Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 66.8	$ 63.6
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(8.5)	12.5
Amortization of net prior service costs and net actuarial losses, net of tax	2.2	2.7
Change in unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	0	(0.2)
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	0.4	(0.3)
Other Comprehensive Income	(5.9)	14.7
Total comprehensive income	60.9	78.3
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.9	0.4
Comprehensive income attributable to Hubbell	$ 60.0	$ 77.9