Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 917.7	$ 950.5	$ 948.3	$ 852.3	$ 854.2	$ 907.4	$ 908.8	$ 834.8	$ 3,668.8	$ 3,505.2	$ 3,390.4
Cost of goods sold	629.2	643.6	653.6	590.5	595.6	618.7	615.3	574.9	2,516.9	2,404.5	2,298.6
Gross profit	288.5	306.9	294.7	261.8	258.6	288.7	293.5	259.9	1,151.9	1,100.7	1,091.8
Selling & administrative expenses	165.8	160.5	164.1	157.7	150.8	152.7	161.4	158.0	648.2	622.9	617.2
Net income	22.4	82.8	80.8	63.9	65.7	88.1	82.0	62.0	249.9	297.8	282.1
Net Income attributable to Hubbell	$ 20.4	$ 80.8	$ 79.1	$ 62.8	$ 64.4	$ 86.7	$ 81.0	$ 60.9	$ 243.1	$ 293.0	$ 277.3
Earning Per Share - Basic (USD per share)	$ 0.37	$ 1.47	$ 1.44	$ 1.13	$ 1.16	$ 1.56	$ 1.46	$ 1.08	$ 4.42	$ 5.26	$ 4.79
Earning Per Share - Diluted (USD per share)	$ 0.37	$ 1.47	$ 1.43	$ 1.13	$ 1.16	$ 1.56	$ 1.45	$ 1.08	$ 4.39	$ 5.24	$ 4.77