Equity I (Details) (USD $) In Millions	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock par value	$ 0.6	$ 0.6
Additional Paid In Capital	91.2	201.3
Retained Earnings	1,468.3	1,338.6
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Pension and post retirement benefit plan adjustment, net of tax	(91.7)	(95.6)
Cumulative translation adjustment	7.6	14.6
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax	0.9	0.5
Cash flow hedge loss, net of tax	0.2	(0.8)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(83.0)	(81.3)
Hubbell Shareholders' Equity	1,477.1	1,459.2
Noncontrolling interest	5.4	4.3
Total Equity	1,482.5	1,463.5	1,432.9	1,302.0
Class A Common Stock
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock par value	0.1	0.1
Class B Common Stock
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock par value	$ 0.5	$ 0.5