Restructuring and Other Charges, Net (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Restructuring reserve
Net pre-tax restructuring charges	$ 4.3	$ 8.8	$ 12.6
Europe and North America | 2010 Actions
Restructuring reserve
Balance at the beginning of the period	2.9	7.4	4.2
Net pre-tax restructuring charges	0.6	3.3	11.1
Utilization and foreign currency impact	(1.9)	(7.8)	(7.9)
Balance at the ending of the period	1.6	2.9	7.4
Severance | 2011 Actions | Danfoss Socla S.A.S
Restructuring reserve
Balance at the beginning of the period	0.4
Net pre-tax restructuring charges	1.1	3.1
Utilization and foreign currency impact	(1.0)	(2.7)
Balance at the ending of the period	0.5	0.4
Severance | Europe and North America | 2010 Actions
Restructuring reserve
Balance at the beginning of the period	2.9	7.4	4.2
Net pre-tax restructuring charges	0.3	1.5	4.9
Utilization and foreign currency impact	(1.6)	(6.0)	(1.7)
Balance at the ending of the period	1.6	2.9	7.4
Asset write-downs | Europe and North America | 2010 Actions
Restructuring reserve
Net pre-tax restructuring charges		0.5	1.7
Utilization and foreign currency impact		(0.5)	(1.7)
Facility exit and other | Europe and North America | 2010 Actions
Restructuring reserve
Net pre-tax restructuring charges	0.3	1.3	4.5
Utilization and foreign currency impact	$ (0.3)	$ (1.3)	$ (4.5)