Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011 Vendor Supplied Component Warranty Expense Type [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 A specific batch of C&I meters that were manufactured with a misaligned automated solder-feeder [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 A specific batch of C&I meters that were manufactured with a misaligned automated solder-feeder [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Warranty charge related to certain products in Brazil. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Arbitration claims in Sweden [Member]
Recovery Associated With Settlement Of Product Claims	$ 8.6
Warranty charge		$ 12.6	$ (5.3)	$ 6.6	$ 9.2	$ 14.4