Information on Business Segments (Capital Spend by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital spend	$ 31.0	$ 18.5	$ 27.6
Operating Segments | ACCO Brands North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital spend	16.3	10.3	12.5
Operating Segments | ACCO Brands EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital spend	5.1	2.9	10.3
Operating Segments | ACCO Brands International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital spend	$ 9.6	$ 5.3	$ 4.8