Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Segment	Mar. 31, 2012
Financial information of reportable segments
Number of operating units	10
Number of reportable segments	4
Net sales	$ 2,872.1	$ 2,810.9
Operating Income	261.7	165.8
Subtotal at fixed currency
Financial information of reportable segments
Net sales	2,861.8	2,795.6
Operating Income	260.9	165.7
Global Industrial
Financial information of reportable segments
Net sales	1,140.7	1,129.9
Operating Income	117.1	98.1
Global Institutional
Financial information of reportable segments
Net sales	974.7	951.3
Operating Income	145.3	132.9
Global Energy
Financial information of reportable segments
Net sales	579.1	538.9
Operating Income	78.8	82.1
Other
Financial information of reportable segments
Net sales	167.3	175.5
Operating Income	20.6	19.9
Corporate
Financial information of reportable segments
Operating Income	(100.9)	(167.3)
Currency impact
Financial information of reportable segments
Net sales	10.3	15.3
Operating Income	0.8	0.1
Intersegment
Financial information of reportable segments
Net sales	$ 0