Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 29, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-2958
Entity Registrant Name	HUBBELL INC
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	CT
Entity Tax Identification Number	06-0397030
Entity Address, Address Line One	40 Waterview Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Shelton,
Entity Address, State or Province	CT
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	06484
City Area Code	(475)
Local Phone Number	882-4000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock - par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	HUBB
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		54,201,073
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000048898
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1