Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net income	$ 185.6	$ 202.8	$ 16.2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefit (provision) of $7.7, ($1.4) and $56.5 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively	(21.7)	28.9	(95.2)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on qualifying cash flow hedges, net of tax benefit (provision) of $0.7, ($10.8) and ($6.7) in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively	(1.1)	17.4	10.9
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(7.6)	6.1
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(23.6)	(31.1)	51.4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(54.0)	21.3	(32.9)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	131.6	224.1	(16.7)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	4.9	(2.5)	(14.7)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SPX Corporation common shareholders	$ 126.7	$ 226.6	$ (2.0)