Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 2,871.6	$ 2,541.2	$ 2,355.6
Cost of good sold	1,947.9	1,712.5	1,629.7
Gross Profit	923.7	828.7	725.9
Selling & administrative expenses	499.9	460.9	431.2
Operating income	423.8	367.8	294.7
Investment Income	1.3	0.1	0.3
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	(14.7)	0
Interest Expense	30.9	31.1	30.9
Other (expense) income, net	(4.4)	(1.7)	(2.5)
Total other expense, net	(34.0)	(47.4)	(33.1)
Income before income taxes	389.8	320.4	261.6
Provision for income taxes	119.6	101.6	80.3
Net income	270.2	218.8	181.3
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2.3	1.6	1.2
Net income attributable to Hubbell	$ 267.9	$ 217.2	$ 180.1
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]
Basic	$ 4.47	$ 3.61	$ 3.16
Diluted	$ 4.42	$ 3.59	$ 3.15
Cash dividends per common share	$ 1.52	$ 1.44	$ 1.40