Equity I (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock par value	$ 0.6	$ 0.6
Additional Paid In Capital	66.3	64.0
Retained Earnings	1,754.9	1,715.7
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Pension and post retirement benefit plan adjustment, net of tax	(127.9)	(130.1)
Cumulative translation adjustment	2.3	10.8
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax	0.7	0.7
Cash flow hedge loss, net of tax	(0.1)	(0.5)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(125.0)	(119.1)
Hubbell Shareholders' Equity	1,696.8	1,661.2
Noncontrolling interest	7.2	6.7
Total Equity	1,704.0	1,667.9	1,507.1	1,473.5
Class A Common Stock
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock par value	0.1	0.1
Class B Common Stock
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock par value	$ 0.5	$ 0.5