Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 78.0	$ 65.7	$ 141.6	$ 116.4
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(16.1)	6.4	(3.6)	15.5
Amortization of net prior service costs and net actuarial losses, net of tax	2.4	1.3	5.1	2.7
Change in unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	0	0.2	(0.2)	0.2
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	0.2	0.1	(0.1)	0
Other Comprehensive Income	(13.5)	8.0	1.2	18.4
Total comprehensive income	64.5	73.7	142.8	134.8
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.5	0.5	0.9	0.9
Comprehensive income attributable to Hubbell	$ 64.0	$ 73.2	$ 141.9	$ 133.9