Document_and_Entity_Informatio
| Document and Entity Information (USD $) | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | Jul. 22, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | |
| Document And Entity Information [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Document Type | '10-Q | ' | ' |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | '2014 | ' | ' |
| Amendment Flag | 'false | ' | ' |
| Document Period End Date | 30-Jun-14 | ' | ' |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | 'Q2 | ' | ' |
| Entity Registrant Name | 'BRINKS CO | ' | ' |
| Entity Central Index Key | '0000078890 | ' | ' |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | '--12-31 | ' | ' |
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | 'Yes | ' | ' |
| Entity Voluntary Filers | 'No | ' | ' |
| Entity Current Reporting Status | 'Yes | ' | ' |
| Entity Filer Category | 'Large Accelerated Filer | ' | ' |
| Entity Public Float | ' | ' | $1,101,142,720 |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | ' | 48,570,573 | ' |
Consolidated_Balance_Sheets
| Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | |||
| Current assets: | ' | ' | ' |
| Cash and cash equivalents | ' | $224.70 | $255.50 |
| Accounts Receivable, Net, Current | ' | 590.3 | 622.2 |
| Prepaid expenses and other | ' | 138.7 | 153 |
| Deferred income taxes | ' | 67.3 | 72 |
| Total current assets | ' | 1,021 | 1,102.70 |
| Property and equipment, net | ' | 730.3 | 758.7 |
| Goodwill | ' | 242.9 | 240.2 |
| Other Intangibles | ' | 44.9 | 46.3 |
| Deferred income taxes | ' | 248.1 | 251.7 |
| Other | ' | 112.8 | 98.4 |
| Total assets | ' | 2,400 | 2,498 |
| Current liabilities: | ' | ' | ' |
| Short-term borrowings | ' | 79.1 | 80.9 |
| Current maturities of long-term debt | ' | 35.2 | 24.6 |
| Accounts payable | ' | 181.9 | 185.6 |
| Accrued liabilities | ' | 481.5 | 507.5 |
| Total current liabilities | ' | 777.7 | 798.6 |
| Long-term debt | ' | 413.8 | 330.5 |
| Accrued pension costs | ' | 169.6 | 214.8 |
| Retirement benefits other than pensions | ' | 182.8 | 186 |
| Deferred income taxes | ' | 16.2 | 18 |
| Other | ' | 134.9 | 170.6 |
| Total liabilities | ' | 1,695 | 1,718.50 |
| Commitments and contingent liabilities | ' | ' | ' |
| The Brink's Company (Brink's) shareholders' equity: | ' | ' | ' |
| Common stock | ' | 48.5 | 48.4 |
| Capital in excess of par value | ' | 579.4 | 566.4 |
| Retained earnings | ' | 629.7 | 696.4 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ' | -602 | -617.3 |
| Brink's shareholders | ' | 655.6 | 693.9 |
| Noncontrolling interests | ' | 49.4 | 85.6 |
| Total equity | ' | 705 | 779.5 |
| Total liabilities and equity | ' | $2,400 | $2,498 |
Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc
| Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Income Statement [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues | $901.50 | $969.90 | $1,893.10 | $1,920.40 |
| Costs and expenses: | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Cost of revenues | 754.6 | 792.3 | 1,550.20 | 1,584.90 |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 135.1 | 144.9 | 280.5 | 276.8 |
| Total costs and expenses | 889.7 | 937.2 | 1,830.70 | 1,861.70 |
| Other operating income (expense) | -1.1 | 0.1 | -124.2 | -8.6 |
| Operating profit | 10.7 | 32.8 | -61.8 | 50.1 |
| Interest expense | -5.9 | -5.9 | -11.7 | -11.8 |
| Interest and other income (expense) | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.9 |
| Income from continuing operations before tax | 5.4 | 27.2 | -73.2 | 39.2 |
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes | 4.7 | 10.7 | 13.7 | 16.1 |
| Income from continuing operations | 0.7 | 16.5 | -86.9 | 23.1 |
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | -0.7 | -4.5 | -0.8 | -24 |
| Net income (loss) | 0 | 12 | -87.7 | -0.9 |
| Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | -1.6 | 3.3 | -30.8 | 7 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Brink's | 1.6 | 8.7 | -56.9 | -7.9 |
| Amounts attributable to Brink's: | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Continuing operations | 2.3 | 13.2 | -56.1 | 16.1 |
| Discontinued operations | -0.7 | -4.5 | -0.8 | -24 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Brink's | $1.60 | $8.70 | ($56.90) | ($7.90) |
| Basic: | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Continuing operations | $0.05 | $0.27 | ($1.15) | $0.33 |
| Discontinued operations | ($0.01) | ($0.09) | ($0.02) | ($0.49) |
| Net income (loss) | $0.03 | $0.18 | ($1.16) | ($0.16) |
| Diluted: | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Continuing operations | $0.05 | $0.27 | ($1.15) | $0.33 |
| Discontinued operations | ($0.01) | ($0.09) | ($0.02) | ($0.49) |
| Net income (loss) | $0.03 | $0.18 | ($1.16) | ($0.16) |
| Weighted-average shares | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Basic | 49 | 48.6 | 49 | 48.6 |
| Diluted | 49.4 | 48.9 | 49 | 48.9 |
| Cash dividends paid per common share | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
Consolidated_Statements_of_Com
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net income (loss) | $0 | $12 | ($87.70) | ($0.90) |
| Benefit plan adjustments: | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Benefit plan experience gains (losses) | 9.1 | 17.6 | 19.6 | 35.4 |
| Benefit plan prior service (costs) credits | -0.5 | 0.3 | -0.9 | 1.3 |
| Deferred profit sharing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total benefit plan adjustments | 8.6 | 17.9 | 18.7 | 36.7 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 8.3 | -25.4 | 4.1 | -32.1 |
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | -0.1 | -0.1 | -0.1 | -0.1 |
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | -0.6 | 1.2 | 0 | 0.8 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax | 16.2 | -6.4 | 22.7 | 5.3 |
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes | 3.3 | 6.4 | 7 | 12.9 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 12.9 | -12.8 | 15.7 | -7.6 |
| Comprehensive income (loss) | 12.9 | -0.8 | -72 | -8.5 |
| Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | -0.5 | 2.1 | -30.4 | 5.2 |
| Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brink's | $13.40 | ($2.90) | ($41.60) | ($13.70) |
Consolidated_Statement_of_Equi
| Consolidated Statement of Equity (USD $) | Total | Common Stock | Capital in Excess of Par Value | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Noncontrolling Interests |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||||||
| Balance at Dec. 31, 2013 | $779.50 | $48.40 | $566.40 | $696.40 | ($617.30) | $85.60 |
| Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013 | ' | 48.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net income (loss) | -87.7 | ' | ' | -56.9 | ' | -30.8 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 15.7 | ' | ' | ' | 15.3 | 0.4 |
| Dividends: | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Brink's common shareholders, value | -9.7 | ' | ' | -9.7 | ' | ' |
| Noncontrolling interests | -6.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' | -6.2 |
| Stock options and awards: | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Compensation expense | 13.5 | ' | 13.5 | ' | ' | ' |
| Consideration from exercise of stock options, value | 0.2 | ' | 0.2 | ' | ' | ' |
| Other share-based benefit programs, value | -0.7 | 0.1 | -0.7 | -0.1 | ' | ' |
| Other Share Based Programs Shares | ' | 0.1 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest | 0.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.4 |
| Balance at Jun. 30, 2014 | $705 | $48.50 | $579.40 | $629.70 | ($602) | $49.40 |
| Balance, Shares at Jun. 30, 2014 | ' | 48.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Parenthetical_Data_To_The_Cons
| Parenthetical Data To The Consolidated Statement of Equity (USD $) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |
| Dividends: | ' |
| Brink's common shareholders per share declared | $0.20 |
Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) | 6 Months Ended | |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ' | ' |
| Net income (loss) | ($87.70) | ($0.90) |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: | ' | ' |
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | 0.8 | 24 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 86.2 | 84.3 |
| Share-based compensation expense | 13.5 | 5.5 |
| Deferred income taxes | -23 | -28.2 |
| Sales of available-for-sale securities | -0.1 | -0.2 |
| Sales of property and other assets | -0.5 | -0.3 |
| Business acquisitions and dispositions | 0 | -1.1 |
| Impairment losses | 0.5 | 0 |
| Retirement benefit funding (more) less than expense: | ' | ' |
| Pension | -23.6 | 14.7 |
| Other than pension | 2.1 | 7.2 |
| Remeasurement loss due to Venezuela currency devaluation | 122.2 | 13.4 |
| Other operating | 3.2 | 0.4 |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: | ' | ' |
| Accounts receivable | -77.7 | -85.3 |
| Accounts payable, income taxes payable and accrued liabilities | 30.6 | 23.5 |
| Customer obligations | 8.1 | 14.2 |
| Prepaid and other current assets | -0.4 | -8.9 |
| Other | -7.5 | -14.7 |
| Discontinued operations | 0.9 | -6.5 |
| Net cash provided (used) by operating activities | 47.6 | 41.1 |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ' | ' |
| Capital expenditures | -56.9 | -78.2 |
| Acquisitions | 0 | -18 |
| Available-for-sale secuirties: | ' | ' |
| Sales | 1.3 | 8.9 |
| Cash proceeds from sale of property, equipment and investments | 1.6 | 0.5 |
| Other | -0.1 | -0.3 |
| Discontinued operations | -4.7 | -1 |
| Net cash used by investing activities | -58.8 | -88.1 |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ' | ' |
| Short-term debt | 3.9 | 69.5 |
| Long-term revolving credit facilities | 104.2 | 85 |
| Borrowings | 6.1 | 0 |
| Repayments | -22.7 | -14.6 |
| Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries | 0 | -18.5 |
| Payment of acquisition-related obligation | 0 | -8.1 |
| Dividends to: | ' | ' |
| Shareholders of Brink's | -9.7 | -9.6 |
| Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries | -6.2 | -1.6 |
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Minimum tax withholdings associated with share-based compensation | -0.7 | -1.8 |
| Other | -0.5 | -0.3 |
| Discontinued operations | 0 | 0.9 |
| Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | 74.6 | 101.3 |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | -94.2 | -16.2 |
| Cash and cash equivalents: | ' | ' |
| Increase (decrease) | -30.8 | 38.1 |
| Balance at beginning of period | 255.5 | 201.7 |
| Balance at end of period | $224.70 | $239.80 |
Summary_of_Significant_Account
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' |
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | ' |
| Note 1 – Basis of presentation | |
| The Brink's Company (along with its subsidiaries, “Brink's” or “we”) has four geographic operating segments: | |
| Latin America | |
| Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) | |
| North America (U.S. and Canada) | |
| Asia Pacific | |
| Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and applicable quarterly reporting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, the unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. | |
| We have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. The most significant estimates are related to goodwill and other long-lived assets, pension and other retirement benefit obligations, legal contingencies, foreign currency translation and deferred tax assets. | |
| The consolidated financial statements include all of the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of Brink's and all entities in which Brink's has a controlling voting interest. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation. | |
| Foreign Currency Translation | |
| Our consolidated financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars. Our foreign subsidiaries maintain their records primarily in the currency of the country in which they operate. | |
| The method of translating local currency financial information into U.S. dollars depends on whether the economy in which our foreign subsidiary operates has been designated as highly inflationary or not. Economies with a three-year cumulative inflation rate of more than 100% are considered highly inflationary. | |
| Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries in non-highly inflationary economies are translated into U.S. dollars using rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Revenues and expenses are translated at rates of exchange in effect during the year. Transaction gains and losses are recorded in net income. | |
| Foreign subsidiaries that operate in highly inflationary countries use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. Local-currency monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars using rates of exchange as of each balance sheet date, with remeasurement adjustments and other transaction gains and losses recognized in earnings. Non-monetary assets and liabilities do not fluctuate with changes in local currency exchange rates to the dollar. | |
| Venezuela | |
| The economy in Venezuela has had significant inflation in the last several years. We consolidate our Venezuelan results using our accounting policy for subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies. | |
| Since 2003, the Venezuelan government has controlled the exchange of local currency into other currencies, including the U.S. dollar. The Venezuelan government requires that currency exchanges be made at official rates or through auctions controlled by the government. Different exchange processes exist for different industries and purposes. The government does not approve all requests to convert bolivars to other currencies. | |
| The government devalued the official rate for essential services in February 2013 from 5.3 to 6.3 bolivars to the dollar. Late in 2013, the government added another official exchange process, known as SICAD, for travel and certain other purposes, made available at government discretion. The published rate for this process in the first half of 2014 ranged from 10.0 to 11.8 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. Since the end of the first quarter of 2013, we have been unable to obtain dollars using either of these processes and we do not expect to be able to obtain dollars using these processes in the foreseeable future. | |
| On March 24, 2014, the government initiated another exchange mechanism known as SICAD II. Conversions under this mechanism are also subject to specific eligibility requirements. Transactions have been reported to be in a range of 49 to 52 bolivars to the dollar. Through June 30, 2014, we exchanged 52.0 million bolivars for $1.0 million (exchange rate of 52) through the SICAD II mechanism. We do not know whether we will be able to access dollars under this new process on a consistent basis in the future. | |
| As a result of the restrictions on currency exchange, we have in the past been unable to obtain sufficient U.S. dollars to purchase certain imported supplies and fixed assets to fully operate our business in Venezuela. Consequently, we have occasionally purchased more expensive, bolivar-denominated supplies and fixed assets. Furthermore, there is a risk that the current SICAD II process will be discontinued or not accessible when needed in the future, which may prevent us from obtaining dollars to operate our Venezuelan operations. | |
| Remeasurement rates during 2013. Through January 31, 2013, we used an official rate of 5.3 bolivars to the dollar to remeasure our bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars and to translate our revenue and expenses. After the devaluation in February 2013, we began to use the 6.3 official exchange rate to remeasure bolivar denominated monetary assets and liabilities and to translate our revenue and expenses. We recognized a $13.4 million net remeasurement loss in the first six months of 2013 when we changed from the 5.3 to 6.3 exchange rate. The after-tax effect of these losses attributable to noncontrolling interests were $4.7 million in the first six months of 2013. | |
| Remeasurement rates during 2014. Through March 23, 2014, we used the official rate of 6.3 bolivars to the dollar to remeasure our bolivar denominated monetary assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars and to translate our revenue and expenses. Effective March 24, 2014, we began to use the exchange rate published for the SICAD II process to remeasure bolivar denominated monetary assets and liabilities and to translate our revenue and expenses. We recognized a $122.2 million net remeasurement loss in the first six months of 2014 when we changed from the official rate of 6.3 to SICAD II exchange rate, which has averaged approximately 50 since opening on March 24, 2014. At June 30, 2014, the rate was 50. The after-tax effect of these losses attributable to noncontrolling interests were $39.8 million in the first six months of 2014. | |
| Brink's Venezuela accounted for $131.3 million or 13% of total Brink's revenues and represented a significant component of total segment operating profit in the three months ended March 31, 2014. | |
| Because we began remeasuring our Venezuelan results effective March 24, 2014, using the SICAD II rate: | |
| We do not expect Brink's Venezuela to be a significant component of Brink's consolidated revenue or operating profit in the last nine months of 2014. | |
| Our investment in our Venezuelan operations on an equity-method basis declined from $125.3 million at December 31, 2013, to $62.7 at June 30, 2014. | |
| Our bolivar-denominated net monetary assets declined from $120.4 million (including $93.8 million of cash and cash equivalents) at December 31, 2013, to $23.5 million (including $17.1 million of cash and cash equivalents) at June 30, 2014. | |
Segment_Information
| Segment Information | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||
| Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||
| Segment information | ' | ||||||||||||
| Note 2 – Segment information | |||||||||||||
| We identify our operating segments based on how our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) allocates resources, assesses performance and makes decisions. Our CODM is our President, and Chief Executive Officer. Our CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources based on operating profit or loss for the geographic components of Brink's, excluding non-segment expenses. | |||||||||||||
| We have four geographic operating segments: Latin America; Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); North America and Asia Pacific. These four operating segments are also our reportable segments. | |||||||||||||
| We currently serve customers in more than 100 countries, including 43 countries where we operate subsidiaries. | |||||||||||||
| The primary services of the reportable segments include: | |||||||||||||
| Cash-in-Transit (“CIT”) Services – armored vehicle transportation of valuables | |||||||||||||
| ATM Services – replenishing and maintaining customers' automated teller machines; providing network infrastructure services | |||||||||||||
| Global Services – secure international transportation of valuables | |||||||||||||
| Cash Management Services | |||||||||||||
| Currency and coin counting and sorting; deposit preparation and reconciliations; other cash management services | |||||||||||||
| Safe and safe control device installation and servicing (including our patented CompuSafe® service) | |||||||||||||
| Check and cash processing services for banking customers (“Virtual Vault Services”) | |||||||||||||
| Check imaging services for banking customers | |||||||||||||
| Payment Services – bill payment and processing services on behalf of utility companies and other billers at any of our Brink's or Brink's operated payment locations in Latin America; Brink's Money™ prepaid payroll cards; Brink's Checkout e-commerce online payment services | |||||||||||||
| Security and Guarding Services – protection of airports, offices, and certain other locations in Europe with or without electronic surveillance, access control, fire prevention and highly trained patrolling personnel | |||||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||
| Latin America | $ | 336.5 | 413.6 | 774.9 | 826.5 | ||||||||
| EMEA | 302.9 | 293.4 | 600.9 | 571.2 | |||||||||
| North America | 225.7 | 226.3 | 445.8 | 449.5 | |||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 36.4 | 36.6 | 71.5 | 73.2 | |||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 901.5 | 969.9 | 1,893.10 | 1,920.40 | ||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Operating profit (loss): | |||||||||||||
| Latin America | $ | -1.5 | 24.4 | -76.3 | 47.8 | ||||||||
| EMEA | 17.3 | 18.7 | 32.1 | 27.3 | |||||||||
| North America | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 4.3 | |||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 4.6 | 5 | 9 | 9.3 | |||||||||
| Segment operating profit (loss) | 26.1 | 54.4 | -28.4 | 88.7 | |||||||||
| Non-segment | -15.4 | -21.6 | -33.4 | -38.6 | |||||||||
| Operating profit (loss) | $ | 10.7 | 32.8 | -61.8 | 50.1 | ||||||||
Retirement_Benefits
| Retirement Benefits | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||||
| Retirement benefits | ' | |||||||||||||||
| Note 3 – Retirement benefits | ||||||||||||||||
| Pension plans | ||||||||||||||||
| We have various defined-benefit pension plans covering eligible current and former employees. Benefits under most plans are based on salary and years of service. | ||||||||||||||||
| The components of net periodic pension cost for our pension plans were as follows: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Total | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
| Three months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | - | - | 3.2 | 3.8 | 3.2 | 3.8 | |||||||||
| Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 11.3 | 10.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 15.9 | 15.3 | ||||||||||
| Return on assets – expected | -16.2 | -14.3 | -3.8 | -3.2 | -20 | -17.5 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of losses | 7 | 11.4 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 7.6 | 12.9 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost | - | - | 0.2 | -0.1 | 0.2 | -0.1 | ||||||||||
| Settlement loss | - | - | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.5 | ||||||||||
| Net periodic pension cost | $ | 2.1 | 7.6 | 5.9 | 7.3 | 8 | 14.9 | |||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | - | - | 6.7 | 7.4 | 6.7 | 7.4 | |||||||||
| Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 22.7 | 21.1 | 10.4 | 9.6 | 33.1 | 30.7 | ||||||||||
| Return on assets – expected | -31.6 | -28.5 | -7.6 | -6.4 | -39.2 | -34.9 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of losses | 14.2 | 22.7 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 15.3 | 25.8 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost | - | - | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | ||||||||||
| Settlement loss | - | - | 1.8 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
| Net periodic pension cost | $ | 5.3 | 15.3 | 12.8 | 15 | 18.1 | 30.3 | |||||||||
| In the first six months of 2014, we made $26.2 million in cash contributions to our primary U.S. pension plan. We expect to contribute an additional $61.0 million during the second half of 2014. | ||||||||||||||||
| Retirement benefits other than pensions | ||||||||||||||||
| We provide retirement healthcare benefits for eligible current and former U.S., Canadian, and Brazilian employees. Retirement benefits related to our former U.S. coal operation include medical benefits provided by the Pittston Coal Group Companies Employee Benefit Plan for UMWA Represented Employees (the “UMWA plans”) as well as costs related to Black Lung obligations. | ||||||||||||||||
| The components of net periodic postretirement cost related to retirement benefits other than pensions were as follows: | ||||||||||||||||
| UMWA Plans | Black Lung and Other Plans | Total | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
| Three months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | - | - | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations | 4.4 | 4.9 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 4.8 | 5.4 | ||||||||||
| Return on assets – expected | -5.6 | -5.2 | - | - | -5.6 | -5.2 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of losses | 2.9 | 4.8 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 3 | 5 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service (credit) cost | -1.2 | - | 0.5 | 0.4 | -0.7 | 0.4 | ||||||||||
| Net periodic postretirement cost | $ | 0.5 | 4.5 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 5.7 | |||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | - | - | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | |||||||||
| Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations | 9.2 | 9.9 | 1 | 1 | 10.2 | 10.9 | ||||||||||
| Return on assets – expected | -11.2 | -10.4 | - | - | -11.2 | -10.4 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of losses | 6.6 | 9.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 6.9 | 10.1 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service (credit) cost | -2.3 | - | 0.9 | 0.8 | -1.4 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
| Net periodic postretirement cost | $ | 2.3 | 9.3 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 11.6 | |||||||||
Income_Taxes
| Income Taxes | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes | ' | ||||||||||||||
| Note 4 – Income taxes | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
| Continuing operations | |||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes (in millions) | $ | 4.7 | 10.7 | 13.7 | 16.1 | ||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 87 | % | 39.3 | % | -18.7 | % | 41.1 | % | |||||||
| 2014 Compared to U.S. Statutory Rate | |||||||||||||||
| The effective income tax rate on continuing operations in the first six months of 2014 was negative and less than the 35% U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to the significant nondeductible expenses resulting from the currency devaluation in Venezuela in the first quarter. These nondeductible expenses caused our earnings before tax in the period to be negative. Excluding these nondeductible expenses, our effective tax rate on continuing operations in the first six months is 37%. The rate is higher than 35% primarily due to cross border payments, nondeductible expenses in Mexico due to a recent law change and the characterization of a French business tax as an income tax, partially offset by the geographical mix of earnings. | |||||||||||||||
| 2013 Compared to U.S. Statutory Rate | |||||||||||||||
| The effective income tax rate on continuing operations in the first six months of 2013 was higher than the 35% U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to a nondeductible remeasurement charge related to net monetary assets resulting from a currency devaluation in Venezuela in the first quarter, as well as additional devaluations forecasted in the second half of 2013. Excluding the aforementioned Venezuela remeasurement charge, our effective tax rate on continuing operations in the first six months is 30%. | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
| Continuing operations | |||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes (in millions) | $ | 4.7 | 10.7 | 13.7 | 16.1 | ||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 87 | % | 39.3 | % | -18.7 | % | 41.1 | % | |||||||
| 2014 Compared to U.S. Statutory Rate | |||||||||||||||
| The effective income tax rate on continuing operations in the first six months of 2014 was negative and less than the 35% U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to the significant nondeductible expenses resulting from the currency devaluation in Venezuela in the first quarter. These nondeductible expenses caused our earnings before tax in the period to be negative. Excluding these nondeductible expenses, our effective tax rate on continuing operations in the first six months is 37%. The rate is higher than 35% primarily due to cross border payments, nondeductible expenses in Mexico due to a recent law change and the characterization of a French business tax as an income tax, partially offset by the geographical mix of earnings. | |||||||||||||||
| 2013 Compared to U.S. Statutory Rate | |||||||||||||||
| The effective income tax rate on continuing operations in the first six months of 2013 was higher than the 35% U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to a nondeductible remeasurement charge related to net monetary assets resulting from a currency devaluation in Venezuela in the first quarter, as well as additional devaluations forecasted in the second half of 2013. Excluding the aforementioned Venezuela remeasurement charge, our effective tax rate on continuing operations in the first six months is 30%. | |||||||||||||||
Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||
| Disclosure Of Reclassification Amount [Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||||
| Note 5 – Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), including the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings, was as follows: | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts Arising During | Amounts Reclassified to | |||||||||||||
| the Current Period | Net Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||
| Total Other | ||||||||||||||
| Income | Income | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Pretax | Tax | Pretax | Tax | Income (Loss) | |||||||||
| Three months ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to Brink's: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | $ | -2.6 | 0.5 | 11.1 | -3.8 | 5.2 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 7.4 | - | -0.2 | - | 7.2 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | -0.1 | 0.1 | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | -1.4 | - | 0.8 | - | -0.6 | |||||||||
| 3.3 | 0.6 | 11.7 | -3.8 | 11.8 | ||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | - | - | 0.1 | -0.1 | - | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 1.1 | - | - | - | 1.1 | |||||||||
| 1.1 | - | 0.1 | -0.1 | 1.1 | ||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments(a) | -2.6 | 0.5 | 11.2 | -3.9 | 5.2 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments(b) | 8.5 | - | -0.2 | - | 8.3 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(c) | -0.1 | 0.1 | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(d) | -1.4 | - | 0.8 | - | -0.6 | |||||||||
| $ | 4.4 | 0.6 | 11.8 | -3.9 | 12.9 | |||||||||
| Three months ended June 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to Brink's: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | $ | -0.8 | 0.3 | 18.7 | -6.7 | 11.5 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -24.2 | - | - | - | -24.2 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | - | - | -0.1 | - | -0.1 | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | 2.8 | - | -1.6 | - | 1.2 | |||||||||
| -22.2 | 0.3 | 17 | -6.7 | -11.6 | ||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -1.2 | - | - | - | -1.2 | |||||||||
| -1.2 | - | - | - | -1.2 | ||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments(a) | -0.8 | 0.3 | 18.7 | -6.7 | 11.5 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments(b) | -25.4 | - | - | - | -25.4 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(c) | - | - | -0.1 | - | -0.1 | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(d) | 2.8 | - | -1.6 | - | 1.2 | |||||||||
| $ | -23.4 | 0.3 | 17 | -6.7 | -12.8 | |||||||||
| Amounts Arising During | Amounts Reclassified to | |||||||||||||
| the Current Period | Net Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||
| Total Other | ||||||||||||||
| Income | Income | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Pretax | Tax | Pretax | Tax | Income (Loss) | |||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to Brink's: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | $ | -4.3 | 0.8 | 22.8 | -7.8 | 11.5 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 4 | - | -0.2 | - | 3.8 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | -0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | - | - | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | -1.7 | - | 1.7 | - | - | |||||||||
| -2.2 | 0.9 | 24.4 | -7.8 | 15.3 | ||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | - | - | 0.2 | -0.1 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 0.3 | - | - | - | 0.3 | |||||||||
| 0.3 | - | 0.2 | -0.1 | 0.4 | ||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments(a) | -4.3 | 0.8 | 23 | -7.9 | 11.6 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments(b) | 4.3 | - | -0.2 | - | 4.1 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(c) | -0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | - | - | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(d) | -1.7 | - | 1.7 | - | - | |||||||||
| $ | -1.9 | 0.9 | 24.6 | -7.9 | 15.7 | |||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to Brink's: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | $ | -1.3 | 0.4 | 37.9 | -13.4 | 23.6 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -30.1 | - | -0.1 | 0.1 | -30.1 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | 0.2 | -0.1 | -0.3 | 0.1 | -0.1 | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | 2.6 | - | -1.8 | - | 0.8 | |||||||||
| -28.6 | 0.3 | 35.7 | -13.2 | -5.8 | ||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | - | - | 0.1 | - | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -1.9 | - | - | - | -1.9 | |||||||||
| -1.9 | - | 0.1 | - | -1.8 | ||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments(a) | -1.3 | 0.4 | 38 | -13.4 | 23.7 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments(b) | -32 | - | -0.1 | 0.1 | -32 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(c) | 0.2 | -0.1 | -0.3 | 0.1 | -0.1 | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(d) | 2.6 | - | -1.8 | - | 0.8 | |||||||||
| $ | -30.5 | 0.3 | 35.8 | -13.2 | -7.6 | |||||||||
| The amortization of prior experience losses and prior service cost and settlement costs are part of total net periodic retirement benefit cost when reclassified to net income. Net periodic retirement benefit cost also includes service costs, interest costs, and expected returns on assets. The total pretax expense is allocated between cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses on a plan-by-plan basis: | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | |||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
| Total net periodic retirement benefit cost included in: | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | $ | 7.6 | 16.2 | 17.9 | 33.2 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 2 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 8.7 | ||||||||||
| Pretax foreign currency translation adjustments reclassified to the income statement relate to the disposition of entities and are included in the gain (loss) on disposition. | ||||||||||||||
| Gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the income statement when the gains or losses are realized. Pretax amounts are classified in the income statement as interest and other income (expense). | ||||||||||||||
| Pretax gains and losses on cash flow hedges are classified in the income statement as | ||||||||||||||
| other operating expense ($0.5 million in the three months and $1.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014), and | ||||||||||||||
| interest and other expense ($0.3 million in the three months and $0.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014). | ||||||||||||||
| The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Brink's are as follows: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit Plan Adjustments | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities | Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges | Total | ||||||||||
| (In millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2013 | $ | -478 | -141.5 | 1.6 | 0.6 | -617.3 | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | -3.5 | 4 | -0.1 | -1.7 | -1.3 | |||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 15 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 1.7 | 16.6 | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brink's | 11.5 | 3.8 | - | - | 15.3 | |||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2014 | $ | -466.5 | -137.7 | 1.6 | 0.6 | -602 | ||||||||
Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||
| Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract] | ' | ' | |||||||
| Fair value of financial instruments | ' | ' | |||||||
| Note 6 – Fair value of financial instruments | June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Investments in Available-for-sale Securities | |||||||||
| We have investments in mutual funds designated as available-for-sale securities that are carried at fair value in the financial statements. For these investments, fair value was estimated based on quoted prices categorized as a Level 1 valuation. Valuation levels were defined in our 2013 Form 10-K. | DTA bonds | ||||||||
| Carrying value | $ | 43.2 | 43.2 | ||||||
| Fixed-Rate Debt | Fair value | 43.1 | 42.8 | ||||||
| The fair value and carrying value of our fixed-rate debts are as follows: | |||||||||
| Unsecured notes issued in a private placement | |||||||||
| Carrying value | 100 | 100 | |||||||
| Fair value | 107.8 | 105.8 | |||||||
| The fair value estimate of our obligation related to the fixed-rate Dominion Terminal Associates (“DTA”) bonds is based on price information observed in a less-active market, which we have categorized as a Level 2 valuation. | |||||||||
| The fair value estimate of our unsecured private-placement notes is based on the present value of future cash flows, discounted at rates for similar instruments at the respective measurement dates, which we have categorized as a Level 3 valuation. | |||||||||
| There were no transfers in or out of any of the levels of the valuation hierarchy in the first six months of 2014. | |||||||||
| Other Financial Instruments | |||||||||
| Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, floating rate debt, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The financial statement carrying amounts of these items approximate the fair value. | |||||||||
| We have outstanding foreign currency forward and swap contracts to hedge transactional risks associated with foreign currencies. Our short term contracts have a weighted average maturity of approximately one month. In 2013, we entered into a cross-currency swap to hedge against the change in value of a long-term intercompany loan denominated in a currency other than the lending subsidiary's functional currency. The fair values of these currency contracts, including the cross-currency swap, are determined using Level 2 valuation techniques and are based on the present value of net future cash payments and receipts. Accordingly, the fair values will fluctuate based on changes in market interest rates and the respective foreign currency to U.S. dollar exchange rate. The fair values of our outstanding short-term foreign currency contracts at June 30, 2014, were not significant. At June 30, 2014, the fair value of the cross-currency swap was a net asset of $2.5 million. There were no transfers in or out of any of the levels of the valuation hierarchy in the first six months of 2014. | |||||||||
ShareBased_Compensation_Plans
| Share-Based Compensation Plans | 3 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |||||||||||
| Share-based compensation plans [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||
| Share-based compensation plans | ' | ||||||||||
| Note 7 – Share-based compensation plans | |||||||||||
| We have share-based compensation plans to retain employees and non-employee directors and to more closely align their interests with those of our shareholders. | |||||||||||
| The 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”) permit grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock, performance units, stock appreciation rights, stock options, as well as other share-based awards to eligible employees. The 2013 Plan also permits cash awards to eligible employees. The 2005 Plan was replaced by the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan effective in February 2013. No further grants of awards will be made under the 2005 Plan. | |||||||||||
| Directors are eligible for share-based awards through the Non-Employee Directors' Equity Plan (the “Directors' Plan”). To date, we have granted only deferred stock units under the Directors' Plan. There are also outstanding stock options granted to directors under a prior plan, the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the “Prior Directors' Plan”). | |||||||||||
| At June 30, 2014, outstanding awards under these plans include performance share units (“PSUs”), market share units (“MSUs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), deferred stock units (“DSUs”) and stock options. | |||||||||||
| We have a compensation recoupment policy that requires the return of compensation to the Company under certain circumstances. In the second quarter of 2014, we concluded that employees and the Company did not have a mutual understanding of the terms and conditions of equity awards subject to the policy because the policy provided the Company with discretion as to how the policy could be applied. As a result, we concluded that there was not a grant date for the awards for accounting purposes as described in ASC Topic 718 Stock Compensation. We recognized $4.2 million of expense during the second quarter of 2014 ($3.4 million net of tax) for the cumulative effect of this accounting error. Prior periods were not materially affected. We modified our recoupment policy in July 2014 to establish a grant date for accounting purposes. | |||||||||||
| Nonvested Share Activity - MSUs and PSUs | |||||||||||
| Number of shares | |||||||||||
| (in thousands of shares) | PSUs | MSUs | Total | ||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2013 | 199.3 | 96.2 | 295.5 | ||||||||
| Granted | 186.8 | 82.9 | 269.7 | ||||||||
| Cancelled awards | -2.7 | - | -2.7 | ||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2014 | 383.4 | 179.1 | 562.5 | ||||||||
| Nonvested Share Activity - RSUs and DSUs | |||||||||||
| Number of shares | |||||||||||
| (in thousands of shares) | RSUs | DSUs | Total | ||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2013 | 396.4 | 19.2 | 415.6 | ||||||||
| Granted | 128.7 | 28.3 | 157 | ||||||||
| Cancelled awards | -5.6 | - | -5.6 | ||||||||
| Vested | -65.3 | -19.2 | -84.5 | ||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2014 | 454.2 | 28.3 | 482.5 | ||||||||
Capital_Stock
| Capital Stock | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |||||||||||
| Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||
| Capital stock | ' | ||||||||||
| Note 8 – Shares used to calculate earnings per share | |||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Weighted-average shares: | |||||||||||
| Basic(a) | 49 | 48.6 | 49 | 48.6 | |||||||
| Effect of dilutive stock options and awards | 0.4 | 0.3 | - | 0.3 | |||||||
| Diluted | 49.4 | 48.9 | 49 | 48.9 | |||||||
| Antidilutive stock options and awards excluded from denominator | 1 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 1.9 | |||||||
| We have deferred compensation plans for directors and certain of our employees. Amounts owed to participants are denominated in common stock units. Each unit represents one share of common stock. The number of shares used to calculate basic earnings per share includes the weighted-average units credited to employees and directors under the deferred compensation plans. Additionally, nonvested units are also included in the computation of basic weighted average shares when the requisite service period has been completed. Accordingly, included in basic shares are weighted-average units of 0.6 million in the three months and 0.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 0.6 million in the three months and 0.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2013. | |||||||||||
Loss_from_Discontinued_Operati
| Loss from Discontinued Operations | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] | ' | ' | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations [Text Block] | ' | ' | |||||||||||||||||
| Note 9 – Loss from discontinued operations | |||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations include gains and losses related to businesses that Brink's sold or shut down in 2013. Interest expense included in discontinued operations was $0.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2013. | Three Months | Six Months | |||||||||||||||||
| The loss from operations in the six months ended June 30, 2013 included $16.2 million of severance expenses for terminating certain employees of the German cash-in-transit operations. We contributed a portion of the cost to fund the severance payments to the business prior to the execution of the December 2013 sale transaction. | Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash-in-transit operations sold or shut down: | Loss from operations(a)(b) | $ | - | -4 | - | -23.4 | |||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) on sale (a) | - | -0.2 | - | -0.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Poland (sold in March 2013) | Adjustments to contingencies of former operations | -0.9 | 1.2 | - | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Turkey (shut down in June 2013) | Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes | -0.9 | -3 | - | -22.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Hungary (sold in September 2013) | Provision (benefit) for income taxes | -0.2 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Germany (sold in December 2013) | Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | -0.7 | -4.5 | -0.8 | -24 | |||||||||||||
| Guarding operations sold: | |||||||||||||||||||
| France (January 2013) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Germany (July 2013) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other operations sold: | |||||||||||||||||||
| We sold Threshold Financial Technologies, Inc. in Canada in November 2013. Threshold operated private-label ATM network and payment processing businesses. Brink's continues to own and operate Brink's Integrated Managed Services for ATM customers. | |||||||||||||||||||
| We sold ICD Limited and other affiliated subsidiaries in November 2013. ICD designed and installed security systems for commercial customers and had operations in China and other locations in Asia. | |||||||||||||||||||
| The results of the above disposed operations have been excluded from continuing operations and are reported as discontinued operations for the 2013 periods presented. | |||||||||||||||||||
| The table below shows the 2013 revenues by business segment which have been reclassified to discontinued operations: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
| EMEA | $ | 50.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| North America | 24.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 12.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 87.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information | 6 Months Ended | |||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | ' | |||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information | ' | |||||||
| Note 10 – Supplemental cash flow information | ||||||||
| Six Months | ||||||||
| Ended June 30, | ||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
| Cash paid for: | ||||||||
| Interest | $ | 11.6 | 11.6 | |||||
| Income taxes | 39.3 | 46.1 | ||||||
| Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities | ||||||||
| We acquired $1.4 million of armored vehicles under capital lease arrangements in the first six months of 2014, as compared to $0.5 million in the first six months of 2013. | ||||||||
Other_Commitments_and_Continge
| Other Commitments and Contingencies | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] | ' | ' |
| On June 19, 2008, a lawsuit captioned Del Valle Gurria S.C. v. Servicio Pan Americano de Protección, S.A. de C.V. was filed with the Twenty-third Civil Judge in the Federal District in Mexico (the “Court”) against Servicio Pan American de Proteccion, S.A. de C.V. (SERPAPROSA), the Mexico subsidiary that we acquired in November 2010. The plaintiff claims it is owed legal fees and corresponding value-added tax (VAT), interest and expenses related to its legal representation of SERPAPROSA in connection with tax audits conducted to the 1991, 1992 and 1994 fiscal years. On October 28, 2010, the Court issued a decision in favor of SERPAPROSA in part and the plaintiff in part, ordering SERPAPROSA to pay the plaintiff $0.4 million for its previous representation of SERPAPROSA. Between November 2010 and October 2013, the judgment was subject to multiple appeals by both parties to the Fifth Civil Court of Appeal of the Federal District in Mexico (the “Fifth Civil Court of Appeal”) and to the First Civil Collegiate Tribunal of the First Circuit in Mexico (the “First Civil Collegiate Tribunal”), and was remanded twice to the Court for determination of the fees to be paid to the plaintiff. On December 6, 2013, the Fifth Civil Court of Appeal issued a decision in favor of the plaintiff, modifying the lower court's ruling and ordering SERPAPROSA to pay the plaintiff $7.4 million plus VAT and interest for its previous representation of SERPAPROSA. SERPAPROSA filed a constitutional injunction on January 20, 2014, with the First Civil Collegiate Tribunal. The Company has accrued $3.1 million, reflecting the Company's best estimate of exposure, although additional reasonably possible losses could be up to $10 million, based on currency exchange rates at June 30, 2014. The ultimate resolution of this matter is unknown and the estimated liability may change in the future. The Company denies the allegations asserted by the plaintiff and is vigorously defending itself in this matter. | Note 11 – Contingent matters | |
| In addition, we are involved in various other lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business. We are not able to estimate the loss or range of losses for some of these matters. We have recorded accruals for losses that are considered probable and reasonably estimable. Except as otherwise noted, we do not believe that the ultimate disposition of any of the lawsuits currently pending against the Company should have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial position or results of operations. |
Segment_Information_Tables
| Segment Information (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||
| Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||
| Revenue From Segments To Consolidated [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||
| Latin America | $ | 336.5 | 413.6 | 774.9 | 826.5 | ||||||||
| EMEA | 302.9 | 293.4 | 600.9 | 571.2 | |||||||||
| North America | 225.7 | 226.3 | 445.8 | 449.5 | |||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 36.4 | 36.6 | 71.5 | 73.2 | |||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 901.5 | 969.9 | 1,893.10 | 1,920.40 | ||||||||
| Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Operating profit (loss): | |||||||||||||
| Latin America | $ | -1.5 | 24.4 | -76.3 | 47.8 | ||||||||
| EMEA | 17.3 | 18.7 | 32.1 | 27.3 | |||||||||
| North America | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 4.3 | |||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 4.6 | 5 | 9 | 9.3 | |||||||||
| Segment operating profit (loss) | 26.1 | 54.4 | -28.4 | 88.7 | |||||||||
| Non-segment | -15.4 | -21.6 | -33.4 | -38.6 | |||||||||
| Operating profit (loss) | $ | 10.7 | 32.8 | -61.8 | 50.1 | ||||||||
Retirement_Benefits_Tables
| Retirement Benefits (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
| Retirement Benefits Pension And Postretirement [Line Items] | ' | |||||||||||||||
| Schedule Of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Total | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
| Three months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | - | - | 3.2 | 3.8 | 3.2 | 3.8 | |||||||||
| Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 11.3 | 10.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 15.9 | 15.3 | ||||||||||
| Return on assets – expected | -16.2 | -14.3 | -3.8 | -3.2 | -20 | -17.5 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of losses | 7 | 11.4 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 7.6 | 12.9 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost | - | - | 0.2 | -0.1 | 0.2 | -0.1 | ||||||||||
| Settlement loss | - | - | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.5 | ||||||||||
| Net periodic pension cost | $ | 2.1 | 7.6 | 5.9 | 7.3 | 8 | 14.9 | |||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | - | - | 6.7 | 7.4 | 6.7 | 7.4 | |||||||||
| Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 22.7 | 21.1 | 10.4 | 9.6 | 33.1 | 30.7 | ||||||||||
| Return on assets – expected | -31.6 | -28.5 | -7.6 | -6.4 | -39.2 | -34.9 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of losses | 14.2 | 22.7 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 15.3 | 25.8 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost | - | - | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | ||||||||||
| Settlement loss | - | - | 1.8 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
| Net periodic pension cost | $ | 5.3 | 15.3 | 12.8 | 15 | 18.1 | 30.3 | |||||||||
| Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||||||
| UMWA Plans | Black Lung and Other Plans | Total | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
| Three months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | - | - | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations | 4.4 | 4.9 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 4.8 | 5.4 | ||||||||||
| Return on assets – expected | -5.6 | -5.2 | - | - | -5.6 | -5.2 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of losses | 2.9 | 4.8 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 3 | 5 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service (credit) cost | -1.2 | - | 0.5 | 0.4 | -0.7 | 0.4 | ||||||||||
| Net periodic postretirement cost | $ | 0.5 | 4.5 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 5.7 | |||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | - | - | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | |||||||||
| Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations | 9.2 | 9.9 | 1 | 1 | 10.2 | 10.9 | ||||||||||
| Return on assets – expected | -11.2 | -10.4 | - | - | -11.2 | -10.4 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of losses | 6.6 | 9.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 6.9 | 10.1 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service (credit) cost | -2.3 | - | 0.9 | 0.8 | -1.4 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
| Net periodic postretirement cost | $ | 2.3 | 9.3 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 11.6 | |||||||||
Income_Taxes_Tables
| Income Taxes (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||
| Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense Benefit [TableText Block] | ' | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
| Continuing operations | |||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes (in millions) | $ | 4.7 | 10.7 | 13.7 | 16.1 | ||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 87 | % | 39.3 | % | -18.7 | % | 41.1 | % | |||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
| Continuing operations | |||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes (in millions) | $ | 4.7 | 10.7 | 13.7 | 16.1 | ||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 87 | % | 39.3 | % | -18.7 | % | 41.1 | % | |||||||
Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||||
| Amounts Arising During | Amounts Reclassified to | |||||||||||||
| the Current Period | Net Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||
| Total Other | ||||||||||||||
| Income | Income | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Pretax | Tax | Pretax | Tax | Income (Loss) | |||||||||
| Three months ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to Brink's: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | $ | -2.6 | 0.5 | 11.1 | -3.8 | 5.2 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 7.4 | - | -0.2 | - | 7.2 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | -0.1 | 0.1 | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | -1.4 | - | 0.8 | - | -0.6 | |||||||||
| 3.3 | 0.6 | 11.7 | -3.8 | 11.8 | ||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | - | - | 0.1 | -0.1 | - | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 1.1 | - | - | - | 1.1 | |||||||||
| 1.1 | - | 0.1 | -0.1 | 1.1 | ||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments(a) | -2.6 | 0.5 | 11.2 | -3.9 | 5.2 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments(b) | 8.5 | - | -0.2 | - | 8.3 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(c) | -0.1 | 0.1 | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(d) | -1.4 | - | 0.8 | - | -0.6 | |||||||||
| $ | 4.4 | 0.6 | 11.8 | -3.9 | 12.9 | |||||||||
| Three months ended June 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to Brink's: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | $ | -0.8 | 0.3 | 18.7 | -6.7 | 11.5 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -24.2 | - | - | - | -24.2 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | - | - | -0.1 | - | -0.1 | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | 2.8 | - | -1.6 | - | 1.2 | |||||||||
| -22.2 | 0.3 | 17 | -6.7 | -11.6 | ||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -1.2 | - | - | - | -1.2 | |||||||||
| -1.2 | - | - | - | -1.2 | ||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments(a) | -0.8 | 0.3 | 18.7 | -6.7 | 11.5 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments(b) | -25.4 | - | - | - | -25.4 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(c) | - | - | -0.1 | - | -0.1 | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(d) | 2.8 | - | -1.6 | - | 1.2 | |||||||||
| $ | -23.4 | 0.3 | 17 | -6.7 | -12.8 | |||||||||
| Amounts Arising During | Amounts Reclassified to | |||||||||||||
| the Current Period | Net Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||
| Total Other | ||||||||||||||
| Income | Income | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Pretax | Tax | Pretax | Tax | Income (Loss) | |||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to Brink's: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | $ | -4.3 | 0.8 | 22.8 | -7.8 | 11.5 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 4 | - | -0.2 | - | 3.8 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | -0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | - | - | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | -1.7 | - | 1.7 | - | - | |||||||||
| -2.2 | 0.9 | 24.4 | -7.8 | 15.3 | ||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | - | - | 0.2 | -0.1 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 0.3 | - | - | - | 0.3 | |||||||||
| 0.3 | - | 0.2 | -0.1 | 0.4 | ||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments(a) | -4.3 | 0.8 | 23 | -7.9 | 11.6 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments(b) | 4.3 | - | -0.2 | - | 4.1 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(c) | -0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | - | - | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(d) | -1.7 | - | 1.7 | - | - | |||||||||
| $ | -1.9 | 0.9 | 24.6 | -7.9 | 15.7 | |||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to Brink's: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | $ | -1.3 | 0.4 | 37.9 | -13.4 | 23.6 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -30.1 | - | -0.1 | 0.1 | -30.1 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | 0.2 | -0.1 | -0.3 | 0.1 | -0.1 | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | 2.6 | - | -1.8 | - | 0.8 | |||||||||
| -28.6 | 0.3 | 35.7 | -13.2 | -5.8 | ||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments | - | - | 0.1 | - | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -1.9 | - | - | - | -1.9 | |||||||||
| -1.9 | - | 0.1 | - | -1.8 | ||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan adjustments(a) | -1.3 | 0.4 | 38 | -13.4 | 23.7 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments(b) | -32 | - | -0.1 | 0.1 | -32 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(c) | 0.2 | -0.1 | -0.3 | 0.1 | -0.1 | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(d) | 2.6 | - | -1.8 | - | 0.8 | |||||||||
| $ | -30.5 | 0.3 | 35.8 | -13.2 | -7.6 | |||||||||
Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | |||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||
| Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract] | ' | |||||||
| Fixed Rate Debt [Table Text Block] | ' | |||||||
| June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
| DTA bonds | ||||||||
| Carrying value | $ | 43.2 | 43.2 | |||||
| Fair value | 43.1 | 42.8 | ||||||
| Unsecured notes issued in a private placement | ||||||||
| Carrying value | 100 | 100 | ||||||
| Fair value | 107.8 | 105.8 | ||||||
Sharebased_Compensation_Plans_
| Share-based Compensation Plans (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |||||||||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' | ||||||||||
| Nonvested share activity [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| Nonvested Share Activity - RSUs and DSUs | |||||||||||
| Number of shares | |||||||||||
| (in thousands of shares) | RSUs | DSUs | Total | ||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2013 | 396.4 | 19.2 | 415.6 | ||||||||
| Granted | 128.7 | 28.3 | 157 | ||||||||
| Cancelled awards | -5.6 | - | -5.6 | ||||||||
| Vested | -65.3 | -19.2 | -84.5 | ||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2014 | 454.2 | 28.3 | 482.5 | ||||||||
| Performance Shares PSU [Member] | ' | ||||||||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' | ||||||||||
| Nonvested share activity [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| Nonvested Share Activity - MSUs and PSUs | |||||||||||
| Number of shares | |||||||||||
| (in thousands of shares) | PSUs | MSUs | Total | ||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2013 | 199.3 | 96.2 | 295.5 | ||||||||
| Granted | 186.8 | 82.9 | 269.7 | ||||||||
| Cancelled awards | -2.7 | - | -2.7 | ||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2014 | 383.4 | 179.1 | 562.5 | ||||||||
Capital_Stock_Tables
| Capital Stock (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |||||||||||
| Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||
| Schedule Of Weighted Average Number Of Shares [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Weighted-average shares: | |||||||||||
| Basic(a) | 49 | 48.6 | 49 | 48.6 | |||||||
| Effect of dilutive stock options and awards | 0.4 | 0.3 | - | 0.3 | |||||||
| Diluted | 49.4 | 48.9 | 49 | 48.9 | |||||||
| Antidilutive stock options and awards excluded from denominator | 1 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 1.9 | |||||||
Loss_from_Discontinued_Operati1
| Loss from Discontinued Operations (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] | ' | ' | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] | ' | ' | |||||||||||||||||
| Three Months | Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations(a)(b) | $ | - | -4 | - | -23.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) on sale (a) | - | -0.2 | - | -0.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to contingencies of former operations | -0.9 | 1.2 | - | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes | -0.9 | -3 | - | -22.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes | -0.2 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | -0.7 | -4.5 | -0.8 | -24 | ||||||||||||||
| Schedule Of Revenues And Losses From Operations [Table Text Block] | ' | ' | |||||||||||||||||
| Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||
| Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
| EMEA | $ | 50.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| North America | 24.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 12.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 87.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | |||||||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | ||||||||
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | ' | |||||||
| Schedule Of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [TableTextBlock] | ' | |||||||
| Six Months | ||||||||
| Ended June 30, | ||||||||
| (In millions) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
| Cash paid for: | ||||||||
| Interest | $ | 11.6 | 11.6 | |||||
| Income taxes | 39.3 | 46.1 | ||||||
Summary_of_Significant_Account1
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 |
| USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | Maximum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Venezuelan Operations [Member] | Venezuelan Operations [Member] | Venezuelan Operations [Member] | Venezuelan Operations [Member] | Venezuelan Operations [Member] | Venezuelan Operations [Member] | Venezuelan Operations [Member] | US Dollar Denominated [Member] | Bolivar Fuerte Denominated [Member] | Bolivar Fuerte Denominated [Member] | Bolivar Fuerte Denominated [Member] | ||
| SICAD [Member] | SICADII [Member] | SICAD [Member] | SICADII [Member] | USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | SICADII [Member] | USD ($) | USD ($) | SICADII [Member] | ||||||||||
| USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | VEF | |||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Accounting corrections | $3.40 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Foreign Currency Translation [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 131.3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Venezuelan revenues as a percentage of total revenues | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 13 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Foreign currency translation losses total | 8.3 | -25.4 | 4.1 | -32.1 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Translation | ' | ' | ' | ' | 50 | ' | ' | 11.8 | 52 | 10 | 49 | ' | ' | ' | 6.3 | 5.3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Assets Net | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 23.5 | 120.4 | ' |
| Net remeasurement loss | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 122.2 | 13.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 224.7 | 239.8 | 224.7 | 239.8 | ' | 255.5 | 201.7 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1 | 17.1 | 93.8 | 52 |
| Brinks investments in Venzuelan Operations on an equity-method basis | $62.70 | ' | $62.70 | ' | ' | $125.30 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $39.80 | $4.70 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Segment_information_Details
| Segment information (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| Segment Revenue and Operating Profit [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues | $901.50 | $969.90 | $1,893.10 | $1,920.40 | ' |
| Operating profit | 10.7 | 32.8 | -61.8 | 50.1 | ' |
| Capital expenditures | ' | ' | 56.9 | 78.2 | ' |
| Depreciation and amortization | ' | ' | 86.2 | 84.3 | ' |
| Total assets | 2,400 | ' | 2,400 | ' | 2,498 |
| Unconsolidated Equity Affiliates held by International Segment [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Carrying value of investments at year end | 62.7 | ' | 62.7 | ' | 125.3 |
| Latin America [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Revenue and Operating Profit [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues | 336.5 | 413.6 | 774.9 | 826.5 | ' |
| Operating profit | -1.5 | 24.4 | -76.3 | 47.8 | ' |
| Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Revenue and Operating Profit [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues | 302.9 | 293.4 | 600.9 | 571.2 | ' |
| Operating profit | 17.3 | 18.7 | 32.1 | 27.3 | ' |
| North America [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Revenue and Operating Profit [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues | 225.7 | 226.3 | 445.8 | 449.5 | ' |
| Operating profit | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 4.3 | ' |
| Asia Pacific [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Revenue and Operating Profit [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues | 36.4 | 36.6 | 71.5 | 73.2 | ' |
| Operating profit | 4.6 | 5 | 9 | 9.3 | ' |
| Segment operating profit [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Revenue and Operating Profit [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating profit | 26.1 | 54.4 | -28.4 | 88.7 | ' |
| Non Segment [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Revenue and Operating Profit [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating profit | ($15.40) | ($21.60) | ($33.40) | ($38.60) | ' |
Retirement_Benefits_Retirement
| Retirement Benefits - Retirement Cost (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| US Plans [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net periodic pension cost (credit) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Interest cost | 11.3 | 10.5 | 22.7 | 21.1 |
| Return on assets - expected | -16.2 | -14.3 | -31.6 | -28.5 |
| Amortization of losses | 7 | 11.4 | 14.2 | 22.7 |
| Amortization of prior service cost | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Settlement loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Net periodic pension cost | 2.1 | 7.6 | 5.3 | 15.3 |
| Non-US Plans [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net periodic pension cost (credit) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 3.2 | 3.8 | 6.7 | 7.4 |
| Interest cost | 4.6 | 4.8 | 10.4 | 9.6 |
| Return on assets - expected | -3.8 | -3.2 | -7.6 | -6.4 |
| Amortization of losses | 0.6 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 3.1 |
| Amortization of prior service cost | 0.2 | -0.1 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Settlement loss | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 0.8 |
| Net periodic pension cost | 5.9 | 7.3 | 12.8 | 15 |
| UMWA Plans Postretirement Medical [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net periodic pension cost (credit) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Interest cost | 4.4 | 4.9 | 9.2 | 9.9 |
| Return on assets - expected | -5.6 | -5.2 | -11.2 | -10.4 |
| Amortization of losses | 2.9 | 4.8 | 6.6 | 9.8 |
| Amortization of prior service cost | -1.2 | 0 | -2.3 | 0 |
| Net periodic pension cost | 0.5 | 4.5 | 2.3 | 9.3 |
| Black Lung And Other Plans Postretirement Medical [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net periodic pension cost (credit) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Interest cost | 0.4 | 0.5 | 1 | 1 |
| Return on assets - expected | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Amortization of losses | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Amortization of prior service cost | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Net periodic pension cost | 1.1 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Pension plan [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net periodic pension cost (credit) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 3.2 | 3.8 | 6.7 | 7.4 |
| Interest cost | 15.9 | 15.3 | 33.1 | 30.7 |
| Return on assets - expected | -20 | -17.5 | -39.2 | -34.9 |
| Amortization of losses | 7.6 | 12.9 | 15.3 | 25.8 |
| Amortization of prior service cost | 0.2 | -0.1 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Settlement loss | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 0.8 |
| Net periodic pension cost | 8 | 14.9 | 18.1 | 30.3 |
| Retirement benefits other than pension [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net periodic pension cost (credit) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Interest cost | 4.8 | 5.4 | 10.2 | 10.9 |
| Return on assets - expected | -5.6 | -5.2 | -11.2 | -10.4 |
| Amortization of losses | 3 | 5 | 6.9 | 10.1 |
| Amortization of prior service cost | -0.7 | 0.4 | -1.4 | 0.8 |
| Net periodic pension cost | $1.60 | $5.70 | $4.60 | $11.60 |
Retirement_Benefits_Obligation
| Retirement Benefits - Obligations and Funded Status (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Changes in plan assets [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Employer contributions | ' | ' | $26.20 | ' |
| US Plans [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Changes in the benefit obligation [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Interest cost | 11.3 | 10.5 | 22.7 | 21.1 |
| Non-US Plans [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Changes in the benefit obligation [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 3.2 | 3.8 | 6.7 | 7.4 |
| Interest cost | 4.6 | 4.8 | 10.4 | 9.6 |
| UMWA Plans Postretirement Medical [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Changes in the benefit obligation [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Interest cost | 4.4 | 4.9 | 9.2 | 9.9 |
| Pension plan [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Changes in the benefit obligation [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 3.2 | 3.8 | 6.7 | 7.4 |
| Interest cost | 15.9 | 15.3 | 33.1 | 30.7 |
| Retirement benefits other than pension [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Changes in the benefit obligation [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Service cost | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Interest cost | $4.80 | $5.40 | $10.20 | $10.90 |
Retirement_Benefits_Narrative_
| Retirement Benefits - Narrative (Details) (Primary U.S. retirement plan [Member], USD $) | 6 Months Ended |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 |
| Primary U.S. retirement plan [Member] | ' |
| Retirement Benefit Plan Remeasurements [Abstract] | ' |
| Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year | $61 |
Income_taxes_Income_and_Taxes_
| Income taxes - Income and Taxes from Cont. Operations (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Income from continuing operations before tax | $5.40 | $27.20 | ($73.20) | $39.20 |
| Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Deferred income taxes | ' | ' | -23 | -28.2 |
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes | 4.7 | 10.7 | 13.7 | 16.1 |
| Comprehensive provision (benefit) for income taxes allocation [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Provision Continuing Operations | 4.7 | 10.7 | 13.7 | 16.1 |
| Discontinued operations | -0.2 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | ($3.30) | ($6.40) | ($7) | ($12.90) |
Income_Taxes_Rate_Reconciliati
| Income Taxes - Rate Reconciliation (Details) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | |
| Rate Reconciliation [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Actual Income Tax Rate On Continuing Operations | 87.00% | 39.30% | -18.70% | 41.10% |
| Effective Tax Rate Without Remeasurement [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Rate Reconciliation [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Actual Income Tax Rate On Continuing Operations | ' | ' | 43.00% | 30.00% |
Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse
| Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent | ($16.20) | ($18) |
Income_Taxes_Valuation_Allowan
| Income Taxes - Valuation Allowances (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Amounts attributable to Brink's Income (loss) from Continuing operations | $2.30 | $13.20 | ($56.10) | $16.10 |
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations | -0.7 | -4.5 | -0.8 | -24 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | $12.90 | ($12.80) | $15.70 | ($7.60) |
Property_and_Equipment_Details
| Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Property and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | $730.30 | $758.70 |
Acquisitions_Details
| Acquisitions (Details) (USD $) | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| Fair Value of Purchase Consideration [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Net cash outflow | $0 | $18 | ' |
| Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Goodwill | $242.90 | ' | $240.20 |
Acquisitions_Narratives_Detail
| Acquisitions - Narratives (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Sales Revenue, Net | $901.50 | $969.90 | $1,893.10 | $1,920.40 |
Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_
| Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - From Aqcuisitions (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ' | ' |
| Goodwill, Beginning Balance | $242.90 | $240.20 |
| Goodwill, Ending Balance | $242.90 | $240.20 |
Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Amounts in OCI (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax benefit plan adjustment amounts arising during the current period | ($2.60) | ($0.80) | ($4.30) | ($1.30) |
| Income tax related to benefit plan adjustment amounts arising during the current period | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.4 |
| Pretax benefit plan adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | 11.2 | 18.7 | 23 | 38 |
| Income tax related to benefit plan adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | -3.9 | -6.7 | -7.9 | -13.4 |
| Total benefit plan adjustments, net of tax | 5.2 | 11.5 | 11.6 | 23.7 |
| Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax foreign currency adjustment amounts arising during the current period | 8.5 | -25.4 | 4.3 | -32 |
| Pretax foreign currency adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | -0.2 | ' | -0.2 | -0.1 |
| Income tax of foreign currency adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | ' | ' | ' | 0.1 |
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax | 8.3 | -25.4 | 4.1 | -32 |
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities amounts arising during the current period | -0.1 | ' | -0.2 | 0.2 |
| Income tax related to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities amounts arising during the current period | 0.1 | ' | 0.1 | -0.1 |
| Pretax unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities amounts reclassified to net income | ' | -0.1 | 0.1 | -0.3 |
| Income tax related to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities amounts reclassified to net income | ' | ' | ' | 0.1 |
| Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax | ' | -0.1 | ' | -0.1 |
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax gains (losses) on cash flow hedge amounts arising during the current period | -1.4 | 2.8 | -1.7 | 2.6 |
| Pretax cash flow hedge amounts reclassified to net income | 0.8 | -1.6 | 1.7 | -1.8 |
| Total gains (losses) on cash flow hedge, net of tax | -0.6 | 1.2 | ' | 0.8 |
| Total pretax other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the current period | 4.4 | -23.4 | -1.9 | -30.5 |
| Total income tax related to other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the current period | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 0.3 |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) reclassified to net income | 11.8 | 17 | 24.6 | 35.8 |
| Total income tax related to other comprehensive income (loss) reclassified to net income | -3.9 | -6.7 | -7.9 | -13.2 |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 12.9 | -12.8 | 15.7 | -7.6 |
| Parent [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax benefit plan adjustment amounts arising during the current period | -2.6 | -0.8 | -4.3 | -1.3 |
| Income tax related to benefit plan adjustment amounts arising during the current period | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.4 |
| Pretax benefit plan adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | 11.1 | 18.7 | 22.8 | 37.9 |
| Income tax related to benefit plan adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | -3.8 | -6.7 | -7.8 | -13.4 |
| Total benefit plan adjustments, net of tax | 5.2 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 23.6 |
| Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax foreign currency adjustment amounts arising during the current period | 7.4 | -24.2 | 4 | -30.1 |
| Pretax foreign currency adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | -0.2 | ' | -0.2 | -0.1 |
| Income tax of foreign currency adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | ' | ' | ' | 0.1 |
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax | 7.2 | -24.2 | 3.8 | -30.1 |
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities amounts arising during the current period | -0.1 | ' | -0.2 | 0.2 |
| Income tax related to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities amounts arising during the current period | 0.1 | ' | 0.1 | -0.1 |
| Pretax unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities amounts reclassified to net income | 0 | -0.1 | 0.1 | -0.3 |
| Income tax related to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities amounts reclassified to net income | ' | ' | ' | 0.1 |
| Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax | ' | -0.1 | ' | -0.1 |
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax gains (losses) on cash flow hedge amounts arising during the current period | -1.4 | 2.8 | -1.7 | 2.6 |
| Pretax cash flow hedge amounts reclassified to net income | 0.8 | -1.6 | 1.7 | -1.8 |
| Total gains (losses) on cash flow hedge, net of tax | -0.6 | 1.2 | ' | 0.8 |
| Total pretax other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the current period | 3.3 | -22.2 | -2.2 | -28.6 |
| Total income tax related to other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the current period | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 0.3 |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) reclassified to net income | 11.7 | 17 | 24.4 | 35.7 |
| Total income tax related to other comprehensive income (loss) reclassified to net income | -3.8 | -6.7 | -7.8 | -13.2 |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 11.8 | -11.6 | 15.3 | -5.8 |
| Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax benefit plan adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | 0.1 | ' | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Income tax related to benefit plan adjustment amounts reclassified to net income | -0.1 | ' | -0.1 | ' |
| Total benefit plan adjustments, net of tax | ' | ' | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Pretax foreign currency adjustment amounts arising during the current period | 1.1 | -1.2 | 0.3 | -1.9 |
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax | 1.1 | -1.2 | 0.3 | -1.9 |
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Total pretax other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the current period | 1.1 | -1.2 | 0.3 | -1.9 |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) reclassified to net income | 0.1 | ' | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Total income tax related to other comprehensive income (loss) reclassified to net income | -0.1 | ' | -0.1 | ' |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | $1.10 | ($1.20) | $0.40 | ($1.80) |
Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Reclasses Out Of AOCI (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||||||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 |
| Parent [Member] | Parent [Member] | Benefit plan adjustments [Member] | Benefit plan adjustments [Member] | Benefit plan adjustments [Member] | Benefit plan adjustments [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member] | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member] | Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | |||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Cost of revenues | $754.60 | $792.30 | $1,550.20 | $1,584.90 | ' | ' | $7.60 | $16.20 | $17.90 | $33.20 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 135.1 | 144.9 | 280.5 | 276.8 | ' | ' | 2 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 8.7 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Other operating income (expense) | 1.1 | -0.1 | 124.2 | 8.6 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -0.5 | -1.2 |
| Nonoperating Income (Expense) | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.9 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Beginning balance - AOCI | ' | ' | -617.3 | ' | ' | -617.3 | ' | ' | -478 | ' | ' | -141.5 | ' | 1.6 | ' | 0.6 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | ' | ' | ' | ' | -1.3 | ' | -3.5 | ' | ' | ' | 4 | ' | -0.1 | ' | -1.7 | ' |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | ' | ' | ' | ' | 16.6 | ' | 15 | ' | ' | ' | -0.2 | ' | 0.1 | ' | 1.7 | ' |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brink's | 12.9 | -12.8 | 15.7 | -7.6 | 15.3 | ' | 11.5 | ' | ' | ' | 3.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Ending Balance - AOCI | ($602) | ' | ($602) | ' | ($602) | ($617.30) | ($466.50) | ' | ($466.50) | ' | ($137.70) | ($141.50) | $1.60 | $1.60 | $0.60 | $0.60 |
Other_Assets_Details
| Other Assets (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Other Assets [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Equity Method Investments in unconsolidated entities | $62.70 | $125.30 |
Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| DTA Bond [Member] | ' | ' |
| DTA bonds [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Carrying value | $43.20 | $43.20 |
| Fair value | 43.1 | 42.8 |
| Unsecured Debt [Member] | ' | ' |
| DTA bonds [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Carrying value | 100 | 100 |
| Fair value | $107.80 | $105.80 |
Accrued_Liabilities_Details
| Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Accrued liabilities | $481.50 | $507.50 |
Other_Liabilities_Details
| Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Other Liabilities | $134.90 | $170.60 |
LongTerm_Debt_Details
| Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | |||
| Long-term Debt Types [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Captial lease arrangments | $1.40 | ' | $0.50 |
| Long Term Debt By Current And Noncurrent [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Current maturities of long-term debt | 35.2 | 24.6 | ' |
| Long-term debt | $413.80 | $330.50 | ' |
Accounts_Receivable_Details
| Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Accounts receivable, net | $590.30 | $622.20 |
Recovered_Sheet1
| Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
| In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Accounting corrections | 3.4 | ' |
| Pretax [Member] | ' | ' |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Accounting corrections | 4.2 | ' |
| Performance Shares PSU [Member] | ' | ' |
| Nonvested share activity [Rollforward] | ' | ' |
| Beginning balance - shares | ' | 199,300 |
| Stock units granted - shares | 186,800 | ' |
| Cancelled awards - shares | -2,700 | ' |
| Ending balance - shares | 383,400 | 199,300 |
| Market Share Units MSU [Member] | ' | ' |
| Nonvested share activity [Rollforward] | ' | ' |
| Beginning balance - shares | ' | 96,200 |
| Stock units granted - shares | 82,900 | ' |
| Cancelled awards - shares | 0 | ' |
| Ending balance - shares | 179,100 | 96,200 |
| Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] | ' | ' |
| Nonvested share activity [Rollforward] | ' | ' |
| Beginning balance - shares | ' | 396,400 |
| Stock units granted - shares | 128,700 | ' |
| Cancelled awards - shares | -5,600 | ' |
| Vested - shares | -65,300 | ' |
| Ending balance - shares | 454,200 | 396,400 |
| Deferred Stock Units DSU [Member] | ' | ' |
| Nonvested share activity [Rollforward] | ' | ' |
| Beginning balance - shares | ' | 19,200 |
| Stock units granted - shares | 28,300 | ' |
| Cancelled awards - shares | 0 | ' |
| Vested - shares | -19,200 | ' |
| Ending balance - shares | 28,300 | 19,200 |
| PSU MSU Total [Member] | ' | ' |
| Nonvested share activity [Rollforward] | ' | ' |
| Beginning balance - shares | ' | 295,500 |
| Stock units granted - shares | 269,700 | ' |
| Cancelled awards - shares | -2,700 | ' |
| Ending balance - shares | 562,500 | 295,500 |
| RSU DSU Total [Member] | ' | ' |
| Nonvested share activity [Rollforward] | ' | ' |
| Beginning balance - shares | ' | 415,600 |
| Stock units granted - shares | 157,000 | ' |
| Cancelled awards - shares | -5,600 | ' |
| Vested - shares | -84,500 | ' |
| Ending balance - shares | 482,500 | 415,600 |
Capital_Stock_Shares_Used_To_C
| Capital Stock - Shares Used To Calculate Earnings (Details) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Basic | 49 | 48.6 | 49 | 48.6 |
| Effect of dilutive stock awards | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0 | 0.3 |
| Diluted | 49.4 | 48.9 | 49 | 48.9 |
| Antidilutive stock options and awards excluded from denominator | 1 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 1.9 |
| Deferred compensation common stock unit | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 |
Loss_from_Discontinued_Operati2
| Loss from Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Discontinued operations [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Loss from operations before tax | ' | ($4) | ' | ($23.40) |
| Loss on sale | ' | -0.2 | ' | -0.7 |
| Adjustments to contingencies of former operations | -0.9 | 1.2 | 0 | 1.2 |
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes | -0.9 | -3 | 0 | -22.9 |
| Provision (credit) for income taxes | -0.2 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | -0.7 | -4.5 | -0.8 | -24 |
| Revenues - disposal group | ' | ' | ' | 87.4 |
| Termination benefits | ' | ' | ' | 16.2 |
| Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Discontinued operations [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues - disposal group | ' | ' | ' | 50.3 |
| North America [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Discontinued operations [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues - disposal group | ' | ' | ' | 24.9 |
| Asia Pacific [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Discontinued operations [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues - disposal group | ' | ' | ' | 12.2 |
| Discontinued European Operations [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Discontinued operations [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues - disposal group | ' | ' | ' | $0.30 |
Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) | 6 Months Ended | |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Supplemental Cash Flow [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Interest | $11.60 | $11.60 |
| Income taxes | 39.3 | 46.1 |
| Captial lease arrangments | $1.40 | $0.50 |
Other_Operating_Income_Expense
| Other Operating Income (Expense) (Details) (USD $) | 6 Months Ended | |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Impairment losses | ($0.50) | $0 |
Interest_and_Other_Nonoperatin
| Interest and Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Interest and other income | $0.60 | $0.30 | $0.30 | $0.90 |
Other_Commitments_and_Continge1
| Other Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Lawsuit filing date | '2008-07-19 | ' | ' | ' |
| Amount To Pay To Plaintiff | ' | ' | $0.40 | ' |
| Modified Amount To Pay To Plaintiff | ' | 7.4 | ' | ' |
| Company Best Estimate Of Exposure | ' | ' | ' | 3.1 |
| Maximum loss amount | $10 | ' | ' | ' |
Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D
| Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Revenues | $901.50 | $969.90 | $1,893.10 | $1,920.40 |
| Operating profit | 10.7 | 32.8 | -61.8 | 50.1 |
| Amounts Attributable To Brink's Income (Loss) From [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Continuing operations | 2.3 | 13.2 | -56.1 | 16.1 |
| Discontinued operations | -0.7 | -4.5 | -0.8 | -24 |
| Net income attributable to Brink's | 1.6 | 8.7 | -56.9 | -7.9 |
| Depreciation and amortization | ' | ' | 86.2 | 84.3 |
| Capital expenditures | ' | ' | $56.90 | $78.20 |
| Diluted: | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Continuing operations | $0.05 | $0.27 | ($1.15) | $0.33 |
| Discontinued operations | ($0.01) | ($0.09) | ($0.02) | ($0.49) |
| Net income (loss) | $0.03 | $0.18 | ($1.16) | ($0.16) |
| Basic: | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Continuing operations | $0.05 | $0.27 | ($1.15) | $0.33 |
| Discontinued operations | ($0.01) | ($0.09) | ($0.02) | ($0.49) |
| Net income (loss) | $0.03 | $0.18 | ($1.16) | ($0.16) |