Total Equity Equity I (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Line Items]
Additional paid-in-capital	$ 73.4	$ 146.7
Retained earnings	1,973.9	1,944.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Pension and post retirement benefit plan adjustment, net of tax	(123.0)	(124.7)
Cumulative translation adjustment	(63.7)	(39.9)
Cumulative translation adjustment	0.3	0.3
Cash flow hedge gain, net of tax	0.7	0
Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(185.7)	(164.3)
Hubbell shareholders’ equity	1,862.2	1,927.1
Noncontrolling interest	9.0	8.6
Total Equity	1,871.2	1,935.7	1,944.4	1,914.8
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