Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 262.0	$ 185.6	$ 202.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax (provision) benefit of $44.2, $7.7 and $(1.4) in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively	(80.3)	(21.7)	28.9
Net unrealized gain (loss) on qualifying cash flow hedges, net of tax (provision) benefit of $(0.4), $0.7 and $(10.8) in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively	1.1	(1.1)	17.4
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(1.6)	(7.6)	6.1
Foreign currency translation adjustments	99.0	(23.6)	(31.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	18.2	(54.0)	21.3
Total comprehensive income	280.2	131.6	224.1
Less: Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3.4	4.9	(2.5)
Total comprehensive income attributable to SPX Corporation common shareholders	$ 276.8	$ 126.7	$ 226.6