Accounts receivable (net of allowance: 2010 - $7.2; 2009 - $7.1) Cash and cash equivalents Balance at beginning of year Balance at end of year Prepaid expenses and other Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets Net Current Total current assets Total current assets Property and equipment, net Goodwill Deferred income taxes Other Total assets Total assets Short-term borrowings Current maturities of long-term debt Accounts payable Income taxes payable Accrued liabilities Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt Accrued pension costs Retirement benefits other than pensions Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Other Liabilities Noncurrent Other Total liabilities Total liabilities Shares issued and outstanding: 2010 - 46.4; 2009 - 47.9 Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total Brink's shareholders' equity Total Brink's shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Total equity Total equity Balance Balance Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Current assets: LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Commitments and contingent liabilities (notes 3, 4, 12, 14, 17 and 21) Equity: The Brink's Company (Brink's) shareholders' equity: Stockholders Equity Abstract Revenues Sales Revenue Net Cost of revenues Selling, general and administrative expenses Total costs and expenses Total costs and expenses Other operating income (expense) The total amount of other operating income, losses and expenses, not previously categorized, from items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Operating profit Operating profit Interest expense Interest expense Interest and other income Income from continuing operations before tax Income from continuing operations before tax Provision for (benefit from) income taxes Income from continuing operations including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest Income from continuing operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Profit Loss Net income Net income Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income, attributable to noncontrolling interest Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income Net income attributable to Brink's Net income attributable to Brink's Net income Income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations Income from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations Income Statement [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Amounts attributable to Brink's: Income Amounts Attributable To Reporting Entity Disclosures [Abstract] Earnings per share attributable to Brink's common shareholders: Basic: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share (in dollars per share) Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share (in dollars per share) Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share Basic (in dollars per share) Net income Net income Diluted: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share (in dollars per share) Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share (in dollars per share) Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Net income (in dollars per share) Net income (in dollars per share) Net income (in dollars per share) Weighted-average shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic (in shares) Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share) Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Noncontrolling Interests Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Shares repurchased (see note 16) (in shares) Shares repurchased (see note 16) Brink's common shareholders Noncontrolling interests, value Noncontrolling interests Compensation expense Consideration from exercise of stock options (in shares) Consideration from exercise of stock options Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Compensation Expense Settled In Company Stock The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangement settled in shares of company stock. Other share-based benefit programs Dividends [Abstract] Dividends: Dividends to: Share-based compensation: Stock Options and Awards [Abstract] Stock options and awards: Shares, Issued (in shares) Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Depreciation and amortization Stock compensation expense Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Pension The amount of cash or cash equivalents contributed by the entity to fund its pension plans, net of expenses. Other than pension The amount of cash or cash equivalents contributed during the reporting period by the entity to fund non-pension postretirement benefits, net of expenses. Sales of property and other assets Other operating Impairment losses Accounts receivable Accounts payable, income taxes payable and accrued liabilities The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid, combined with the net change during the period in the amount of cash payments due to taxing authorities for taxes that are based on the reporting entity's earnings. Prepaid and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Capital, Net Other Discontinued operations Cash Provided By Used in Operating Activities Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Acquisitions Acquisitions Purchases Purchases Sales Cash Provided by Used in Investing Activities Discontinued Operations Discontinued operations Net cash used by investing activities Net cash used by investing activities Revolving credit facilities borrowings (payments) The cash inflow from a contractual arrangement with the lender, including letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a specific amount at any point in time with either short term or long term maturity that is collateralized (backed by pledge, mortgage or other lien in the entity's assets), combined with the cash outflow to pay off an obligation from a contractual arrangement with the lender, including letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a specific amount at any point in time with either short term or long term maturity. Long-term revolving credit facilities Short-term debt Repurchase shares of common stock of Brink's Repurchase shares of common stock of Brink's Shareholders of Brink's Shareholders of Brink's Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries Proceeds from exercise of stock options Excess tax benefits associated with stock compensation Minimum tax withholdings associated with stock compensation Value of shares withheld from shares issued to record withholding taxes due on options exercised. Net cash used by financing activities Net cash provided (used) by financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Increase (decrease) Increase (decrease) Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: Retirement benefit funding (more) less than expense: Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: Cash flows from investing activities: Cash flows from financing activities: Cash and cash equivalents: Brink's common shareholders per share declared (in dollars per share) Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of presentation Segment information Shares used to calculate earnings per share Retirement benefits Income taxes Share-based compensation plans Stock Acquired Repurchase Authorization [Text Block] Capital stock Description of share repurchase program authorized by an entity's Board of Directors. Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Income from discontinued operations Supplemental cash flow information Comprehensive income Fair value of financial instruments Commitments and contingent matters Subsequent event Capital in excess of par value Payments for Proceeds From Other Investing Activities Other Marketable securities: Available-for-sale securities: Document Information [Text Block] Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Description Document Period End Date Entity Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Acquisitions of controlling interest of equity-method investments Gain recognized for bargain purchase price when acquiring controlling interest in a subsidiary. Acquisitions of controlling interest of equity-method or cost-method investments Borrowings Repayments Repayments Cash proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions Other Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities Excess tax benefits of stock compensation Acquisition of new subsidiaries (see note 6) Increase in noncontrolling interest balance from the acquisition of less than 100% ownership in new subsidiaries. Acquisition Of New Subsidiaries Other share-based programs (in shares) The number of shares for compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangement settled in shares of company stock. Other Share Based Programs Shares Payments To Acquire Short Term Investments Short-term investments Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs Debt financing costs Debt financing costs Other Intangible Assets Net The net carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of other indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets that are not separately presented on the statement of financial position. Other intangibles Benefit plan adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Net Of Tax Benefit plan adjustments Foreign currency translation Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Net experience gains (losses) arising during the year Tax benefit (provision) related to net experience gains and losses arising during the year Reclassification adjustment for amortization of prior net experience loss included in net income Tax benefit related to reclassification adjustment Prior service (cost) credit from plan amendment during the year Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Plan Amendments Tax Effect Tax benefit (provision) related to prior service (cost) credit from plan amendment during the year Tax effect of plan amendments during the period. The expense (benefit) has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Benefit plan adjustments: Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Before Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Reclassification adjustment for amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income Common Stock Retired Due To Termination Of Employee Stock Trust Value Tax effect on adjustment out of other comprehensive income for prior service costs recognized as a component of net period benefit cost during the period. Tax provision (benefit) related to reclassification adjustment Termination of Employee Benefits Trust Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Benefit plan adjustments, net of tax Foreign currency: Translation adjustments arising during the year Tax benefit (provision) related to translation adjustments Reclassification adjustment for deconsolidation of a former subsidiary Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Available-for-sale securities: Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Before Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Unrealized net gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during the year Tax benefit (provision) related to unrealized net gains and losses on available-for-sale securities Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses realized in net income Tax provision (benefit) related to reclassification adjustment Unrealized net gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax Unrealized net gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax Benefit plan adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent Benefit plan adjustments Foreign currency Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent Available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income Available for sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brink's Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brink's Amounts attributable to Brink's: Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Abstract] Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests: Foreign currency Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Common Stock Retired Due To Termination Of Employee Stock Trust Shares Termination of Employee Benefits Trust (in shares) Shares of common stock retired due to the termination of a trust (for example, a 'rabbi trust') set up specifically to accumulate stock for the sole purpose of distribution to participating employees. This trust does not allow employees to immediately or after a holding period diversify into nonemployer securities. The deferred compensation plan for which this trust is set up must be settled by the delivery of a fixed number of shares of employer stock. Retire shares of common stock Retire shares of common stock (in shares) Spin-off of Brink's Home Security Holdings, Inc ('BHS') Stockholders Equity Note Spinoff Transaction Purchases of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, par value Common stock, shares issued Common stock, shares outstanding Gain Loss On Investments [Abstract] Gains and losses: Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract] Impairment charges: Available For Sale Securities Gross Realized Gain Loss Net Available-for-sale securities Impairment Of Long Lived Assets Held For Use Long-lived assets Cash proceeds from sale of property, equipment and investments Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment Cash Divested From Deconsolidation Cash held by home security business at spin-off Cash held by home security business at spin-off Proceeds From Repayments Of Debt [Abstract] Borrowings (repayments) of debt: Other Longterm Debt Current And Noncurrent [Abstract] Other long-term debt: Deferred Profit Sharing Net Of Tax Deferred profit sharing Profit sharing arrangements with employees where company is required to pay a specified percentage of taxable income. Because the future payments are based on future taxable income, accounting model follows that of deferred income taxes. Deferred profit sharing Deferred Profit Sharing [Abstract] Deferred profit sharing: Other Comprehensive Income Deferred Profit Sharing Tax Tax benefit related to deferred profit sharing Tax effect on amount resulting from profit sharing arrangements with employees where company is required to pay a specified percentage of taxable income. Because the future payments are based on future taxable income, accounting model follows that of deferred income taxes. Tax benefit related to deferred profit sharing Other Comprehensive Income Deferred Profit Sharing Net Of Tax Deferred profit sharing, net of tax Deferred profit sharing After-tax amount resulting from profit sharing arrangements with employees where company is required to pay a specified percentage of taxable income. Because the future payments are based on future taxable income, accounting model follows that of deferred income taxes. Deferred profit sharing, net of tax Reclassification To Comprehensive Income Reclassification from available-for-sale securities Reclassification to foreign currency Available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income Available for sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Deconsolidation of Brink's Belgium and write-down to fair value Stock Issued During Period Value For Pension Contribution Shares contributed to pension plan (see note 16) Stock Issued During Period Shares For Pension Contribution Shares contributed to pension plan (see note 16) (in shares) Bargain Purchase Gain Bargain purchase gain Other Comprehensive Income Deferred Profit Sharing Before Tax Pre-tax amount resulting from profit sharing arrangements with employees where company is required to pay a specified percentage of taxable income. Because the future payments are based on future taxable income, accounting model follows that of deferred income taxes. Deferred profit sharing Other Comprehensive Income Loss Amortization Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Tax Effect Tax effect on adjustment out of other comprehensive income for prior service costs recognized as a component of net period benefit cost during the period. Tax provision (benefit) related to reclassification adjustment Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property and Equipment Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Other Assets Accrued Liabilities Other Liabilities Long-Term Debt Accounts Receivable Operating Leases Other Operating Income (Expense) Interest and Other Nonoperating Income Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)