Total Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning equity		$ 1,798.9		$ 1,798.9		$ 1,798.9
Net income	$ 132.6		$ 114.7			304.3	$ 276.9
Other comprehensive (loss) income						(10.0)
Reclassification of stranded tax effects		30.0				30.0
Ending equity	$ 1,915.6					$ 1,915.6
Cash dividends per common share (USD per share)	$ 0.84		$ 0.77	$ 0.84	$ 0.77	$ 2.52	$ 2.31
Repurchase of common shares allocated to retained earnings						$ 28.6	$ 4.1
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning equity	$ 0.6	0.6	$ 0.6	$ 0.6	$ 0.6	0.6	0.6
Ending equity	0.6		0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6
Additional Paid-in Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning equity	1.2	1.3	2.8	1.3	11.0	1.3	11.0
Stock-based compensation	5.2		3.9	8.3	9.5
Acquisition/surrender of common shares	(5.8)		(6.7)	(8.8)	(18.0)
Directors deferred compensation	0.1		0.2	0.4	0.3
Ending equity	0.7		0.2	1.2	2.8	0.7	0.2
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning equity	2,143.8	2,064.4	1,967.0	2,064.4	1,892.4	2,064.4	1,892.4
Net income	130.7		113.6	168.3	158.6
Reclassification of stranded tax effects				30.0
Acquisition/surrender of common shares	(1.4)		(4.1)	(27.2)
ASC 606 adoption to retained earnings					0.6
Cash dividends declared	(45.6)		(42.4)	(91.7)	(84.6)
Ending equity	2,227.5		2,034.1	2,143.8	1,967.0	2,227.5	2,034.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning equity	(309.7)	(285.7)	(285.5)	(285.7)	(269.8)	(285.7)	(269.8)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(16.0)		5.4	6.0	(15.7)
Reclassification of stranded tax effects				(30.0)
Ending equity	(325.7)		(280.1)	(309.7)	(285.5)	(325.7)	(280.1)
Total Hubbell Shareholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning equity	1,835.9	1,780.6	1,684.9	1,780.6	1,634.2	1,780.6	1,634.2
Net income	130.7		113.6	168.3	158.6
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(16.0)		5.4	6.0	(15.7)
Stock-based compensation	5.2		3.9	8.3	9.5
Acquisition/surrender of common shares	(7.2)		(10.8)	(36.0)	(18.0)
ASC 606 adoption to retained earnings					0.6
Cash dividends declared	(45.6)		(42.4)	(91.7)	(84.6)
Directors deferred compensation	0.1		0.2	0.4	0.3
Ending equity	1,903.1		1,754.8	1,835.9	1,684.9	1,903.1	1,754.8
Non- controlling interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning equity	19.1	$ 18.3	16.9	18.3	13.7	18.3	13.7
Net income	1.9		1.1	3.4	3.6
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(8.5)		(1.0)	(2.6)	(2.8)
Aclara noncontrolling interest					2.4
Ending equity	$ 12.5		$ 17.0	$ 19.1	$ 16.9	$ 12.5	$ 17.0

Acquisition and Surrender of Common Shares

No definition available.

Name:	hubb_AcquisitionandSurrenderofCommonShares
Namespace Prefix:	hubb_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Reclassification from Liability to Equity Award

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hubb_DeferredCompensationArrangementwithIndividualReclassificationfromLiabilitytoEquityAward
Namespace Prefix:	hubb_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Repurchase Of Common Shares, Allocated To Retained Earnings, Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hubb_RepurchaseOfCommonSharesAllocatedToRetainedEarningsAmount
Namespace Prefix:	hubb_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase to additional paid-in capital (APIC) for recognition of cost for option under share-based payment arrangement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate dividends declared during the period for each share of common stock outstanding.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of the related income tax effect of a cumulative effect on retained earnings.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22663-107794

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsTax1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of paid and unpaid common stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash, stock and payment-in-kind (PIK).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 405
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957935&loc=d3e64057-112817

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions by the non-wholly owned subsidiary or partially owned entity, included in the consolidation of the parent entity, to the noncontrolling interest holders.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase in noncontrolling interest from a business combination.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669625-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116874947&loc=SL4591551-111686

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3000-108585

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116874947&loc=SL4591552-111686

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4568740-111683

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4I
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116874947&loc=SL4590271-111686

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4568447-111683

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for reclassification to retained earnings of tax effect from remeasurement of deferred tax pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12A
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL116659650-108580

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ReclassificationFromAociToRetainedEarningsTaxEffect
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_ParentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: