Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [IncomeStatement]
Net sales	$ 895.3	$ 835.9	$ 2,510.6	$ 2,377.3
Cost of good sold	599.1	544.6	1,676.9	1,577.7
Gross profit	296.2	291.3	833.7	799.6
Selling & administrative expenses	153.4	139.7	442.4	418.2
Operating income	142.8	151.6	391.3	381.4
Interest expense, net	(7.5)	(7.4)	(22.0)	(22.0)
Other (expense) income, net	(0.5)	(0.9)	(2.0)	(2.1)
Total other expense, net	(8.0)	(8.3)	(24.0)	(24.1)
Income before income taxes	134.8	143.3	367.3	357.3
Provision for income taxes	44.3	46.1	120.7	110.3
Net income	90.5	97.2	246.6	247.0
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.9	0.7	2.6	2.5
Net income attributable to Hubbell	$ 89.6	$ 96.5	$ 244.0	$ 244.5
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]
Basic	$ 1.52	$ 1.63	$ 4.13	$ 4.12
Diluted	$ 1.51	$ 1.62	$ 4.10	$ 4.09
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.50	$ 0.45	$ 1.50	$ 1.35