Basis of presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Basis of presentation (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	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, business divestitures and deferred tax assets.
Consolidation	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brink’s and the subsidiaries it controls. Control is determined based on ownership rights or, when applicable, based on whether we are considered to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. Our interest in 20% to 50% owned companies that are not controlled are accounted for using the equity method, provided we sufficiently influence the management of the investee. Other investments are accounted for as cost-method investments or as available-for-sale. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Foreign Currency Translation	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 an officially reported 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 earnings. 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.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets in Venezuela	Impairment of Long-lived Assets in Venezuela During the second quarter of 2015, Brink's elected to evaluate and pursue strategic options for the Venezuelan business. Our consideration of these strategic options is ongoing and, during the second quarter of 2015, required us to perform an impairment review of the carrying values of our Venezuelan long-lived assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. Our asset impairment analysis included management's best estimate of associated cash flows relating to the long-lived assets and included fair value assumptions that reflect conditions that exist in a volatile economic environment. Future events or actions relative to our Venezuelan business may result in further adjustments.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash In France, we offer services to certain of our customers where we manage some or all of their cash supply chains. In connection with this offering, we take temporary title to certain customers' cash, which is included as restricted cash in our financial statements due to customer agreement or regulation
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts with Customers, a new standard related to revenue recognition which requires an entity to recognize an amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods and services to customers. The new standard will replace most of the existing revenue recognition standards in U.S. GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers the effective date of this new standard to January 1, 2018. Subsequently, the FASB has continued to refine the standard and has issued several amendments. The new standard can be applied retrospectively to each reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of the change recognized at the date of the initial application in retained earnings. We are assessing the potential impact of this new standard on financial reporting and have not yet selected a transition method. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which will require the recognition of assets and liabilities by lessees for certain leases classified as operating leases under current accounting guidance. The new standard also requires expanded disclosures regarding leasing activities. ASU 2016-02 will be effective January 1, 2019 and we are assessing the potential impact of the standard on financial reporting. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which will simplify how certain features related to share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements. The new standard is effective January 1, 2017 with early adoption permitted in any interim or annual period. We are assessing the potential impact of this new standard on financial reporting. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which significantly changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining life. ASU 2016-13 is effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted January 1, 2019. We are assessing the potential impact of this new standard on financial reporting.