v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Feb. 09, 2012
Class A Common Stock
Feb. 09, 2012
Class B Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]        
Document Type 10-K      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011      
Amendment Flag false      
Entity Registrant Name HUBBELL INCORPORATED      
Entity Central Index Key 0000048898      
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes      
Entity Voluntary Filers Yes      
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31      
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer      
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer Yes      
Entity Public Float   $ 3,555,477,451.0    
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding     7,167,506 52,438,505
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011      
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY