| 8-K Cover Page | Oct. 27, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 27, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-08454 |
| 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ACCO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000712034 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
