| Cover | Aug. 08, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 8, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BRINKS CO |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | VA |
| Entity File Number | 001-09148 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-1317776 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1801 Bayberry Court |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | P. O. Box 18100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Richmond |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 23226 |
| City Area Code | 804 |
| Local Phone Number | 289-9600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share |
| Trading Symbol | BCO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000078890 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
