provision Cash Non-cash Balance at December 31, 2017 Employee termination costs $ 1.4 $ 1.5 $ 18.2 $ (9.6 ) $ 0.5 $ 12.0 Termination of lease agreements 0.1 1.2 2.4 (3.1 ) 0.2 $ 0.8 Other — 0.1 1.1 (0.7 ) — $ 0.5 Total restructuring liability $ 1.5 $ 2.8 $ 21.7 $ (13.4 ) $ 0.7 $ 13.3 (4) Restructuring liabilities assumed in the Esselte Acquisition. During the fourth quarter of 2017, in connection with the Pelikan Artline integration, the Company sold its building and related assets in New Zealand for net proceeds of $3.9 million and recorded a gain on sale of $1.5 million as a reduction of SG&A expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income within the ACCO Brands International segment. The sale was not included in the Company’s restructuring liability activity presented above. Restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 by reporting segment were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 5.6 $ 6.2 $ 5.5 ACCO Brands EMEA 2.3 4.9 11.2 ACCO Brands International 2.7 0.6 5.0 Corporate 1.4 — — Total restructuring charges $ 12.0 $ 11.7 $ 21.7

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	12. Income Taxes The components of income before income tax for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Domestic operations $ 32.0 $ 37.0 $ 68.7 Foreign operations 131.5 120.9 89.4 Total $ 163.5 $ 157.9 $ 158.1 The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21 percent for 2019, 21 percent for 2018 and 35 percent 2017 to our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Income tax at U.S. statutory rate; 21%, 21% and 35%, respectively $ 34.3 $ 33.2 $ 55.3 Effect of the U.S. Tax Act — 3.1 (25.7 ) State, local and other tax, net of federal benefit 5.8 2.2 3.6 GILTI/FDII 3.1 3.7 — U.S. effect of foreign dividends and withholding taxes 2.1 2.2 4.9 Foreign income taxed at a higher (lower) effective rate 4.2 0.9 (6.9 ) Net Brazilian Tax Assessments impact 6.5 (4.4 ) 2.2 Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance 0.4 5.2 (0.6 ) Excess expense (benefit) from stock-based compensation 0.2 (2.5 ) (5.6 ) Other 0.1 7.6 (0.8 ) Income taxes as reported $ 56.7 $ 51.2 $ 26.4 Effective tax rate 34.7 % 32.4 % 16.7 % For 2019 , we recorded income tax expense of $56.7 million on income before taxes of $163.5 million . The higher effective rate for 2019 of 34.7 percent compared to the 2018 effective tax rate, is primarily due to the increase to the reserve for the unrecognized tax benefits of $5.6 million in connection with the Brazil Tax Assessments. For 2018 , we recorded income tax expense of $51.2 million on income before taxes of $157.9 million . The higher effective rate for 2018 of 32.4 percent compared to the 2017 effective tax rate, is primarily due to the one-time 2017 beneficial effects of the U.S. Tax Act discussed below under " Tax Reform. " For 2017 , we recorded income tax expense of $26.4 million on income before taxes of $158.1 million . The lower effective rate for 2017 of 16.7 percent was primarily driven by a $25.7 million benefit resulting from the U.S. Tax Act, and a $5.6 million benefit due to the impact of the Company's adoption of ASU No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU No. 2016-9 in 2017. Tax Reform On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Act was signed into law. The U.S. Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to: (i) reducing the future U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; (ii) requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries (the "Transition Toll Tax"); (iii) bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property; (iv) a general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; (v) a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI"); (vi) the repeal of domestic production activity deductions; (vii) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation expenses; (viii) limitations on the use of foreign tax credits to reduce U.S. income tax liability; and (ix) a new provision that allows a domestic corporation an immediate deduction for a portion of its foreign derived intangible income ("FDII"). The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the U.S. Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the enactment date for companies to complete the related accounting under ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes . In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the U.S. Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for a certain income tax effect of the U.S. Tax Act is incomplete, but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the U.S. Tax Act. The Company was able to make reasonable estimates of the effects and recorded provisional estimates for these items. Changes in tax rates and tax laws are accounted for in the period of enactment. Therefore, during the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a net tax benefit totaling $25.7 million related to our provisional estimate of the impact of the U.S. Tax Act. The benefit consisted of an expense of $24.0 million , net of foreign tax credit carryforwards of $14.0 million , for the one-time Transition Toll Tax and a net benefit of $49.7 million in connection with the revaluation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from the decrease in the U.S. corporate tax rate. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has revised these estimated amounts and recognized additional net tax expense in the amount of $3.1 million . The Company recognized additional expenses of $0.3 million related to the Transition Toll Tax. The Company recognized additional expense of $3.3 million related to limitations on deductibility of executive compensation expenses including $1.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits and a $1.8 million impairment of deferred tax assets. The Company recognized a tax benefit of $0.5 million on the difference between the 2018 U.S. enacted rate of 21 percent and the 2017 enacted rate of 35 percent , primarily related to a $4.1 million deductible pension plan contribution included on the Company’s 2017 U.S. Corporation income tax return. The components of the income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Current expense Federal and other $ 5.8 $ 2.7 $ 41.1 Foreign 42.2 25.8 30.5 Total current income tax expense 48.0 28.5 71.6 Deferred expense Federal and other 8.4 11.1 (47.4 ) Foreign 0.3 11.6 2.2 Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) 8.7 22.7 (45.2 ) Total income tax expense $ 56.7 $ 51.2 $ 26.4 The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets Compensation and benefits $ 15.4 $ 17.2 Pension 52.7 46.1 Inventory 10.0 10.7 Other reserves 15.9 15.7 Accounts receivable 5.8 6.1 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 25.2 25.2 Net operating loss carryforwards 90.9 101.8 Other 10.6 9.6 Gross deferred income tax assets 226.5 232.4 Valuation allowance (51.6 ) (50.8 ) Net deferred tax assets 174.9 181.6 Deferred tax liabilities Depreciation (18.0 ) (19.3 ) Unremitted non-U.S. earnings accrual (2.0 ) (1.4 ) Identifiable intangibles (209.1 ) (219.0 ) Other (4.3 ) (3.0 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (233.4 ) (242.7 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (58.5 ) $ (61.1 ) A valuation allowance of $51.6 million and $50.8 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, has been established for deferred income tax assets, primarily related to net operating loss carryforwards that may not be realized. Realization of the net deferred income tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income prior to the expiration of the applicable carryforward periods. Although realization is not certain, management believes that it is more-likely-than-not that the net deferred income tax assets will be realized. However, the amount of net deferred tax assets considered realizable could change in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the applicable carryforward periods fluctuate. With the enactment of the U.S. Tax Act, we believe that our offshore cash can be accessed without adverse U.S. tax consequences. After analyzing our global working capital and cash requirements, the Company has reassessed and updated its indefinite reinvestment assertion under ASC 740. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has recorded $2.0 million of deferred taxes on approximately $331 million of unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that may be remitted to the U.S. The Company has $177 million of additional unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are indefinitely reinvested and for which no deferred taxes have been provided. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 43.7 $ 47.2 $ 43.7 Additions for tax positions of prior years 8.4 3.1 2.9 Additions for tax positions of current year 1.5 1.5 — Reductions for tax positions of prior years (2.5 ) (8.2 ) (0.7 ) Acquisitions — 5.3 1.6 Decrease resulting from foreign currency translation (0.6 ) (5.2 ) (0.3 ) Balance at end of year $ 50.5 $ 43.7 $ 47.2 As of December 31, 2019 , the amount of unrecognized tax benefits increased to $50.5 million , all of which would impact our effective tax rate, if recognized. We expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change within the next twelve months, but these changes are not expected to have a significant impact on our results of operations or financial position. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized within " Income tax expense " in the Consolidated Statements of Income . As of December 31, 2019 , we have accrued a cumulative $30.1 million for interest and penalties on the unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2019 , the U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for the year 2016 and forward. Foreign and U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from 2 to 5 years. As of December 31, 2019 , years still open to examination by foreign tax authorities in major jurisdictions include Australia ( 2015 forward), Brazil ( 2014 forward), Canada ( 2015 forward), Germany ( 2015 forward), Sweden ( 2015 forward) and the U.K. ( 2018 forward). We are currently under examination in various foreign jurisdictions. Brazil Tax Assessments In connection with our May 1, 2012, acquisition of the Mead Consumer and Office Products business ("Mead C&OP"), we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations including Tilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"). In December of 2012, the Federal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil ("FRD") issued a tax assessment against Tilibra, challenging the tax deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the year 2007 (the "First Assessment"). A second assessment challenging the deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 was issued by FRD in October 2013 (the "Second Assessment" and together with the First Assessment, the "Brazil Tax Assessments"). Tilibra is disputing both of the tax assessments. The final administrative appeal of the Second Assessment was decided against the Company in 2017. In 2018, we decided to appeal this decision to the judicial level. In the event we do not prevail at the judicial level, we will be required to pay an additional penalty representing attorneys' costs and fees; accordingly, in the first quarter of 2019, the Company recorded an additional reserve of $5.6 million . In connection with the judicial challenge, we were required to provide security to guarantee payment of the Second Assessment should we not prevail. The First Assessment is still being challenged through established administrative procedures. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to vigorously contest both of the assessments; however, there can be no assurances that we will ultimately prevail. The ultimate outcome will not be determined until the Brazilian tax appeal process is complete, which is expected to take a number of years. If the FRD's initial position is ultimately sustained, payment of the amount assessed would materially and adversely affect our cash flow in the year of settlement. Because there is no settled legal precedent on which to base a definitive opinion as to whether we will ultimately prevail, we consider the outcome of this dispute to be uncertain. Since it is not more likely than not that we will prevail, in 2012, we recorded a reserve in the amount of $44.5 million (at December 31, 2012 exchange rates) in consideration of this contingency, of which $43.3 million was recorded as an adjustment to the purchase price and which included the 2007-2012 tax years plus penalties and interest through December 2012. Included in this reserve is an assumption of penalties at 75 percent , which is the standard penalty. While there is a possibility that a penalty of 150 percent could be imposed in connection with the First Assessment, based on the facts in our case and existing precedent, we believe the likelihood of a 150 percent penalty is not more likely than not as of December 31, 2019. We will continue to actively monitor administrative and judicial court decisions and evaluate their impact, if any, on our legal assessment of the ultimate outcome of our disputes. In addition, we will continue to accrue interest related to this contingency until such time as the outcome is known or until evidence is presented that we are more likely than not to prevail. The time limit for issuing an assessment for 2011 and 2012 expired in January 2018 and January 2019, respectively. Since we did not receive assessments for either of these periods, we reversed the amounts previously accrued, including $5.6 million related to 2011, which was released in the first quarter of 2018. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we accrued additional interest as a charge to current income tax expense of $0.9 million , $1.1 million and $2.2 million , respectively. At current exchange rates, our accrual through December 31, 2019 , including tax, penalties and interest, is $34.8 million (reported in " Other non-current liabilities ").

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	13. Earnings per Share Total outstanding shares as of December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were 96.4 million , 102.7 million and 106.7 million , respectively. Under our stock repurchase program, for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we repurchased and retired 7.8 million , 6.0 million and 3.3 million shares, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we acquired 0.5 million , 0.6 million and 0.7 million shares, respectively, related to tax withholding in connection with share-based compensation. The calculation of basic earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding in the year, or period, over which they were outstanding. Our calculation of diluted earnings per share of common stock assumes that any shares of common stock outstanding were increased by shares that would be issued upon exercise of those stock awards for which the average market price for the period exceeds the exercise price less the shares that could have been purchased by the Company with the related proceeds, including compensation expense measured but not yet recognized. Our weighted-average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding - basic 99.5 104.8 108.1 Stock options 0.5 1.0 1.3 Restricted stock units 1.0 1.2 1.5 Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions - diluted 101.0 107.0 110.9 Awards of potentially dilutive shares of common stock, which have exercise prices that were higher than the average market price during the period, are not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , the number of anti-dilutive shares were approximately 4.7 million , 4.0 million and 3.1 million , respectively.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	14. Derivative Financial Instruments We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate changes. We enter into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of these risks, not for trading or speculative purposes. The counterparties to these financial instruments are major financial institutions. We continually monitor our foreign currency exposures in order to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. Principal currencies hedged against the U.S. dollar include the Euro, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, British pound and Japanese yen. We are subject to credit risk, which relates to the ability of counterparties to meet their contractual payment obligations or the potential non-performance by counterparties to financial instrument contracts. Management continues to monitor the status of our counterparties and will take action, as appropriate, to further manage our counterparty credit risk. There are no credit contingency features in our derivative financial instruments. When hedge accounting is applicable, on the date we enter into a derivative, the derivative is designated as a hedge of the identified exposure. We measure the effectiveness of our hedging relationships both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. Forward Currency Contracts We enter into forward foreign currency contracts with third parties to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies, primarily on foreign denominated inventory purchases and intercompany loans. The majority of the Company’s exposure to local currency movements is in Europe (the Euro, the Swedish krona and the British pound), Brazil, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. Forward currency contracts are used to hedge foreign denominated inventory purchases for Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand, and are designated as cash flow hedges. Unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") until the contracts are settled and the underlying hedged transactions relating to inventory purchases are recognized, at which time the deferred gains or losses will be reported in the " Cost of products sold " line in the Consolidated Statements of Income . As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , we had cash flow foreign exchange contracts outstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of $96.7 million and $98.7 million , respectively, which were designated as hedges. Forward currency contracts used to hedge foreign denominated intercompany loans are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses on these derivative instruments are recognized within " Other (income) expense, net " in the Consolidated Statements of Income and are largely offset by the change in the current translated value of the hedged item. The periods of the forward foreign exchange contracts correspond to the periods of the hedged transactions, and do not extend beyond December 2020 . As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , we had foreign exchange contracts outstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of $182.6 million and $113.3 million , respectively, which were not designated as hedges. The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities (in millions) Balance Sheet December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets $ 0.4 $ 3.3 Other current liabilities $ 0.9 $ 0.1 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets 7.6 0.6 Other current liabilities 8.6 1.7 Foreign exchange contracts Other non-current assets — 12.7 Other non-current liabilities — 12.7 Total derivatives $ 8.0 $ 16.6 $ 9.5 $ 14.5 The following tables summarize the pre-tax effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : The Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on the Consolidated Financial Statements Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion) Location of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Income Amount of (Gain) Loss (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 1.0 $ 9.1 $ (4.9 ) Cost of products sold $ (4.2 ) $ (6.4 ) $ 1.6 The Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income Location of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Amount of (Gain) Loss (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Other (income) expense, net $ 0.1 $ 0.7 $ (1.5 )

Fair Value Of Financial Instrum

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	15. Fair Value of Financial Instruments In establishing a fair value, there is a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The basis of the fair value measurement is categorized in three levels, in order of priority, as described below: Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities Level 2 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability Level 3 Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability We utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We have determined that our financial assets and liabilities described in " Note 14. Derivative Financial Instruments " are Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets: Forward currency contracts $ 8.0 $ 16.6 Liabilities: Forward currency contracts 9.5 14.5 Our forward currency contracts are included in " Other current assets ," " Other non-current assets ," " Other current liabilities ," or " Other non-current liabilities " and do not extend beyond December 2020 . The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are primarily valued based on the foreign currency spot and forward rates quoted by the banks or foreign currency dealers. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, notes payable to banks, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate carrying amounts due principally to their short maturities. The carrying amount of total debt was $816.0 million and $888.0 million and the estimated fair value of total debt was $831.4 million and $848.6 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The fair values are determined from quoted market prices, where available, and from using current interest rates based on credit ratings and the remaining terms of maturity.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI") is defined as net income (loss) and other changes in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events from sources other than stockholders. The components of, and changes in, AOCI were as follows: (in millions) Derivative Unrecognized Accumulated Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 0.2 $ (305.4 ) $ (155.9 ) $ (461.1 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 6.5 6.2 (13.4 ) (0.7 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (4.6 ) — 4.7 0.1 Balance at December 31, 2018 2.1 (299.2 ) (164.6 ) (461.7 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 0.6 (0.3 ) (45.9 ) (45.6 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (2.9 ) — 4.5 1.6 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (0.2 ) $ (299.5 ) $ (206.0 ) $ (505.7 ) The reclassifications out of AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location on Income Statement Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 4.2 $ 6.4 $ (1.6 ) Cost of products sold Tax benefit (1.3 ) (1.8 ) 0.3 Income tax expense Net of tax $ 2.9 $ 4.6 $ (1.3 ) Defined benefit plan items: Amortization of actuarial loss $ (5.2 ) $ (5.1 ) $ (4.6 ) (1) Amortization of prior service cost (0.7 ) (0.3 ) (0.4 ) (1) Total before tax (5.9 ) (5.4 ) (5.0 ) Tax benefit 1.4 0.7 1.5 Income tax expense Net of tax $ (4.5 ) $ (4.7 ) $ (3.5 ) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ (1.6 ) $ (0.1 ) $ (4.8 ) (1) These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (income) for pension and post-retirement plans (See " Note 6. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits " for additional details).

Revenue Recognition (Notes)

Revenue Recognition (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	17. Revenue Recognition On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all related amendments (Topic 606), applying the modified retrospective transition method to all customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2017 are presented under ASU 2014-09, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount reflective of the consideration we expect to be received in exchange for those goods or services. Taxes we collect concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items incurred that are immaterial in the context of the contract are expensed. At the inception of each contract, the Company assesses the products and services promised and identifies each distinct performance obligation. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers all products and services promised regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or implied within the contract or by standard business practices. Freight and distribution activities performed before the customer obtains control of the goods are not considered promised services under customer contracts and therefore are not distinct performance obligations. The Company has chosen to account for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment activity, and therefore accrues the expense of freight and distribution in " Cost of products sold " when product is shipped. Service or Extended Maintenance Agreements ("EMAs") As of December 31, 2018 , there was $5.0 million of unearned revenue associated with outstanding EMAs, primarily reported in " Other current liabilities ." During the year ended December 31, 2019 , $4.1 million of the unearned revenue was earned and recognized. As of December 31, 2019 , the amount of unearned revenue from EMAs was $5.5 million . We expect to earn and recognize approximately $5.0 million of the unearned amount in the next 12 months and $0.5 million in periods beyond the next 12 months. The following tables presents our net sales disaggregated by regional geography (1) , based upon our reporting business segments for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 and our net sales disaggregated by the timing of revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 United States $ 847.9 $ 819.7 $ 880.4 Canada 118.9 121.0 118.6 ACCO Brands North America 966.8 940.7 999.0 ACCO Brands EMEA (2) 569.3 605.2 542.8 Australia/N.Z. 145.3 169.2 187.9 Latin America 229.1 178.0 173.3 Asia-Pacific 45.2 48.1 45.8 ACCO Brands International 419.6 395.3 407.0 Net sales $ 1,955.7 $ 1,941.2 $ 1,948.8 (1) Net sales are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the selling entities. (2) ACCO Brands EMEA is comprised largely of Europe, but also includes export sales to the Middle East and Africa. (in millions) 2019 2018 Product and services transferred at a point in time $ 1,892.9 $ 1,878.2 Product and services transferred over time 62.8 63.0 Net sales $ 1,955.7 $ 1,941.2

Information on Business Segment

Information on Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information on Business Segments	18. Information on Business Segments The Company has three operating business segments, each of which is comprised of different geographic regions. The Company's three operating segments are as follows: Operating Segment Geography Primary Brands Primary Products ACCO Brands North America United States and Canada Five Star ® , Quartet ® , AT-A-GLANCE ® , GBC ® , Swingline ® , Kensington ® , Mead ® , and Hilroy ® School notebooks, planners, dry erase boards, storage and organization products (3-ring binders), stapling, punching, laminating, binding products, and computer accessories ACCO Brands EMEA Europe, Middle East and Africa Leitz ® , Rapid ® , Esselte ® , Kensington ® , Rexel ® GBC ® , NOBO ® , and Derwent ® Storage and organization products (lever-arch binders, sheet protectors, indexes), stapling, punching, laminating, shredding, do-it-yourself tools, dry erase boards, writing instruments and computer accessories ACCO Brands International Australia/N.Z., Latin America and Asia-Pacific Tilibra ® , GBC ® , Barrilito ® , Foroni ® , Marbig ® , Kensington ® , Artline ®* , Wilson Jones ® , Quartet ® , Spirax ® , and Rexel ® *Australia/N.Z. only School notebooks, planners, dry erase boards, storage and organization products (binders, sheet protectors and indexes), stapling, punching, laminating, shredding, writing instruments, janitorial supplies and computer accessories Each business segment designs, markets, sources, manufactures, and sells recognized consumer and other end-user demanded branded products used in businesses, schools, and homes. Product designs are tailored to end-user preferences in each geographic region, and where possible, leverage common engineering, design, and sourcing. Our product categories include storage and organization; stapling; punching; laminating, shredding, and binding machines; dry erase boards; notebooks; calendars; computer accessories; and do-it-yourself tools, among others. Our portfolio includes both globally and regionally recognized brands. The revenue in the North America and International segments includes significant sales of consumer products that have very important, seasonal selling periods related to back-to-school and calendar year-end. For North America and Mexico, back-to-school straddles the second and third quarters, and for the Southern hemisphere it takes place in the fourth and first quarters. We expect sales of consumer products to become a greater percentage of our revenue because demand for consumer back-to-school products is growing faster than demand for most business-related and calendar products. Customers We distribute our products through a wide variety of retail and commercial channels to ensure that they are readily and conveniently available for purchase by consumers and other end-users, wherever they prefer to shop. These channels include mass retailers, e-tailers, discount, drug/grocery and variety chains, warehouse clubs, hardware and specialty stores, independent office product dealers, office superstores, wholesalers, and contract stationers. We also sell direct to commercial and consumer end-users through e-commerce sites and our direct sales organization. Net sales by reportable business segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 966.8 $ 940.7 $ 999.0 ACCO Brands EMEA 569.3 605.2 542.8 ACCO Brands International 419.6 395.3 407.0 Net sales $ 1,955.7 $ 1,941.2 $ 1,948.8 Operating income by reportable business segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 131.0 $ 116.6 $ 152.4 ACCO Brands EMEA 58.6 59.4 32.0 ACCO Brands International 48.5 49.2 50.9 Segment operating income 238.1 225.2 235.3 Corporate (1) (41.9 ) (38.2 ) (50.8 ) Operating income (1) 196.2 187.0 184.5 Interest expense 43.2 41.2 41.1 Interest income (3.2 ) (4.4 ) (5.8 ) Non-operating pension income (5.5 ) (9.3 ) (8.5 ) Other (income) expense, net (1.8 ) 1.6 (0.4 ) Income before income tax $ 163.5 $ 157.9 $ 158.1 (1) Corporate operating loss in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 includes transaction costs of $1.6 million , $0.5 million and $5.0 million respectively, primarily for legal and due diligence expenditures associated with the Foroni, GOBA, and Esselte acquisitions. (2) Operating income as presented in the segment table above is defined as i) net sales; ii) less cost of products sold; iii) less SG&A expenses; iv) less amortization of intangibles; and v) less restructuring charges. The following table presents the measure of reportable business segment assets used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) 2019 2018 ACCO Brands North America (3) $ 403.4 $ 456.1 ACCO Brands EMEA (3) 257.9 276.7 ACCO Brands International (3) 384.1 341.3 Total segment assets 1,045.4 1,074.1 Unallocated assets 1,742.3 1,711.0 Corporate (3) 0.9 1.3 Total assets $ 2,788.6 $ 2,786.4 (3) Represents total assets, excluding goodwill and identifiable intangibles resulting from business acquisitions, intercompany balances, cash, deferred taxes, derivatives, prepaid pension assets, prepaid debt issuance costs and right of use asset, leases. As a supplement to the presentation of reportable business segment assets presented above, the table below presents reportable business segment assets, including the allocation of identifiable intangible assets and goodwill resulting from business combinations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) 2019 2018 ACCO Brands North America (4) $ 1,165.1 $ 1,231.0 ACCO Brands EMEA (4) 670.9 709.2 ACCO Brands International (4) 686.7 629.8 Total segment assets 2,522.7 2,570.0 Unallocated assets 265.0 215.1 Corporate (4) 0.9 1.3 Total assets $ 2,788.6 $ 2,786.4 (4) Represents total assets, excluding intercompany balances, cash, deferred taxes, derivatives, prepaid pension assets, prepaid debt issuance costs and right of use asset, leases. Capital spend by reportable business segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 21.7 $ 24.3 $ 16.3 ACCO Brands EMEA 7.0 6.1 5.1 ACCO Brands International 4.1 3.7 9.6 Total capital spend $ 32.8 $ 34.1 $ 31.0 Depreciation expense by reportable business segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 17.3 $ 15.9 $ 17.7 ACCO Brands EMEA 12.2 12.6 11.9 ACCO Brands International 5.4 5.5 6.0 Total depreciation $ 34.9 $ 34.0 $ 35.6 Property, plant and equipment, net by geographic region as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 U.S. $ 116.6 $ 111.7 Canada 1.7 1.9 ACCO Brands North America 118.3 113.6 ACCO Brands EMEA 92.8 100.0 Australia/N.Z. 12.1 13.1 Latin America 42.2 35.1 Asia-Pacific 1.7 1.9 ACCO Brands International 56.0 50.1 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 267.1 $ 263.7 Top Customers Net sales to our five largest customers totaled $641.5 million , $577.3 million and $615.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019 , net sales to Staples/Essendant, our largest customer, were $200.2 million ( 10 percent ). Except as disclosed, no other customer represented more than 10 percent of net sales in any of the last three years. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , our top five trade account receivables totaled $112.9 million and $125.0 million , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	19. Commitments and Contingencies Pending Litigation - Brazil Tax Assessments In connection with our May 1, 2012 acquisition of the Mead C&OP business, we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations including Tilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"). For further information, see " Note 12. Income Taxes - Brazil Tax Assessments " for details on tax assessments issued by the FRD against Tilibra challenging the tax deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the years 2007 through 2010. If the FRD's initial position is ultimately sustained, payment of the amount assessed would materially and adversely affect our cash flow in the year of settlement. Brazil Tax Credits In March 2017, the Supreme Court of Brazil ruled against the Brazilian tax authority in a leading case related to the computation of certain indirect taxes. The Supreme Court ruled that the indirect tax base should not include a value-added tax known as "ICMS." The Supreme Court decision, in principle, affects all applicable judicial proceedings in progress, and reduces future indirect taxes on our Brazilian subsidiary, Tilibra. However, the Brazilian tax authority has filed an appeal seeking clarification of certain matters, including the amount by which taxpayers would be entitled to reduce their indirect tax base (i.e. the gross ICMS collected or the net ICMS paid). The appeal also requests a modulation of the decision’s effects, which may limit its retrospective impact on taxpayers, including Tilibra. Tilibra has paid and continues to pay these indirect taxes on a tax base which includes the gross ICMS collected. It has also filed legal actions in Brazil to request reimbursement of these excess tax payments by way of future credits ("Tax Credits") and for permission to exclude the gross ICMS collected from the tax base in future periods. Tilibra’s legal actions cover various time periods and some have been finally decided in a court of law in favor of Tilibra, while others are still pending a final decision. Due to the uncertainties associated with the scope of the application of the Brazilian Supreme Court’s ruling, taking into account the Brazilian tax authority’s appeal and request for modulation, the Company has and will recognize income only for the amount of Tax Credits actually monetized, which will occur when Tilibra receives a cash flow benefit from applying the Tax Credits against various taxes payable in Brazil. The benefit of the Tax Credits realized by the Company has and will be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the line item " Other (income) expense, net ." Tilibra has received final decisions for Tax Credits in the amount of $4.3 million , of which $3.3 million was offset against Brazilian taxes in the fourth quarter of 2019, with the balance expected to be used during the first quarter of 2020. This amount of Tax Credits assumes that only the net amount of ICMS paid can be excluded from the tax base. The total value of these Tax Credits was recorded as a gain in Tilibra’s local statutory accounts during the third quarter of 2019, resulting in Brazilian federal taxes payable of approximately $1.6 million . Final decisions in the remaining legal actions Tilibra has filed may result in additional Tax Credits that could be monetized in future periods. Further, a favorable decision in the leading case by the Brazilian Supreme Court on the methodology to compute the Tax Credits (i.e. gross ICMS collected) would result in additional Tax Credits being available to Tilibra. The amount of these additional Tax Credits may be material. Foroni, in years prior to acquisition, also filed legal actions in Brazil to recover these excess indirect tax payments; however, all of Foroni’s claims are still pending a final decision. In the event that any Tax Credits are recovered on behalf of Foroni, in accordance with the quota purchase agreement, we are required to remit such recovery to the former owners of Foroni on a net of income tax paid basis and therefore will not recognize any benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Income . Other Pending Litigation We are party to various lawsuits and regulatory proceedings, primarily related to alleged patent infringement, as well as other claims incidental to our business. In addition, we may be unaware of third-party claims of intellectual property infringement relating to our technology, brands, or products, and we may face other claims related to business operations. Any litigation regarding patents or other intellectual property could be costly and time-consuming and might require us to pay monetary damages or enter into costly license agreements. We also may be subject to injunctions against development and sale of certain of our products. It is the opinion of management that (other than the Brazil Tax Assessments) the ultimate resolution of currently outstanding matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. However, there is no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in our defense of any of these matters or that an adverse outcome in any matter will not affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow. Further, future claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings could materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition. Unconditional Purchase Commitments Future minimum payments under unconditional purchase commitments, primarily for inventory purchase commitments as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) 2020 $ 83.6 2021 1.0 2022 0.3 2023 — 2024 — Thereafter — Total unconditional purchase commitments $ 84.9 Environmental We are subject to national, state, provincial, and/or local environmental laws and regulations concerning the discharge of materials into the environment and the handling, disposal and clean-up of waste materials and other items relating to the protection of the environment. This includes environmental laws and regulations that affect the design and composition of certain of our products. It is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental matters, particularly remediation and other compliance efforts that we may undertake in the future. In the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws, before taking into account estimated recoveries from third parties, will not have a material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, financial condition and results of operations, or competitive position.

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	20. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) The following is an analysis of certain line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income by quarter for 2019 and 2018 : (in millions, except per share data) 1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter 2019 Net sales (1) $ 393.9 $ 518.7 $ 505.7 $ 537.4 Gross profit 125.8 165.8 155.9 186.0 Operating income 17.9 61.4 48.8 68.1 Net income $ (0.6 ) $ 35.9 $ 28.0 $ 43.5 Per share: Basic income per share (2) $ (0.01 ) $ 0.35 $ 0.29 $ 0.45 Diluted income per share (2) $ (0.01 ) $ 0.35 $ 0.28 $ 0.44 2018 Net sales (1) $ 405.8 $ 498.8 $ 507.3 $ 529.3 Gross profit 127.5 162.4 160.8 177.1 Operating income 11.7 51.8 57.5 66.0 Net income $ 10.4 $ 25.7 $ 35.6 $ 35.0 Per share: Basic income per share (2) $ 0.10 $ 0.24 $ 0.34 $ 0.34 Diluted income per share (2) $ 0.09 $ 0.24 $ 0.34 $ 0.34 (1) Historically, our business has experienced higher sales and earnings in the second, third, and fourth quarters of the calendar year and we expect those trends to continue. Two principal factors contribute to this seasonality: (1) we are a major supplier of products related to the back-to-school season, which occurs principally from May through September for our businesses in North America and Mexico and from November through February for our Australian and Brazilian businesses; and (2) several product categories we sell lend themselves to calendar year-end purchase, including planners, paper storage, and organization products. (2) The sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the total for the year due to the effects of rounding, dilution as a result of issuing shares of common stock and repurchasing of shares of common stock during the year.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	21. Subsequent Events Dividends On February 18, 2020 , the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.065 per share on its common stock. The dividend is payable on March 26, 2020 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 18, 2020 . The continued declaration and payment of dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon, among other things, the Company's financial position, results of operations, cash flows and other factors.

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Changes in the allowances for doubtful accounts were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 6.5 $ 5.4 $ 4.5 Additions charged to expense 1.6 0.3 — Deductions - write offs (2.6 ) (1.1 ) (1.1 ) Acquisitions 1.3 2.2 1.7 Foreign exchange changes (0.1 ) (0.3 ) 0.3 Balance at end of year $ 6.7 $ 6.5 $ 5.4 Allowances for Sales Discounts and Other Credits Changes in the allowances for sales discounts and returns were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 (1) Balance at beginning of year $ 7.8 $ 9.7 $ 9.4 Additions charged to expense 13.5 12.7 23.7 Deductions (13.7 ) (11.1 ) (24.5 ) Reclass to Other current liabilities (1) — (3.4 ) — Acquisitions — 0.3 0.8 Foreign exchange changes 0.1 (0.4 ) 0.3 Balance at end of year $ 7.7 $ 7.8 $ 9.7 (1) On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all related amendments (Topic 606), applying the modified retrospective transition method to all customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2017 are presented under ASU 2014-09, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. As a result, the allowance for returns has been reclassified from " Accounts receivable, net " to " Other current liabilities ." For more information, see " Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Adopted Accounting Standards " to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8. of this report. Allowances for Cash Discounts Changes in the allowances for cash discounts were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 1.7 $ 3.0 $ 1.8 Additions charged to expense 22.2 19.6 22.9 Deductions - discounts taken (21.8 ) (21.3 ) (22.6 ) Acquisitions — 0.5 0.8 Foreign exchange changes (0.1 ) (0.1 ) 0.1 Balance at end of year $ 2.0 $ 1.7 $ 3.0 Warranty Reserves Changes in the reserve for warranty claims were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 4.9 $ 4.1 $ 1.9 Provision for warranties issued 3.9 4.1 2.8 Deductions - settlements made (in cash or in kind) (3.4 ) (3.1 ) (2.7 ) Acquisitions — — 1.8 Foreign exchange changes — (0.2 ) 0.3 Balance at end of year $ 5.4 $ 4.9 $ 4.1 Income Tax Valuation Allowance Changes in the deferred tax valuation allowances were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 50.8 $ 45.0 $ 11.7 Charge for effect of U.S. Tax Act — — 15.1 Debits (Credits) to expense 0.4 6.9 (0.7 ) Charged (credited) to other accounts — — 1.2 Acquisitions — — 16.1 Foreign exchange changes 0.4 (1.1 ) 1.6 Balance at end of year $ 51.6 $ 50.8 $ 45.0

Basis Of Presentation Consolida

Basis Of Presentation Consolidation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation policy	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ACCO Brands Corporation and its domestic and international subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). Preparation of our financial statements requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses presented for each reporting period in the financial statements and the related accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We regularly review our assumptions and estimates, which are based on historical experience and, where appropriate, current business trends. We believe that the following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies, which require significant, subjective and complex judgments to be made by our management.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivables and Allowances for Sales/Pricing/Cash Discounts and Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowances for Sales/Pricing/Cash Discounts and Doubtful Accounts Trade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for sales/pricing discounts and doubtful accounts. The allowance for sales/pricing/cash discounts represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with the products previously sold to customers, and is recorded at the same time that the sales are recognized. The allowance is based on historical trends. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations, usually due to a customer's potential insolvency. The allowance includes amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowance includes a provision for customer defaults on a general formulaic basis when it is determined the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet be associated with a specific customer. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical experience and existing economic conditions. The allowances are recorded as reductions to "Net sales" and "Accounts receivable, net."
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are priced at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. When necessary, the write-down of inventory to its net realizable value is recorded for obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance or engineering/material changes. These estimates could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual requirements if future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from our expectations.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided, principally on a straight-line basis, over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Gains or losses resulting from dispositions are included in operating income. Betterments and renewals, which improve and extend the life of an asset are capitalized; maintenance and repair costs are expensed. Purchased computer software is capitalized and amortized over the software’s useful life. The following table shows estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment: Property, plant and equipment Useful Life Buildings 40 to 50 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of lease term or the life of the asset Machinery, equipment and furniture 3 to 10 years Computer software 5 to 10 years We capitalize interest for major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is depreciated over the useful lives of those assets. We capitalized interest of $0.5 million , $0.6 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets We test long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets’ carrying amount may not be recoverable from its undiscounted future cash flow. When such events occur, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flow expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group. The cash flows are based on our best estimate at the time of future cash flow, derived from the most recent business projections. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flow. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on our weighted average cost of capital, computed by selecting market rates at the valuation dates for debt and equity that are reflective of the risks associated with an investment in our industry as estimated by using comparable publicly traded companies.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Intangible assets are comprised primarily of indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets acquired and arising from the application of purchase accounting. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated at least annually to determine whether the indefinite useful life is appropriate. In addition, amortizable intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives. Certain of our trade names have been assigned an indefinite life as we currently anticipate that these trade names will contribute cash flows to ACCO Brands indefinitely. We test indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment annually, during the second quarter, or any interim period when market or business events indicate there may be a potential adverse impact on a particular intangible. The test may be on a qualitative or quantitative basis as allowed by GAAP. We consider the implications of both external factors (e.g., market growth, pricing, competition, and technology) and internal factors (e.g., product costs, margins, support expenses, and capital investment) and their potential impact on cash flows in both the near and long term, as well as their impact on any identifiable intangible asset associated with the business. Based on recent business results, consideration of significant external and internal factors, and the resulting business projections, indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed to determine whether they are likely to remain indefinite-lived, or whether a finite life is more appropriate. In addition, based on events in the period and future expectations, management considers whether the potential for impairment exists. Finite lived intangibles are amortized over 10 , 15 , 23 or 30 years. We performed our annual assessment, in the second quarter of 2019 , on a qualitative basis, and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any indefinite-lived intangibles was less than its carrying amounts.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill has been recorded on our balance sheet and represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition when compared with the fair value of the net assets acquired. The authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level. We have determined that our reporting units are ACCO Brands North America, ACCO Brands EMEA and ACCO Brands International. We test goodwill for impairment annually, during the second quarter, or any interim period when market or business events indicate there may be a potential adverse impact on goodwill. As permitted by GAAP, we may perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test as required by GAAP. We performed our annual assessment in the second quarter of 2019 , on a qualitative basis, and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if it is determined that a qualitative assessment is not appropriate, we would perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test where we calculate the fair value of the reporting units. When applying a fair-value-based test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared with its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, an impairment charge is recognized, however, the loss recognized is not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans We provide a range of benefits to our employees and retired employees, including pension, post-retirement, post-employment and health care benefits. We record annual amounts relating to these plans based on calculations specified by GAAP, which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, mortality rate tables, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trends. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis and modifications to these assumptions are made based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate. As required by GAAP, the effect of our modifications and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are generally recorded to a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") in stockholders’ equity and amortized over future periods.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred tax liabilities or assets are established for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting bases and are subsequently adjusted to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Facts and circumstances may change and cause us to revise our conclusions regarding our ability to realize certain net operating losses and other deferred tax attributes. The amount of income taxes that we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax position is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts and circumstances existing at that time. We believe that we have adequately provided for reasonably foreseeable outcomes related to these matters. However, our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period any assessments are received, revised or resolved. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Act was signed into law. The U.S. Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to: (i) reducing the future U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; (ii) requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries (the "Transition Toll Tax"); (iii) bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property; (iv) a general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; (v) a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI"); (vi) the repeal of domestic production activity deductions; (vii) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation expenses; (viii) limitations on the use of foreign tax credits to reduce U.S. income tax liability; and (ix) a new provision that allows a domestic corporation an immediate deduction for a portion of its foreign derived intangible income ("FDII"). The Company has elected to treat taxes due on taxable income related to GILTI as a current period expense when incurred. With the enactment of the U.S. Tax Act, we believe that our offshore cash can be accessed without adverse U.S. tax consequences. After analyzing our global working capital and cash requirements, the Company has reassessed and updated its indefinite reinvestment assertion under ASC 740. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has recorded $2.0 million of deferred taxes on approximately $331 million of unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that may be remitted to the U.S. The Company has $177 million of additional unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are indefinitely reinvested and for which no deferred taxes have been provided. For further information on the U.S. Tax Act, see " Note 12. Income Taxes " to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. of this report.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount reflective of the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Taxes we collect concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items incurred that are immaterial in the context of the contract are expensed. At the inception of each contract, the Company assesses the products and services promised and identifies each distinct performance obligation. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers all products and services promised regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or implied within the contract or by standard business practices. Products : For our products, we transfer control and recognize a sale primarily when we either ship the product from our manufacturing facility or distribution center, or upon delivery to a customer specified location depending upon the terms in the customer agreement. In addition, we recognize revenue for private label products as the product is manufactured (or over-time) when a contract has an enforceable right to payment. For consignment arrangements, revenue is not recognized until the products are sold to the end customer. Customer Program Costs : Customer programs and incentives ("Customer Program Costs") are a common practice in our industry. We incur Customer Program Costs to obtain favorable product placement, to promote sell-through of products and to maintain competitive pricing. The amount of consideration we receive and revenue we recognize is impacted by Customer Program Costs, including sales rebates (which are generally tied to achievement of certain sales volume levels); in-store promotional allowances; shared media and customer catalog allowances; other cooperative advertising arrangements; freight allowance programs offered to our customers; allowances for discounts and reserves for returns. We recognize Customer Program Costs, primarily as a deduction to gross sales, at the time that the associated revenue is recognized. Customer Program Costs are based on management's best estimates using the most likely amount method and is an amount that is unlikely to be reversed. In the absence of a signed contract, estimates are based on historical or projected experience for each program type or customer. We adjust our estimate of revenue when the most likely amount of consideration we expect to receive changes. Service or Extended Maintenance Agreements ("EMAs"): Depending on the terms of the EMA, we may defer recognition of the consideration received for any unsatisfied obligations. We use an observable price to determine the stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations or an estimated cost plus margin approach, for our separately priced service/maintenance agreements that extend mechanical and maintenance coverage beyond our base warranty coverage to our Print Finishing Solutions customers. These agreements range in duration from three to sixty months , however, most agreements are one year or less. We generally receive payment at inception of the EMAs and recognize revenue over the term of the agreement on a straight line basis. Shipping and Handling : Freight and distribution activities performed before the customer obtains control of the goods are not considered promised services under customer contracts and therefore are not distinct performance obligations. The Company has chosen to account for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment activity, and therefore accrues the expense of freight and distribution in "Cost of products sold" when products are shipped. We reflect all amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling in net sales and the costs we incurred for shipping and handling (including costs to ship and move product from the seller’s place of business to the buyer’s place of business, as well as costs to store, move and prepare products for shipment) in cost of products sold. Reserve for Sales Returns: The reserve for sales returns represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with the potential return of products previously sold to customers, and is recorded at the same time that the sales are recognized. The reserve includes a general provision for product returns based on historical trends. In addition, the reserve includes amounts for currently authorized customer returns that are considered to be abnormal in comparison to the historical trends. We record the returns reserve, on a gross basis, as a reduction to " Net sales " and " Cost of products sold " with increases to " Other current liabilities " and " Inventories ."
Cost of Products Sold	Cost of Products Sold Cost of products sold includes all manufacturing, product sourcing and distribution costs, including depreciation related to assets used in the manufacturing, procurement and distribution process, allocation of certain information technology costs supporting those processes, inbound freight, shipping and handling costs, purchasing costs associated with materials and packaging used in the production processes.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") include advertising, marketing, and selling (including commissions) expenses, research and development, customer service, depreciation related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution processes and all other general and administrative expenses outside the manufacturing and distribution functions (e.g., finance, human resources, information technology, legal and other corporate expenses).
Advertising Costs	Advertising Expenses Advertising expenses were $98.4 million , $105.5 million and $114.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. These costs primarily include, but are not limited to, cooperative advertising and promotional allowances as described in " Customer Program Costs " above, and are principally expensed as incurred.
Warranty Reserves	Warranty Reserves We offer our customers various warranty terms based on the type of product that is sold. Estimated future obligations related to products sold under these warranty terms are provided by charges to cost of products sold in the same period in which the related revenue is recognized.
Research and Development	Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses were $21.8 million , $23.8 million and $23.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, are classified as SG&A expenses and are charged to expense as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Our primary types of share-based compensation consist of stock options, restricted stock unit awards and performance stock unit awards. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Where awards are made with non-substantive vesting periods (for example, where a portion of the award vests due to retirement eligibility), we estimate and recognize expense based on the period from the grant date to the date on which the employee is retirement eligible. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the period. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of AOCI in stockholders’ equity. Some transactions are made in currencies different from an entity’s functional currency; gains and losses on these foreign currency transactions are included in the income statement.
Derivatives Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments We recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and record those instruments at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge and is effective, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in the same period. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in AOCI and are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. Certain forecasted transactions, and assets and liabilities are exposed to foreign currency risk. We continually monitor our foreign currency exposures in order to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. Principal currencies hedged against the U.S. dollar include the Euro, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, British pound and Japanese yen.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). While the Company does not expect a material impact to its consolidated financial statements, we are currently in the process of evaluating the adoption of ASU 2018-15. ASU 2018-015 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of the standard is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements have not been issued. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2018-15 beginning January 1, 2020. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which removes certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod allocations and interim calculations, and adds guidance to reduce complexity in accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the effects the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. There are no other recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), applying the transition method in accounting standard ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements. ASU 2018-11 allows an entity to initially apply ASU 2016-02 at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The cumulative effect of the changes on our January 1, 2019, opening Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 was as follows: (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 Adjustments due to ASU 2016-02 Balance at January 1, 2019 Assets: Property, plant and equipment, net $ 263.7 $ (0.9 ) $ 262.8 Right of use asset, leases — 90.9 90.9 Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Current portion of long-term debt 39.5 (0.1 ) 39.4 Lease liabilities — 24.1 24.1 Long-term debt, net 843.0 (0.1 ) 842.9 Long-term lease liabilities 11.0 65.6 76.6 Accumulated deficit (656.8 ) 0.5 (656.3 ) The impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our Consolidated Balance Sheet for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows: (in millions) As Reported Balances without adoption of ASU 2016-02 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Assets: Property, plant and equipment, net $ 267.1 $ 267.9 $ (0.8 ) Right of use asset, leases 101.9 — 101.9 Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Current portion of long-term debt 29.5 29.6 (0.1 ) Lease liabilities 21.8 0.2 21.6 Long-term debt, net 777.2 777.4 (0.2 ) Long-term lease liabilities 89.8 10.5 79.3 Accumulated deficit (574.2 ) (574.7 ) 0.5 See " Note 5. Leases " for further details and the required disclosures related to ASU 2016-02. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 did not materially affect our Consolidated Statements of Income , Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity. There were no other accounting standards that were adopted in 2019 that had a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. On January 1, 2018, we adopted the accounting standard ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (Topic 606) and applied it to contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. A completed contract is one where all (or substantially all) of the revenue was recognized in accordance with the revenue guidance that was in effect before the date of initial application of ASU 2014-09. We recognized the cumulative effect of $1.6 million , net of tax, upon adopting ASU 2014-09 as an addition to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The comparative information for 2017 has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for that period. See " Note 17. Revenue Recognition " for the required disclosures related to ASU 2014-09.

Lease Policy (Policies)

Lease Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]	The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases are included in " Right of use asset, leases " ("ROU Assets"), and the current portion of the lease liability is included in " Lease liabilities " and the non-current portion is included in " Long-term lease liabilities " in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company currently has an immaterial amount of financing leases and leases with terms of more than one month and less than 12 months. ROU Assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Because most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, the Company uses its incremental collateralized borrowing rate, on a regional basis, in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is dependent upon duration of the lease and has been segmented into three groups of time. All leases within the same region and the same group of time share the same incremental borrowing rate. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are combined for accounting purposes for all classes of assets except information technology equipment.

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following table shows estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment: Property, plant and equipment Useful Life Buildings 40 to 50 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of lease term or the life of the asset Machinery, equipment and furniture 3 to 10 years Computer software 5 to 10 years The components of net property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 Land and improvements $ 24.0 $ 25.2 Buildings and improvements to leaseholds 145.0 144.2 Machinery and equipment 475.1 440.7 Construction in progress 7.6 8.6 651.7 618.7 Less: accumulated depreciation (384.6 ) (355.0 ) Property, plant and equipment, net (1) $ 267.1 $ 263.7 (1) Net property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 contained $68.5 million and $51.9 million of computer software assets, respectively, which are classified within machinery and equipment and construction in progress. Depreciation expense for software was $8.9 million , $8.2 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.
Schedule of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	The cumulative effect of the changes on our January 1, 2019, opening Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 was as follows: (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 Adjustments due to ASU 2016-02 Balance at January 1, 2019 Assets: Property, plant and equipment, net $ 263.7 $ (0.9 ) $ 262.8 Right of use asset, leases — 90.9 90.9 Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Current portion of long-term debt 39.5 (0.1 ) 39.4 Lease liabilities — 24.1 24.1 Long-term debt, net 843.0 (0.1 ) 842.9 Long-term lease liabilities 11.0 65.6 76.6 Accumulated deficit (656.8 ) 0.5 (656.3 ) The impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our Consolidated Balance Sheet for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows: (in millions) As Reported Balances without adoption of ASU 2016-02 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Assets: Property, plant and equipment, net $ 267.1 $ 267.9 $ (0.8 ) Right of use asset, leases 101.9 — 101.9 Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Current portion of long-term debt 29.5 29.6 (0.1 ) Lease liabilities 21.8 0.2 21.6 Long-term debt, net 777.2 777.4 (0.2 ) Long-term lease liabilities 89.8 10.5 79.3 Accumulated deficit (574.2 ) (574.7 ) 0.5

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Foroni Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation to the Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the consideration given to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Foroni acquisition: (in millions) At August 1, 2019 Calculation of Goodwill: Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment $ 42.1 Plus fair value of liabilities assumed: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 12.4 Deferred tax liabilities 4.0 Debt 7.6 Lease liabilities 5.6 Fair value of liabilities assumed $ 29.6 Less fair value of assets acquired: Cash acquired — Accounts receivable 17.5 Inventory 12.3 Property and equipment 9.1 Identifiable intangibles 11.1 Deferred tax assets 2.7 Right of use asset, leases 5.6 Other assets 3.6 Fair value of assets acquired $ 61.9 Goodwill $ 9.8
Cumberland Asset Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation to the Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the fair value of assets acquired: (in millions) At January 31, 2019 Inventory $ 2.8 Identifiable intangibles 3.2 Fair value of assets acquired $ 6.0
GOBA Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation to the Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table presents the allocation of the consideration given to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the GOBA Acquisition: (in millions) At July 2, 2018 Calculation of Goodwill: Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment $ 39.1 Plus fair value of liabilities assumed: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 10.1 Deferred tax liabilities 3.1 Other non-current liabilities 6.5 Fair value of liabilities assumed $ 19.7 Less fair value of assets acquired: Cash acquired 1.9 Accounts receivable 30.0 Inventory 7.1 Property and equipment 0.6 Identifiable intangibles 10.3 Deferred tax assets 2.0 Other assets 4.2 Fair value of assets acquired $ 56.1 Goodwill $ 2.7
Esselte Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation to the Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table presents the allocation of the consideration given to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Esselte Acquisition: (in millions) At January 31, 2017 Calculation of Goodwill: Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment $ 326.5 Plus fair value of liabilities assumed: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 121.9 Deferred tax liabilities 83.6 Pension obligations 174.1 Other non-current liabilities 5.8 Fair value of liabilities assumed $ 385.4 Less fair value of assets acquired: Cash acquired 34.2 Accounts receivable 60.0 Inventory 41.9 Property, plant and equipment 75.6 Identifiable intangibles 277.0 Deferred tax assets 106.3 Other assets 10.4 Fair value of assets acquired $ 605.4 Goodwill $ 106.5

Long-term Debt and Short-term_2

Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	Notes payable and long-term debt, listed in order of the priority of security interests in assets of the Company, consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) 2019 2018 Euro Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 1.5% at December 31, 2019) $ 275.9 $ — Euro Senior Secured Term Loan A, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 1.50% at December 31, 2018) — 289.0 USD Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 3.44% at December 31, 2019) 97.5 — Australian Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 2.45% at December 31, 2019) 41.6 — Australian Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 3.56% at December 31, 2018) — 43.0 U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 3.26% at December 31, 2019) 8.2 — U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 4.36% at December 31, 2018) — 106.8 Australian Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 2.44% at December 30, 2019) 14.0 — Australian Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 3.54% at December 31, 2018) — 73.9 Senior Unsecured Notes, due December 2024 (fixed interest rate of 5.25%) 375.0 375.0 Other borrowings 3.8 0.3 Total debt 816.0 888.0 Less: Current portion 33.2 39.5 Debt issuance costs, unamortized 5.6 5.5 Long-term debt, net $ 777.2 $ 843.0
Schedule of Credit Spread Based on Consolidated Leverage Ratio	3.50 to 1.00 2.25% 1.25% ≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and > 3.25 to 1.00 2.00% 1.00% ≤ 3.25 to 1.00 and > 3.00 to 1.00 1.75% 0.75% ≤ 3.00 to 1.00 and > 2.00 to 1.00 1.50% 0.50% ≤ 2.00 to 1.00 1.25% 0.25%" id="sjs-B5">Amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Euro Rate with a 0 percent floor, the Australian BBSR Rate, the Canadian BA Rate or the Base Rate, as applicable and as each such rate is defined in the Credit Agreement, plus an "applicable rate." The applicable rate applied to outstanding Euro, Australian and Canadian dollar denominated loans and Base Rate loans is based on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as follows: Consolidated Leverage Ratio Applicable Rate on Euro/AUD/CDN Dollar Loans Applicable Rate on Base Rate Loans > 3.50 to 1.00 2.25% 1.25% ≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and > 3.25 to 1.00 2.00% 1.00% ≤ 3.25 to 1.00 and > 3.00 to 1.00 1.75% 0.75% ≤ 3.00 to 1.00 and > 2.00 to 1.00 1.50% 0.50% ≤ 2.00 to 1.00 1.25% 0.25%

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense and Other Information	The components of lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 Operating lease cost $ 29.6 Sublease income (1.7 ) Total lease cost $ 27.9 Total rental expense reported in our Consolidated Statements of Income for all non-cancelable operating leases (reduced by minor amounts for subleases) amounted to $27.9 million , $33.0 million and $30.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Other information related to leases for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows: (in millions, except lease term and discount rate) 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 29.6 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 35.5 Weighted average remaining lease term: Operating leases 7.0 years Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 5.3 %
Future Minimum Lease Payments	Future minimum lease payments, net of sub-lease income, for all non-cancelable leases as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) 2020 $ 28.4 2021 24.0 2022 19.8 2023 15.6 2024 13.5 Thereafter 41.5 Total minimum lease payments 142.8 Less imputed interest 31.2 Future minimum payments for leases, net of sublease rental income and imputed interest $ 111.6

Pension and Other Retiree Ben_2

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Net Funded Status	The following table sets forth our defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans funded status and the amounts recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Change in projected benefit obligation (PBO) Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 188.3 $ 206.5 $ 627.3 $ 695.0 $ 6.2 $ 6.8 Service cost 1.3 1.6 1.3 1.9 — 0.1 Interest cost 7.4 6.7 13.4 12.9 0.2 0.2 Actuarial loss (gain) 25.2 (15.6 ) 67.6 (26.6 ) (0.9 ) (0.3 ) Participants’ contributions — — 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Benefits paid (10.6 ) (10.9 ) (28.6 ) (26.9 ) (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Curtailment gain — — — (0.9 ) — — Settlement gain — — (0.4 ) (2.0 ) — — Plan amendments — — — 6.8 — — Foreign exchange rate changes — — 10.0 (35.3 ) 0.1 (0.3 ) Other items — — — 2.3 — — Projected benefit obligation at end of year 211.6 188.3 690.7 627.3 5.3 6.2 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 141.1 162.1 417.6 463.8 — — Actual return on plan assets 21.9 (15.8 ) 45.5 (10.0 ) — — Employer contributions 5.6 5.7 14.1 14.9 0.3 0.3 Participants’ contributions — — 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Benefits paid (10.6 ) (10.9 ) (28.7 ) (26.9 ) (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Settlement gain — — (0.4 ) (2.0 ) — — Foreign exchange rate changes — — 12.1 (24.6 ) — — Other items — — — 2.3 — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 158.0 141.1 460.3 417.6 — — Funded status (Fair value of plan assets less PBO) $ (53.6 ) $ (47.2 ) $ (230.4 ) $ (209.7 ) $ (5.3 ) $ (6.2 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of: Other non-current assets $ — $ — $ 1.2 $ 1.4 $ — $ — Other current liabilities — — 6.8 6.7 0.5 0.6 Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations 53.6 47.2 224.8 204.4 4.8 5.6 Components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain) 74.1 64.7 129.8 97.1 (4.0 ) (3.5 ) Unrecognized prior service cost (credit) 1.4 1.5 4.9 5.0 (0.2 ) (0.2 )
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following table sets out information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 211.6 $ 188.3 $ 638.4 $ 564.6 Fair value of plan assets 158.0 141.1 417.5 362.9
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table sets out information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Projected benefit obligation $ 211.6 $ 188.3 $ 649.1 $ 574.0 Fair value of plan assets 158.0 141.1 417.5 362.9
Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Expense for Pension and Post-Retirement Plans	The components of net periodic benefit (income) expense for pension and post-retirement plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Service cost $ 1.3 $ 1.6 $ 1.4 $ 1.3 $ 1.9 $ 1.9 $ — $ 0.1 $ — Interest cost 7.4 6.7 7.1 13.4 12.9 13.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 Expected return on plan assets (11.7 ) (11.8 ) (12.3 ) (20.5 ) (22.7 ) (21.8 ) — — — Amortization of net loss (gain) 2.2 2.7 2.0 3.3 3.4 3.0 (0.4 ) (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Amortization of prior service cost 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 — — — (0.1 ) — Curtailment gain — — — — (0.6 ) — — — — Settlement loss — — — 0.1 — — — — — Net periodic benefit income (1) $ (0.4 ) $ (0.4 ) $ (1.4 ) $ (2.1 ) $ (5.1 ) $ (3.5 ) $ (0.2 ) $ (0.2 ) $ (0.2 ) (1) The components, other than service cost, are included in the line " Non-operating pension income " in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations that were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Current year actuarial loss (gain) $ 15.0 $ 12.0 $ 5.9 $ 43.3 $ 5.3 $ 14.3 $ (1.0 ) $ (0.3 ) $ — Amortization of actuarial (loss) gain (2.2 ) (2.7 ) (2.0 ) (3.3 ) (3.4 ) (3.0 ) 0.4 0.4 0.4 Current year prior service cost — — — — 6.5 — — — — Amortization of prior service (cost) credit (0.4 ) (0.4 ) (0.4 ) (0.3 ) 0.3 — — 0.1 — Foreign exchange rate changes — — — 3.4 (7.1 ) 10.7 — 0.1 (0.2 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 12.4 $ 8.9 $ 3.5 $ 43.1 $ 1.6 $ 22.0 $ (0.6 ) $ 0.3 $ 0.2 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and other comprehensive income (loss) $ 12.0 $ 8.5 $ 2.1 $ 41.0 $ (3.5 ) $ 18.5 $ (0.8 ) $ 0.1 $ —
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 3.3 % 4.6 % 3.7 % 1.8 % 2.5 % 2.3 % 2.7 % 3.7 % 3.2 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A 2.9 % 3.0 % 2.8 % N/A N/A N/A The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit (income) expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 4.0 % 3.5 % 3.8 % 2.4 % 2.1 % 2.3 % 3.6 % 3.2 % 3.4 % Expected long-term rate of return 7.4 % 7.4 % 7.8 % 5.0 % 5.0 % 5.5 % N/A N/A N/A Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A 3.0 % 2.8 % 3.1 % N/A N/A N/A The weighted average health care cost trend rates used to determine post-retirement benefit obligations and net periodic benefit (income) expense as of December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 were as follows: Post-retirement 2019 2018 2017 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 7 % 7 % 7 % Rate that the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 4 % 5 % 5 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2027 2026 2025
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	Our pension plan weighted average asset allocations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: 2019 2018 U.S. International U.S. International Asset category Equity securities 56 % 13 % 58 % 16 % Fixed income 33 46 27 20 Real estate 3 3 3 5 Other (2) 8 38 12 59 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % (2) Multi-strategy hedge funds, insurance contracts and cash and cash equivalents for certain of our plans.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The following table presents estimated future benefit payments to participants for the next ten fiscal years: Pension Post-retirement (in millions) Benefits Benefits 2020 $ 41.7 $ 0.5 2021 42.3 0.5 2022 42.9 0.5 2023 43.5 0.4 2024 44.0 0.4 Years 2025 - 2029 228.1 1.0
Schedule of Multi-employer Plans	Details regarding the plan are outlined in the table below. Pension Protection Act Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented Contributions Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreement Year Ended December 31, Pension Fund EIN/Pension Plan Number 2019 2018 2019 2018 2017 Surcharge Imposed PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund 11-6166763 / 001 Red Red Implemented $ 0.2 $ 0.3 $ 0.2 Yes 6/30/2023
U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	U.S. Pension Plan Assets The fair value measurements of our U.S. pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) Quoted Prices Significant Significant Fair Value Mutual funds $ 103.2 $ — $ — $ 103.2 Exchange traded funds 48.4 — — 48.4 Common collective trust funds — 1.5 — 1.5 Investments measured at net asset value (3) Multi-strategy hedge funds 4.9 Total $ 151.6 $ 1.5 $ — $ 158.0 (3) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in these tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the table that presents our defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans funded status. The fair value measurements of our U.S. pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (in millions) Quoted Prices Significant Significant Fair Value Mutual funds $ 77.1 $ — $ — $ 77.1 Exchange traded funds 54.0 — — 54.0 Common collective trust funds — 1.7 — 1.7 Investments measured at net asset value (3) Multi-strategy hedge funds 8.3 Total $ 131.1 $ 1.7 $ — $ 141.1
International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	International Pension Plans Assets The fair value measurements of our international pension plans assets by asset category as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) Quoted Prices Significant Significant Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents $ 1.4 $ — $ — $ 1.4 Equity securities 59.9 — — 59.9 Exchange traded funds 0.4 — — 0.4 Corporate debt securities — 79.3 — 79.3 Multi-strategy hedge funds — 85.9 — 85.9 Insurance contracts — 29.6 — 29.6 Real estate — 3.9 3.9 Government debt securities — 132.5 — 132.5 Investments measured at net asset value (3) Multi-strategy hedge funds 57.0 Real estate 10.4 Total $ 61.7 $ 331.2 $ — $ 460.3 The fair value measurements of our international pension plans assets by asset category as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (in millions) Quoted Prices Significant Significant Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents $ 2.7 $ — $ — $ 2.7 Equity securities 65.7 — — 65.7 Exchange traded funds 0.3 — — 0.3 Corporate debt securities — 71.7 — 71.7 Multi-strategy hedge funds — 196.3 — 196.3 Insurance contracts — 25.4 — 25.4 Government debt securities — 14.0 — 14.0 Investments measured at net asset value (3) Multi-strategy hedge funds 21.0 Real estate 20.5 Total $ 68.7 $ 307.4 $ — $ 417.6

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	The following table summarizes the impact of all stock-based compensation expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Selling, general and administrative expense $ 10.1 $ 8.8 $ 17.0 Loss before income tax (10.1 ) (8.8 ) (17.0 ) Income tax benefit (2.4 ) (2.2 ) (6.1 ) Net loss $ (7.7 ) $ (6.6 ) $ (10.9 )
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	Stock-based compensation expense by award type for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Stock option compensation expense $ 2.7 $ 2.0 $ 2.4 RSU compensation expense 5.1 4.7 4.3 PSU compensation expense 2.3 2.1 10.3 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 10.1 $ 8.8 $ 17.0
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted average assumptions as outlined in the following table: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Weighted average expected lives 4.6 years 4.8 years 4.8 years Weighted average risk-free interest rate 2.49 % 2.62 % 2.04 % Weighted average expected volatility 36.1 % 36.4 % 39.7 % Expected dividend yield 2.65 % 1.87 % 0.00 % Weighted average grant date fair value $ 2.40 $ 3.76 $ 4.70
Summary of Changes in Stock Options Outstanding	A summary of the changes in stock options outstanding under the Plan during the year ended December 31, 2019 is presented below: Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 31, 2018 4,125,067 $ 9.46 Granted 1,303,255 $ 9.05 Exercised (559,371 ) $ 7.54 Forfeited (451,258 ) $ 12.01 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 4,417,693 $ 9.32 3.9 years $ 4.8 million Exercisable shares at December 31, 2019 2,468,344 $ 8.53 2.4 years $ 4.4 million
Summary of Changes in RSUs Outstanding	A summary of the changes in the RSUs outstanding under the Plan during 2019 is presented below: Stock Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2018 1,446,634 $ 10.72 Granted 679,601 $ 8.74 Vested and distributed (362,165 ) $ 7.74 Forfeited and cancelled (47,625 ) $ 11.81 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,716,445 $ 10.53 Vested and deferred at December 31, 2019 (1) 512,525 $ 9.37 (1) Included in outstanding at December 31, 2019 . Vested and deferred RSUs are primarily related to deferred compensation for non-employee directors.
Summary of Changes in PSUs Outstanding	A summary of the changes in the PSUs outstanding under the Plan during 2019 is presented below: Stock Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2018 1,604,394 $ 9.46 Granted 895,389 $ 8.35 Vested (1,059,825 ) $ 7.66 Forfeited and cancelled (34,384 ) $ 11.27 Other - decrease due to performance of PSUs (384,031 ) $ 10.32 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,021,543 $ 9.98

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	The components of inventories were as follows: December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 Raw materials $ 44.4 $ 55.4 Work in process 3.5 4.3 Finished goods 235.4 280.9 Total inventories $ 283.3 $ 340.6

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following table shows estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment: Property, plant and equipment Useful Life Buildings 40 to 50 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of lease term or the life of the asset Machinery, equipment and furniture 3 to 10 years Computer software 5 to 10 years The components of net property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31, (in millions) 2019 2018 Land and improvements $ 24.0 $ 25.2 Buildings and improvements to leaseholds 145.0 144.2 Machinery and equipment 475.1 440.7 Construction in progress 7.6 8.6 651.7 618.7 Less: accumulated depreciation (384.6 ) (355.0 ) Property, plant and equipment, net (1) $ 267.1 $ 263.7 (1) Net property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 contained $68.5 million and $51.9 million of computer software assets, respectively, which are classified within machinery and equipment and construction in progress. Depreciation expense for software was $8.9 million , $8.2 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Goodwill and Identifiable Int_2

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Changes in Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment	Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows: (in millions) ACCO ACCO ACCO Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 375.6 $ 129.4 $ 165.3 $ 670.3 Acquisitions (1) — — 2.4 2.4 Foreign currency translation — 36.2 — 36.2 Balance at December 31, 2018 375.6 165.6 167.7 708.9 Acquisitions (1) — — 10.1 10.1 Foreign currency translation — 0.1 (0.5 ) (0.4 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 375.6 $ 165.7 $ 177.3 $ 718.6
Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Identifiable Intangible Assets	The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by class of identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (in millions) Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trade names $ 467.3 $ (44.5 ) (1) $ 422.8 $ 471.7 $ (44.5 ) (1) $ 427.2 Amortizable intangible assets: Trade names 316.7 (83.7 ) 233.0 306.0 (70.5 ) 235.5 Customer and contractual relationships 241.0 (142.3 ) 98.7 240.2 (120.5 ) 119.7 Patents 5.5 (1.4 ) 4.1 5.5 (0.9 ) 4.6 Subtotal 563.2 (227.4 ) 335.8 551.7 (191.9 ) 359.8 Total identifiable intangibles $ 1,030.5 $ (271.9 ) $ 758.6 $ 1,023.4 $ (236.4 ) $ 787.0 (1) Accumulated amortization prior to the adoption of authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets, at which time further amortization ceased.
Estimated Amortization Expense for Future Periods	Estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the next five years is as follows: (in millions) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Estimated amortization expense (2) $ 32.0 $ 28.4 $ 24.9 $ 22.6 $ 21.0 (2) Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, additional intangible asset acquisitions, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and other events.
Cumberland Asset Acquisition
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Acquired Identifiable Intangible Assets	The allocation of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the Cumberland Asset Acquisition was as follows: (in millions) Fair Value Remaining Useful Life Ranges Trade name - amortizable $ 0.8 10 Years Customer relationships 2.4 7 Years Total identifiable intangibles acquired $ 3.2
GOBA Acquisition
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Acquired Identifiable Intangible Assets	The allocations of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the GOBA Acquisition were as follows: (in millions) Fair Value Remaining Useful Life Ranges Trade name - amortizable $ 3.8 15 years Customer relationships 6.5 10 years Total identifiable intangibles acquired $ 10.3
Esselte Acquisition
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Acquired Identifiable Intangible Assets	The allocations of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the Esselte Acquisition were as follows: (in millions) Fair Value Remaining Useful Life Ranges Trade name - indefinite lived $ 116.8 Indefinite Trade names - amortizable 53.2 15-30 Years Customer relationships 102.4 15 Years Patents 4.6 10 Years Total identifiable intangibles acquired $ 277.0

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Activity in Restructuring Accounts	The summary of the activity in the restructuring liability (which is included in " Other current liabilities ") for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows: (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 Provision Cash Non-cash Balance at December 31, 2019 Employee termination costs (1) $ 7.9 $ 10.9 $ (8.1 ) $ — $ 10.7 Termination of lease agreements (2) 1.8 0.5 (1.7 ) — 0.6 Other (3) — 0.6 (0.1 ) — 0.5 Total restructuring liability $ 9.7 $ 12.0 $ (9.9 ) $ — $ 11.8 (1) We expect the remaining $10.7 million employee termination costs to be substantially paid within the next twelve months . (2) We expect the remaining $0.6 million termination of lease costs to be substantially paid within the next six months . (3) We expect the remaining $0.5 million of other costs to be substantially paid in the next six months . The summary of the activity in the restructuring accounts for the year ended December 31, 2018 was as follows: (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 Provision Cash Non-cash Balance at December 31, 2018 Employee termination costs $ 12.0 $ 8.3 $ (12.1 ) $ (0.3 ) $ 7.9 Termination of lease agreements 0.8 3.2 (2.0 ) (0.2 ) 1.8 Other 0.5 0.2 (0.6 ) (0.1 ) — Total restructuring liability $ 13.3 $ 11.7 $ (14.7 ) $ (0.6 ) $ 9.7 The summary of the activity in the restructuring accounts for the year ended December 31, 2017 was as follows: (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2016 Esselte Acquisition (4) Provision Cash Non-cash Balance at December 31, 2017 Employee termination costs $ 1.4 $ 1.5 $ 18.2 $ (9.6 ) $ 0.5 $ 12.0 Termination of lease agreements 0.1 1.2 2.4 (3.1 ) 0.2 $ 0.8 Other — 0.1 1.1 (0.7 ) — $ 0.5 Total restructuring liability $ 1.5 $ 2.8 $ 21.7 $ (13.4 ) $ 0.7 $ 13.3 (4) Restructuring liabilities assumed in the Esselte Acquisition. During the fourth quarter of 2017, in connection with the Pelikan Artline integration, the Company sold its building and related assets in New Zealand for net proceeds of $3.9 million and recorded a gain on sale of $1.5 million as a reduction of SG&A expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income within the ACCO Brands International segment. The sale was not included in the Company’s restructuring liability activity presented above. Restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 by reporting segment were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 5.6 $ 6.2 $ 5.5 ACCO Brands EMEA 2.3 4.9 11.2 ACCO Brands International 2.7 0.6 5.0 Corporate 1.4 — — Total restructuring charges $ 12.0 $ 11.7 $ 21.7

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	The components of income before income tax for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Domestic operations $ 32.0 $ 37.0 $ 68.7 Foreign operations 131.5 120.9 89.4 Total $ 163.5 $ 157.9 $ 158.1
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21 percent for 2019, 21 percent for 2018 and 35 percent 2017 to our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Income tax at U.S. statutory rate; 21%, 21% and 35%, respectively $ 34.3 $ 33.2 $ 55.3 Effect of the U.S. Tax Act — 3.1 (25.7 ) State, local and other tax, net of federal benefit 5.8 2.2 3.6 GILTI/FDII 3.1 3.7 — U.S. effect of foreign dividends and withholding taxes 2.1 2.2 4.9 Foreign income taxed at a higher (lower) effective rate 4.2 0.9 (6.9 ) Net Brazilian Tax Assessments impact 6.5 (4.4 ) 2.2 Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance 0.4 5.2 (0.6 ) Excess expense (benefit) from stock-based compensation 0.2 (2.5 ) (5.6 ) Other 0.1 7.6 (0.8 ) Income taxes as reported $ 56.7 $ 51.2 $ 26.4 Effective tax rate 34.7 % 32.4 % 16.7 %
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of the income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Current expense Federal and other $ 5.8 $ 2.7 $ 41.1 Foreign 42.2 25.8 30.5 Total current income tax expense 48.0 28.5 71.6 Deferred expense Federal and other 8.4 11.1 (47.4 ) Foreign 0.3 11.6 2.2 Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) 8.7 22.7 (45.2 ) Total income tax expense $ 56.7 $ 51.2 $ 26.4
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets Compensation and benefits $ 15.4 $ 17.2 Pension 52.7 46.1 Inventory 10.0 10.7 Other reserves 15.9 15.7 Accounts receivable 5.8 6.1 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 25.2 25.2 Net operating loss carryforwards 90.9 101.8 Other 10.6 9.6 Gross deferred income tax assets 226.5 232.4 Valuation allowance (51.6 ) (50.8 ) Net deferred tax assets 174.9 181.6 Deferred tax liabilities Depreciation (18.0 ) (19.3 ) Unremitted non-U.S. earnings accrual (2.0 ) (1.4 ) Identifiable intangibles (209.1 ) (219.0 ) Other (4.3 ) (3.0 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (233.4 ) (242.7 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (58.5 ) $ (61.1 )
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 43.7 $ 47.2 $ 43.7 Additions for tax positions of prior years 8.4 3.1 2.9 Additions for tax positions of current year 1.5 1.5 — Reductions for tax positions of prior years (2.5 ) (8.2 ) (0.7 ) Acquisitions — 5.3 1.6 Decrease resulting from foreign currency translation (0.6 ) (5.2 ) (0.3 ) Balance at end of year $ 50.5 $ 43.7 $ 47.2

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	Our weighted-average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding - basic 99.5 104.8 108.1 Stock options 0.5 1.0 1.3 Restricted stock units 1.0 1.2 1.5 Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions - diluted 101.0 107.0 110.9

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities (in millions) Balance Sheet December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets $ 0.4 $ 3.3 Other current liabilities $ 0.9 $ 0.1 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets 7.6 0.6 Other current liabilities 8.6 1.7 Foreign exchange contracts Other non-current assets — 12.7 Other non-current liabilities — 12.7 Total derivatives $ 8.0 $ 16.6 $ 9.5 $ 14.5
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The following tables summarize the pre-tax effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : The Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on the Consolidated Financial Statements Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion) Location of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Income Amount of (Gain) Loss (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 1.0 $ 9.1 $ (4.9 ) Cost of products sold $ (4.2 ) $ (6.4 ) $ 1.6 The Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income Location of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Amount of (Gain) Loss (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Other (income) expense, net $ 0.1 $ 0.7 $ (1.5 )

Fair Value Of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets: Forward currency contracts $ 8.0 $ 16.6 Liabilities: Forward currency contracts 9.5 14.5

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of, and changes in, AOCI were as follows: (in millions) Derivative Unrecognized Accumulated Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 0.2 $ (305.4 ) $ (155.9 ) $ (461.1 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 6.5 6.2 (13.4 ) (0.7 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (4.6 ) — 4.7 0.1 Balance at December 31, 2018 2.1 (299.2 ) (164.6 ) (461.7 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 0.6 (0.3 ) (45.9 ) (45.6 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (2.9 ) — 4.5 1.6 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (0.2 ) $ (299.5 ) $ (206.0 ) $ (505.7 )
Schedule of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The reclassifications out of AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location on Income Statement Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $ 4.2 $ 6.4 $ (1.6 ) Cost of products sold Tax benefit (1.3 ) (1.8 ) 0.3 Income tax expense Net of tax $ 2.9 $ 4.6 $ (1.3 ) Defined benefit plan items: Amortization of actuarial loss $ (5.2 ) $ (5.1 ) $ (4.6 ) (1) Amortization of prior service cost (0.7 ) (0.3 ) (0.4 ) (1) Total before tax (5.9 ) (5.4 ) (5.0 ) Tax benefit 1.4 0.7 1.5 Income tax expense Net of tax $ (4.5 ) $ (4.7 ) $ (3.5 ) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ (1.6 ) $ (0.1 ) $ (4.8 ) (1) These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (income) for pension and post-retirement plans (See " Note 6. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits " for additional details).

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following tables presents our net sales disaggregated by regional geography (1) , based upon our reporting business segments for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 and our net sales disaggregated by the timing of revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 United States $ 847.9 $ 819.7 $ 880.4 Canada 118.9 121.0 118.6 ACCO Brands North America 966.8 940.7 999.0 ACCO Brands EMEA (2) 569.3 605.2 542.8 Australia/N.Z. 145.3 169.2 187.9 Latin America 229.1 178.0 173.3 Asia-Pacific 45.2 48.1 45.8 ACCO Brands International 419.6 395.3 407.0 Net sales $ 1,955.7 $ 1,941.2 $ 1,948.8 (1) Net sales are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the selling entities. (2) ACCO Brands EMEA is comprised largely of Europe, but also includes export sales to the Middle East and Africa. (in millions) 2019 2018 Product and services transferred at a point in time $ 1,892.9 $ 1,878.2 Product and services transferred over time 62.8 63.0 Net sales $ 1,955.7 $ 1,941.2

Information on Business Segme_2

Information on Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Sales by Business Segment	Net sales by reportable business segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 966.8 $ 940.7 $ 999.0 ACCO Brands EMEA 569.3 605.2 542.8 ACCO Brands International 419.6 395.3 407.0 Net sales $ 1,955.7 $ 1,941.2 $ 1,948.8
Schedule of Operating Income by Business Segment	Operating income by reportable business segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 131.0 $ 116.6 $ 152.4 ACCO Brands EMEA 58.6 59.4 32.0 ACCO Brands International 48.5 49.2 50.9 Segment operating income 238.1 225.2 235.3 Corporate (1) (41.9 ) (38.2 ) (50.8 ) Operating income (1) 196.2 187.0 184.5 Interest expense 43.2 41.2 41.1 Interest income (3.2 ) (4.4 ) (5.8 ) Non-operating pension income (5.5 ) (9.3 ) (8.5 ) Other (income) expense, net (1.8 ) 1.6 (0.4 ) Income before income tax $ 163.5 $ 157.9 $ 158.1 (1) Corporate operating loss in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 includes transaction costs of $1.6 million , $0.5 million and $5.0 million respectively, primarily for legal and due diligence expenditures associated with the Foroni, GOBA, and Esselte acquisitions. (2) Operating income as presented in the segment table above is defined as i) net sales; ii) less cost of products sold; iii) less SG&A expenses; iv) less amortization of intangibles; and v) less restructuring charges.
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	The following table presents the measure of reportable business segment assets used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) 2019 2018 ACCO Brands North America (3) $ 403.4 $ 456.1 ACCO Brands EMEA (3) 257.9 276.7 ACCO Brands International (3) 384.1 341.3 Total segment assets 1,045.4 1,074.1 Unallocated assets 1,742.3 1,711.0 Corporate (3) 0.9 1.3 Total assets $ 2,788.6 $ 2,786.4 (3) Represents total assets, excluding goodwill and identifiable intangibles resulting from business acquisitions, intercompany balances, cash, deferred taxes, derivatives, prepaid pension assets, prepaid debt issuance costs and right of use asset, leases.
Schedule of Assets by Segment Including Allocation of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	As a supplement to the presentation of reportable business segment assets presented above, the table below presents reportable business segment assets, including the allocation of identifiable intangible assets and goodwill resulting from business combinations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 : (in millions) 2019 2018 ACCO Brands North America (4) $ 1,165.1 $ 1,231.0 ACCO Brands EMEA (4) 670.9 709.2 ACCO Brands International (4) 686.7 629.8 Total segment assets 2,522.7 2,570.0 Unallocated assets 265.0 215.1 Corporate (4) 0.9 1.3 Total assets $ 2,788.6 $ 2,786.4 (4) Represents total assets, excluding intercompany balances, cash, deferred taxes, derivatives, prepaid pension assets, prepaid debt issuance costs and right of use asset, leases.
Schedule of Capital Spend and Depreciation Expense by Segment	Capital spend by reportable business segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 21.7 $ 24.3 $ 16.3 ACCO Brands EMEA 7.0 6.1 5.1 ACCO Brands International 4.1 3.7 9.6 Total capital spend $ 32.8 $ 34.1 $ 31.0 Depreciation expense by reportable business segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 2017 ACCO Brands North America $ 17.3 $ 15.9 $ 17.7 ACCO Brands EMEA 12.2 12.6 11.9 ACCO Brands International 5.4 5.5 6.0 Total depreciation $ 34.9 $ 34.0 $ 35.6
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographic Region	Property, plant and equipment, net by geographic region as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows: (in millions) 2019 2018 U.S. $ 116.6 $ 111.7 Canada 1.7 1.9 ACCO Brands North America 118.3 113.6 ACCO Brands EMEA 92.8 100.0 Australia/N.Z. 12.1 13.1 Latin America 42.2 35.1 Asia-Pacific 1.7 1.9 ACCO Brands International 56.0 50.1 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 267.1 $ 263.7

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Payments Under Unconditional Purchase Commitments	Future minimum payments under unconditional purchase commitments, primarily for inventory purchase commitments as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in millions) 2020 $ 83.6 2021 1.0 2022 0.3 2023 — 2024 — Thereafter — Total unconditional purchase commitments $ 84.9

Quarterly Financial Informati_2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The following is an analysis of certain line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income by quarter for 2019 and 2018 : (in millions, except per share data) 1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter 2019 Net sales (1) $ 393.9 $ 518.7 $ 505.7 $ 537.4 Gross profit 125.8 165.8 155.9 186.0 Operating income 17.9 61.4 48.8 68.1 Net income $ (0.6 ) $ 35.9 $ 28.0 $ 43.5 Per share: Basic income per share (2) $ (0.01 ) $ 0.35 $ 0.29 $ 0.45 Diluted income per share (2) $ (0.01 ) $ 0.35 $ 0.28 $ 0.44 2018 Net sales (1) $ 405.8 $ 498.8 $ 507.3 $ 529.3 Gross profit 127.5 162.4 160.8 177.1 Operating income 11.7 51.8 57.5 66.0 Net income $ 10.4 $ 25.7 $ 35.6 $ 35.0 Per share: Basic income per share (2) $ 0.10 $ 0.24 $ 0.34 $ 0.34 Diluted income per share (2) $ 0.09 $ 0.24 $ 0.34 $ 0.34 (1) Historically, our business has experienced higher sales and earnings in the second, third, and fourth quarters of the calendar year and we expect those trends to continue. Two principal factors contribute to this seasonality: (1) we are a major supplier of products related to the back-to-school season, which occurs principally from May through September for our businesses in North America and Mexico and from November through February for our Australian and Brazilian businesses; and (2) several product categories we sell lend themselves to calendar year-end purchase, including planners, paper storage, and organization products. (2) The sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the total for the year due to the effects of rounding, dilution as a result of issuing shares of common stock and repurchasing of shares of common stock during the year.

Basis Of Presentation Basis of

Basis Of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 01, 2019USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired			$ 41.3	$ 38	$ 292.3
Number of Operating Segments			3
Foroni Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 42.1
Debt	$ 7.6
GOBA Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$ 37.2

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest costs capitalized		$ 0.5	$ 0.6	$ 0.1
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 0
Goodwill impairment loss	$ 0
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) - Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries		2
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Not Permanently Reinvested		331
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		177
Advertising expenses		98.4	105.5	114.8
Research and development expenses		$ 21.8	$ 23.8	$ 23.5
U.S. statutory rate		21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
Number of Operating Segments		3
Minimum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Service And Maintenance Agreement Term		3 months
Maximum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Service And Maintenance Agreement Term		60 months
Amortizable Period, Option 1 | Minimum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets, amortizable life		10 years
Amortizable Period, Option 2
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets, amortizable life		15 years
Amortizable Period, Option 3
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets, amortizable life		23 years
Amortizable Period, Option 4 | Maximum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets, amortizable life		30 years
Buildings | Minimum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		40 years
Buildings | Maximum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		50 years
Machinery, equipment and furniture | Minimum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		3 years
Machinery, equipment and furniture | Maximum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		10 years
Software and Software Development Costs | Minimum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		5 years
Software and Software Development Costs | Maximum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		10 years

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies (Recently Adopted Accounting Standards) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Balance Sheet
Property, plant and equipment, net		$ 267.1	[1]	$ 262.8	$ 263.7	[1]
Right of use asset, leases		101.9		90.9	0
Current portion of long-term debt		29.5		39.4	39.5
Operating Lease, Liability, Current		21.8		24.1	0
Long-term debt, net		777.2		842.9	843
Long-term lease liabilities		89.8		76.6	11
Accumulated deficit		(574.2)		(656.3)	$ (656.8)
Calculated under Lease Guidance in Effect before Topic 842
Balance Sheet
Property, plant and equipment, net		267.9
Right of use asset, leases		0
Current portion of long-term debt		29.6
Operating Lease, Liability, Current		0.2
Long-term debt, net		777.4
Long-term lease liabilities		10.5
Accumulated deficit		(574.7)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Balance Sheet
Property, plant and equipment, net				(0.9)
Right of use asset, leases				90.9
Current portion of long-term debt				(0.1)
Operating Lease, Liability, Current				24.1
Long-term debt, net				(0.1)
Long-term lease liabilities				65.6
Accumulated deficit				$ 0.5
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Difference between Lease Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 842
Balance Sheet
Property, plant and equipment, net		(0.8)
Right of use asset, leases		101.9
Current portion of long-term debt		(0.1)
Operating Lease, Liability, Current		21.6
Long-term debt, net		(0.2)
Long-term lease liabilities		79.3
Accumulated deficit		$ 0.5
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Balance Sheet
Cumulative effect on retained earnings, net of tax, upon adoption of new accounting standard	$ 1.6
[1]	Net property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 contained $68.5 million and $51.9 million of computer software assets, respectively, which are classified within machinery and equipment and construction in progress. Depreciation expense for software was $8.9 million , $8.2 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Acquisitions (Allocation of Con

Acquisitions (Allocation of Consideration Given to Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2019	Jul. 02, 2018	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2019
Calculation of Goodwill:
Net purchase price				$ 41,300,000	$ 38,000,000	$ 292,300,000
Less fair value of assets acquired:
Goodwill				$ 718,600,000	$ 708,900,000	$ 670,300,000
Foroni Acquisition
Calculation of Goodwill:
Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment	$ 42,100,000
Net purchase price	42,100,000
Plus fair value of liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	12,400,000
Deferred tax liabilities	4,000,000
Debt	7,600,000
Lease liabilities	5,600,000
Fair value of liabilities assumed	29,600,000
Less fair value of assets acquired:
Cash acquired	0
Accounts receivable	17,500,000
Inventory	12,300,000
Property and equipment	9,100,000
Identifiable intangibles	11,100,000
Deferred tax assets	2,700,000
Right of use asset, leases	5,600,000
Other assets	3,600,000
Fair value of assets acquired	61,900,000
Goodwill	$ 9,800,000
Cumberland Asset Acquisition
Less fair value of assets acquired:
Inventory							$ 2,800,000
Identifiable intangibles							3,200,000
Fair value of assets acquired							$ 6,000,000
GOBA Acquisition
Calculation of Goodwill:
Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment		$ 39,100,000
Cash acquired		1,900,000
Net purchase price		37,200,000
Plus fair value of liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		10,100,000
Deferred tax liabilities		3,100,000
Other non-current liabilities		6,500,000
Fair value of liabilities assumed		19,700,000
Less fair value of assets acquired:
Cash acquired		1,900,000
Accounts receivable		30,000,000
Inventory		7,100,000
Property and equipment		600,000
Identifiable intangibles		10,300,000
Deferred tax assets		2,000,000
Other assets		4,200,000
Fair value of assets acquired		56,100,000
Goodwill		$ 2,700,000
Esselte Acquisition
Calculation of Goodwill:
Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment			$ 326,500,000
Cash acquired			34,200,000
Net purchase price			292,300,000
Plus fair value of liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			121,900,000
Deferred tax liabilities			83,600,000
Pension obligations			174,100,000
Other non-current liabilities			5,800,000
Fair value of liabilities assumed			385,400,000
Less fair value of assets acquired:
Cash acquired			34,200,000
Accounts receivable			60,000,000
Inventory			41,900,000
Property and equipment			75,600,000
Identifiable intangibles			277,000,000
Deferred tax assets			106,300,000
Other assets			10,400,000
Fair value of assets acquired			605,400,000
Goodwill			$ 106,500,000

Acquisitions (Foroni Narrative)

Acquisitions (Foroni Narrative) (Details) R$ in Millions, $ in Millions	Aug. 01, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2019BRL (R$)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 718.6	$ 718.6	$ 708.9	$ 670.3
Foroni Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business | R$		R$ 159.5
Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment	$ 42.1
Debt	7.6
Business acquisition, consideration held in escrow	6.6	R$ 25.0
Net sales			$ 30.5
Goodwill	$ 9.8
Foroni Acquisition | SG&A Expenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs				$ 1.5
Maximum | Foroni Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Escrow period	6 years	6 years

Acquisitions (Cumberland Narrat

Acquisitions (Cumberland Narrative) (Details) - Cumberland Asset Acquisition $ in Millions, $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2019AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business	$ 6	$ 8.2
SG&A Expenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs			$ 0.1

Acquisitions (GOBA Narrative) (

Acquisitions (GOBA Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions, $ in Millions	Jul. 02, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2018MXN ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Goodwill				$ 718.6	$ 708.9	$ 670.3
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired				$ 41.3	38	$ 292.3
GOBA Acquisition
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 2.7
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business	39.9	$ 796.8
Reduction to Purchase Price - Due to Working Capital Adjustments	(0.8)
Business acquisition, consideration held in escrow	$ 5.8	$ 115
Escrow period	5 years	5 years
Cash acquired	$ 1.9
Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment	39.1
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 37.2
Net sales			$ 23.7
SG&A Expenses | GOBA Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs					$ 1.1

Acquisitions (Esselte Narrative

Acquisitions (Esselte Narrative) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Jan. 27, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2017EUR (€)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired			$ 41.3	$ 38	$ 292.3
Goodwill			$ 718.6	$ 708.9	670.3
Secured Debt | Euro Term Loan A
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 320.8	€ 300
Esselte Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business	$ 326.8	€ 302.9
Reduction to Purchase Price - Due to Working Capital Adjustments	(0.3)
Cash acquired	34.2
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired	292.3
Warranty and indemnity insurance policy	$ 43.2					€ 40
Period of warranty and indemnity policy	7 years	7 years
Goodwill	$ 106.5
Esselte Acquisition | SG&A Expenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs					$ 5

Long-term Debt and Short-term_3

Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings (Notes Payable and Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	May 23, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 816			$ 888
Current portion	33.2			39.5
Debt issuance costs, unamortized	5.6			5.5
Long-term debt, net	777.2		$ 842.9	843
Other borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	3.8			0.3
Senior Secured Notes | Euro Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 1.5% at December 31, 2019)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 275.9			0
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	1.75%
Senior Secured Notes | Euro Senior Secured Term Loan A, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 1.50% at December 31, 2018)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 0			$ 289
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End				1.50%
Senior Secured Notes | USD Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 3.44% at December 31, 2019)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 97.5	$ 100		$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.94%
Senior Secured Notes | Australian Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 2.45% at December 31, 2019)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 41.6			0
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	2.76%
Senior Secured Notes | Australian Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 3.56% at December 31, 2018)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 0			$ 43
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End				3.56%
Senior Secured Notes | U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 3.26% at December 31, 2019)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 8.2			$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.94%
Senior Secured Notes | U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 4.36% at December 31, 2018)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 0			$ 106.8
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End				4.36%
Senior Secured Notes | Australian Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 2.44% at December 30, 2019)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 14			$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	2.78%
Senior Secured Notes | Australian Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 3.54% at December 31, 2018)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 0			$ 73.9
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End				3.54%
Senior Notes | Senior Unsecured Notes, due December 2024 (fixed interest rate of 5.25%)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 375			$ 375
Stated percentage	5.25%			5.25%

Long-term Debt and Short-term_4

Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings (Interest Rates) (Details) - Secured Debt - Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
3.50 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Euro/AUD/CDN Dollar Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%
3.50 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and 3.25 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Euro/AUD/CDN Dollar Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and 3.25 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
≤ 3.25 to 1.00 and 3.00 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Euro/AUD/CDN Dollar Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
≤ 3.25 to 1.00 and 3.00 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.75%
≤ 3.00 to 1.00 and 2.00 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Euro/AUD/CDN Dollar Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
≤ 3.00 to 1.00 and 2.00 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
≤ 2.00 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Euro/AUD/CDN Dollar Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
≤ 2.00 to 1.00 | Applicable Rate on Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.25%

Long-term Debt and Short-term_5

Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	May 23, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 26, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	May 22, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2017EUR (€)	Jan. 27, 2017AUD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs						$ 3,400,000	$ 600,000	$ 3,600,000
Total debt			$ 888,000,000			816,000,000	888,000,000
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt						(70,600,000)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings						325,800,000	225,300,000	$ 484,100,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Due January 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement, term					5 years
Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement, term		5 years
Senior Secured Notes | Euro Term Loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement, face amount					$ 320,800,000					€ 300
Senior Secured Notes | AUD Term Loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Max borrowing capacity					60,400,000						$ 80
Senior Secured Notes | USD Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 3.44% at December 31, 2019)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 100,000,000	0			97,500,000	0
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs						3,300,000
Senior Notes | Senior Unsecured Notes, due December 2024 (fixed interest rate of 5.25%)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			$ 375,000,000			$ 375,000,000	$ 375,000,000
Stated percentage			5.25%			5.25%	5.25%
Senior Secured Credit Facility Due January 2022 | Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Minimum Leverage Ratio for Payments of Dividends or Repurchase of Shares									2.50
Revolving Facility | Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Max borrowing capacity					400,000,000
Revolving Facility | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due January 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Max borrowing capacity				$ 500,000,000					$ 500,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net				$ 100,000,000
Revolving Facility | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Max borrowing capacity		600,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net		$ 200,000,000
Commitment fee percent						0.25%
Total debt						$ 22,200,000
Amount available for borrowings under the Restated Revolver Facility						566,600,000
Letters of credit outstanding, amount						11,200,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease)		(0.25%)
Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024 | Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales or dispositions of property or assets						$ 12,000,000
Proceeds from sales or dispositions of property or assets, percentage						100.00%
Dividends and/or purchase shares, threshold						$ 30,000,000
Dividends and/or purchase shares, threshold, percent of total assets						1.00%
Minimum leverage ratio for payment of dividends or repurchase of shares						3.25
Maximum leverage ratio for payment of dividends or repurchase of shares						3.75
Leverage ratio						2.6
Leverage ratio, potential increase						0.50
Maximum borrowing capacity, potential increase					$ 500,000,000
Interest Coverage Ratio						7.5
Debt Instrument, Minimum Leverage Ratio for Payments of Dividends or Repurchase of Shares		3.25
Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024 | Senior Secured Notes | AUD Term Loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales or dispositions of property or assets, percentage						100.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024 | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Minimum Leverage Ratio for Payments of Dividends or Repurchase of Shares		3.25
Minimum | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payment, based on annual percentage		1.25%
Minimum | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due January 2022 | Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio									1.25
Minimum | Revolving Facility | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percent						0.20%
Minimum | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024 | Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Coverage Ratio		3
Maximum | Revolving Facility | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percent						0.35%
Maximum | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024 | Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Dividends and/or purchase shares, threshold						$ 75,000,000
Leverage ratio						3.75
Euro/AUD/CDN | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024 | Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.50%
Euro/AUD/CDN | Minimum | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024 | Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base rate percent						0.00%
Applicable Rate on Base Rate Loans | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024 | Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Forecast | Maximum | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Credit Facility Due May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payment, based on annual percentage	2.50%

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accumulated deficit	$ (574.2)	$ (656.3)	$ (656.8)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accumulated deficit		$ 0.5

Leases (Lease Expense) (Details

Leases (Lease Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 29.6
Sublease income	(1.7)
Lease, Cost	$ 27.9	$ 33	$ 30.9

Leases (Other Information) (Det

Leases (Other Information) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 29.6
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, operating leases	$ 35.5
Weighted average remaining lease term, operating leases (in years)	7 years
Weighted average discount rate, operating leases (as a percentage)	5.30%

Leases (Future Minimum Lease Pa

Leases (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2020	$ 28.4
2021	24
2022	19.8
2023	15.6
2024	13.5
Thereafter	41.5
Total minimum lease payments	142.8
Less imputed interest	31.2
Future minimum payments for leases, net of sublease rental income and imputed interest	$ 111.6

Pension and Other Retiree Ben_3

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Pension Benefit Obligation and Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Change in plan assets
Employer contributions	$ 20
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations	283.2	$ 257.2
Pension | U.S.
Change in projected benefit obligation (PBO)
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	188.3	206.5
Service cost	1.3	1.6	$ 1.4
Interest cost	7.4	6.7	7.1
Actuarial loss (gain)	25.2	(15.6)
Participants’ contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(10.6)	(10.9)
Curtailment gain	0	0
Settlement gain	0	0
Plan amendments	0	0
Foreign exchange rate changes	0	0
Other items	0	0
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	211.6	188.3	206.5
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	141.1	162.1
Actual return on plan assets	21.9	(15.8)
Employer contributions	5.6	5.7
Participants’ contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(10.6)	(10.9)
Settlement gain	0	0
Foreign exchange rate changes	0	0
Other items	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	158	141.1	162.1
Funded status (Fair value of plan assets less PBO)	(53.6)	(47.2)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Other non-current assets	0	0
Other current liabilities	0	0
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations	53.6	47.2
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)	74.1	64.7
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	1.4	1.5
Pension | International
Change in projected benefit obligation (PBO)
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	627.3	695
Service cost	1.3	1.9	1.9
Interest cost	13.4	12.9	13.4
Actuarial loss (gain)	67.6	(26.6)
Participants’ contributions	0.1	0.1
Benefits paid	(28.6)	(26.9)
Curtailment gain	0	(0.9)
Settlement gain	(0.4)	(2)
Plan amendments	0	6.8
Foreign exchange rate changes	10	(35.3)
Other items	0	2.3
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	690.7	627.3	695
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	417.6	463.8
Actual return on plan assets	45.5	(10)
Employer contributions	14.1	14.9
Participants’ contributions	0.1	0.1
Benefits paid	(28.7)	(26.9)
Settlement gain	(0.4)	(2)
Foreign exchange rate changes	12.1	(24.6)
Other items	0	2.3
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	460.3	417.6	463.8
Funded status (Fair value of plan assets less PBO)	(230.4)	(209.7)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Other non-current assets	1.2	1.4
Other current liabilities	6.8	6.7
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations	224.8	204.4
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)	129.8	97.1
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	4.9	5
Post-retirement
Change in projected benefit obligation (PBO)
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	6.2	6.8
Service cost	0	0.1	0
Interest cost	0.2	0.2	0.2
Actuarial loss (gain)	(0.9)	(0.3)
Participants’ contributions	0.1	0.1
Benefits paid	(0.4)	(0.4)
Curtailment gain	0	0
Settlement gain	0	0
Plan amendments	0	0
Foreign exchange rate changes	0.1	(0.3)
Other items	0	0
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	5.3	6.2	6.8
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	0.3	0.3
Participants’ contributions	0.1	0.1
Benefits paid	(0.4)	(0.4)
Settlement gain	0	0
Foreign exchange rate changes	0	0
Other items	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status (Fair value of plan assets less PBO)	(5.3)	(6.2)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Other non-current assets	0	0
Other current liabilities	0.5	0.6
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations	4.8	5.6
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)	(4)	(3.5)
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	$ (0.2)	$ (0.2)

Pension and Other Retiree Ben_4

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - Pension - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 211.6	$ 188.3
Fair value of plan assets	158	141.1
International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	638.4	564.6
Fair value of plan assets	$ 417.5	$ 362.9

Pension and Other Retiree Ben_5

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - Pension - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 211.6	$ 188.3
Fair value of plan assets	158	141.1
International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	649.1	574
Fair value of plan assets	$ 417.5	$ 362.9

Pension and Other Retiree Ben_6

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Net Periodic Benefit Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension | U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		$ 1.3	$ 1.6	$ 1.4
Interest cost		7.4	6.7	7.1
Expected return on plan assets		(11.7)	(11.8)	(12.3)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		2.2	2.7	2
Amortization of prior service cost		0.4	0.4	0.4
Curtailment gain		0	0	0
Settlement loss		0	0	0
Net periodic benefit income(1)	[1]	(0.4)	(0.4)	(1.4)
Pension | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		1.3	1.9	1.9
Interest cost		13.4	12.9	13.4
Expected return on plan assets		(20.5)	(22.7)	(21.8)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		3.3	3.4	3
Amortization of prior service cost		0.3	0	0
Curtailment gain		0	(0.6)	0
Settlement loss		0.1	0	0
Net periodic benefit income(1)	[1]	(2.1)	(5.1)	(3.5)
Post-retirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		0	0.1	0
Interest cost		0.2	0.2	0.2
Expected return on plan assets		0	0	0
Amortization of net loss (gain)		(0.4)	(0.4)	(0.4)
Amortization of prior service cost		0	(0.1)	0
Curtailment gain		0	0	0
Settlement loss		0	0	0
Net periodic benefit income(1)	[1]	$ (0.2)	$ (0.2)	$ (0.2)
[1]	(1) The components, other than service cost, are included in the line " Non-operating pension income " in the Consolidated Statements of Income .

Pension and Other Retiree Ben_7

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Other Changes Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension | U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	$ 15	$ 12	$ 5.9
Amortization of actuarial (loss) gain	(2.2)	(2.7)	(2)
Current year prior service cost	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit	(0.4)	(0.4)	(0.4)
Foreign exchange rate changes	0	0	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	12.4	8.9	3.5
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and other comprehensive income (loss)	12	8.5	2.1
Pension | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	43.3	5.3	14.3
Amortization of actuarial (loss) gain	(3.3)	(3.4)	(3)
Current year prior service cost	0	6.5	0
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit	(0.3)	0.3	0
Foreign exchange rate changes	3.4	(7.1)	10.7
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	43.1	1.6	22
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and other comprehensive income (loss)	41	(3.5)	18.5
Post-retirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	(1)	(0.3)	0
Amortization of actuarial (loss) gain	0.4	0.4	0.4
Current year prior service cost	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit	0	0.1	0
Foreign exchange rate changes	0	0.1	(0.2)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	(0.6)	0.3	0.2
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (0.8)	$ 0.1	$ 0

Pension and Other Retiree Ben_8

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension | U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.30%	4.60%	3.70%
Pension | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	1.80%	2.50%	2.30%
Rate of compensation increase	2.90%	3.00%	2.80%
Post-retirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.70%	3.70%	3.20%

Pension and Other Retiree Ben_9

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension | U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.00%	3.50%	3.80%
Expected long-term rate of return	7.40%	7.40%	7.80%
Pension | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.40%	2.10%	2.30%
Expected long-term rate of return	5.00%	5.00%	5.50%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	2.80%	3.10%
Post-retirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.60%	3.20%	3.40%

Pension and Other Retiree Be_10

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates) (Details) - Post-retirement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Rate that the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	4.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2027	2026	2025

Pension and Other Retiree Be_11

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Weighted Average Asset Allocation) (Details) - Pension		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations		100.00%	100.00%
U.S. | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations		56.00%	58.00%
U.S. | Fixed income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations		33.00%	27.00%
U.S. | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations		3.00%	3.00%
U.S. | Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	[1]	8.00%	12.00%
International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations		100.00%	100.00%
International | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations		13.00%	16.00%
International | Fixed income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations		46.00%	20.00%
International | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations		3.00%	5.00%
International | Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	[1]	38.00%	59.00%
[1]	Multi-strategy hedge funds, insurance contracts and cash and cash equivalents for certain of our plans.

Pension and Other Retiree Be_12

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) - Pension - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		$ 158	$ 141.1	$ 162.1
U.S. | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		151.6	131.1
U.S. | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		1.5	1.7
U.S. | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
U.S. | Mutual Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		103.2	77.1
U.S. | Mutual Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount			0
U.S. | Mutual Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount			0
U.S. | Mutual Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount			77.1
U.S. | Equity Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0
U.S. | Equity Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0
U.S. | Equity Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		103.2
U.S. | Exchange traded funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		48.4	54
U.S. | Exchange traded funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
U.S. | Exchange traded funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
U.S. | Exchange traded funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		48.4	54
U.S. | Common collective trust | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
U.S. | Common collective trust | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		1.5	1.7
U.S. | Common collective trust | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
U.S. | Common collective trust | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		1.5	1.7
U.S. | Multi-strategy hedge funds | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	4.9	8.3
International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		460.3	417.6	$ 463.8
International | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		61.7	68.7
International | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		331.2	307.4
International | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Cash and cash equivalents | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		1.4	2.7
International | Cash and cash equivalents | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Cash and cash equivalents | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Cash and cash equivalents | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		1.4	2.7
International | Equity Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		59.9	65.7
International | Equity Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Equity Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Equity Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		59.9	65.7
International | Exchange traded funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0.4	0.3
International | Exchange traded funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Exchange traded funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Exchange traded funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0.4	0.3
International | Foreign corporate debt securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Foreign corporate debt securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		79.3	71.7
International | Foreign corporate debt securities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Foreign corporate debt securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		79.3	71.7
International | Multi-strategy hedge funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Multi-strategy hedge funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		85.9	196.3
International | Multi-strategy hedge funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Multi-strategy hedge funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		85.9	196.3
International | Multi-strategy hedge funds | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	57	21
International | Insurance contracts | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Insurance contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		29.6	25.4
International | Insurance contracts | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Insurance contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		29.6	25.4
International | Real estate | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0
International | Real estate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		3.9
International | Real estate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount
International | Real estate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		3.9
International | Foreign government debt securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Foreign government debt securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		132.5	14
International | Foreign government debt securities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
International | Foreign government debt securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		132.5	14
International | Real estate | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	$ 10.4	$ 20.5
[1]	Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in these tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the table that presents our defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans funded status.

Pension and Other Retiree Be_13

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	$ 41.7
2021	42.3
2022	42.9
2023	43.5
2024	44
Years 2025 - 2029	228.1
Post-retirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	0.5
2021	0.5
2022	0.5
2023	0.4
2024	0.4
Years 2025 - 2029	$ 1

Pension and Other Retiree Be_14

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Multi-Employer) (Details) - Multi-employer Plans, Pension - PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund - Multiemployer Plan, Plan Information, Available - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status [Fixed List]	Red	Red
Minimum Period in Years for Withdrawal Liability	20 years
Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status, Date	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
FIP/RP Status	Implemented
Contributions	$ 0.2	$ 0.3	$ 0.2
Surcharge Imposed	Yes
Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date	Jun. 30, 2023
Multiemployer Plans, Period Contributions, Significance of Contributions [true false]		false

Pension and Other Retiree Be_15

Pension and Other Retiree Benefits (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)yr	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of post-retirement plans not frozen to new participants	1
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations	$ 283.2	$ 257.2
Employer contributions	20
Expected contributions to defined benefit plans for 2020	20
Costs related to defined contribution plans	$ 12.4	13.3	$ 13.4
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Payment of retirement benefits, commencement age for participants | yr	60
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Payment of retirement benefits, commencement age for participants | yr	65
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 891.3	806.1
Pension Plan | U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations	53.6	47.2
Employer contributions	$ 5.6	$ 5.7
Pension Plan | U.S. | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	56.50%
Pension Plan | U.S. | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	33.50%
Pension Plan | U.S. | Alternate assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	10.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Share

Stock-Based Compensation (Share-Based Compensation Expense by Line Item) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ (10.1)	$ (8.8)	$ (17)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit	(2.4)	(2.2)	(6.1)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, after Tax	(7.7)	(6.6)	(10.9)
SG&A Expenses
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ (10.1)	$ (8.8)	$ (17)

Stock-Based Compensation (Sha_2

Stock-Based Compensation (Share-based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 10.1	$ 8.8	$ 17
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	2.7	2	2.4
RSU compensation expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	5.1	4.7	4.3
PSU compensation expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2.3	$ 2.1	$ 10.3

Stock-Based Compensation (Unrec

Stock-Based Compensation (Unrecognized Compensation Expense) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$ 3.4
Weighted average years expense to be recognized over	1 year 8 months 12 days
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$ 5.6
Weighted average years expense to be recognized over	1 year 9 months 18 days
PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$ 4
Weighted average years expense to be recognized over	2 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Weigh

Stock-Based Compensation (Weighted Average Assumptions) (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average expected lives	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average risk-free interest rate	2.49%	2.62%	2.04%
Weighted average expected volatility	36.10%	36.40%	39.70%
Expected dividend yield	2.65%	1.87%	0.00%
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 2.40	$ 3.76	$ 4.70

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Stock options $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Number Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | shares	4,125,067
Granted | shares	1,303,255
Exercised | shares	(559,371)
Forfeited | shares	(451,258)
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 | shares	4,417,693
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 9.46
Granted | $ / shares	9.05
Exercised | $ / shares	7.54
Forfeited | $ / shares	12.01
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 | $ / shares	$ 9.32
Outstanding at December 31, 2019, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 10 months 24 days
Outstanding at December 31, 2019, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 4.8
Exercisable shares at December 31, 2019 | shares	2,468,344
Exercisable shares at December 31, 2019, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 8.53
Exercisable shares at December 31, 2019, Weighted Average Contractual Term	2 years 4 months 24 days
Exercisable shares at December 31, 2019, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 4.4

Stock-Based Compensation (Sto_2

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Units Rollforward) (Details) - $ / shares		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
RSUs
Stock Units [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2018		1,446,634
Granted		679,601	465,378	438,521
Vested and distributed		(362,165)
Forfeited		(47,625)
Outstanding at December 31, 2019		1,716,445	1,446,634
Vested and deferred RSUs related to deferred compensation for non-employee directors	[1]	512,525
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2018, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 10.72
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		8.74	$ 12.71	$ 12.65
Vested and Distributed, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		7.74
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		11.81
Outstanding at December 31, 2019, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		10.53	$ 10.72
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of Vested and Deferred RSUs		$ 9.37
PSUs
Stock Units [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2018		1,604,394
Granted		895,389	747,996	706,732
Vested and distributed		(1,059,825)	(1,327,613)	(1,502,327)
Forfeited		(34,384)
Other - decrease due to performance of PSUs		(384,031)
Outstanding at December 31, 2019		1,021,543	1,604,394
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2018, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 9.46
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		8.35	$ 12.82	$ 12.75
Vested and Distributed, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		7.66
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		11.27
Other decrease due to performance of PSU's, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		10.32
Outstanding at December 31, 2019, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 9.98	$ 9.46
[1]	Included in outstanding at December 31, 2019 . Vested and deferred RSUs are primarily related to deferred compensation for non-employee directors.

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized	11,775,000
Capitalization of stock based compensation expense	$ 0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	4.2	$ 6.8	$ 4.2
Share-based compensation expense, shares that vests on grant date	$ 10.1	$ 8.8	17
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	4,417,693	4,125,067
Exercise period	7 years
Award vesting period	3 years
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$ 4.2	$ 6.8	4.2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	1	4.1	2.8
Fair value of options vested during the period	1.9	2.3	2.6
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 3.4
Weighted average years expense to be recognized over	1 year 8 months 12 days
Share-based compensation expense, shares that vests on grant date	$ 2.7	2	2.4
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 5.6
Weighted average years expense to be recognized over	1 year 9 months 18 days
Share-based compensation expense, shares that vests on grant date	$ 5.1	$ 4.7	$ 4.3
Shares outstanding	1,716,445	1,446,634
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 8.74	$ 12.71	$ 12.65
Fair value of stock awards vested	$ 3.6	$ 4.7	$ 5.5
PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 4
Weighted average years expense to be recognized over	2 years
Share-based compensation expense, shares that vests on grant date	$ 2.3	$ 2.1	$ 10.3
Shares outstanding	1,021,543	1,604,394
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 8.35	$ 12.82	$ 12.75
Fair value of stock awards vested	$ 8.1	$ 10	$ 9.3
Share-based Compensation, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Shares Called upon Vested	1
Minimum | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Minimum | PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Percentage awarded	0.00%
Maximum | PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage awarded	150.00%
Fully Vested On The Grant Date | RSUs | Non-employee directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense, shares that vests on grant date	$ 1.1	$ 1.1	$ 0.8

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 44.4	$ 55.4
Work in process	3.5	4.3
Finished goods	235.4	280.9
Total inventories	$ 283.3	$ 340.6

Property, Plant and Equipment_2

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 651.7		$ 618.7
Less: accumulated depreciation	(384.6)		(355)
Property, plant and equipment, net	267.1	[1]	263.7	[1]		$ 262.8
Computer software included in net property, plant and equipment	68.5		51.9
Amortization of software costs	8.9		8.2		$ 7.1
Land and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	24		25.2
Building and improvements to leaseholds
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	145		144.2
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	475.1		440.7
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 7.6		$ 8.6
[1]	Net property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 contained $68.5 million and $51.9 million of computer software assets, respectively, which are classified within machinery and equipment and construction in progress. Depreciation expense for software was $8.9 million , $8.2 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Goodwill and Identifiable Int_3

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangibles (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 708.9	$ 670.3
Acquisitions	[1]		10.1	2.4
Foreign currency translation			(0.4)	36.2
Ending balance			718.6	708.9
Accumulated impairment losses					$ 215.1
Goodwill impairment loss		$ 0
ACCO Brands North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			375.6	375.6
Acquisitions			0	0
Foreign currency translation			0	0
Ending balance			375.6	375.6
ACCO Brands EMEA
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			165.6	129.4
Acquisitions			0	0
Foreign currency translation			0.1	36.2
Ending balance			165.7	165.6
ACCO Brands International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			167.7	165.3
Acquisitions	[1]		10.1	2.4
Foreign currency translation			(0.5)	0
Ending balance			$ 177.3	$ 167.7
[1]	(1) Goodwill has been recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the GOBA Acquisition and represents the excess of the cost of the GOBA Acquisition when compared to the fair value estimate of the net assets acquired on July 2, 2018 (the date of the GOBA Acquisition). Goodwill has been recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the Foroni Acquisition and represents the excess of the cost of the Foroni Acquisition when compared to the fair value estimate of the net assets acquired on August 1, 2019 (the effective date of the Foroni Acquisition). See " Note 3. Acquisitions " for details on the calculation of the goodwill acquired in the acquisitions.

Goodwill and Identifiable Int_4

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangibles (Identifiable Intangibles) (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets		$ 0
Trade names | Cumberland Asset Acquisition
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, useful life	10 years
Customer relationships | Cumberland Asset Acquisition
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, useful life	7 years
Measurement Input, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate | Mead Trade Name [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Measurement Input			0.015
Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Mead Trade Name [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Measurement Input			0.115

Goodwill and Identifiable Int_5

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangibles (Acquired Identifiable Intangibles) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 01, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Jul. 02, 2018	Jan. 31, 2017
Cumberland Asset Acquisition
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangibles acquired		$ 3.2
Cumberland Asset Acquisition | Trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired		$ 0.8
Intangible assets, useful life		10 years
Cumberland Asset Acquisition | Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired		$ 2.4
Intangible assets, useful life		7 years
Foroni Acquisition
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangibles acquired	$ 11.1
Foroni Acquisition | Trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangibles acquired	$ 11.1
Intangible assets, useful life	23 years
GOBA Acquisition
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangibles acquired			$ 10.3
GOBA Acquisition | Trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			$ 3.8
Intangible assets, useful life			15 years
GOBA Acquisition | Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			$ 6.5
Intangible assets, useful life			10 years
Esselte Acquisition
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangibles acquired				$ 277
Esselte Acquisition | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, useful life				10 years
Esselte Acquisition | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, useful life				30 years
Esselte Acquisition | Trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired				$ 53.2
Esselte Acquisition | Trade names | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, useful life				15 years
Esselte Acquisition | Trade names | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, useful life				30 years
Esselte Acquisition | Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired				$ 102.4
Intangible assets, useful life				15 years
Esselte Acquisition | Patents
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired				$ 4.6
Intangible assets, useful life				10 years
Esselte Acquisition | Trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired				$ 116.8

Goodwill and Identifiable Int_6

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangibles (Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Amortizable intangible assets:
Amortizable intangible assets, gross		$ 563.2	$ 551.7
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization		(227.4)	(191.9)
Amortizable intangible assets, net book value		335.8	359.8
Total identifiable intangible assets, gross		1,030.5	1,023.4
Total identifiable intangibles, accumulated amortization		(271.9)	(236.4)
Total identifiable intangibles, net book value		758.6	787
Trade names
Amortizable intangible assets:
Amortizable intangible assets, gross		316.7	306
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization		(83.7)	(70.5)
Amortizable intangible assets, net book value		233	235.5
Customer relationships
Amortizable intangible assets:
Amortizable intangible assets, gross		241	240.2
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization		(142.3)	(120.5)
Amortizable intangible assets, net book value		98.7	119.7
Patents
Amortizable intangible assets:
Amortizable intangible assets, gross		5.5	5.5
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization		(1.4)	(0.9)
Amortizable intangible assets, net book value		4.1	4.6
Trade names
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, gross		467.3	471.7
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	[1]	(44.5)	(44.5)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net book value		$ 422.8	$ 427.2
[1]	Accumulated amortization prior to the adoption of authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets, at which time further amortization ceased.

Goodwill and Identifiable Int_7

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangibles (Amortization Expense and Estimated Future Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangibles		$ 35.4	$ 36.7	$ 35.6
Estimate Amortization Expense
Estimated amortization expense, 2020	[1]	32
Estimated amortization expense, 2021	[1]	28.4
Estimated amortization expense, 2022	[1]	24.9
Estimated amortization expense, 2023	[1]	22.6
Estimated amortization expense, 2024	[1]	$ 21
[1]	Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, additional intangible asset acquisitions, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and other events.

Restructuring (Restructuring Ch

Restructuring (Restructuring Charges and Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 9.7		$ 13.3	$ 1.5
Provision			12		11.7	21.7
Cash expenditures			(9.9)		(14.7)	(13.4)
Non-cash Items/ Currency Change			0		(0.6)	0.7
Balance at end of period		$ 13.3	11.8		9.7	13.3
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment			0.5		0.2	4.2
Employee termination costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			7.9		12	1.4
Provision			10.9		8.3	18.2
Cash expenditures			(8.1)		(12.1)	(9.6)
Non-cash Items/ Currency Change			0		(0.3)	0.5
Balance at end of period		12	$ 10.7	[1]	7.9	12
Period over which restructuring and related costs are to be paid			12 months
Termination of lease agreements
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 1.8		0.8	0.1
Provision			0.5		3.2	2.4
Cash expenditures			(1.7)		(2)	(3.1)
Non-cash Items/ Currency Change			0		(0.2)	0.2
Balance at end of period		0.8	$ 0.6	[2]	1.8	0.8
Period over which restructuring and related costs are to be paid			6 months
Other
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 0		0.5	0
Provision			0.6		0.2	1.1
Cash expenditures			(0.1)		(0.6)	(0.7)
Non-cash Items/ Currency Change			0		(0.1)	0
Balance at end of period		0.5	$ 0.5	[3]	$ 0	0.5
Period over which restructuring and related costs are to be paid			6 months
Esselte Acquisition
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Liabilities Assumed in Business Combination	[4]					2.8
Esselte Acquisition | Employee termination costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Liabilities Assumed in Business Combination	[4]					1.5
Esselte Acquisition | Termination of lease agreements
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Liabilities Assumed in Business Combination	[4]					1.2
Esselte Acquisition | Other
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Liabilities Assumed in Business Combination	[4]					$ 0.1
Buildings
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment		3.9
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets		$ 1.5
[1]	(1) We expect the remaining $10.7 million employee termination costs to be substantially paid within the next twelve months .
[2]	(2) We expect the remaining $0.6 million termination of lease costs to be substantially paid within the next six months .
[3]	(3) We expect the remaining $0.5 million of other costs to be substantially paid in the next six months .
[4]	(4) Restructuring liabilities assumed in the Esselte Acquisition.

Restructuring (Restructuring _2

Restructuring (Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 12	$ 11.7	$ 21.7
Operating Segments | ACCO Brands North America
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	5.6	6.2	5.5
Operating Segments | ACCO Brands EMEA
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	2.3	4.9	11.2
Operating Segments | ACCO Brands International
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	2.7	0.6	5
Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	1.4	0	0
Employee termination costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	10.9	8.3	18.2
Termination of lease agreements
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0.5	3.2	2.4
Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 0.6	$ 0.2	$ 1.1

Income Taxes (Components of Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Before Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic operations	$ 32	$ 37	$ 68.7
Foreign operations	131.5	120.9	89.4
Income before income tax	$ 163.5	$ 157.9	$ 158.1

Income Taxes (Effective Income

Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax at U.S. statutory rate; 21%, 21% and 35%, respectively	$ 34.3	$ 33.2	$ 55.3
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Amount	0	3.1	(25.7)
State, local and other tax, net of federal benefit	5.8	2.2	3.6
GILTI/FDII	3.1	3.7	0
U.S. effect of foreign dividends and withholding taxes	2.1	2.2	4.9
Foreign income taxed at a higher (lower) effective rate	4.2	0.9	(6.9)
Net Brazilian Tax Assessments impact	6.5	(4.4)	2.2
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	0.4	5.2	(0.6)
Excess expense (benefit) from stock-based compensation	0.2	(2.5)	(5.6)
Other	0.1	7.6	(0.8)
Income tax expense	$ 56.7	$ 51.2	$ 26.4
Effective income tax rate	34.70%	32.40%	16.70%

Income Taxes (Components of I_2

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current expense
Federal and other	$ 5.8	$ 2.7	$ 41.1
Foreign	42.2	25.8	30.5
Total current income tax expense	48	28.5	71.6
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal and other	8.4	11.1	(47.4)
Foreign	0.3	11.6	2.2
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	8.7	22.7	(45.2)
Income tax expense	$ 56.7	$ 51.2	$ 26.4

Income Taxes (Components of Def

Income Taxes (Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets
Compensation and benefits	$ 15.4	$ 17.2
Pension	52.7	46.1
Inventory	10	10.7
Other reserves	15.9	15.7
Accounts receivable	5.8	6.1
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	25.2	25.2
Net operating loss carryforwards	90.9	101.8
Other	10.6	9.6
Gross deferred income tax assets	226.5	232.4
Valuation allowance	(51.6)	(50.8)
Net deferred tax assets	174.9	181.6
Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation	(18)	(19.3)
Unremitted non-U.S. earnings accrual	(2)	(1.4)
Identifiable intangibles	(209.1)	(219)
Other	(4.3)	(3)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(233.4)	(242.7)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (58.5)	$ (61.1)

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 43.7	$ 47.2	$ 43.7
Additions for tax positions of prior years	8.4	3.1	2.9
Additions for tax positions of current year	1.5	1.5	0
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(2.5)	(8.2)	(0.7)
Acquisitions	0	5.3	1.6
Decrease resulting from foreign currency translation	(0.6)	(5.2)	(0.3)
Balance at end of year	$ 50.5	$ 43.7	$ 47.2

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 51.6		$ 51.6	$ 50.8
Income tax expense			56.7	51.2	$ 26.4
Income before income tax			$ 163.5	$ 157.9	$ 158.1
Effective tax rate			34.70%	32.40%	16.70%
Excess benefit from stock-based compensation			$ (0.2)	$ 2.5	$ 5.6
U.S. statutory rate			21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				$ 3.1
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax, Income Tax Expense				0.3
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Effect on Executive Compensation, Income Tax Expense				3.3
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions, Executive Compensation				1.5
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Impairment of Deferred Tax Assets, Executive Compensation, Income Tax Expense				1.8
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset - Pension, Income Tax Benefit				0.5
Additions for tax positions of prior years			$ 8.4	3.1	$ 2.9
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) - Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries			2
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Not Permanently Reinvested	331		331
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	177		177
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued	30.1		30.1
Unrecognized tax benefits	50.5		50.5	43.7	47.2	$ 43.7
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	25.2		$ 25.2	25.2
State and Local Jurisdiction | Minimum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Statutes of limitation, period			2 years
State and Local Jurisdiction | Maximum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Statutes of limitation, period			5 years
Foreign Tax Authority | Minimum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Statutes of limitation, period			2 years
Foreign Tax Authority | Maximum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Statutes of limitation, period			5 years
Foreign Tax Authority | Australian Taxation Office | Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open tax year			2015
Foreign Tax Authority | Secretariat of the Federal Revenue Bureau of Brazil
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 1.6
Penalty rate	75.00%		75.00%
Potential penalty rate	150.00%		150.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes - Foreign, Amount			$ 5.6
Income tax examination, interest expense			$ 0.9	1.1	2.2
Foreign Tax Authority | Secretariat of the Federal Revenue Bureau of Brazil | Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open tax year			2014
Foreign Tax Authority | Secretariat of the Federal Revenue Bureau of Brazil | Tax Years 2007-2012
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits							$ 44.5
Potential tax assessment, accrued reserve related to fair value of liabilities acquired							$ 43.3
Foreign Tax Authority | Secretariat of the Federal Revenue Bureau of Brazil | Tax Year 2008 to 2010
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Additions for tax positions of prior years		$ 5.6
Foreign Tax Authority | Canada Revenue Agency | Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open tax year			2015
Foreign Tax Authority | Federal Ministry of Finance, Germany | Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open tax year			2015
Foreign Tax Authority | Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) | Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open tax year			2015
Foreign Tax Authority | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) | Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open tax year			2018
Domestic Tax Authority | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					(25.7)
Transition Toll Tax - net					24
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Liability, Provisional Income Tax Benefit					49.7
Foreign tax credit carryforwards					$ 14
Domestic Tax Authority | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open tax year			2016
U.S. | Pension
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer, Additional Tax Deductible Contribution				$ 4.1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Foreign Tax Authority | Secretariat of the Federal Revenue Bureau of Brazil | Tax Year 2007 to 2010 [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 34.8		$ 34.8

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Common stock, shares, outstanding	96,400,000	102,700,000	106,700,000
Repurchased and retired common stock	7,849,154	5,993,959	3,267,881
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	500,000	600,000	700,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - basic	99,500,000	104,800,000	108,100,000
Adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions - diluted	101,000,000	107,000,000	110,900,000
Potentially dilutive shares excluded from computation of dilutive earnings per share	4,700,000	4,000,000	3,100,000
Stock options
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements	500,000	1,000,000	1,300,000
Restricted stock units
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements	1,000,000	1,200,000	1,500,000

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - Foreign exchange contracts - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 182.6	$ 113.3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 96.7	$ 98.7

Derivative Financial Instrume_4

Derivative Financial Instruments (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 8	$ 16.6
Derivative Liabilities	9.5	14.5
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0.4	3.3
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	0.9	0.1
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	7.6	0.6
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	8.6	1.7
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0	12.7
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$ 0	$ 12.7

Derivative Financial Instrume_5

Derivative Financial Instruments (Effect of Derivative Instruments) (Details) - Foreign exchange contracts - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income	$ 0.1	$ 0.7	$ (1.5)
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	1	9.1	(4.9)
Cash Flow Hedging | Cost of products sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from OCI (Effective Portion)	$ (4.2)	$ (6.4)	$ 1.6

Schedule of Fair Value Assets a

Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of total debt	$ 831.4	$ 848.6
Forward currency contracts, assets	8	16.6
Forward currency contracts, liabilities	$ 9.5	$ 14.5

Fair Value Of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Total debt	$ 816	$ 888

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ (461.7)	$ (461.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(45.6)	(0.7)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	1.6	0.1
Ending Balance	(505.7)	(461.7)
Derivative Financial Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2.1	0.2
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	0.6	6.5
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(2.9)	(4.6)
Ending Balance	(0.2)	2.1
Foreign Currency Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(299.2)	(305.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(0.3)	6.2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	0	0
Ending Balance	(299.5)	(299.2)
Unrecognized Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(164.6)	(155.9)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(45.9)	(13.4)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	4.5	4.7
Ending Balance	$ (206)	$ (164.6)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Cost of products sold	$ (1,322.2)	$ (1,313.4)	$ (1,291.5)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(56.7)	(51.2)	(26.4)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net of tax	(1.6)	(0.1)	(4.8)
Derivative Financial Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Cost of products sold	4.2	6.4	(1.6)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(1.3)	(1.8)	0.3
Net of tax	2.9	4.6	(1.3)
Unrecognized Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Costs | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Amortization of actuarial loss included in net income	(5.2)	(5.1)	(4.6)	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost included in net income	(0.7)	(0.3)	(0.4)	[1]
Total before tax	(5.9)	(5.4)	(5)
Income tax (benefit) expense	1.4	0.7	1.5
Net of tax	$ (4.5)	$ (4.7)	$ (3.5)
[1]	These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (income) for pension and post-retirement plans (See " Note 6. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits

Revenue Recognition (Service or

Revenue Recognition (Service or Extended Mainteneance Agreements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Unearned revenue associated with outstanding contracts	$ 5.5	$ 5
Revenue recognized	$ 4.1

Revenue Recognition (Unearned R

Revenue Recognition (Unearned Revenue) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Unearned revenue	$ 5
Expected timing of satisfaction	12 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Unearned revenue	$ 0.5
Expected timing of satisfaction	12 months

Revenue Recognition (Schedule o

Revenue Recognition (Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,955.7	$ 1,941.2	$ 1,948.8
Product and services transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,892.9	1,878.2
Product and services transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	62.8	63
ACCO Brands North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	966.8	940.7	999
ACCO Brands North America | U.S.
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	847.9	819.7	880.4
ACCO Brands North America | Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	118.9	121	118.6
ACCO Brands EMEA
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	569.3	605.2	542.8
ACCO Brands International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	419.6	395.3	407
ACCO Brands International | Australia/N.Z.
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	145.3	169.2	187.9
ACCO Brands International | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	229.1	178	173.3
ACCO Brands International | Asia-Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 45.2	$ 48.1	$ 45.8

Information on Business Segme_3

Information on Business Segments (Net Sales by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

[1]

Sep. 30, 2019

[1]

Jun. 30, 2019

[1]

Mar. 31, 2019

[1]

Dec. 31, 2018

[1]

Sep. 30, 2018

[1]

Jun. 30, 2018

[1]

Mar. 31, 2018

[1]

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net sales

$ 537.4

$ 505.7

$ 518.7

$ 393.9

$ 529.3

$ 507.3

$ 498.8

$ 405.8

$ 1,955.7

$ 1,941.2

$ 1,948.8

ACCO Brands North America

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net sales

966.8

940.7

999

ACCO Brands EMEA

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net sales

569.3

605.2

542.8

ACCO Brands International

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net sales

$ 419.6

$ 395.3

$ 407

[1]

Historically, our business has experienced higher sales and earnings in the second, third, and fourth quarters of the calendar year and we expect those trends to continue. Two principal factors contribute to this seasonality: (1) we are a major supplier of products related to the back-to-school season, which occurs principally from May through September for our businesses in North America and Mexico and from November through February for our Australian and Brazilian businesses; and (2) several product categories we sell lend themselves to calendar year-end purchase, including planners, paper storage, and organization products.

Information on Business Segme_4

Information on Business Segments (Operating Income by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income		$ 68.1	$ 48.8	$ 61.4	$ 17.9	$ 66	$ 57.5	$ 51.8	$ 11.7	$ 196.2	[1]	$ 187	[1]	$ 184.5	[1]
Interest expense										43.2		41.2		41.1
Interest income										(3.2)		(4.4)		(5.8)
Non-operating pension income										(5.5)		(9.3)		(8.5)
Other (income) expense, net										(1.8)		1.6		(0.4)
Income before income tax										163.5		157.9		158.1
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	[1]									238.1		225.2		235.3
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income										(41.9)		(38.2)		(50.8)	[2]
Transaction costs										1.6		0.5		5
ACCO Brands North America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income										131		116.6		152.4
ACCO Brands EMEA | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income										58.6		59.4		32
ACCO Brands International | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income										$ 48.5		$ 49.2		$ 50.9
[1]	Operating income as presented in the segment table above is defined as i) net sales; ii) less cost of products sold; iii) less SG&A expenses; iv) less amortization of intangibles; and v) less restructuring charges.
[2]	Corporate operating loss in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 includes transaction costs of $1.6 million , $0.5 million and $5.0 million respectively, primarily for legal and due diligence expenditures associated with the Foroni, GOBA, and Esselte acquisitions.

Information on Business Segme_5

Information on Business Segments (Assets by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		$ 2,788.6	$ 2,786.4
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		1,045.4	1,074.1
Unallocated Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		1,742.3	1,711
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	[1]	0.9	1.3
ACCO Brands North America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	[1]	403.4	456.1
ACCO Brands EMEA | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	[1]	257.9	276.7
ACCO Brands International | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	[1]	$ 384.1	$ 341.3
[1]	Represents total assets, excluding goodwill and identifiable intangibles resulting from business acquisitions, intercompany balances, cash, deferred taxes, derivatives, prepaid pension assets, prepaid debt issuance costs and right of use asset, leases.

Information on Business Segme_6

Information on Business Segments (Identifiable Intangibles and Goodwill by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets Including Allocation of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill		$ 2,788.6	$ 2,786.4
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets Including Allocation of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill		2,522.7	2,570
Unallocated Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets Including Allocation of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill		265	215.1
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets Including Allocation of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill	[1]	0.9	1.3
ACCO Brands North America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets Including Allocation of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill	[1]	1,165.1	1,231
ACCO Brands EMEA | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets Including Allocation of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill	[1]	670.9	709.2
ACCO Brands International | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets Including Allocation of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill	[1]	$ 686.7	$ 629.8
[1]	Represents total assets, excluding intercompany balances, cash, deferred taxes, derivatives, prepaid pension assets, prepaid debt issuance costs and right of use asset, leases.

Information on Business Segme_7

Information on Business Segments (Capital Spend by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital spend	$ 32.8	$ 34.1	$ 31
ACCO Brands North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital spend	21.7	24.3	16.3
ACCO Brands EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital spend	7	6.1	5.1
ACCO Brands International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital spend	$ 4.1	$ 3.7	$ 9.6

Information on Business Segme_8

Information on Business Segments (Depreciation Expense by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation	$ 34.9	$ 34	$ 35.6
ACCO Brands North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation	17.3	15.9	17.7
ACCO Brands EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation	12.2	12.6	11.9
ACCO Brands International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation	$ 5.4	$ 5.5	$ 6

Information on Business Segme_9

Information on Business Segments (Property, Plant and Equipment by Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019		Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 267.1	[1]	$ 262.8	$ 263.7	[1]
ACCO Brands North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	118.3			113.6
ACCO Brands North America | U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	116.6			111.7
ACCO Brands North America | Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	1.7			1.9
ACCO Brands EMEA | EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	92.8			100
ACCO Brands International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	56			50.1
ACCO Brands International | Australia/N.Z.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	12.1			13.1
ACCO Brands International | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	42.2			35.1
ACCO Brands International | Asia-Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 1.7			$ 1.9
[1]	Net property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 contained $68.5 million and $51.9 million of computer software assets, respectively, which are classified within machinery and equipment and construction in progress. Depreciation expense for software was $8.9 million , $8.2 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Information on Business Segm_10

Information on Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)customer	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	3
Concentration risk, number of customers | customer	5
Sales Revenue, Net | Top five customers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, sales	$ 641.5	$ 577.3	$ 615.1
Sales Revenue, Net | Staples/Essendant
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, sales	$ 200.2
Concentration risk, percentage	10.00%
Accounts Receivable | Top five customers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, trade account receivable	$ 112.9	$ 125

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Purchase Commitments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 83.6
2021	1
2022	0.3
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total unconditional purchase commitments	$ 84.9

Commitments and Contingencies N

Commitments and Contingencies Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Income tax expense			$ 56.7	$ 51.2	$ 26.4
Foreign Tax Authority | Secretariat of the Federal Revenue Bureau of Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Income Tax Credits and Adjustments	$ 3.3
Income tax expense	$ 1.6
Forecast | Foreign Tax Authority | Secretariat of the Federal Revenue Bureau of Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Income Tax Credits and Adjustments		$ 4.3

Quarterly Financial Informati_3

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 537.4	[1]	$ 505.7	[1]	$ 518.7	[1]	$ 393.9	[1]	$ 529.3	[1]	$ 507.3	[1]	$ 498.8	[1]	$ 405.8	[1]	$ 1,955.7		$ 1,941.2		$ 1,948.8
Gross profit	186		155.9		165.8		125.8		177.1		160.8		162.4		127.5		633.5		627.8		657.3
Operating income	68.1		48.8		61.4		17.9		66		57.5		51.8		11.7		196.2	[2]	187	[2]	184.5	[2]
Net income	$ 43.5		$ 28		$ 35.9		$ (0.6)		$ 35		$ 35.6		$ 25.7		$ 10.4		$ 106.8		$ 106.7		$ 131.7
Basic income per share:
Basic income per share	$ 0.45	[3]	$ 0.29	[3]	$ 0.35	[3]	$ (0.01)	[3]	$ 0.34	[3]	$ 0.34	[3]	$ 0.24	[3]	$ 0.10	[3]	$ 1.07		$ 1.02		$ 1.22
Diluted income per share:
Diluted income per share	$ 0.44	[3]	$ 0.28	[3]	$ 0.35	[3]	$ (0.01)	[3]	$ 0.34	[3]	$ 0.34	[3]	$ 0.24	[3]	$ 0.09	[3]	$ 1.06		$ 1		$ 1.19
[1]	Historically, our business has experienced higher sales and earnings in the second, third, and fourth quarters of the calendar year and we expect those trends to continue. Two principal factors contribute to this seasonality: (1) we are a major supplier of products related to the back-to-school season, which occurs principally from May through September for our businesses in North America and Mexico and from November through February for our Australian and Brazilian businesses; and (2) several product categories we sell lend themselves to calendar year-end purchase, including planners, paper storage, and organization products.
[2]	Operating income as presented in the segment table above is defined as i) net sales; ii) less cost of products sold; iii) less SG&A expenses; iv) less amortization of intangibles; and v) less restructuring charges.
[3]	The sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the total for the year due to the effects of rounding, dilution as a result of issuing shares of common stock and repurchasing of shares of common stock during the year.

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - $ / shares	Feb. 18, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.245	$ 0.24
Subsequent Event | Common Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.065
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Mar. 26, 2020
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Mar. 18, 2020

Valuation and Qualifying Acco_2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 6.5	$ 5.4		$ 4.5
Additions charged (credited) to expense	1.6	0.3		0
Deductions	(2.6)	(1.1)		(1.1)
Acquisitions	1.3	2.2		1.7
Foreign exchange changes	(0.1)	(0.3)		0.3
Balance at end of year	6.7	6.5		5.4
Allowance for Sales Discounts, Other Credits and Sales Returns
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	7.8	9.7		9.4
Additions charged (credited) to expense	13.5	12.7		23.7
Deductions	(13.7)	(11.1)		(24.5)
Reclass to Other current liabilities(1)	0	(3.4)	[1]	0
Acquisitions	0	0.3		0.8
Foreign exchange changes	0.1	(0.4)		0.3
Balance at end of year	7.7	7.8		9.7
Allowance for Cash Discounts
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	1.7	3		1.8
Additions charged (credited) to expense	22.2	19.6		22.9
Deductions	(21.8)	(21.3)		(22.6)
Acquisitions	0	0.5		0.8
Foreign exchange changes	(0.1)	(0.1)		0.1
Balance at end of year	2	1.7		3
Warranty Reserves
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	4.9	4.1		1.9
Additions charged (credited) to expense	3.9	4.1		2.8
Deductions	(3.4)	(3.1)		(2.7)
Acquisitions	0	0		1.8
Foreign exchange changes	0	(0.2)		0.3
Balance at end of year	5.4	4.9		4.1
Income Tax Valuation Allowance
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	50.8	45		11.7
Charge for effect of U.S. Tax Act	0	0		15.1
Additions charged (credited) to expense	0.4	6.9		(0.7)
Deductions	0	0		1.2
Acquisitions	0	0		16.1
Foreign exchange changes	0.4	(1.1)		1.6
Balance at end of year	$ 51.6	$ 50.8		$ 45
[1]	(1) On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all related amendments (Topic 606), applying the modified retrospective transition method to all customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2017 are presented under ASU 2014-09, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. As a result, the allowance for returns has been reclassified from " Accounts receivable, net " to " Other current liabilities ." For more information, see " Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Adopted Accounting Standards " to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8. of this report.

Uncategorized Items - acco-2019

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 1,600,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	1,600,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	500,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	500,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	200,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	800,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (600,000)