Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 3,359.4	$ 3,183.9	$ 3,044.4
Cost of goods sold	2,250.4	2,113.4	2,032.2
Gross profit	1,109.0	1,070.5	1,012.2
Selling & administrative expenses	591.6	562.9	540.4
Operating income	517.4	507.6	471.8
Interest expense	(31.2)	(30.8)	(30.8)
Investment income	1.1	1.3	1.8
Other expense, net	(1.8)	(4.3)	(1.0)
Total other expense	(31.9)	(33.8)	(30.0)
Income before income taxes	485.5	473.8	441.8
Provision for income taxes	158.3	144.0	139.7
Net income	327.2	329.8	302.1
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1.9	3.3	2.4
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HUBBELL	$ 325.3	$ 326.5	$ 299.7
Earnings per share
Basic (USD per share)	$ 5.51	$ 5.51	$ 5.05
Diluted (USD per share)	$ 5.48	$ 5.47	$ 5.00