Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (12.9)	$ 23.8
Benefit plan adjustments:
Benefit plan experience gains (losses)	17.8	15.5
Benefit plan prior service cost (credit)	1.0	0.9
Deferred profit sharing	0	0.2
Total benefit plan adjustments	18.8	16.6
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(6.7)	26.4
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	0	(1.4)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(0.4)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	11.7	41.6
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	6.5	5.9
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5.2	35.7
Comprehensive income (loss)	(7.7)	59.5
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3.1	8.8
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brink's	$ (10.8)	$ 50.7