Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 63.6	$ 50.7
Foreign currency translation adjustments	12.5	9.1
Amortization of net prior service costs and net actuarial losses, net of tax	2.7	1.4
Change in unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	(0.2)	0
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(0.3)	(0.1)
Other Comprehensive Income	14.7	10.4
Total comprehensive income	78.3	61.1
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.4	0.4
Comprehensive income attributable to Hubbell	$ 77.9	$ 60.7