Special charges (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Industrial Products [Member]
Special Charges [Abstract]
Balance beginning of period	$ 1.8
Charged to expense	0.1
Paid or otherwise settled	(0.1)
Balance end of period	1.8
Industrial Products [Member] | Severance Costs [Member]
Special Charges [Abstract]
Balance beginning of period	0.2
Charged to expense	0.1
Paid or otherwise settled	0
Balance end of period	0.3
Industrial Products [Member] | Other Exit Costs [Member]
Special Charges [Abstract]
Balance beginning of period	1.6
Charged to expense	0
Paid or otherwise settled	(0.1)
Balance end of period	1.5
European Technology Products Segment [Member] | Severance Costs [Member]
Special Charges [Abstract]
Balance beginning of period	3.8
Charged to expense	4.3
Paid or otherwise settled	(1.2)
Balance end of period	6.9
North American Technology Products [Member] | Severance Costs [Member]
Special Charges [Abstract]
Charged to expense	1.8
Balance end of period	1.6
North American Technology Products [Member] | Other Exit Costs [Member]
Special Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring reserve adjustment	0.2
North American Technology Products [Member] | Legal Costs [Member]
Special Charges [Abstract]
Charged to expense	$ 0.1