Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 569.6	$ 520.7
Short-term investments	12.8	8.8
Accounts receivable, net	394.3	341.8
Inventories, net	318.3	298.4
Deferred Taxes and Other	58.5	56.4
Total current assets	1,353.5	1,226.1
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	359.6	358.3
Other Assets [Abstract]
Investments	42.0	30.2
Goodwill	727.3	724.0
Intangible assets, net	269.5	273.5
Other long-term assets	94.6	93.7
Total Assets	2,846.5	2,705.8
Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term debt	2.9	1.8
Accounts payable	215.7	160.8
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits	71.1	70.4
Accrued insurance	46.2	48.5
Dividends payable	22.5	21.9
Other accrued liabilities	133.7	141.6
Total current liabilities	492.1	445.0
Long-Term Debt	596.3	595.9
Other	284.6	201.4
Total Liabilities	1,373.0	1,242.3
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value	0.6	0.6
Additional paid-in capital	101.8	201.3
Retained Earnings	1,515.8	1,338.6
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(150.4)	(81.3)
Hubbell Shareholders' Equity	1,467.8	1,459.2
Noncontrolling interest	5.7	4.3
Total Equity	1,473.5	1,463.5
Total Liabilities and Equity	2,846.5	2,705.8
Class A Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value	0.1	0.1
Class B Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.5	$ 0.5