Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Feb. 06, 2013 Class A Common Stock	Feb. 06, 2013 Class B Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
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		$ 4,215,214,530.00
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding			7,167,506	52,126,812.00
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 3,044.4	$ 2,871.6	$ 2,541.2
Cost of good sold	2,032.2	1,947.9	1,712.5
Gross Profit	1,012.2	923.7	828.7
Selling & administrative expenses	540.4	499.9	460.9
Operating income	471.8	423.8	367.8
Interest Expense	(30.8)	(30.9)	(31.1)
Investment Income	1.8	1.3	0.1
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	(14.7)
Other (expense) income, net	(1.0)	(4.4)	(1.7)
Total other expense, net	(30.0)	(34.0)	(47.4)
Income before income taxes	441.8	389.8	320.4
Provision for income taxes	139.7	119.6	101.6
Net income	302.1	270.2	218.8
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2.4	2.3	1.6
Net income attributable to Hubbell	$ 299.7	$ 267.9	$ 217.2
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]
Basic	$ 5.05	$ 4.47	$ 3.61
Diluted	$ 5.00	$ 4.42	$ 3.59
Cash dividends per common share	$ 1.68	$ 1.52	$ 1.44

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
StatementOfComprehensiveIncome[Abstract]
Profit Loss	$ 302.1	$ 270.2	$ 218.8
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8.3	(12.1)	11.9
Adjustment to pension and other benefit plans, net of tax	23.6	(58.1)	(23.9)
Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax	(0.3)	0.5	0
OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax	(0.3)	0.6	(0.5)
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax	31.3	(69.1)	(12.5)
ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	333.4	201.1	206.3
ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	2.4	2.3	1.6
Comprehensive income attributable to Hubbell	$ 331.0	$ 198.8	$ 204.7

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract
Adjustment to pension and other benefit plans tax impact	$ 14.2	$ 36.0	$ 9.7
Unrealized gain or loss on investment tax impact	0.1	0.3	0
Unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedge tax impact	$ 0.2	$ 0.3	$ 0.4

- Definition

Tax effect of the increase (decrease) in the value of the projected benefit obligation and the (increase) decrease in the value of the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tax effect of the change in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Also includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss).

+ References+ Details

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 645.0	$ 569.6
Short-term investments	8.8	12.8
Accounts receivable, net	405.2	394.3
Inventories, net	341.7	318.3
Deferred Taxes and Other	55.5	58.5
Total current assets	1,456.2	1,353.5
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	364.7	359.6
Other Assets [Abstract]
Investments	36.7	42.0
Goodwill	755.5	727.3
Intangible assets, net	288.1	269.5
Other long-term assets	45.8	94.6
Total Assets	2,947.0	2,846.5
Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term debt	0	2.9
Accounts payable	213.1	215.7
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits	75.4	71.1
Accrued insurance	39.6	46.2
Dividends payable	0	22.5
Other accrued liabilities	119.3	133.7
Total current liabilities	447.4	492.1
Long-Term Debt	596.7	596.3
Other	235.0	284.6
Total Liabilities	1,279.1	1,373.0
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value	0.6	0.6
Additional paid-in capital	64.0	101.8
Retained Earnings	1,715.7	1,515.8
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(119.1)	(150.4)
Hubbell Shareholders' Equity	1,661.2	1,467.8
Noncontrolling interest	6.7	5.7
Total Equity	1,667.9	1,473.5
Total Liabilities and Equity	2,947.0	2,846.5
Class A Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value	0.1	0.1
Total Equity	0.1	0.1
Class B Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value	0.5	0.5
Total Equity	$ 0.5	$ 0.5

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Par Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Class A Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	7,167,506	7,167,506
Class B Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Shares Authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	52,069,205	52,071,067

- Definition

Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation.

+ References+ Details

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income	$ 302.1	$ 270.2	$ 218.8
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:[Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	66.8	68.2	72.5
Deferred income taxes	27.5	18.8	25.0
Stock-based compensation	15.8	15.1	11.4
Tax benefit on stock-based awards	(15.6)	(8.2)	(9.7)
Loss (Gain) on sale of assets	0.4	(3.9)	1.3
Changes in assets and liabilities:[Abstract]
Increase in accounts receivable, net	(1.8)	(51.6)	(26.1)
Increase in inventories, net	(11.8)	(16.4)	(32.6)
Increase (Decrease) in current liabilities	(31.7)	46.5	19.8
Changes in other assets and liabilities, net	20.7	22.8	9.7
Contribution to qualified defined benefit pension plans	(22.6)	(22.7)	(23.7)
Other, net	(0.7)	(3.8)	(0.2)
Net cash provided by operating activities	349.1	335.0	266.2
Cash Flows from Investing Activities [Abstract]
Capital expenditures	(49.1)	(55.4)	(47.3)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(90.7)	(29.6)	0
ProceedsFromPreviousAcquisition	6.8	0	0
Purchases of available-for-sale investments	(9.5)	(23.8)	(25.4)
Proceeds from available-for-sale investments	19.4	9.4	14.9
Proceeds from disposition of assets	4.8	9.6	1.9
Other, net	2.2	3.3	1.2
Net cash used in investing activities	(116.1)	(86.5)	(54.7)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities [Abstract]
Issuance of short-term debt	0.2	1.4	3.4
Payment of short-term debt	(3.1)	0	(1.7)
Issuance of long-term debt, net	0	0	297.5
Payment of longt-term debt	0	0	(200.0)
Debt issuance costs	0	(1.1)	(2.7)
Payment of dividends	(122.3)	(90.1)	(85.6)
Payment of dividends to noncontrolling interest	(1.3)	(0.9)	(1.1)
Acquisition of common shares	(75.6)	(137.7)	(23.3)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	24.8	21.9	49.3
Tax benefit on stock-based awards	15.6	8.2	9.7
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(161.7)	(198.3)	45.5
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	4.1	(1.3)	5.2
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	75.4	48.9	262.2
Cash and cash equivalents [Abstract]
Beginning of period	569.6	520.7	258.5
End of period	$ 645.0	$ 569.6	$ 520.7

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital Member	Retained Earnings Member	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Member	Total Hubbell Shareholders Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Equity, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2009		$ 0.1	$ 0.5	$ 158.4	$ 1,208.0	$ (68.8)	$ 1,298.2	$ 3.8
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	218.8				217.2		217.2	1.6
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax	(12.5)					(12.5)	(12.5)
Stock-based compensation				11.4			11.4
Exercise of stock options	49.3			49.3			49.3
Income tax windfall (shortfall) from stock-based awards, net				9.4			9.4
Acquisition and surrender of common shares				(27.2)			(27.2)
Cash dividends declared					(86.6)		(86.6)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest								1.1
Equity, end of period at Dec. 31, 2010		0.1	0.5	201.3	1,338.6	(81.3)	1,459.2	4.3
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, par value	0.6	0.1	0.5
Net income	270.2				267.9		267.9	2.3
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax	(69.1)					(69.1)	(69.1)
Stock-based compensation				15.1			15.1
Exercise of stock options	21.9			21.9			21.9
Income tax windfall (shortfall) from stock-based awards, net				8.1			8.1
Acquisition and surrender of common shares				(144.6)			(144.6)
Cash dividends declared					(90.7)		(90.7)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest								0.9
Equity, end of period at Dec. 31, 2011	1,473.5	0.1	0.5	101.8	1,515.8	(150.4)	1,467.8
Equity, beginning of period at Sep. 30, 2011
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, par value	0.6	0.1	0.5
Net income	70.5
Equity, end of period at Dec. 31, 2011	1,473.5	0.1	0.5	101.8	1,515.8	(150.4)	1,467.8
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, par value	0.6	0.1	0.5
Net income	302.1				299.7		299.7	2.4
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax	31.3					31.3	31.3
Stock-based compensation				15.4			15.4
Exercise of stock options	24.8			24.8			24.8
Income tax windfall (shortfall) from stock-based awards, net				15.1			15.1
Acquisition and surrender of common shares				(93.1)			(93.1)
Cash dividends declared					(99.8)		(99.8)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest								1.4
Equity, end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	1,667.9	0.1	0.5	64.0	1,715.7	(119.1)	1,661.2	6.7
Equity, beginning of period at Sep. 30, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, par value	0.6	0.1	0.5
Net income	72.9
Equity, end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 1,667.9	$ 0.1	$ 0.5

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 Class A Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2011 Class A Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2010 Class A Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2009 Class A Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2012 Class B Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2011 Class B Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2010 Class B Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2009 Class B Common Stock
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared	$ 1.68	$ 1.52	$ 1.44
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Shares Authorized				50,000,000	50,000,000			150,000,000	150,000,000
Common Stock Shares Outstanding				7,167,506	7,167,506	7,167,000	7,167,000	52,069,205	52,071,067	53,601,000	52,554,000

- Definition

Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation.

+ References+ Details

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation And Accounting Pronouncement [Text Block]

Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in prior year financial statements and notes to conform to the current year presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include all subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company participates in two joint ventures, one of which is accounted for using the equity method, the other has been consolidated in accordance with the consolidation accounting guidance. An analysis is performed to determine which reporting entity, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) with a primarily qualitative analysis. The qualitative analysis is based on identifying the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance (the “power criterion”) and the obligation to absorb losses from or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE (the “losses/benefit criterion”). The party that meets both these criteria is deemed to have a controlling financial interest. The party with the controlling financial interest is considered to be the primary beneficiary and as a result is required to consolidate the VIE. The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture in Hong Kong, established as Hubbell Asia Limited (“HAL”). The principal objective of HAL is to manage the operations of its wholly-owned manufacturing company in China. Under the accounting guidance, the Company is the primary beneficiary of HAL and as a result consolidates HAL. This determination is based on the fact that HAL's sole business purpose is to manufacture product exclusively for the Company (the power criterion) and the Company is financially responsible for ensuring HAL maintains a fixed operating margin (the losses/benefit criterion). The consolidation of HAL is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from the estimates that are used.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is determinable and collection is probable. Product is considered delivered to the customer once it has been shipped and title and risk of loss have been transferred. The majority of the Company's revenue is recognized at the time of shipment. The Company recognizes less than one percent of total annual consolidated net revenue from post shipment obligations and service contracts, primarily within the Electrical segment. Revenue is recognized under these contracts when the service is completed and all conditions of sale have been met. In addition, within the Electrical segment, certain businesses sell large and complex equipment which requires construction and assembly and occasionally has long lead times. It is customary in these businesses to require a portion of the selling price to be paid in advance of construction. These payments are treated as deferred revenue and are classified in Other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Once the equipment is shipped to the customer and meets the revenue recognition criteria, the deferred revenue is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Further, certain of our businesses account for sales discounts and allowances based on sales volumes, specific programs and customer deductions, as is customary in the electrical products industry. These items primarily relate to sales volume incentives, special pricing allowances, and returned goods. Sales volume incentives represent rebates with specific sales volume targets for specific customers. Certain distributors qualify for price rebates by subsequently reselling the Company's products into select channels of end users. Following a distributor's sale of an eligible product, the distributor submits a claim for a price rebate. Customers have a right to return goods under certain circumstances which are reasonably estimable by affected businesses. Customer returns have historically ranged from 1%-3% of gross sales.

These arrangements require us to estimate at the time of sale the amounts that should not be recorded as revenue as these amounts are not expected to be collected from customers. The Company principally relies on historical experience, specific customer agreements and anticipated future trends to estimate these amounts at the time of shipment.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

The Company records shipping and handling costs as part of Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Any amounts billed to customers for reimbursement of shipping and handling are included in Net sales in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Foreign Currency Translation

The assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the year, and income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the year. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on the translated amounts of foreign currency assets and liabilities are included as translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive loss within Hubbell shareholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Investments

Investments in debt and equity securities are classified by individual security as available-for-sale, held-to-maturity or trading investments. Our available-for-sale investments, consisting of municipal bonds, are carried on the balance sheet at fair value with current period adjustments to carrying value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss within Hubbell shareholders' equity, net of tax. Realized gains and losses are recorded in income in the period of sale. The Company's trading investments are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and consist primarily of debt and equity mutual funds. Gains and losses associated with these trading investments are reflected in the results of operations. The Company did not have any investments classified as held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Accounts Receivable and Allowances

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an estimated amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. The allowance is calculated based upon a combination of historical write-off experience, fixed percentages applied to aging categories and specific identification based upon a review of past due balances and problem accounts. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when it is determined that internal collection efforts should no longer be pursued. The Company also maintains a reserve for credit memos, cash discounts and product returns which are principally calculated based upon historical experience, specific customer agreements, as well as anticipated future trends.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. The cost of substantially all domestic inventories (approximately 84% of total net inventory value) is determined utilizing the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of inventory accounting. The cost of foreign inventories and certain domestic inventories is determined utilizing average cost or first-in, first-out (FIFO) methods of inventory accounting. Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory are provided based on current assessments about future demand compared to on-hand quantities.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment values are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repair expenditures that do not significantly increase the life of an asset are charged to expense when incurred. Property, plant and equipment placed in service prior to January 1, 1999 are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, principally using accelerated methods. Assets placed in service subsequent to January 1, 1999 are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, using straight-line methods. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Gains and losses arising on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are included in Operating income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Capitalized Computer Software Costs

Capitalized computer software costs, net of amortization, were $8.7 million and $8.4 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. This balance is reflected in Other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Capitalized computer software costs primarily consist of purchased materials and services. Software is amortized on a straight-line basis over appropriate periods, generally five years. The Company recorded amortization expense of $3.5 million, $4.8 million and $8.1 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, relating to capitalized computer software.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired companies. Indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill are subject to annual impairment testing using the specific guidance and criteria described in the accounting guidance. The Company performs its goodwill impairment testing as of April 1st of each year, unless circumstances dictate the need for more frequent assessments. Goodwill impairment testing involves a two-step process. Step 1 compares the fair value of the Company's reporting units to their carrying values. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis is necessary. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Step 2 must be completed to quantify the amount of impairment. In 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended the goodwill guidance by providing entities an option to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. The Company elected to bypass the qualitative assessment option for its 2012 goodwill impairment testing and proceeded directly to Step 1 of the two step impairment process; however the Company may elect to use the qualitative assessment option in future years.

Goodwill impairment testing requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. Significant judgments required to estimate the fair value of reporting units include estimating future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates and other assumptions. The Company uses internal discounted cash flow estimates to determine fair value. These cash flow estimates are derived from historical experience and future long-term business plans and the application of an appropriate discount rate. The aggregate fair value of the Company's reporting units is compared to the Company's market capitalization on the valuation date to assess its reasonableness. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or goodwill impairment for each reporting unit.

As of April 1, 2012, the impairment testing resulted in fair values for each reporting unit that substantially exceeded the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. The Company did not have any reporting units at risk of failing Step 1 of the impairment test as the excess of the estimated fair value over carrying value (expressed as a percentage of carrying value) ranged from approximately 75% to approximately 320% for the respective reporting units. Additionally, the Company did not have any reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The Company has not recorded any goodwill impairments since the initial adoption of the accounting guidance in 2002. The Company also performed its annual impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets which resulted in no impairment in 2012, 2011 or 2010. Intangible assets with definite lives are being amortized over periods generally ranging from 5-30 years.

Other Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews depreciable long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. If such a change in circumstances occurs, the related estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is compared to the carrying amount. If the sum of the expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, an impairment charge is recorded. The impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. The fair value of impaired assets is determined using expected cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and appraisals as appropriate. The Company did not record any material impairment charges in 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Accrued Insurance

The Company retains a significant portion of the risks associated with workers' compensation, medical, automobile and general liability insurance. The Company estimates self-insurance liabilities using a number of factors, including historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. The accrued liabilities associated with these programs are based on the Company's estimate of the ultimate costs to settle known claims as well as claims incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. The Company periodically reviews the assumptions with a third party actuary to determine the adequacy of these self-insurance reserves.

Income Taxes

The Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in these jurisdictions. The IRS and other tax authorities routinely review the Company's tax returns. These audits can involve complex issues which may require an extended period of time to resolve. The Company makes adequate provisions for best estimates of exposures on previously filed tax returns. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequence of differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities by applying the currently enacted statutory tax rates in accordance with the accounting guidance for income taxes. The effect of a change in statutory tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, deferred tax assets are required to be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company uses factors to assess the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets such as the forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the deferred tax assets.

In addition, the accounting guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of the tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For any amount of benefit to be recognized, it must be determined that it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The amount of benefit to be recognized is based on the Company's assertion of the most likely outcome resulting from an examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. Companies are required to adjust their financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. See also Note 12 — Income Taxes.

Research and Development

Research and development expenditures represent costs to discover and/or apply new knowledge in developing a new product, process, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process. Research and development expenses are recorded as a component of Cost of goods sold. Expenses for research and development were less than 2% of Cost of goods sold for each of the years 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Retirement Benefits

The Company maintains various defined benefit pension plans for some of its U.S. and foreign employees. The accounting guidance for retirement benefits requires the Company to recognize the funded status of its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and transition assets or obligations that have not yet been included in net periodic benefit cost as of the end of the year are recognized as components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, within Hubbell shareholders' equity. The Company's policy is to fund pension costs within the ranges prescribed by applicable regulations. In addition to providing defined benefit pension benefits, the Company provides health care and life insurance benefits for some of its active and retired employees. The Company's policy is to fund these benefits through insurance premiums or as actual expenditures are made. See also Note 10 — Retirement Benefits.

Earnings Per Share

The earnings per share accounting guidance requires use of the two-class method in determining earnings per share. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and participating securities. Restricted stock granted by the Company is considered a participating security since it contains a non-forfeitable right to dividends. Basic earnings per share is calculated as net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Earnings per diluted share is calculated as net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding of common stock plus the incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options, stock appreciation rights and performance shares. See also Note 18 — Earnings Per Share.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes the grant-date fair value of all stock-based awards on a straight-line basis over their respective requisite service periods (generally equal to an award's vesting period). A stock-based award is considered vested for expense attribution purposes when the retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation cost immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible individuals or over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if less than the stated vesting period. The expense is recorded in Cost of goods sold and S&A expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income based on the recipients' respective functions within the organization.

The Company records deferred tax assets for awards that will result in deductions on its tax returns, based upon the amount of compensation cost recognized and the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which it will receive a deduction. Differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported in the Company's tax return are recorded to Additional paid-in capital to the extent that previously recognized credits to paid-in capital are still available. See also Note 17 — Stock-Based Compensation.

Derivatives

In order to limit financial risk in the management of its assets, liabilities and debt, the Company may use derivative financial instruments such as foreign currency hedges, commodity hedges, interest rate hedges and interest rate swaps. All derivative financial instruments are matched with an existing Company asset, liability or proposed transaction. The Company does not speculate or use leverage when trading a derivative product. Market value gains or losses on the derivative financial instrument are recognized in income when the effects of the related price changes of the underlying asset or liability are recognized in income. See Note 14 – Fair Value Measurement for more information regarding our derivative instruments.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to provide a consistent definition of fair value and to ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This amendment changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. This amendment was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2012 and it did not have a material impact to its financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB amended the guidance regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance requires an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive statements. Although the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income. The Company elected to report other comprehensive income and its components in a separate statement of comprehensive income and adopted the amendment effective January 1, 2012.

In December 2011, the FASB amended the disclosure requirements regarding offsetting assets and liabilities of derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements, reverse sale and repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The enhanced disclosures will require entities to provide both gross and net information for these assets and liabilities. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company does not anticipate that this amendment will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In July 2012, the FASB amended its guidance related to indefinite-lived intangibles by providing entities an option to use a qualitative approach to test these assets for impairment. An entity will be able to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is concluded that this is the case, then the entity must perform a quantitative impairment test. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this amendment will not have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

Business Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 2— Business Acquisitions

The Company periodically reviews acquisition targets that it believes will be a complementary strategic fit to its existing product portfolio. During 2012, the Company completed four acquisitions totaling $90.7 million, net of cash acquired. Three of these acquisitions were added to the Electrical segment, while one was added to the Power segment.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Vantage Technology, LLC (“Vantage”) for $10.4 million, net of cash received. Vantage manufactures connectors and boxes for use in harsh and hazardous locations. The acquisition of Vantage resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of $3.8 million and goodwill of $5.2 million. The $3.8 million of intangible assets consists primarily of customer relationships, tradenames and non compete agreements that will be amortized over a weighted average period of 15 years. All of the intangible assets and goodwill are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The Company also completed the acquisition of an enclosure and switching product line for $27.3 million, net of cash received, during the fourth quarter of 2012. This acquisition has been added to the Power Segment and has resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of $8.7 million and goodwill of $14.5 million. The $8.7 million of intangible assets consists primarily of patents, tradenames and customer relationships that will be amortized over a weighted average period of 16 years. All of the intangible assets and goodwill are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

During the second quarter of 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of the majority of the net assets of TayMac Corporation (“TayMac”) for $42.1 million, net of cash received. TayMac designs and sells enclosures and boxes. This acquisition has been added to the Electrical segment and has resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of $18.4 million and goodwill of $15.8 million. The $18.4 million of intangible assets consists primarily of customer relationships, patents and tradenames that will be amortized over a weighted average period of 16 years. All of the intangible assets and goodwill are expected to be deductible for tax purposes

The Company completed the acquisition of Cableform Inc. (“Cableform”) for $10.9 million, net of cash received, during the first quarter of 2012. Cableform designs and manufactures motor controls principally for the steel and mining industries. The Cableform acquisition has resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of $4.5 million and goodwill of $4.5 million. The $4.5 million of intangible assets consists primarily of customer relationships and tradenames that are expected to be amortized over 20 years. None of the intangible assets or goodwill are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Each of these acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations and have resulted in the recognition of goodwill. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition related to these transactions:


Tangible assets acquired	$	22.3
Intangible assets		35.4
Goodwill		40.0
Liabilities assumed		(7.0)
Total cash consideration	$	90.7

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the results of operations of the acquired businesses from their respective dates of acquisition. These acquisitions contributed approximately $28 million to net sales during 2012, while earnings were not significant to the consolidated results. Pro forma information related to these acquisitions has not been included because the impact to the Company's consolidated results of operations was not material.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph F4

-Subparagraph e

-Appendix F

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141

-Paragraph 51, 52

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 7

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1524-128463

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 67-73

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6996-128479

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1383-128463

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7000-128479

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4922-128472

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 88-16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1500-128463

+ Details

Recievables and Allowances

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Receivables and Allowances [Abstract]

Receivables And Allowances Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 3 — Receivables and Allowances

Receivables consist of the following components at December 31, (in millions):

	2012		2011
Trade accounts receivable	$	421.2	$	407.7
Non-trade receivables		10.2		12.4
Accounts receivable, gross		431.4		420.1
Allowance for credit memos, returns, and cash discounts		(23.0)		(22.8)
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(3.2)		(3.0)
Total allowances		(26.2)		(25.8)
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET	$	405.2	$	394.3

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a entity, excluding financing receivables. Examples include, but are not limited to, trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Includes disclosure for allowance for credit losses.

+ References

+ Details

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 4 — Inventories

Inventories are classified as follows at December 31, (in millions):

	2012		2011
Raw material	$	118.4	$	122.2
Work-in-process		81.8		71.3
Finished goods		226.5		213.3
		426.7		406.8
Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost basis		(85.0)		(88.5)
INVENTORIES, NET	$	341.7	$	318.3

The Company did not record any significant LIFO liquidations in 2011 or 2010.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for inventory. This may include, but is not limited to, the basis of stating inventory, the method of determining inventory cost, the major classes of inventory, and the nature of the cost elements included in inventory. If inventory is stated above cost, accrued net losses on firm purchase commitments for inventory and losses resulting from valuing inventory at the lower-of-cost-or-market may also be included. For LIFO inventory, may disclose the amount and basis for determining the excess of replacement or current cost over stated LIFO value and the effects of a LIFO quantities liquidation that impacts net income.

+ References+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 5 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, by segment, were as follows (in millions):

	Segment
	Electrical		Power		Total
Balance December 31, 2010	$	448.2	$	275.8	$	724.0
Acquisitions		5.3		-		5.3
Translation adjustments		(0.5)		(1.5)		(2.0)
Balance December 31, 2011	$	453.0	$	274.3	$	727.3
Acquisitions		18.6		7.7		26.3
Translation adjustments		3.0		(1.1)		1.9
Balance December 31, 2012	$	474.6	$	280.9	$	755.5

In 2012, the Company completed four acquisitions for $90.7 million, net of cash received. These acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations and have resulted in the recognition of $40.0 million of goodwill. See also Note 2 -Business Acquisitions.

During 2012, the Company received $6.8 million in cash from funds held in escrow related to a 2008 acquisition in the Power segment. In addition, the Company recorded a $6.9 million reduction of goodwill primarily related to the recording of additional foreign tax credits. These foreign tax credits relate to a 2009 acquisition in the Electrical segment.

The Company has not recorded any goodwill impairments since the initial adoption of the accounting guidance in 2002.

Identifiable intangible assets are recorded in Intangible assets and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of the following (in millions):

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Definite-lived:
Patents, tradenames and trademarks	$	102.8	$	(23.0)	$	86.6	$	(19.0)
Customer/agent relationships and other		212.7		(60.8)		192.3		(46.5)
Total Definite-lived Intangibles		315.5		(83.8)		278.9		(65.5)
Indefinite-lived:
Tradenames and other		56.4		-		56.1		-
Total Intangible Assets	$	371.9	$	(83.8)	$	335.0	$	(65.5)

Amortization expense associated with these definite-lived intangible assets was $18.1 million, $16.6 million and $16.5 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Amortization expense associated with these intangible assets is expected to be $18.6 million in 2013, $18.0 million in 2014, $16.4 million in 2015, $15.7 million in 2016 and $14.5 million in 2017.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References+ Details

Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Investments Disclosure [Abstract]

Investments Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 6 — Investments

At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had both available-for-sale and trading investments. The available-for-sale investments consisted entirely of municipal bonds while the trading investments were comprised primarily of debt and equity mutual funds. These investments are stated at fair market value based on current quotes.

The following table sets forth selected data with respect to the Company's investments at December 31, (in millions):

	2012										2011
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Carrying Value

Available-For-Sale Investments	$	38.5	$	1.2	$	-	$	39.7	$	39.7	$	49.3	$	1.5	$	-	$	50.8	$	50.8
Trading Investments		4.7		1.1		-		5.8		5.8		3.4		0.6		-		4.0		4.0
Total Investments	$	43.2	$	2.3	$	-	$	45.5	$	45.5	$	52.7	$	2.1	$	-	$	54.8	$	54.8

Contractual maturities of available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2012 were as follows (in millions):

	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Available-For-Sale Investments
Due within 1 year	$	8.7	$	8.8
After 1 year but within 5 years		20.4		21.2
After 5 years but within 10 years		8.4		8.7
Due after 10 years		1.0		1.0
Total	$	38.5	$	39.7

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the total net of tax unrealized gains recorded relating to available-for-sale securities were $0.7 and $1.0 million, respectively. These net unrealized gains have been included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. Net unrealized gains relating to trading investments have been reflected in the results of operations. The cost basis used in computing the gain or loss on these securities was through specific identification. Gains and losses for both available-for-sale and trading securities were not material in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for investments in certain debt and equity securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-Glossary Debt Security

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379141&loc=d3e15032-111544

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 320

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27290-111563

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 10

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27405-111563

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27232-111563

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-Glossary Equity Security

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6511694

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 137

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Property,Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 7 — Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment, carried at cost, is summarized as follows at December 31, (in millions):

	2012		2011
Land	$	43.2	$	42.9
Buildings and improvements		234.8		228.3
Machinery, tools, and equipment		669.9		648.5
Construction-in-progress		24.5		17.8
Gross property, plant, and equipment		972.4		937.5
Less accumulated depreciation		(607.7)		(577.9)
Net property, plant, and equipment	$	364.7	$	359.6

Depreciable lives on buildings range between 20-40 years. Depreciable lives on machinery, tools, and equipment range between 3-20 years. The Company recorded depreciation expense of $44.1 million, $45.8 million and $47.1 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References+ Details

Retirement Beneifts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 10 — Retirement Benefits

The Company has funded and unfunded non-contributory U.S. and foreign defined benefit pension plans. Benefits under these plans are generally provided based on either years of service and final average pay or a specified dollar amount per year of service.

Effective January 1, 2004, the defined benefit pension plans for U.S. salaried and non-collectively bargained hourly employees were closed to employees hired on or after January 1, 2004. Effective January 1, 2006, the defined benefit pension plan for the Hubbell Canada salaried employees was closed to existing employees who did not meet certain age and service requirements as well as all new employees hired on or after January 1, 2006. Effective January 1, 2007 the defined benefit pension plan for Hubbell's UK operations was closed to all new employees hired on or after January 1, 2007. These U.S., Canadian and UK employees are eligible instead for defined contribution plans. On December 3, 2002, the Company closed its Retirement Plan for Directors to all new directors appointed after that date. Effective December 31, 2007, benefits accrued under this plan for eligible active directors were converted to an actuarial lump sum equivalent and transferred to the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.

The Company also has a number of health care and life insurance benefit plans covering eligible employees who reached retirement age while working for the Company. These benefits have been discontinued for substantially all future retirees. The Company anticipates future cost-sharing changes for its discontinued plans that are consistent with past practices.

The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all of its plans. There were no amendments made in 2012 or 2011 to the defined benefit pension plans which had a significant impact on the total pension benefit obligation.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligations and the plan assets for the Company's defined benefit pension and other benefit plans at December 31, (in millions):

	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	832.4	$	722.5	$	33.7	$	33.0
Service cost		16.0		13.6		-		-
Interest cost		36.5		38.1		1.3		1.6
Plan participants’ contributions		0.7		0.7		-		-
Actuarial loss (gain)		24.2		90.6		(2.4)		1.8
Currency impact		3.9		(0.5)		-		-
Other		(0.5)		(1.0)		-		(0.3)
Benefits paid		(33.7)		(31.6)		(2.2)		(2.4)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	879.5	$	832.4	$	30.4	$	33.7
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	647.6	$	622.0	$	-	$	-
Actual return on plan assets		82.8		31.7		-		-
Employer contributions		25.1		25.4		-		-
Plan participants’ contributions		0.7		0.7		-		-
Currency impact		3.8		(0.6)		-		-
Benefits paid		(33.7)		(31.6)		-		-
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	726.3	$	647.6	$	-	$	-
FUNDED STATUS	$	(153.2)	$	(184.8)	$	(30.4)	$	(33.7)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Prepaid pensions (included in Other long-term assets)	$	5.6	$	6.0	$	-	$	-
Accrued benefit liability (short-term and long-term)		(158.8)		(190.8)		(30.4)		(33.7)
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet	$	(153.2)	$	(184.8)	$	(30.4)	$	(33.7)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) consist of:
Net actuarial loss	$	208.9	$	245.3	$	0.4	$	2.6
Prior service cost (credit)		0.8		1.0		(7.1)		(8.1)
Net amount recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	209.7	$	246.3	$	(6.7)	$	(5.5)

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $824.1 million and $773.0 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Information with respect to plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets is as follows, (in millions):

	2012		2011
Projected benefit obligation	$	765.9	$	764.0
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	725.0	$	717.6
Fair value of plan assets	$	607.1	$	573.1

The following table sets forth the components of pension and other benefit costs for the years ended December 31, (in millions):

	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2012		2011		2010		2012		2011		2010

Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	16.0	$	13.6	$	12.7	$	-	$	-	$	0.3
Interest cost		36.5		38.1		37.8		1.3		1.6		2.1
Expected return on plan assets		(39.9)		(41.8)		(41.7)		-		-		-
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		0.2		0.2		0.3		(1.0)		(1.0)		(0.3)
Amortization of actuarial losses		17.4		8.4		5.4		-		-		-
Curtailment and settlement losses (gains)		-		(0.1)		(0.1)		-		-		(0.6)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	30.2	$	18.4	$	14.4	$	0.3	$	0.6	$	1.5
Changes recognized in other comprehensive loss (income), before tax:
Current year net actuarial (gain)/loss	$	(19.1)	$	99.8	$	46.7	$	(2.5)	$	1.8	$	2.1
Current year prior service (cost)/credit		-		-		-		-		-		(7.6)
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit		(0.2)		(0.2)		(0.3)		1.0		1.0		0.9
Amortization of net actuarial loss		(17.4)		(8.4)		(5.4)		-		-		-
Currency impact		(0.2)		0.1		(3.3)		-		-		-
Other adjustments		0.3		-		0.5		0.3		-		-
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss		(36.6)		91.3		38.2		(1.2)		2.8		(4.6)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	$	(6.4)	$	109.7	$	52.6	$	(0.9)	$	3.4	$	(3.1)
Amortization expected to be recognized through income during 2013
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)	$	0.2					$	(1.0)
Amortization of net loss		13.5						(0.1)
Total expected to be recognized through income during next fiscal year	$	13.7					$	(1.1)

The Company also maintains six defined contribution pension plans. The total cost of these plans was $10.5 million in 2012, $9.7 million in 2011 and $6.1 million in 2010, excluding the employer match for the 401(k) plan. This cost is not included in the above net periodic benefit cost for the defined benefit pension plans.

In addition, the Company participates in four multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union represented employees. Of these four plans, three are considered to be less than 65 percent funded. The Company's total contributions to these plans was $0.7 million in each of the three years ending December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. These contributions represent more than five percent of the total contributions made to each of these plans during the past three years. After assessing future required contributions and/or the potential liabilities associated with withdrawing from these plans, the Company has concluded that none of these plans are significant.

Assumptions

The following assumptions were used to determine the projected benefit obligations at the measurement date and the net periodic benefit cost for the year:

	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2012		2011		2010		2012		2011		2010

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31,
Discount rate	4.22	%	4.42	%	5.38	%	4.20	%	4.40	%	5.40	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.11	%	3.53	%	3.56	%	3.00	%	3.50	%	3.50	%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31,
Discount rate	4.42	%	5.38	%	5.96	%	4.40	%	5.40	%	6.00	%
Expected return on plan assets	6.50	%	7.00	%	7.50	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase	3.53	%	3.56	%	3.57	%	3.50	%	3.50	%	3.50	%

At the end of each year, the Company determines the appropriate expected return on assets for each plan based upon its strategic asset allocation (see discussion below). In making this determination, the Company utilizes expected returns for each asset class based upon current market conditions and expected risk premiums for each asset class.

At the end of each year, the Company determines the discount rate to be used to calculate the present value of pension plan liabilities. This discount rate is determined by matching the expected cash flows associated with our benefit obligations to a yield curve based on high quality, fixed income debt instruments with maturities that closely match the expected funding period of our pension liability. In 2012, the Company reduced the population of bonds used to derive this yield curve for the U.S. and Canadian plans with the adoption of a bond matching approach which incorporates a selection of bonds that align with our projected benefit obligations. This change results in an estimate of a discount rate that more accurately reflects the settlement value of our plan obligations than the yield curve methodology used in previous years and it is more reflective of the process the Company would employ to settle its pension obligations.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company used a discount rate of 4.2% for its U.S. pension plans compared to a discount rate of 4.4% used in 2011. A similar methodology was utilized for its Canadian pension plan resulting in a discount rate of 4.1%. For its UK plan the discount rate was derived using a yield curve approach. The curve is fitted to the yields on AA bonds in the Barclays Capital Sterling Aggregate Corporate Index and uses sample plan cash flow data as a proxy to plan specific liability cash flows. The derived discount rate is the single discount rate equivalent to discounting these liability cash flows at the term-dependent spot rate of AA corporate bonds. This methodology resulted in a December 31, 2012 discount rate for the UK plan of 4.5%.

The rate of compensation increase assumption reflects the Company's actual experience and best estimate of future increases.

The assumed health care cost trend rates used to determine the projected postretirement benefit obligation are as follows:

	Other Benefits
	2012	2011	2010

Assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31,
Health care cost trend assumed for next year	8.8%	9.0%	9.0%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline	5.0%	5.0%	5.0%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2028	2028	2028

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement benefit plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in millions):

	One Percentage Point Increase		One Percentage Point Decrease

Effect on total of service and interest cost	$	0.1	$	(0.1)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	1.7	$	(1.5)

Plan Assets

The Company's combined targeted and actual domestic and foreign pension plans weighted average asset allocation at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 by asset category are as follows:

	Percentage of Plan Assets
	Target		Actual
Asset Category	2013		2012		2011
Equity securities	38	%	40	%	40	%
Debt securities & Cash	42	%	43	%	41	%
Alternative Investments	20	%	17	%	19	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%

At the end of each year, the Company estimates the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets based on the strategic asset allocation for its plans. In making this determination, the Company utilizes expected rates of return for each asset class based upon current market conditions and expected risk premiums for each asset class. The Company has written investment policies and asset allocation guidelines for its domestic and foreign pension plans. In establishing these policies, the Company has considered that its various pension plans are a major retirement vehicle for most plan participants and has acted to discharge its fiduciary responsibilities with regard to the plans solely in the interest of such participants and their beneficiaries. The goal underlying the establishment of the investment policies is to provide that pension assets shall be invested in a prudent manner and so that, together with the expected contributions to the plans, the funds will be sufficient to meet the obligations of the plans as they become due. To achieve this result, the Company conducts a periodic strategic asset allocation study to form a basis for the allocation of pension assets between various asset categories. Specific policy benchmark percentages are assigned to each asset category with minimum and maximum ranges established for each. The assets are then tactically managed within these ranges. Equity securities include investments in large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap companies located inside and outside the United States. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, mortgage-backed securities and US Treasuries. Derivative investments include futures contracts used by the plan to adjust the level of its investments within an asset allocation category. All futures contracts are 100% supported by cash or cash equivalent investments. At no time may derivatives be utilized to leverage the asset portfolio.

Equity securities include Company common stock in the amounts of $27.6 million (4.4% of total domestic plan assets) and $21.6 million (3.9% of total domestic plan assets) at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The fair value of the Company's pension plan assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, by asset category are as follows (in millions):

		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Market for Similar Asset (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	45.9	$	45.9	$	-	$	-
Equity securities:
	US Large-cap (a)		86.1		86.1		-		-
	US Mid-cap and Small-cap Growth (b)		31.7		31.7		-		-
	International Large-cap		46.0		46.0		-		-
	Emerging Markets		37.8		37.8		-		-
Fixed Income Securities:
	US Treasuries		52.9		52.9		-		-
	Corporate Bonds (c)		113.9		113.9		-		-
	Asset Backed Securities and Other		122.6		122.6		-		-
Derivatives:
	Equity/Debt Futures (d)		63.2		-		63.2		-
Alternative Investment Funds (e)			126.2		-		-		126.2
Balance at December 31, 2012		$	726.3	$	536.9	$	63.2	$	126.2

Asset Category		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Market for Similar Asset (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	46.3	$	46.3	$	-	$	-
Equity securities:
	US Large-cap (a)		110.4		110.4		-		-
	US Mid-cap and Small-cap Growth (b)		25.3		25.3		-		-
	International Large-cap		49.7		49.7		-		-
	Emerging Markets		32.0		32.0		-		-
Fixed Income Securities:
	US Treasuries		106.6		106.6		-		-
	Corporate Bonds (c)		92.9		92.9		-		-
	Asset Backed Securities and Other		57.0		57.0		-		-
Derivatives:
	Equity/Debt Futures (d)		9.6		-		9.6		-
Alternative Investment Funds (e)			117.8		-		-		117.8
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	647.6	$	520.2	$	9.6	$	117.8

	(a) Includes an actively managed portfolio of large-cap US stocks
	(b) Includes $27.6 million and $21.6 million of the Company's common stock at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and an investment in actively managed mid-cap and small-cap US stocks
	(c) Includes primarily investment grade bonds of US issuers from diverse industries
	(d) Includes primarily large-cap US and foreign equity futures as well as short positions in US Treasuries to adjust the duration of the portfolio
	(e) Includes investments in hedge funds, including fund of fund products as well as individual hedge funds

The fair value of the Company's alternative investment funds measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at December 31, 2012, are as follows (in millions):

		Alternative Investment Funds
Balance at December 31, 2010		$	110.7
Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		2.3
	Relating to assets sold during the period		-
Purchases, sales and settlements, net			4.8
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3			-
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	117.8
Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		9.2
	Relating to assets sold during the period		-
Purchases, sales and settlements, net			(0.8)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3			-
Balance at December 31, 2012		$	126.2

The alternative investments held by the Company's pension plans consist of fund of fund products as well as individual hedge funds. Funds of funds invest in a number of investment funds managed by a diversified group of third-party investment managers who employ a variety of alternative investment strategies, including relative value, security selection, distressed value, global macro, specialized credit and directional strategies. The objective of these funds is to achieve the desired capital appreciation with lower volatility than either traditional equity or fixed income securities. The alternative investments are valued using net asset values provided by the fund managers. The net asset values are determined based on the fair values of the underlying investments in the funds.

The Company's other postretirement benefits are unfunded; therefore, no asset information is reported.

Contributions

Although not required under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the Company may make a voluntary contribution to its qualified domestic defined benefit pension plans in 2013. The Company expects to contribute approximately $3.3 million to its foreign plans in 2013.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following domestic and foreign benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows, (in millions):

	Pension Benefits		Other Benefits

2013	$	36.2	$	2.6
2014	$	38.3	$	2.4
2015	$	40.4	$	2.4
2016	$	42.8	$	2.3
2017	$	44.8	$	2.2
2018-2022	$	255.2	$	10.1

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 158

-Paragraph 7, 21, 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)

-Number FAS88

-Paragraph 63

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 03-2

-Paragraph 8

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 87

-Paragraph 264

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 106

-Paragraph 518

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph h

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph q

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS106-2

-Paragraph 20, 21, 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 30

-Paragraph 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph m

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [TextBlock]

Note 11 — Debt

The following table sets forth the Company's long-term debt at December 31, (in millions):

	Maturity	2012		2011
Senior notes at 5.95%, net of unamortized discount	2018	$	298.7	$	298.5
Senior notes at 3.625%, net of unamortized discount	2022		298.0		297.8
		$	596.7	$	596.3

In November 2010, the Company completed a public debt offering for $300 million of long-term, senior, unsecured notes maturing in November 2022 and bearing interest at a fixed rate of 3.625%. The Company received $294.8 million in proceeds from the offering, net of discounts and debt issuance costs. Prior to the issuance of the 2022 Notes, the Company entered into a forward interest rate lock which resulted in a $1.6 million loss. This amount was recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax and is being amortized over the life of the 2022 Notes.

Simultaneous with the November 2010 debt offering, the Company also announced the cash tender/redemption offer for all of its $200 million (6.375%) senior notes that were scheduled to mature in May 2012. In conjunction with the early extinguishment of the 2012 Notes, the Company terminated its interest rate swap associated with these notes. The combined net loss on these transactions (recorded as part of the Loss on extinguishment of debt in the Consolidated Statement of Income), was $14.7 million. The net cash proceeds remaining from the 2022 Note issuance, subsequent to the tender/redemption of the 2012 Notes, were used for general corporate purposes.

In May 2008, the Company completed a public offering of $300 million long-term senior, unsecured notes maturing in May 2018. The 2018 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.95%. Prior to the issuance of the 2018 Notes, the Company entered into a forward interest rate lock which resulted in a $1.2 million gain. This amount was recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, and is being amortized over the life of the notes.

The 2018 Notes and the 2022 Notes are both fixed rate indebtedness, are callable at any time with a make whole premium and are only subject to accelerated payment prior to maturity in the event of a default under the indenture governing the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes, as modified by the supplemental indentures creating such series, or upon a change in control event as defined in such indenture. The Company was in compliance with all of its covenants as of December 31, 2012.

The Company has a credit agreement for a 5.9 million Brazilian Reais line of credit to fund its Brazilian operation. At December 31, 2012, no borrowings were outstanding under this line of credit. This line of credit expires in October 2013 and is not subject to annual commitment fees. At December 31, 2011, 5.5 million Brazilian Reais were outstanding (equivalent to $2.9 million) under a previous line of credit and reported as short term debt. Other information related to short-term debt at December 31, is summarized below:

	2012			2011
Interest rate:
At year end		N/A			14.02	%
Paid during the year (weighted average)		18.45	%		14.58	%

In October 2011, the Company entered into a five year $500 million revolving credit facility to replace the $350 million credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2012. The new credit facility, which serves as a backup to our commercial paper program, is scheduled to expire in October 2016. The interest rate applicable to borrowing under the new credit agreement is generally either the prime rate or a surcharge over LIBOR. As of December 31, 2012, this facility had not been drawn against. The single financial covenant in the $500 million credit facility, which the Company is in compliance with, requires that total debt not exceed 55% of total capitalization. Annual commitment fees to support availability under the credit facility are not material.

The Company also maintains other lines of credit that are primarily used to support the issuance of letters of credit. Interest rates and other terms of borrowing under these lines of credit vary from country to country, depending on local market conditions. At December 31, 2012 and 2011 these lines totaled $55.4 million and $64.7 million, respectively, of which $36.6 million and $27.3 million was unused. The annual commitment fees associated with these lines of credit are not material.

Interest and fees paid related to total indebtedness was $29.8 million, $29.3.million and $28.4 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 12 — Income Taxes

The following table sets forth selected data with respect to the Company's income tax provisions for the years ended December 31, (in millions):

		2012		2011		2010
Income before income taxes:
	United States	$	330.2	$	282.5	$	224.5
	International		111.6		107.3		95.9
	TOTAL INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	441.8	$	389.8	$	320.4
Provision for income taxes — current:
	Federal	$	66.4	$	61.7	$	47.5
	State		12.8		9.7		7.8
	International		33.0		29.4		21.3
	Total provision-current		112.2		100.8		76.6
Provision for income taxes — deferred:
	Federal	$	25.6	$	23.3	$	24.3
	State		1.8		(0.3)		1.5
	International		0.1		(4.2)		(0.8)
	Total provision — deferred		27.5		18.8		25.0
	TOTAL PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	$	139.7	$	119.6	$	101.6

Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from differences in the basis of assets and liabilities for tax and financial statement purposes. The components of the deferred tax assets/(liabilities) at December 31, were as follows (in millions):

		2012		2011
Deferred tax assets:
	Inventory	$	8.3	$	8.8
	Income tax credits		27.3		21.4
	Accrued liabilities		17.7		15.4
	Pension		50.8		69.9
	Postretirement and post employment benefits		11.6		12.8
	Stock-based compensation		9.9		12.0
	Net operating loss carryforwards		52.3		66.3
	Miscellaneous other		4.5		5.0
	Gross deferred tax assets		182.4		211.6
	Valuation allowance		(7.0)		(3.2)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	$	175.4	$	208.4
Deferred tax liabilities:
	Acquisition basis difference		(120.5)		(117.4)
	Property, plant, and equipment		(37.4)		(36.9)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(157.9)	$	(154.3)
	Total Net Deferred Tax Asset	$	17.5	$	54.1
Deferred taxes are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows:
	Current tax assets (included in Deferred taxes and other)	$	32.7	$	29.5
	Non-current tax assets (included in Other long-term assets)		1.7		40.6
	Non-current tax liabilities (included in Other Non-current liabilities)		(16.9)		(16.0)
	Total Net Deferred Tax Asset	$	17.5	$	54.1

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a total of $27.3 million of Federal and State tax credit carryforwards, net of Federal benefit, available to offset future income taxes, of which $0.8 million may be carried forward indefinitely while the remaining $26.5 million will begin to expire at various times in 2013 through 2028. The Company has recorded a net valuation allowance of $7.0 million for the portion of the foreign tax and state tax credit carryforwards the Company anticipates will expire prior to utilization. The increase in the valuation allowance primarily relates to the recording of additional foreign tax credits related to a 2009 acquisition and a change in estimate which impacted the future utilization of state tax credits. Additionally, as of December 31, 2012, the Company had recorded tax benefits totaling $52.3 million for Federal, State and Foreign net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”). The tax benefit related to these NOLs has been adjusted to reflect an “ownership change” pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382, which imposes an annual limitation on the utilization of pre-acquisition operating losses. The Company expects to fully utilize the adjusted NOLs prior to their expiration.

At December 31, 2012, income and withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $550 million of undistributed international earnings that are permanently reinvested in international operations. If such earnings were not indefinitely reinvested, a tax liability of approximately $100 million would be recognized.

Cash payments of income taxes were $113.2 million, $80.1 million and $74.0 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

The Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in these jurisdictions. The IRS and other tax authorities routinely audit the Company's tax returns. These audits can involve complex issues which may require an extended period of time to resolve. During 2012, the IRS concluded an audit of the Company's 2008 and 2009 federal income tax returns. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state, local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2005.

The following tax years, by major jurisdiction, are still subject to examination by taxing authorities:

	Jurisdiction	Open Years
	United States	2008-2012
	Canada	2009-2012
	UK	2008-2012

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):

	2012		2011		2010
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	27.6	$	25.2	$	30.6
Additions based on tax positions relating to the current year		1.8		2.7		2.5
Reductions based on expiration of statute of limitations		(9.6)		(1.3)		(0.7)
Additions to tax positions relating to previous years		0.8		1.2		1.0
Settlements		(7.1)		(0.2)		(8.2)
Total unrecognized tax benefits	$	13.5	$	27.6	$	25.2

Included in the balance at December 31, 2012 are $8.8 million of tax positions which, if in the future are determined to be recognizable, would affect the annual effective income tax rate. Additionally, there are $1.1 million of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the annual effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the applicable taxing authority to an earlier period. It is reasonably possible that in the next twelve months, because of changes in facts and circumstances, the unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken relative to previously filed tax returns may decrease. The Company estimates that the range of possible decrease is between $0.2 million and $0.8 million.

The Company's policy is to record interest and penalties associated with the underpayment of income taxes within Provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company recognized expense (benefit), before federal tax impact, related to interest and penalties of approximately $(0.5) million in 2012, $0.4 million in 2011 and $1.0 million 2010. The Company had $1.4 million and $1.9 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The consolidated effective income tax rate varied from the United States federal statutory income tax rate for the years ended December 31, as follows:

	2012		2011		2010
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.8		1.4		1.3
Foreign income taxes	(3.4)		(3.6)		(4.2)
Other, net	(1.8)		(2.1)		(0.4)
Consolidated effective income tax rate	31.6	%	30.7	%	31.7	%

On January 2, 2013 the American Taxpayers Relief Act of 2012 (2012 Tax Act) was enacted. The benefits related the 2012 Tax Act are not reflected in the 2012 effective income tax rate calculation above, as they will be recorded in the first quarter of 2013, the period of enactment .

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Article 4

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 136, 172

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 13 — Financial Instruments

Concentrations of Credit Risk: Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist of trade receivables, cash equivalents and investments. The Company grants credit terms in the normal course of business to its customers. Due to the diversity of its product lines, the Company has an extensive customer base including electrical distributors and wholesalers, electric utilities, equipment manufacturers, electrical contractors, telecommunication companies and retail and hardware outlets. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total sales in any year during the three years ended December 31, 2012. However, the Company's top ten customers account for approximately one-third of its net sales. As part of its ongoing procedures, the Company monitors the credit worthiness of its customers. Bad debt write-offs have historically been minimal. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions and limits the amount of exposure to any one institution.

Fair Value: The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables, bank borrowings, accounts payable and accruals approximate their fair values given the immediate or short-term nature of these items. See also Note 6 — Investments and Note 14 – Fair Value Measurement.

Fair Value Measurement

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurement Disclosure [Abstract]

Fair Value Financial Instruments Disclosures [Text Block]

Note 14 — Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The FASB fair value measurement guidance established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The three broad levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring a company to develop its own assumptions

The following table shows, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in millions):

Asset (Liability)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Assets (Level 2)		Total
December 31, 2012
Money market funds (a)		$	423.6	$	-	$	423.6
Available for sale investments			39.7		-		39.7
Trading securities			5.8		-		5.8
Deferred compensation plan liabilities			(5.8)		-		(5.8)
Derivatives:
	Forward exchange contracts		-		(0.2)		(0.2)
		$	463.3	$	(0.2)	$	463.1

		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Assets (Level 2)		Total
December 31, 2011
Money market funds (a)		$	365.9	$	-	$	365.9
Available for sale investments			50.8		-		50.8
Trading securities			4.0		-		4.0
Deferred compensation plan liabilities			(4.0)		-		(4.0)
Derivatives:
	Forward exchange contracts		-		0.3		0.3
		$	416.7	$	0.3	$	417.0

	(a) Money market funds are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the Level 2 fair values were as follows:

Forward exchange contracts – The fair value of forward exchange contracts were based on quoted forward foreign exchange prices at the reporting date.

During 2012 and 2011, there were no transfers of financial assets or liabilities in or out of Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that fell within the Level 3 hierarchy.

Investments

At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $39.7 million and $50.8 million, respectively, of municipal bonds classified as available-for-sale securities. The Company also had $5.8 million and $4.0 million of trading securities at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. These investments are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses associated with available-for-sale securities are reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, while unrealized gains and losses associated with trading securities are reflected in the results of operations.

Deferred compensation plan

The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in non-qualified deferred compensation plans. A participant's deferrals are invested in a variety of participant-directed debt and equity mutual funds that are classified as trading securities. During 2012 and 2011, the Company purchased $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of trading securities related to these deferred compensation plans. The unrealized gains and losses associated with these trading securities are directly offset by the changes in the fair value of the underlying deferred compensation plan obligation.

Derivatives

In order to limit financial risk in the management of its assets, liabilities and debt, the Company may use derivative financial instruments such as foreign currency hedges, commodity hedges, interest rate hedges and interest rate swaps. All derivative financial instruments are matched with an existing Company asset, liability or proposed transaction. Market value gains or losses on the derivative financial instrument are recognized in income when the effects of the related price changes of the underlying asset or liability are recognized in income.

The fair values of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet are as follows (in millions):

	Asset/(Liability) Derivatives
			Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedges	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	Other accrued liabilities	$	(0.2)	$	(0.1)
Forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	Deferred taxes and other		-		0.4
		$	(0.2)	$	0.3

Forward exchange contracts

In 2012 and 2011, the Company entered into a series of forward exchange contracts to purchase U.S. dollars in order to hedge its exposure to fluctuating rates of exchange on anticipated inventory purchases. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 18 individual forward exchange contracts at $1.0 million, which have various expiration dates through December 2013. These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with the accounting guidance for derivatives.

Interest rate locks

Prior to the issuance of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes in 2010 and 2008, respectively, the Company entered into forward interest rate locks to hedge its exposure to fluctuations in treasury rates. The 2010 interest rate lock resulted in a $1.6 million loss while the 2008 interest rate lock resulted in a $1.2 million gain. These amounts were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, and are being amortized over the life of the respective notes. The amortization associated with these interest rate locks is reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income. As of both December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 there was $0.4 million of net unamortized losses reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The following table summarizes the results of cash flow hedging relationships for years ended December 31, (in millions):

	Derivative Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax					Loss Reclassified into Earnings (Effective Portion)
Derivative Instrument		2012		2011	Location of Loss Reclassified into Income (Effective Portion)		2012		2011
Forward exchange contract	$	(0.5)	$	0.1	Cost of goods sold	$	(0.1)	$	(0.9)

There was no hedge ineffectiveness with respect to the forward exchange cash flow hedges during 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Long-term Debt

The total carrying value of long-term debt as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $596.7 million and $596.3 million, respectively, net of unamortized discount. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the estimated fair value of the long-term debt was $682.7 million and $675.0 million, respectively, based on quoted market prices. The Company's long-term debt falls within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 107

-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 107

-Paragraph 15C, 15D

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 157

-Paragraph 32, 33, 34

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 21

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 44A, 44B

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 10

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 30

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 16

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 107

-Paragraph 15B

-Subparagraph a, b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 159

-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 107

-Paragraph 15A

-Subparagraph a-d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 15 — Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental and Legal

The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations which may require that it investigate and remediate the effects of potential contamination associated with past and present operations. The Company is also subject to various legal proceedings and claims, including those relating to patent matters, as well as workers' compensation, product liability and environmental matters, including past production of product containing toxic substances, which have arisen in the normal course of its operations or have been acquired through business combinations. The Company is self-insured for certain of these incidents at various amounts. Estimates of future liability with respect to such matters are based on an evaluation of currently available facts. Liabilities are recorded when it is probable that costs will be incurred and can be reasonably estimated. Given the nature of matters involved, it is possible that liabilities will be incurred in excess of amounts currently recorded. However, based upon available information, including the Company's past experience, insurance coverage and reserves, management believes that the ultimate liability with respect to these matters will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

The Company accounts for conditional asset retirement and environmental obligations in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. The accounting guidance defines “conditional asset retirement obligation” as a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the Company. Accordingly, an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Asset retirement obligations were not material as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company identified other legal obligations related to environmental remediation for which a settlement date could not be determined. The Company continues to monitor and revalue its environmental liabilities as necessary. Total environmental liabilities were $12.5 million and $13.0 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Leases

Total rental expense under operating leases was $21.9 million in 2012, $21.7 million in 2011 and $22.3 million in 2010. The minimum annual rentals on non-cancelable, long-term, operating leases in effect at December 31, 2012 are expected to approximate $12.3 million in 2013, $9.4 million in 2014, $6.9 million in 2015, $4.6 million in 2016, $2.8 million in 2017 and $13.8 million thereafter. The Company's leases consist of operating leases primarily for buildings or equipment. The terms for building leases typically range from 5-25 years with 5-10 year renewal periods.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 14

-Paragraph 3

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 460

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 440

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Capital Stock Disclosure [Abstract]

Capital Stock Note Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 16 — Capital Stock

Activity in the Company's common shares outstanding is set forth below for the three years ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	Common Stock
	Class A	Class B
Outstanding at December 31, 2009	7,167	52,554
Exercise of stock options/stock appreciation rights	-	1,351
Director compensation arrangements, net	-	11
Restricted/performance shares activity, net of forfeitures	-	143
Acquisition/surrender of shares	-	(458)
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	7,167	53,601
Exercise of stock options/stock appreciation rights	-	638
Director compensation arrangements, net	-	8
Restricted/performance shares activity, net of forfeitures	-	140
Acquisition/surrender of shares	-	(2,316)
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	7,167	52,071
Exercise of stock options/stock appreciation rights	-	804
Director compensation arrangements, net	-	19
Restricted/performance shares activity, net of forfeitures	-	197
Acquisition/surrender of shares	-	(1,021)
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	7,167	52,070

Repurchased shares are retired when acquired and the purchase price is charged against par value and additional paid-in capital. Shares may be repurchased through the Company's stock repurchase program, acquired by the Company from employees under the Hubbell Incorporated Stock Option Plan for Key Employees (the “Option Plan”) or surrendered to the Company by employees in settlement of their tax liability on vesting of restricted shares and performance shares under the Hubbell Incorporated 2005 Incentive Award Plan as amended and restated, (the “Award Plan”). Class A Common shares have twenty votes per share, while Class B Common shares have one vote per share. In addition, the Company has 5.9 million authorized shares of preferred stock; no preferred shares are outstanding.

The Company has an amended and restated Rights Agreement under which holders of Class A Common Stock have Class A Rights and holders of Class B Common Stock have Class B Rights (collectively, “Rights”). These Rights become exercisable after a specified period of time only if a person or group of affiliated persons acquires beneficial ownership of 20 percent or more of the outstanding Class A Common Stock of the Company or announces or commences a tender or exchange offer that would result in the offeror acquiring beneficial ownership of 20 percent or more of the outstanding Class A Common Stock of the Company. Each Class A Right entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), without par value, at a price of $175.00 per one one-thousandth of a share. Similarly, each Class B Right entitles the holder to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”), without par value, at a price of $175.00 per one one-thousandth of a share. The Rights may be redeemed by the Company for one cent per Right prior to the day a person or group of affiliated persons acquires 20 percent or more of the outstanding Class A Common Stock of the Company. The Rights will expire in December 31, 2018 (the “Final Expiration Date”), unless the Final Expiration Date is advanced or extended or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company.

Shares of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will not be redeemable. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled, when, as and if declared, to a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment of $10.00 per share but will be entitled to an aggregate dividend of 1,000 times the dividend declared per share of Common Stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation payment of $100 per share (plus any accrued but unpaid dividends) but will be entitled to an aggregate payment of 1,000 times the payment made per share of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, respectively. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will have 20,000 votes and each share of Series B Preferred Stock will have 1,000 votes, voting together with the Common Stock. Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation, transfer of assets or earning power or other transaction in which shares of Common Stock are converted or exchanged, each share of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount received per share of Common Stock. These rights are protected by customary antidilution provisions.

Upon the occurrence of certain events or transactions specified in the Rights Agreement, each holder of a Right will have the right to receive, upon exercise, that number of shares of the Company's common stock or the acquiring company's shares having a market value equal to twice the exercise price.

Shares of the Company's common stock were reserved at December 31, 2012 as follows (in thousands):

	Common Stock
	Class A	Class B	Preferred Stock
Exercise of outstanding stock options	-	104	-
Future grant of stock-based compensation	-	2,138	-
Exercise of stock purchase rights	-	-	59
Shares reserved under other equity compensation plans	-	114	-
Total	-	2,356	59

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Preferred Stock

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 29, 30, 31

-Article 5

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Article 4

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 4

-Section C

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 43

-Section B

-Paragraph 7, 11A

-Chapter 1

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 4

-Section E

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 12

-Paragraph 10

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Article 3

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-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=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 11

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph d

-Article 4

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block]

Note 17 — Stock-Based Compensation

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had various stock-based awards outstanding which were issued to executives and other key employees. The Company recognizes the grant-date fair value of all stock-based awards to employees on a straight-line basis over their respective requisite service periods (generally equal to an award's vesting period), net of estimated forfeitures. A stock-based award is considered vested for expense attribution purposes when the employee's retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation cost immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible individuals or over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if less than the stated vesting period.

The Company's long-term incentive program for awarding stock-based compensation uses a combination of restricted stock, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), and performance shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock pursuant to the Award Plan. Under the Award Plan, the Company may authorize up to 6.9 million shares of Class B Common Stock in settlement of restricted stock, performance shares, SARs or any-post 2004 grants of stock options. The Company issues new shares for settlement of any stock-based awards. In 2012, the Company granted stock-based awards using a combination of restricted stock, SARs and performance shares.

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded $15.8 million, $15.1 million and $11.4 million of stock-based compensation costs, respectively. Of the total 2012 expense, $15.1 million was recorded to S&A expense and $0.7 million was recorded to Cost of goods sold. In 2011 and 2010, $14.4 million and $10.9 million, respectively, was recorded to S&A expense and $0.7 million and $0.5 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, was recorded to Cost of goods sold. Stock-based compensation costs capitalized to inventory were $0.2 million in both 2012 and 2011 and $0.1 million in 2010. The Company recorded income tax benefits of approximately $17.6 million, $7.1 million and $8.8 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to stock-based compensation. At December 31, 2012, these benefits are recorded as either a deferred tax asset in Deferred taxes and other or in Other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2012, there was $21.7 million, pretax, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized through 2015.

Each of the compensation arrangements is discussed below.

Restricted Stock

Stock Issued to Employees

Restricted stock granted is not transferable and is subject to forfeiture in the event of the recipient's termination of employment prior to vesting. The restricted stock generally vests in one-third increments annually for three years on each anniversary of the date of grant. Restricted stock awards are considered outstanding at the time of grant, as the award holders are entitled to dividends and voting rights. Unvested restricted stock awards are considered participating securities in computing earnings per share. The restricted stock fair values are measured using the average between the high and low trading prices of the Company's Class B Common Stock on the most recent trading day immediately preceding the grant date (“measurement date”).

Stock Issued to Non-employee Directors

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, each non-employee director received a grant of Class B Common Stock. These grants were made on the date of the annual meeting of shareholders and vested or will vest at the following year's annual meeting of shareholders, upon a change of control or termination of service by reason of death. These shares will be subject to forfeiture if the director's service terminates prior to the date of the next regularly scheduled annual meeting of shareholders to be held in the following calendar year. During the years 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company issued to non-employee directors 13,980 shares, 12,568 shares, and 15,750 shares, respectively.

Activity related to both employee and non-employee restricted stock for the year ended December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value/Share
Restricted stock at December 31, 2011	205	$	60.60
Shares granted	115		82.18
Shares vested	(108)		58.60
Shares forfeited	(4)		59.18
Restricted stock at December 31, 2012	208	$	73.63

The weighted average fair value per share of restricted stock granted during the years 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $82.18, $65.10 and $58.18, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock vested during the years 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $8.9 million, $8.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

Stock Appreciation Rights

SARs granted entitle the recipient to the difference between the fair market value of the Company's Class B Common Stock on the date of exercise and the grant price as determined using the average between the high and the low trading prices of the Company's Class B Common Stock on the measurement date. This amount is payable in shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock. SARs vest and become exercisable in three equal installments during the first three years following their grant date and expire ten years from the grant date

Activity related to SARs for the year ended December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Number of Rights	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	2,340	$	50.71
Granted	328		82.84
Exercised	(1,021)		47.15
Forfeited	(12)		45.87
Canceled	(2)		49.72
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,633	$	59.44	7.5 years	$	41,280
Exercisable at December 31, 2012	977	$	50.38	6.4 years	$	33,470

The aggregated intrinsic value of SARs exercised during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $32.5 million, $12.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

The fair value of each SAR award was measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used in estimating the fair value of the SARs granted during the years 2012, 2011 and 2010.

	Expected Dividend Yield		Expected Volatility		Risk Free Interest Rate		Expected Term	Weighted Avg. Grant Date Fair Value of 1 SAR
2012	2.0	%	29.4	%	0.7	%	5.5 Years	$	18.13
2011	2.6	%	30.2	%	1.1	%	5.5 Years	$	13.70
2010	2.7	%	28.0	%	1.9	%	6.0 Years	$	12.79

The expected dividend yield was calculated by dividing the Company's expected annual dividend by the average stock price for the past three months. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company's stock for a period consistent with the expected term. The expected term of SARs granted was based upon historical exercise behavior of stock options and SARs. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the award.

Performance Shares

Performance shares represent the right to receive a share of the Company's Class B Common Stock after a three year period subject to the achievement of certain performance criteria established by the Company's Compensation Committee. Partial vesting in these awards may occur after separation from the Company for retirement eligible employees.

In December 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company granted 38,656; 39,456 and 31,671 performance shares, respectively. The grants' performance conditions are subject to the achievement of certain market-based criteria. Performance at target will result in vesting and issuance of the number of performance shares granted, equal to 100% payout. Performance below or above target can result in issuance in the range of 0%-200% of the number of shares granted.

In February 2013, the Company paid out 69,184 shares related to its December 2009 performance award grant. The performance period associated with this award was from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2012 and was based upon the Company's total return to shareholders (“TSR”) compared to the TSR generated by the other companies that comprise the S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index. The February 2013 payout was based upon achieving 200% of this market-based criteria. The fair value of the December 2009 performance awards at vesting was $6.4 million.

In February 2012, the Company paid out 93,800 shares related to its December 2008 performance award grant as a result of achieving 187% of the market-based criteria. The fair value of the December 2008 performance awards at vesting was $7.0 million. In February 2011, the Company issued 31,548 shares related to its December 2007 performance award grant. This payout was based upon achieving 66% and 170% of the performance and market-based criteria, respectively. The fair value of the December 2007 performance award at vesting was $2.0 million.

The fair value of the market-based criteria for the fiscal year 2012, 2011 and 2010 performance share awards was determined based upon a lattice model. The following table summarizes the related assumptions used to determine the fair values of the performance shares with respect to the market-based criteria. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company's stock over a three year period. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the expected term of the award.

	Stock Price on Measurement Date		Dividend Yield		Expected Volatility		Risk Free Interest Rate		Expected Term	Weighted Avg. Grant Date Fair Value
2012	$	83.73	2.0	%	27.3	%	0.4	%	3 Years	$	100.77
2011	$	64.48	2.4	%	35.9	%	0.4	%	3 Years	$	83.12
2010	$	59.95	2.4	%	38.8	%	0.8	%	3 Years	$	80.11

Total stock-based compensation expense recorded related to performance share awards was $2.7 million, $2.1 million and $1.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There has been no stock based compensation recorded related to the 2012 performance award as the service inception date for this particular award begins on January 1, 2013.

Stock Option Awards

Prior to 2005, the Company granted options to officers and other key employees to purchase the Company's Class B Common Stock. All options granted had an exercise price equal to the average between the high and low trading prices of the Company's Class B Common Stock on the measurement date. These option awards expire ten years after grant date. Exercises of existing stock option grants are expected to be settled in the Company's Class B Common Stock as authorized in the Option Plan. The last stock options granted by the Company were in 2004.

Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is set forth below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Number of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	653	$	45.62
Exercised	(549)		45.38
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	104	$	46.99	1.7 years	$	3,920
Exercisable at December 31, 2012	104	$	46.99	1.7 years	$	3,920

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $16.5 million, $12.0 million and $22.8 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises was $24.8 million, $21.9 million and $49.3 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company recorded realized tax benefits from equity-based awards of $15.6 million, $8.2 million, and $9.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These realized tax benefits have been reflected in Cash Flows From Financing Activities.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 50

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph 64, 65, A240

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 14

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 93-6

-Paragraph 53

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Note 18 — Earnings Per Share

The Company computes earnings per share using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and participating securities. Restricted stock granted by the Company is considered a participating security since it contains a non-forfeitable right to dividends.

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share for the three years ended December 31 (in millions, except per share amounts):

		2012		2011		2010
Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Hubbell	$	299.7	$	267.9	$	217.2
	Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities		1.0		1.0		0.9
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	298.7	$	266.9	$	216.3

Denominator:
	Average number of common shares outstanding		59.1		59.7		59.9
	Potential dilutive shares		0.7		0.7		0.4
	Average number of diluted shares outstanding		59.8		60.4		60.3

Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	5.05	$	4.47	$	3.61
	Diluted	$	5.00	$	4.42	$	3.59

Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of earnings per diluted share:
	Stock options and performance shares		-		-		-
	Stock appreciation rights		-		-		1.6

The Company did not have any anti-dilutive securities in 2012 or 2011. Additionally, there were no anti-dilutive stock options or performance shares in 2010.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Disclosure [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Note [Text Block]

Note 19 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table reflects the accumulated balances of other comprehensive income (loss) (in millions):

	2012		2011		2010
Pension and post retirement benefit plan adjustment, net of tax	$	(130.1)	$	(153.7)	$	(95.6)
Cumulative translation adjustment		10.8		2.5		14.6
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax		0.7		1.0		0.5
Cash flow hedge loss, net of tax		(0.5)		(0.2)		(0.8)
Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(119.1)	$	(150.4)	$	(81.3)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-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=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e689-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 17

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e716-108580

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 16

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e709-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 14-26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Industry Segments and Geographic Area Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Industry Segment And Geographic Data [Abstract]

Industry Segment and Geographic Area Data [Text Block]

Note 20 — Industry Segments and Geographic Area Information

Nature of Operations

Hubbell Incorporated was founded as a proprietorship in 1888, and was incorporated in Connecticut in 1905. Hubbell designs, manufactures and sells quality electrical and electronic products for a broad range of non-residential and residential construction, industrial and utility applications. Products are either sourced complete, manufactured or assembled by subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, China, Mexico, Italy, the UK, Brazil and Australia. Hubbell also participates in joint ventures in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and maintains offices in Singapore, China, India, Mexico, South Korea and countries in the Middle East.

The Company's reporting segments consist of the Electrical segment (comprised of electrical systems products and lighting products), and the Power segment, as described below.

The Electrical segment is comprised of businesses that sell stock and custom products including standard and special application wiring device products, rough-in electrical products, connector and grounding products, lighting fixtures and controls, and other electrical equipment. The products are typically used in and around industrial, commercial and institutional facilities by electrical contractors, maintenance personnel, electricians, and telecommunications companies. In addition, certain businesses design and manufacture a variety of high voltage test and measurement equipment, industrial controls and communication systems used in the non-residential and industrial markets. Many of these products are designed such that they can also be used in harsh and hazardous locations where a potential for fire and explosion exists due to the presence of flammable gasses and vapors. Harsh and hazardous products are primarily used in the oil and gas (onshore and offshore) and mining industries. There are also a variety of lighting fixtures, wiring devices and electrical products that have residential and utility applications. These products are primarily sold through electrical and industrial distributors, home centers, some retail and hardware outlets, lighting showrooms and residential lighting internet sites. Special application products are sold primarily through wholesale distributors to contractors, industrial customers and OEMs. High voltage products are also sold direct to customers through our sales engineers.

The Power segment consists of operations that design and manufacture various distribution, transmission, substation and telecommunications products primarily used by the electrical utility industry. In addition, certain of these products are used in the civil construction and transportation industries. Products are sold to distributors and directly to users such as electric utilities, telecommunication companies, mining operations, industrial firms, construction and engineering firms.

Financial Information

Financial information by industry segment, product class and geographic area for the three years ended December 31, 2012, is summarized below (in millions). When reading the data the following items should be noted:

• Net sales comprise sales to unaffiliated customers — inter-segment and inter-area sales are not significant.

• Segment operating income consists of net sales less operating expenses, including total corporate expenses, which are generally allocated to each segment on the basis of the segment's percentage of consolidated net sales. Interest expense and investment income and other expense, net have not been allocated to segments as these items are centrally managed by the Company.

• General corporate assets not allocated to segments are principally cash, prepaid pensions, investments and deferred taxes. These assets have not been allocated as they are centrally managed by the Company.

Industry Segment Data
		2012		2011		2010
	Net Sales:
	Electrical	$	2,114.6	$	2,004.2	$	1,808.2
	Power		929.8		867.4		733.0
	TOTAL NET SALES	$	3,044.4	$	2,871.6	$	2,541.2
	Operating Income:
	Electrical	$	303.7	$	282.0	$	248.7
	Power		168.1		141.8		119.1
	Operating income		471.8		423.8		367.8
	Loss on extinguishment of debt		-		-		(14.7)
	Interest expense		(30.8)		(30.9)		(31.1)
	Investment income and other expense, net		0.8		(3.1)		(1.6)
	Income before income taxes	$	441.8	$	389.8	$	320.4
	Assets:
	Electrical	$	1,659.2	$	1,558.2	$	1,576.7
	Power		710.4		659.8		622.2
	General Corporate		577.4		628.5		506.9
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,947.0	$	2,846.5	$	2,705.8
	Capital Expenditures:
	Electrical	$	27.1	$	35.9	$	23.5
	Power		20.4		16.5		17.8
	General Corporate		1.6		3.0		6.0
	TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES	$	49.1	$	55.4	$	47.3
	Depreciation and Amortization:
	Electrical	$	45.8	$	47.1	$	50.8
	Power		21.0		21.1		21.7
	TOTAL DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION	$	66.8	$	68.2	$	72.5

Product Class Data
		2012		2011		2010
	Net Sales:
	Electrical Systems	$	1,376.1	$	1,271.4	$	1,127.2
	Lighting		738.5		732.8		681.0
	Power		929.8		867.4		733.0
	TOTAL NET SALES	$	3,044.4	$	2,871.6	$	2,541.2

Geographic Area Data
		2012		2011		2010
	Net Sales:
	United States	$	2,541.6	$	2,381.5	$	2,107.9
	International		502.8		490.1		433.3
	TOTAL NET SALES	$	3,044.4	$	2,871.6	$	2,541.2
	Operating Income:
	United States	$	383.8	$	338.0	$	292.9
	International		88.0		85.8		74.9
	TOTAL OPERATING INCOME	$	471.8	$	423.8	$	367.8
	Long-lived Assets:
	United States	$	1,225.4	$	1,185.4	$	1,189.5
	International		227.0		225.1		225.8
	TOTAL LONG-LIVED ASSETS	$	1,452.4	$	1,410.5	$	1,415.3

On a geographic basis, the Company defines “international” as operations based outside of the United States and its possessions. As a percentage of total net sales, shipments from foreign operations directly to third parties were 17% in 2012, 2011 and 2010, with the Canada, UK and Brazil operations representing approximately 29%, 23% and 12%, respectively, of 2012 total international net sales. Long-lived assets, excluding deferred tax assets, of international subsidiaries were 16% of the consolidated total in 2012, 2011 and 2010, with the UK, Canada and Mexico operations representing approximately 27%, 19%, and 19%, respectively, of the 2012 international total. Export sales from United States operations were $243.9 million in 2012, $210.2 million in 2011 and $182.7 million in 2010.

Guarantees

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Standard Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract]

Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 21 — Guarantees

The Company accrues for costs associated with guarantees when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The most likely costs to be incurred are accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts and, where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely, the minimum is accrued.

The Company records a liability equal to the fair value of guarantees in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with the guarantees accounting guidance. As of December 31, 2012, the fair value and maximum potential payment related to the Company's guarantees were not material.

The Company offers product warranties which cover defects on most of its products. These warranties primarily apply to products that are properly installed, maintained and used for their intended purpose. The Company accrues estimated warranty costs at the time of sale. Estimated warranty expenses, recorded in cost of goods sold, are based upon historical information such as past experience, product failure rates, or the number of units to be repaired or replaced. Adjustments are made to the product warranty accrual as claims are incurred, additional information becomes known or as historical experience indicates.

Changes in the accrual for product warranties in 2012 are set forth below (in millions):

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	6.2
Provision		8.6
Expenditures/other		(7.8)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	7.0

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Data Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data [Text Block]

Note 22 — Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The table below sets forth summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in millions, except per share amounts):

	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2012
Net Sales	$	723.8	$	778.4	$	789.7	$	752.5
Gross Profit	$	234.1	$	259.8	$	268.5	$	249.8
Net Income	$	63.6	$	78.0	$	87.6	$	72.9
Net Income attributable to Hubbell	$	63.2	$	77.5	$	87.1	$	71.9
Earnings Per Share — Basic	$	1.06	$	1.31	$	1.47	$	1.21
Earnings Per Share — Diluted	$	1.05	$	1.29	$	1.45	$	1.20

2011
Net Sales	$	658.1	$	709.2	$	764.3	$	740.0
Gross Profit	$	205.2	$	229.9	$	252.3	$	236.3
Net Income	$	50.7	$	65.7	$	83.3	$	70.5
Net Income attributable to Hubbell	$	50.3	$	65.2	$	82.4	$	70.0
Earnings Per Share — Basic	$	0.83	$	1.08	$	1.38	$	1.18
Earnings Per Share — Diluted	$	0.82	$	1.07	$	1.37	$	1.17

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References+ Details

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts And Reserves [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

Schedule II

HUBBELL INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, 2011 AND 2012

Reserves deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which they apply (in millions):

	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions / (Reversals) Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions		Balance at End of Year
Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable:
Year 2010	$	5.1	$	(0.2)	$	(1.3)	$	3.6
Year 2011	$	3.6	$	0.1	$	(0.7)	$	3.0
Year 2012	$	3.0	$	1.4	$	(1.2)	$	3.2
Allowance for credit memos and returns:
Year 2010	$	18.6	$	102.3	$	(102.3)	$	18.6
Year 2011	$	18.6	$	118.3	$	(116.5)	$	20.4
Year 2012	$	20.4	$	141.3	$	(141.2)	$	20.5
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets:
Year 2010	$	2.2	$	0.4	$	—	$	2.6
Year 2011	$	2.6	$	0.6	$	—	$	3.2
Year 2012	$	3.2	$	3.8	$	—	$	7.0

Significant Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Significant Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2012
Policy Text Block [Abstract]
Reclassifications [Text Block]	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made in prior year financial statements and notes to conform to the current year presentation.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include all subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company participates in two joint ventures, one of which is accounted for using the equity method, the other has been consolidated in accordance with the consolidation accounting guidance. An analysis is performed to determine which reporting entity, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) with a primarily qualitative analysis. The qualitative analysis is based on identifying the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance (the “power criterion”) and the obligation to absorb losses from or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE (the “losses/benefit criterion”). The party that meets both these criteria is deemed to have a controlling financial interest. The party with the controlling financial interest is considered to be the primary beneficiary and as a result is required to consolidate the VIE. The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture in Hong Kong, established as Hubbell Asia Limited (“HAL”). The principal objective of HAL is to manage the operations of its wholly-owned manufacturing company in China. Under the accounting guidance, the Company is the primary beneficiary of HAL and as a result consolidates HAL. This determination is based on the fact that HAL's sole business purpose is to manufacture product exclusively for the Company (the power criterion) and the Company is financially responsible for ensuring HAL maintains a fixed operating margin (the losses/benefit criterion). The consolidation of HAL is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from the estimates that are used.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is determinable and collection is probable. Product is considered delivered to the customer once it has been shipped and title and risk of loss have been transferred. The majority of the Company's revenue is recognized at the time of shipment. The Company recognizes less than one percent of total annual consolidated net revenue from post shipment obligations and service contracts, primarily within the Electrical segment. Revenue is recognized under these contracts when the service is completed and all conditions of sale have been met. In addition, within the Electrical segment, certain businesses sell large and complex equipment which requires construction and assembly and occasionally has long lead times. It is customary in these businesses to require a portion of the selling price to be paid in advance of construction. These payments are treated as deferred revenue and are classified in Other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Once the equipment is shipped to the customer and meets the revenue recognition criteria, the deferred revenue is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Further, certain of our businesses account for sales discounts and allowances based on sales volumes, specific programs and customer deductions, as is customary in the electrical products industry. These items primarily relate to sales volume incentives, special pricing allowances, and returned goods. Sales volume incentives represent rebates with specific sales volume targets for specific customers. Certain distributors qualify for price rebates by subsequently reselling the Company's products into select channels of end users. Following a distributor's sale of an eligible product, the distributor submits a claim for a price rebate. Customers have a right to return goods under certain circumstances which are reasonably estimable by affected businesses. Customer returns have historically ranged from 1%-3% of gross sales. These arrangements require us to estimate at the time of sale the amounts that should not be recorded as revenue as these amounts are not expected to be collected from customers. The Company principally relies on historical experience, specific customer agreements and anticipated future trends to estimate these amounts at the time of shipment.
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs The Company records shipping and handling costs as part of Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Any amounts billed to customers for reimbursement of shipping and handling are included in Net sales in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation The assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the year, and income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the year. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on the translated amounts of foreign currency assets and liabilities are included as translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive loss within Hubbell shareholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Investments Investments in debt and equity securities are classified by individual security as available-for-sale, held-to-maturity or trading investments. Our available-for-sale investments, consisting of municipal bonds, are carried on the balance sheet at fair value with current period adjustments to carrying value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss within Hubbell shareholders' equity, net of tax. Realized gains and losses are recorded in income in the period of sale. The Company's trading investments are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and consist primarily of debt and equity mutual funds. Gains and losses associated with these trading investments are reflected in the results of operations. The Company did not have any investments classified as held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable and Allowances Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an estimated amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. The allowance is calculated based upon a combination of historical write-off experience, fixed percentages applied to aging categories and specific identification based upon a review of past due balances and problem accounts. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when it is determined that internal collection efforts should no longer be pursued. The Company also maintains a reserve for credit memos, cash discounts and product returns which are principally calculated based upon historical experience, specific customer agreements, as well as anticipated future trends.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. The cost of substantially all domestic inventories (approximately 84% of total net inventory value) is determined utilizing the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of inventory accounting. The cost of foreign inventories and certain domestic inventories is determined utilizing average cost or first-in, first-out (FIFO) methods of inventory accounting. Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory are provided based on current assessments about future demand compared to on-hand quantities.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment values are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repair expenditures that do not significantly increase the life of an asset are charged to expense when incurred. Property, plant and equipment placed in service prior to January 1, 1999 are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, principally using accelerated methods. Assets placed in service subsequent to January 1, 1999 are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, using straight-line methods. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Gains and losses arising on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are included in Operating income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Capitalized Computer Software Costs Capitalized computer software costs, net of amortization, were $8.7 million and $8.4 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. This balance is reflected in Other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Capitalized computer software costs primarily consist of purchased materials and services. Software is amortized on a straight-line basis over appropriate periods, generally five years. The Company recorded amortization expense of $3.5 million, $4.8 million and $8.1 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, relating to capitalized computer software.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired companies. Indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill are subject to annual impairment testing using the specific guidance and criteria described in the accounting guidance. The Company performs its goodwill impairment testing as of April 1st of each year, unless circumstances dictate the need for more frequent assessments. Goodwill impairment testing involves a two-step process. Step 1 compares the fair value of the Company's reporting units to their carrying values. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis is necessary. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Step 2 must be completed to quantify the amount of impairment. In 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended the goodwill guidance by providing entities an option to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. The Company elected to bypass the qualitative assessment option for its 2012 goodwill impairment testing and proceeded directly to Step 1 of the two step impairment process; however the Company may elect to use the qualitative assessment option in future years. Goodwill impairment testing requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. Significant judgments required to estimate the fair value of reporting units include estimating future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates and other assumptions. The Company uses internal discounted cash flow estimates to determine fair value. These cash flow estimates are derived from historical experience and future long-term business plans and the application of an appropriate discount rate. The aggregate fair value of the Company's reporting units is compared to the Company's market capitalization on the valuation date to assess its reasonableness. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or goodwill impairment for each reporting unit. As of April 1, 2012, the impairment testing resulted in fair values for each reporting unit that substantially exceeded the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. The Company did not have any reporting units at risk of failing Step 1 of the impairment test as the excess of the estimated fair value over carrying value (expressed as a percentage of carrying value) ranged from approximately 75% to approximately 320% for the respective reporting units. Additionally, the Company did not have any reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The Company has not recorded any goodwill impairments since the initial adoption of the accounting guidance in 2002. The Company also performed its annual impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets which resulted in no impairment in 2012, 2011 or 2010. Intangible assets with definite lives are being amortized over periods generally ranging from 5-30 years.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews depreciable long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. If such a change in circumstances occurs, the related estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is compared to the carrying amount. If the sum of the expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, an impairment charge is recorded. The impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. The fair value of impaired assets is determined using expected cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and appraisals as appropriate. The Company did not record any material impairment charges in 2012, 2011 or 2010.
Accrued Insurance Policy [PolicyTextblock]	Accrued Insurance The Company retains a significant portion of the risks associated with workers' compensation, medical, automobile and general liability insurance. The Company estimates self-insurance liabilities using a number of factors, including historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. The accrued liabilities associated with these programs are based on the Company's estimate of the ultimate costs to settle known claims as well as claims incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. The Company periodically reviews the assumptions with a third party actuary to determine the adequacy of these self-insurance reserves.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes The Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in these jurisdictions. The IRS and other tax authorities routinely review the Company's tax returns. These audits can involve complex issues which may require an extended period of time to resolve. The Company makes adequate provisions for best estimates of exposures on previously filed tax returns. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequence of differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities by applying the currently enacted statutory tax rates in accordance with the accounting guidance for income taxes. The effect of a change in statutory tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, deferred tax assets are required to be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company uses factors to assess the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets such as the forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the deferred tax assets. In addition, the accounting guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of the tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For any amount of benefit to be recognized, it must be determined that it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The amount of benefit to be recognized is based on the Company's assertion of the most likely outcome resulting from an examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. Companies are required to adjust their financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. See also Note 12 — Income Taxes.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and Development Research and development expenditures represent costs to discover and/or apply new knowledge in developing a new product, process, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process. Research and development expenses are recorded as a component of Cost of goods sold. Expenses for research and development were less than 2% of Cost of goods sold for each of the years 2012, 2011 and 2010.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Retirement Benefits The Company maintains various defined benefit pension plans for some of its U.S. and foreign employees. The accounting guidance for retirement benefits requires the Company to recognize the funded status of its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and transition assets or obligations that have not yet been included in net periodic benefit cost as of the end of the year are recognized as components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, within Hubbell shareholders' equity. The Company's policy is to fund pension costs within the ranges prescribed by applicable regulations. In addition to providing defined benefit pension benefits, the Company provides health care and life insurance benefits for some of its active and retired employees. The Company's policy is to fund these benefits through insurance premiums or as actual expenditures are made. See also Note 10 — Retirement Benefits.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings Per Share The earnings per share accounting guidance requires use of the two-class method in determining earnings per share. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and participating securities. Restricted stock granted by the Company is considered a participating security since it contains a non-forfeitable right to dividends. Basic earnings per share is calculated as net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Earnings per diluted share is calculated as net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding of common stock plus the incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options, stock appreciation rights and performance shares. See also Note 18 — Earnings Per Share.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes the grant-date fair value of all stock-based awards on a straight-line basis over their respective requisite service periods (generally equal to an award's vesting period). A stock-based award is considered vested for expense attribution purposes when the retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation cost immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible individuals or over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if less than the stated vesting period. The expense is recorded in Cost of goods sold and S&A expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income based on the recipients' respective functions within the organization. The Company records deferred tax assets for awards that will result in deductions on its tax returns, based upon the amount of compensation cost recognized and the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which it will receive a deduction. Differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported in the Company's tax return are recorded to Additional paid-in capital to the extent that previously recognized credits to paid-in capital are still available. See also Note 17 — Stock-Based Compensation.
Derivatives, Reporting of Derivative Activity [Policy Text Block]	Derivatives In order to limit financial risk in the management of its assets, liabilities and debt, the Company may use derivative financial instruments such as foreign currency hedges, commodity hedges, interest rate hedges and interest rate swaps. All derivative financial instruments are matched with an existing Company asset, liability or proposed transaction. The Company does not speculate or use leverage when trading a derivative product. Market value gains or losses on the derivative financial instrument are recognized in income when the effects of the related price changes of the underlying asset or liability are recognized in income. See Note 14 – Fair Value Measurement for more information regarding our derivative instruments.
New Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to provide a consistent definition of fair value and to ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This amendment changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. This amendment was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2012 and it did not have a material impact to its financial statements. In June 2011, the FASB amended the guidance regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance requires an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive statements. Although the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income. The Company elected to report other comprehensive income and its components in a separate statement of comprehensive income and adopted the amendment effective January 1, 2012. In December 2011, the FASB amended the disclosure requirements regarding offsetting assets and liabilities of derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements, reverse sale and repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The enhanced disclosures will require entities to provide both gross and net information for these assets and liabilities. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company does not anticipate that this amendment will have a material impact on its financial statements. In July 2012, the FASB amended its guidance related to indefinite-lived intangibles by providing entities an option to use a qualitative approach to test these assets for impairment. An entity will be able to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is concluded that this is the case, then the entity must perform a quantitative impairment test. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this amendment will not have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

Business Acquisitions (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Combinations Table [Abstract]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]


Tangible assets acquired	$	22.3
Intangible assets		35.4
Goodwill		40.0
Liabilities assumed		(7.0)
Total cash consideration	$	90.7

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a material business combination completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. This table does not include leveraged buyouts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141

-Paragraph 52

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141

-Paragraph 51

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph F4

-Subparagraph e

-Appendix F

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 68

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

	Segment
	Electrical		Power		Total
Balance December 31, 2010	$	448.2	$	275.8	$	724.0
Acquisitions		5.3		-		5.3
Translation adjustments		(0.5)		(1.5)		(2.0)
Balance December 31, 2011	$	453.0	$	274.3	$	727.3
Acquisitions		18.6		7.7		26.3
Translation adjustments		3.0		(1.1)		1.9
Balance December 31, 2012	$	474.6	$	280.9	$	755.5

Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Definite-lived:
Patents, tradenames and trademarks	$	102.8	$	(23.0)	$	86.6	$	(19.0)
Customer/agent relationships and other		212.7		(60.8)		192.3		(46.5)
Total Definite-lived Intangibles		315.5		(83.8)		278.9		(65.5)
Indefinite-lived:
Tradenames and other		56.4		-		56.1		-
Total Intangible Assets	$	371.9	$	(83.8)	$	335.0	$	(65.5)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total which includes a rollforward schedule.

+ References+ Details

Investment (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Investments Disclosure [Abstract]

Investments [TableTextBlock]

	2012										2011
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Carrying Value

Available-For-Sale Investments	$	38.5	$	1.2	$	-	$	39.7	$	39.7	$	49.3	$	1.5	$	-	$	50.8	$	50.8
Trading Investments		4.7		1.1		-		5.8		5.8		3.4		0.6		-		4.0		4.0
Total Investments	$	43.2	$	2.3	$	-	$	45.5	$	45.5	$	52.7	$	2.1	$	-	$	54.8	$	54.8

Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]

	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Available-For-Sale Investments
Due within 1 year	$	8.7	$	8.8
After 1 year but within 5 years		20.4		21.2
After 5 years but within 10 years		8.4		8.7
Due after 10 years		1.0		1.0
Total	$	38.5	$	39.7

Property, Plant and Equipment (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Abstract]

Property, Plant, and Equipment [Table Text Block]

	2012		2011
Land	$	43.2	$	42.9
Buildings and improvements		234.8		228.3
Machinery, tools, and equipment		669.9		648.5
Construction-in-progress		24.5		17.8
Gross property, plant, and equipment		972.4		937.5
Less accumulated depreciation		(607.7)		(577.9)
Net property, plant, and equipment	$	364.7	$	359.6

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the useful life and salvage value of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References+ Details

Retirement Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule Of Changes In Benefit Obligation Plan Assets Amts Recog In Accum O C I Amts Recog In B S [TableTextBlock]

	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	832.4	$	722.5	$	33.7	$	33.0
Service cost		16.0		13.6		-		-
Interest cost		36.5		38.1		1.3		1.6
Plan participants’ contributions		0.7		0.7		-		-
Actuarial loss (gain)		24.2		90.6		(2.4)		1.8
Currency impact		3.9		(0.5)		-		-
Other		(0.5)		(1.0)		-		(0.3)
Benefits paid		(33.7)		(31.6)		(2.2)		(2.4)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	879.5	$	832.4	$	30.4	$	33.7
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	647.6	$	622.0	$	-	$	-
Actual return on plan assets		82.8		31.7		-		-
Employer contributions		25.1		25.4		-		-
Plan participants’ contributions		0.7		0.7		-		-
Currency impact		3.8		(0.6)		-		-
Benefits paid		(33.7)		(31.6)		-		-
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	726.3	$	647.6	$	-	$	-
FUNDED STATUS	$	(153.2)	$	(184.8)	$	(30.4)	$	(33.7)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Prepaid pensions (included in Other long-term assets)	$	5.6	$	6.0	$	-	$	-
Accrued benefit liability (short-term and long-term)		(158.8)		(190.8)		(30.4)		(33.7)
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet	$	(153.2)	$	(184.8)	$	(30.4)	$	(33.7)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) consist of:
Net actuarial loss	$	208.9	$	245.3	$	0.4	$	2.6
Prior service cost (credit)		0.8		1.0		(7.1)		(8.1)
Net amount recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	209.7	$	246.3	$	(6.7)	$	(5.5)

Schedule Of Accumulated Benefit Obligations In Excess Of Fair Value Of Plan Assets [TableTextBlock]

	2012		2011
Projected benefit obligation	$	765.9	$	764.0
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	725.0	$	717.6
Fair value of plan assets	$	607.1	$	573.1

Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs Amts Recog In O C I Amts To Be Recog [TableTextBlock]

	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2012		2011		2010		2012		2011		2010

Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	16.0	$	13.6	$	12.7	$	-	$	-	$	0.3
Interest cost		36.5		38.1		37.8		1.3		1.6		2.1
Expected return on plan assets		(39.9)		(41.8)		(41.7)		-		-		-
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		0.2		0.2		0.3		(1.0)		(1.0)		(0.3)
Amortization of actuarial losses		17.4		8.4		5.4		-		-		-
Curtailment and settlement losses (gains)		-		(0.1)		(0.1)		-		-		(0.6)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	30.2	$	18.4	$	14.4	$	0.3	$	0.6	$	1.5
Changes recognized in other comprehensive loss (income), before tax:
Current year net actuarial (gain)/loss	$	(19.1)	$	99.8	$	46.7	$	(2.5)	$	1.8	$	2.1
Current year prior service (cost)/credit		-		-		-		-		-		(7.6)
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit		(0.2)		(0.2)		(0.3)		1.0		1.0		0.9
Amortization of net actuarial loss		(17.4)		(8.4)		(5.4)		-		-		-
Currency impact		(0.2)		0.1		(3.3)		-		-		-
Other adjustments		0.3		-		0.5		0.3		-		-
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss		(36.6)		91.3		38.2		(1.2)		2.8		(4.6)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	$	(6.4)	$	109.7	$	52.6	$	(0.9)	$	3.4	$	(3.1)
Amortization expected to be recognized through income during 2013
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)	$	0.2					$	(1.0)
Amortization of net loss		13.5						(0.1)
Total expected to be recognized through income during next fiscal year	$	13.7					$	(1.1)

Schedule Of Assumptions Used [TableTextBlock]

	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2012		2011		2010		2012		2011		2010

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31,
Discount rate	4.22	%	4.42	%	5.38	%	4.20	%	4.40	%	5.40	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.11	%	3.53	%	3.56	%	3.00	%	3.50	%	3.50	%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31,
Discount rate	4.42	%	5.38	%	5.96	%	4.40	%	5.40	%	6.00	%
Expected return on plan assets	6.50	%	7.00	%	7.50	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase	3.53	%	3.56	%	3.57	%	3.50	%	3.50	%	3.50	%

Schedule Of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [TableTextBlock]

	Other Benefits
	2012	2011	2010

Assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31,
Health care cost trend assumed for next year	8.8%	9.0%	9.0%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline	5.0%	5.0%	5.0%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2028	2028	2028

Schedule Of Effect Of One Percentage Point Change In Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [TableTextBlock]

	One Percentage Point Increase		One Percentage Point Decrease

Effect on total of service and interest cost	$	0.1	$	(0.1)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	1.7	$	(1.5)

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Target and Acutal Plan Asset Allocation [TableTextBlock]

	Percentage of Plan Assets
	Target		Actual
Asset Category	2013		2012		2011
Equity securities	38	%	40	%	40	%
Debt securities & Cash	42	%	43	%	41	%
Alternative Investments	20	%	17	%	19	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]

		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Market for Similar Asset (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	45.9	$	45.9	$	-	$	-
Equity securities:
	US Large-cap (a)		86.1		86.1		-		-
	US Mid-cap and Small-cap Growth (b)		31.7		31.7		-		-
	International Large-cap		46.0		46.0		-		-
	Emerging Markets		37.8		37.8		-		-
Fixed Income Securities:
	US Treasuries		52.9		52.9		-		-
	Corporate Bonds (c)		113.9		113.9		-		-
	Asset Backed Securities and Other		122.6		122.6		-		-
Derivatives:
	Equity/Debt Futures (d)		63.2		-		63.2		-
Alternative Investment Funds (e)			126.2		-		-		126.2
Balance at December 31, 2012		$	726.3	$	536.9	$	63.2	$	126.2

Asset Category		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Market for Similar Asset (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	46.3	$	46.3	$	-	$	-
Equity securities:
	US Large-cap (a)		110.4		110.4		-		-
	US Mid-cap and Small-cap Growth (b)		25.3		25.3		-		-
	International Large-cap		49.7		49.7		-		-
	Emerging Markets		32.0		32.0		-		-
Fixed Income Securities:
	US Treasuries		106.6		106.6		-		-
	Corporate Bonds (c)		92.9		92.9		-		-
	Asset Backed Securities and Other		57.0		57.0		-		-
Derivatives:
	Equity/Debt Futures (d)		9.6		-		9.6		-
Alternative Investment Funds (e)			117.8		-		-		117.8
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	647.6	$	520.2	$	9.6	$	117.8

	(a) Includes an actively managed portfolio of large-cap US stocks
	(b) Includes $27.6 million and $21.6 million of the Company's common stock at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and an investment in actively managed mid-cap and small-cap US stocks
	(c) Includes primarily investment grade bonds of US issuers from diverse industries
	(d) Includes primarily large-cap US and foreign equity futures as well as short positions in US Treasuries to adjust the duration of the portfolio
	(e) Includes investments in hedge funds, including fund of fund products as well as individual hedge funds

Schedule Of Change In Plan Assets Measured Using Unobservable Inputs [TableTextBlock]

		Alternative Investment Funds
Balance at December 31, 2010		$	110.7
Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		2.3
	Relating to assets sold during the period		-
Purchases, sales and settlements, net			4.8
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3			-
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	117.8
Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		9.2
	Relating to assets sold during the period		-
Purchases, sales and settlements, net			(0.8)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3			-
Balance at December 31, 2012		$	126.2

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]

	Pension Benefits		Other Benefits

2013	$	36.2	$	2.6
2014	$	38.3	$	2.4
2015	$	40.4	$	2.4
2016	$	42.8	$	2.3
2017	$	44.8	$	2.2
2018-2022	$	255.2	$	10.1

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule Of Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign [TableTextBlock]

		2012		2011		2010
Income before income taxes:
	United States	$	330.2	$	282.5	$	224.5
	International		111.6		107.3		95.9
	TOTAL INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	441.8	$	389.8	$	320.4
Provision for income taxes — current:
	Federal	$	66.4	$	61.7	$	47.5
	State		12.8		9.7		7.8
	International		33.0		29.4		21.3
	Total provision-current		112.2		100.8		76.6
Provision for income taxes — deferred:
	Federal	$	25.6	$	23.3	$	24.3
	State		1.8		(0.3)		1.5
	International		0.1		(4.2)		(0.8)
	Total provision — deferred		27.5		18.8		25.0
	TOTAL PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	$	139.7	$	119.6	$	101.6

Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense Benefit [TableTextBlock]

		2012		2011		2010
Income before income taxes:
	United States	$	330.2	$	282.5	$	224.5
	International		111.6		107.3		95.9
	TOTAL INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	441.8	$	389.8	$	320.4
Provision for income taxes — current:
	Federal	$	66.4	$	61.7	$	47.5
	State		12.8		9.7		7.8
	International		33.0		29.4		21.3
	Total provision-current		112.2		100.8		76.6
Provision for income taxes — deferred:
	Federal	$	25.6	$	23.3	$	24.3
	State		1.8		(0.3)		1.5
	International		0.1		(4.2)		(0.8)
	Total provision — deferred		27.5		18.8		25.0
	TOTAL PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	$	139.7	$	119.6	$	101.6

Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [TableTextBlock]

		2012		2011
Deferred tax assets:
	Inventory	$	8.3	$	8.8
	Income tax credits		27.3		21.4
	Accrued liabilities		17.7		15.4
	Pension		50.8		69.9
	Postretirement and post employment benefits		11.6		12.8
	Stock-based compensation		9.9		12.0
	Net operating loss carryforwards		52.3		66.3
	Miscellaneous other		4.5		5.0
	Gross deferred tax assets		182.4		211.6
	Valuation allowance		(7.0)		(3.2)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	$	175.4	$	208.4
Deferred tax liabilities:
	Acquisition basis difference		(120.5)		(117.4)
	Property, plant, and equipment		(37.4)		(36.9)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(157.9)	$	(154.3)
	Total Net Deferred Tax Asset	$	17.5	$	54.1
Deferred taxes are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows:
	Current tax assets (included in Deferred taxes and other)	$	32.7	$	29.5
	Non-current tax assets (included in Other long-term assets)		1.7		40.6
	Non-current tax liabilities (included in Other Non-current liabilities)		(16.9)		(16.0)
	Total Net Deferred Tax Asset	$	17.5	$	54.1

Summary Of Income Tax Examinations [TableTextBlock]

	Jurisdiction	Open Years
	United States	2008-2012
	Canada	2009-2012
	UK	2008-2012

Summary Of Income Tax Contingencies [TableTextBlock]

	2012		2011		2010
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	27.6	$	25.2	$	30.6
Additions based on tax positions relating to the current year		1.8		2.7		2.5
Reductions based on expiration of statute of limitations		(9.6)		(1.3)		(0.7)
Additions to tax positions relating to previous years		0.8		1.2		1.0
Settlements		(7.1)		(0.2)		(8.2)
Total unrecognized tax benefits	$	13.5	$	27.6	$	25.2

Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [TableTextBlock]

	2012		2011		2010
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.8		1.4		1.3
Foreign income taxes	(3.4)		(3.6)		(4.2)
Other, net	(1.8)		(2.1)		(0.4)
Consolidated effective income tax rate	31.6	%	30.7	%	31.7	%

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of income tax examinations that an enterprise is currently subject to or that have been completed in the current period typically including a description of the examination, the jurisdiction conducting the examination, the tax year(s) under examination, the likelihood of an unfavorable settlement, the range of possible losses, the liability recorded, the increase or decrease in the liability from the prior period, and any penalties and interest that have been recorded.

+ References+ Details

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurement Tables [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

Asset (Liability)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Assets (Level 2)		Total
December 31, 2012
Money market funds (a)		$	423.6	$	-	$	423.6
Available for sale investments			39.7		-		39.7
Trading securities			5.8		-		5.8
Deferred compensation plan liabilities			(5.8)		-		(5.8)
Derivatives:
	Forward exchange contracts		-		(0.2)		(0.2)
		$	463.3	$	(0.2)	$	463.1

		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Assets (Level 2)		Total
December 31, 2011
Money market funds (a)		$	365.9	$	-	$	365.9
Available for sale investments			50.8		-		50.8
Trading securities			4.0		-		4.0
Deferred compensation plan liabilities			(4.0)		-		(4.0)
Derivatives:
	Forward exchange contracts		-		0.3		0.3
		$	416.7	$	0.3	$	417.0

	(a) Money market funds are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]

	Asset/(Liability) Derivatives
			Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedges	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	Other accrued liabilities	$	(0.2)	$	(0.1)
Forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	Deferred taxes and other		-		0.4
		$	(0.2)	$	0.3

	Derivative Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax					Loss Reclassified into Earnings (Effective Portion)
Derivative Instrument		2012		2011	Location of Loss Reclassified into Income (Effective Portion)		2012		2011
Forward exchange contract	$	(0.5)	$	0.1	Cost of goods sold	$	(0.1)	$	(0.9)

Capital Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Capital Stock Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule Of Stock By Class [Table Text Block]

	Common Stock
	Class A	Class B
Outstanding at December 31, 2009	7,167	52,554
Exercise of stock options/stock appreciation rights	-	1,351
Director compensation arrangements, net	-	11
Restricted/performance shares activity, net of forfeitures	-	143
Acquisition/surrender of shares	-	(458)
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	7,167	53,601
Exercise of stock options/stock appreciation rights	-	638
Director compensation arrangements, net	-	8
Restricted/performance shares activity, net of forfeitures	-	140
Acquisition/surrender of shares	-	(2,316)
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	7,167	52,071
Exercise of stock options/stock appreciation rights	-	804
Director compensation arrangements, net	-	19
Restricted/performance shares activity, net of forfeitures	-	197
Acquisition/surrender of shares	-	(1,021)
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	7,167	52,070

Capital Stock Reserved Shares Table [Text Block]

	Common Stock
	Class A	Class B	Preferred Stock
Exercise of outstanding stock options	-	104	-
Future grant of stock-based compensation	-	2,138	-
Exercise of stock purchase rights	-	-	59
Shares reserved under other equity compensation plans	-	114	-
Total	-	2,356	59

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 480

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14643745&loc=d3e177068-122764

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 150

-Paragraph 9

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 29

-Article 5

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 30

-Article 5

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6403732&loc=d3e21300-112643

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 10

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21553-112644

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 7

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Restricted Stock [TableTextBlock]

	Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value/Share
Restricted stock at December 31, 2011	205	$	60.60
Shares granted	115		82.18
Shares vested	(108)		58.60
Shares forfeited	(4)		59.18
Restricted stock at December 31, 2012	208	$	73.63

Stock-Appreciation Rights Activity[Table TextBlock]

	Number of Rights	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	2,340	$	50.71
Granted	328		82.84
Exercised	(1,021)		47.15
Forfeited	(12)		45.87
Canceled	(2)		49.72
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,633	$	59.44	7.5 years	$	41,280
Exercisable at December 31, 2012	977	$	50.38	6.4 years	$	33,470

Stock-Appreciation Rights Valuation [Table TextBlock]

	Expected Dividend Yield		Expected Volatility		Risk Free Interest Rate		Expected Term	Weighted Avg. Grant Date Fair Value of 1 SAR
2012	2.0	%	29.4	%	0.7	%	5.5 Years	$	18.13
2011	2.6	%	30.2	%	1.1	%	5.5 Years	$	13.70
2010	2.7	%	28.0	%	1.9	%	6.0 Years	$	12.79

Performance Shares Valuation [Table TextBlock]

	Stock Price on Measurement Date		Dividend Yield		Expected Volatility		Risk Free Interest Rate		Expected Term	Weighted Avg. Grant Date Fair Value
2012	$	83.73	2.0	%	27.3	%	0.4	%	3 Years	$	100.77
2011	$	64.48	2.4	%	35.9	%	0.4	%	3 Years	$	83.12
2010	$	59.95	2.4	%	38.8	%	0.8	%	3 Years	$	80.11

Stock Option Awards [Table TextBlock]

	Number of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	653	$	45.62
Exercised	(549)		45.38
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	104	$	46.99	1.7 years	$	3,920
Exercisable at December 31, 2012	104	$	46.99	1.7 years	$	3,920

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Table [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	2012		2011		2010
Pension and post retirement benefit plan adjustment, net of tax	$	(130.1)	$	(153.7)	$	(95.6)
Cumulative translation adjustment		10.8		2.5		14.6
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax		0.7		1.0		0.5
Cash flow hedge loss, net of tax		(0.5)		(0.2)		(0.8)
Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(119.1)	$	(150.4)	$	(81.3)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of components of comprehensive income (loss) including, but not limited to: (a) foreign currency translation adjustments; (b) gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (c) gains (losses) on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (d) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (e) unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (f) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (g) the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

+ References+ Details

Industry Segments and Geographic Area Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Industry Segments and Geographic Area Information [Abstract]

Industry Segment Data [Table Text Block]

Industry Segment Data
		2012		2011		2010
	Net Sales:
	Electrical	$	2,114.6	$	2,004.2	$	1,808.2
	Power		929.8		867.4		733.0
	TOTAL NET SALES	$	3,044.4	$	2,871.6	$	2,541.2
	Operating Income:
	Electrical	$	303.7	$	282.0	$	248.7
	Power		168.1		141.8		119.1
	Operating income		471.8		423.8		367.8
	Loss on extinguishment of debt		-		-		(14.7)
	Interest expense		(30.8)		(30.9)		(31.1)
	Investment income and other expense, net		0.8		(3.1)		(1.6)
	Income before income taxes	$	441.8	$	389.8	$	320.4
	Assets:
	Electrical	$	1,659.2	$	1,558.2	$	1,576.7
	Power		710.4		659.8		622.2
	General Corporate		577.4		628.5		506.9
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,947.0	$	2,846.5	$	2,705.8
	Capital Expenditures:
	Electrical	$	27.1	$	35.9	$	23.5
	Power		20.4		16.5		17.8
	General Corporate		1.6		3.0		6.0
	TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES	$	49.1	$	55.4	$	47.3
	Depreciation and Amortization:
	Electrical	$	45.8	$	47.1	$	50.8
	Power		21.0		21.1		21.7
	TOTAL DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION	$	66.8	$	68.2	$	72.5

Product Class Data
		2012		2011		2010
	Net Sales:
	Electrical Systems	$	1,376.1	$	1,271.4	$	1,127.2
	Lighting		738.5		732.8		681.0
	Power		929.8		867.4		733.0
	TOTAL NET SALES	$	3,044.4	$	2,871.6	$	2,541.2

Geographic Area Data [Table Text Block]

Geographic Area Data
		2012		2011		2010
	Net Sales:
	United States	$	2,541.6	$	2,381.5	$	2,107.9
	International		502.8		490.1		433.3
	TOTAL NET SALES	$	3,044.4	$	2,871.6	$	2,541.2
	Operating Income:
	United States	$	383.8	$	338.0	$	292.9
	International		88.0		85.8		74.9
	TOTAL OPERATING INCOME	$	471.8	$	423.8	$	367.8
	Long-lived Assets:
	United States	$	1,225.4	$	1,185.4	$	1,189.5
	International		227.0		225.1		225.8
	TOTAL LONG-LIVED ASSETS	$	1,452.4	$	1,410.5	$	1,415.3

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of information concerning material long-lived assets (excluding financial instruments, customer relationships with financial institutions, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred taxes assets) located in identified geographic areas and/or the amount of revenue from external customers attributed to that country from which revenue is material. An entity may also provide subtotals of geographic information about groups of countries.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References+ Details

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Data Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data [Table Text Block]

	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2012
Net Sales	$	723.8	$	778.4	$	789.7	$	752.5
Gross Profit	$	234.1	$	259.8	$	268.5	$	249.8
Net Income	$	63.6	$	78.0	$	87.6	$	72.9
Net Income attributable to Hubbell	$	63.2	$	77.5	$	87.1	$	71.9
Earnings Per Share — Basic	$	1.06	$	1.31	$	1.47	$	1.21
Earnings Per Share — Diluted	$	1.05	$	1.29	$	1.45	$	1.20

2011
Net Sales	$	658.1	$	709.2	$	764.3	$	740.0
Gross Profit	$	205.2	$	229.9	$	252.3	$	236.3
Net Income	$	50.7	$	65.7	$	83.3	$	70.5
Net Income attributable to Hubbell	$	50.3	$	65.2	$	82.4	$	70.0
Earnings Per Share — Basic	$	0.83	$	1.08	$	1.38	$	1.18
Earnings Per Share — Diluted	$	0.82	$	1.07	$	1.37	$	1.17

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Assets acquired	$ 22.3
Intangible Assets	35.4
Goodwill	40.0
Liabilities Assumed	(7.0)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	90.7	29.6	0
Business Combination Impact To Net Sales	28.0
Vantage [Member]
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	3.8
Goodwill	5.2
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	10.4
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Power product line [Member]
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	8.7
Goodwill	14.5
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	27.3
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	16 years
TayMac [Member]
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	18.4
Goodwill	15.8
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	42.1
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	16 years
Cableform [Member]
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	4.5
Goodwill	4.5
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	$ 10.9
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	20 years

Receivables and Allowances (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Receivables and Allowances [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 421.2	$ 407.7
Non-trade receivables	10.2	12.4
Accounts receivable, gross	431.4	420.1
Allowance for credit memos, returns, and cash discounts	(23.0)	(22.8)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(3.2)	(3.0)
Total allowances	(26.2)	(25.8)
Receivables Net Current	$ 405.2	$ 394.3

Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw Materials	$ 118.4	$ 122.2
Work in Process	81.8	71.3
Finished Goods	226.5	213.3
Inventory Subtotal	426.7	406.8
Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost basis	(85.0)	(88.5)
Inventories, Net	$ 341.7	$ 318.3

- Definition

Carrying amount, net of reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods which are partially completed. This inventory is generally comprised of raw materials, labor and factory overhead costs, which require further materials, labor and overhead to be converted into finished goods, and which generally require the use of estimates to determine percentage complete and pricing.

+ References+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill Roll Forward
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 727.3	$ 724.0
Acquisitions	26.3	5.3
Translation adjustments	1.9	(2.0)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	755.5	727.3	724.0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	90.7	29.6	0
Goodwill Acquired	40.0
ProceedsFromPreviousAcquisition	6.8	0	0
GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset	6.9
Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount Finite Intangible	315.5	278.9
Gross Amount Indefinite Lived Intangible	56.4	56.1
Total Gross Other Intangible Assets	371.9	335.0
Accumulated Amortization Intangible	83.8	65.5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense, Current and Five Succeeding Fiscal Years [Abstract]
Year to date amortization expense	18.1	16.6	16.5
Year ended December 31, 2013	18.6
Year ended December 31, 2014	18.0
Year ended December 31, 2015	16.4
Year ended December 31, 2016	15.7
Year ended December 31, 2017	14.5
Goodwill Annual Impairment Test [Abstract]
Excess Of Goodwill Implied Fair Value Over Carrying Value Beginning Range	75.00%
Excess Of Goodwill Implied Fair Value Over Carrying Value End Of Range	320.00%
Tradenames Other [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount Indefinite Lived Intangible	56.4	56.1
Patents Tradenames Trademarks [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount Finite Intangible	102.8	86.6
Accumulated Amortization Intangible	23.0	19.0
Customer Relationships [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount Finite Intangible	212.7	192.3
Accumulated Amortization Intangible	60.8	46.5
Electrical [Member]
Goodwill Roll Forward
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	453.0	448.2
Acquisitions	18.6	5.3
Translation adjustments	3.0	(0.5)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	474.6	453.0
Power [Member]
Goodwill Roll Forward
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	274.3	275.8
Acquisitions	7.7	0
Translation adjustments	(1.1)	(1.5)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 280.9	$ 274.3

Investments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Investment Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax	$ 0.7	$ 1.0	$ 0.5
Schedule of Available for Sale Contractual Maturities Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Amortized Cost Due within 1 year	8.7
Amortized Cost After 1 year but within 5 years	20.4
Amortized Cost After 5 years but within 10 years	8.4
Amortized Cost Due after 10 years	1.0
Schedule of Available for Sale Contractual Maturities Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Due within 1 year	8.8
Fair Value After 1 year but within 5 years	21.2
Fair Value After 5 years but within 10 years	8.7
Fair Value Due after 10 years	1.0
Schedule of Available For Sale Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	38.5	49.3
Gross Unrealized Gain	1.2	1.5
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Available for Sale	39.7	50.8
Carrying Value	39.7	50.8
Schedule of Trading Investments [Line Items]
Trading Security Amortized Cost	4.7	3.4
Trading Security Gross Unrealized Gain	1.1	0.6
Trading Security Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Trading Security Fair Value	5.8	4.0
Trading Security Carrying Value	$ 5.8	$ 4.0

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment	$ 972.4	$ 937.5
Less accumulated depreciation	607.7	577.9
Property Plant And Equipment Net	364.7	359.6
Depreciation	44.1	45.8	47.1
Land
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment	43.2	42.9
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment	234.8	228.3
Buildings and improvements \| MaximumMember
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Buildings and improvements \| MinimumMember
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Machinery, tools and equipment
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment	669.9	648.5
Machinery, tools and equipment \| MaximumMember
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Machinery, tools and equipment \| MinimumMember
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Construction-in-progress
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment	$ 24.5	$ 17.8

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References+ Details

Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Deferred revenue	$ 16.4	$ 18.1
Customer incentive programs	34.7	32.6
Accrued Income Taxes Current	14.1	23.3
Other	54.1	59.7
Total	$ 119.3	$ 133.7

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the unpaid sum of the known and estimated amounts payable to satisfy all currently due domestic and foreign income tax obligations.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Aggregate carrying amount of current liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Includes costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and of liabilities not separately disclosed.

+ References+ Details

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Non-Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Pensions	$ 154.3	$ 187.5
Other Postretirement Benefits	27.8	33.1
Deferred tax liabilities	16.9	16.0
Other	36.0	48.0
Total	$ 235.0	$ 284.6

- Definition

Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences, net of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards net of valuation allowances expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).

+ References+ Details

- Definition

This represents the noncurrent liability recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

This represents the noncurrent liability recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with other postretirement defined benefit plans (excluding pension plans).

+ References

+ Details

Retirement Benefit I (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Rollforward]
Benefit Obligation Beginning	$ 832.4	$ 722.5
Service cost	16.0	13.6	12.7
Interest cost	36.5	38.1	37.8
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0.7	0.7
Actuarial loss (gain)	24.2	90.6
Currency impact	3.9	(0.5)
Defined Benefit Plan Other	(0.5)	(1.0)
Benefits paid change in obligation	(33.7)	(31.6)
Benefit Obligation Ending	879.5	832.4	722.5
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Rollforward]
Benefit Obligation Beginning	33.7	33.0
Service cost	0	0	0.3
Interest cost	1.3	1.6	2.1
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	(2.4)	1.8
Currency impact	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan Other	0	(0.3)
Benefits paid change in obligation	(2.2)	(2.4)
Benefit Obligation Ending	$ 30.4	$ 33.7	$ 33.0

- Definition

1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Projected Benefit Obligation

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522206

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503904

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph E1

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents a periodic decrease to the plan obligations and a decrease to plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Postretirement Benefits

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521376

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 87

-Paragraph 264

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 106

-Paragraph 518

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 60

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6414203&loc=d3e39716-114964

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 30

-Glossary Benefits

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 60

-Glossary Benefits

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506309

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)(6)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)(5)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS106-2

-Paragraph 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph a, b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 87

-Paragraph 264

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 106

-Paragraph 518

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (h)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph a, h

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

+ Details

Retirement Benefits II (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plans in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 765.9	$ 764.0
Accumulated benefit obligation	725.0	717.6
Fair value of plan assets	607.1	573.1
Assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31[Abstract]
Health care cost trend assumed for next year	8.80%	9.00%	9.00%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2028	2028	2028
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
One Percentage Point Increase Effect on total of service and interest cost	0.1
One Percentage Point Decrease Effect on total of service and interest cost	0.1
One Percentage Point Increase Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1.7
One Percentage Point Decrease Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1.5
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in Plan Assets [Rollfoward]
Fair Value Beginning	647.6	622.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	82.8	31.7
Employer contributions	25.1	25.4
Plan participants contributions plan assets	0.7	0.7
Currency impact	3.8	(0.6)
Benefits paid change in obligation	(33.7)	(31.6)
Fair Value Ending	726.3	647.6	622.0
Funded status	(153.2)	(184.8)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of [Abstract]
Prepaid pensions (included in Other Long-term assets)	5.6	6.0
Accrued benefit liability (short-term and long-term)	(158.8)	(190.8)
Net amount recognized in Balance Sheet	(153.2)	(184.8)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) consist of [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	208.9	245.3
Prior service cost (credit)	0.8	1.0
Net amount recognized in AOCI	209.7	246.3
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	16.0	13.6	12.7
Interest cost	36.5	38.1	37.8
Expected return on plan assets	(39.9)	(41.8)	(41.7)
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)	0.2	0.2	0.3
Amortization of actuarial losses/(gains)	17.4	8.4	5.4
Curtailment and settlement losses (gains)	0	(0.1)	(0.1)
Net periodic benefit cost	30.2	18.4	14.4
Changes recognized in other comprehensive loss (income), before tax, (in millions) [Abstract]
Current year net actuarial (gain)/loss	(19.1)	99.8	46.7
Current year prior service (cost)/credit	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit	(0.2)	(0.2)	(0.3)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(17.4)	(8.4)	(5.4)
Currency Impact Recog In O C I	(0.2)	0.1	(3.3)
Other adjustments	0.3	0	0.5
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss	(36.6)	91.3	38.2
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	(6.4)	109.7	52.6
Amortization expected to be recognized through income during next year [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)	0.2
Amortization of net loss	13.5
Total expected to be recognized through income during next fiscal year	13.7
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31[Abstract]
Discount rate	4.22%	4.42%	5.38%
Rate of compensation increase	3.11%	3.53%	3.56%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31[Abstract]
Discount rate	4.42%	5.38%	5.96%
Expected return on plan assets	6.50%	7.00%	7.50%
Rate of compensation increase	3.53%	3.56%	3.57%
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
Year One	36.2
Year Two	38.3
Year Three	40.4
Year Four	42.8
Year Five	44.8
Thereafter Year Five	255.2
UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31[Abstract]
Discount rate	4.20%	4.40%
Canadian Pension Plan [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31[Abstract]
Discount rate	4.10%
UK Pension Plan [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31[Abstract]
Discount rate	4.50%
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in Plan Assets [Rollfoward]
Benefits paid change in obligation	(2.2)	(2.4)
Funded status	(30.4)	(33.7)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of [Abstract]
Accrued benefit liability (short-term and long-term)	(30.4)	(33.7)
Net amount recognized in Balance Sheet	(30.4)	(33.7)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) consist of [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	0.4	2.6
Prior service cost (credit)	(7.1)	(8.1)
Net amount recognized in AOCI	(6.7)	(5.5)
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	0	0.3
Interest cost	1.3	1.6	2.1
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)	(1.0)	(1.0)	(0.3)
Amortization of actuarial losses/(gains)	0	0	0
Curtailment and settlement losses (gains)	0	0	(0.6)
Net periodic benefit cost	0.3	0.6	1.5
Changes recognized in other comprehensive loss (income), before tax, (in millions) [Abstract]
Current year net actuarial (gain)/loss	(2.5)	1.8	2.1
Current year prior service (cost)/credit	0	0	(7.6)
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit	1.0	1.0	0.9
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0	0	0
Currency Impact Recog In O C I	0	0	0
Other adjustments	0.3	0	0
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss	(1.2)	2.8	(4.6)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	(0.9)	3.4	(3.1)
Amortization expected to be recognized through income during next year [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)	(1.0)
Total expected to be recognized through income during next fiscal year	(1.1)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31[Abstract]
Discount rate	4.20%	4.40%	5.40%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.50%	3.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31[Abstract]
Discount rate	4.40%	5.40%	6.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
Year One	2.6
Year Two	2.4
Year Three	2.4
Year Four	2.3
Year Five	2.2
Thereafter Year Five	$ 10.1

Retirement Benefits III (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Pension Benefits And Other Benefits [Abstract]

Defined benefit ABO

$ 824.1

$ 773.0

Multiemployer Number Of Plans

Multiemployer Plans, Funded Status

Less than 65 percent

Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions

0.7

Multiemployer Plans, Period Contributions, Significance of Contributions

true

Defined contribution plan cost

10.5

9.7

6.1

Employer stock included in Plan Assets

27.6

21.6

Employer stock as percentage of Plan Assets

4.40%

3.90%

Expected contribution to foreign plan next year

3.3

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

536.9

520.2

Cash and cash equivalents Level 1 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

45.9

46.3

US Large-cap Level 1 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

86.1

^[1]

110.4

^[1]

US Mid-cap and Small-cap Growth Level 1 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

31.7

^[2]

25.3

^[2]

International Large-cap Level 1 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

46.0

49.7

Emerging Markets Level 1 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

37.8

32.0

US Treasuries Level 1 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

52.9

106.6

Corporate Bonds Level 1 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

113.9

^[3]

92.9

^[3]

Asset Backed Securities and OtherLevel 1 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

122.6

57.0

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

63.2

9.6

Equity And Debt Futures Level 2 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

63.2

^[4]

9.6

^[4]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

126.2

117.8

Alternative Investment Funds Level 3 [Member]

Pension Plan Assets Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value Ending

$ 126.2

^[5]

$ 117.8

^[5]

Equity securities [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]

Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations

40.00%

Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations

38.00%

Debt securities & Cash [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]

Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations

43.00%

41.00%

Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations

42.00%

Alternative Investments [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]

Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations

17.00%

19.00%

Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations

20.00%

[1]	(a) Includes an actively managed portfolio of large-cap US stocks
[2]	(b) Includes $27.6 million and $21.6 million of the Company's common stock at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and an investment in actively managed mid-cap and small-cap US stocks
[3]	(c) Includes primarily investment grade bonds of US issuers from diverse industries
[4]	(d) Includes primarily large-cap US and foreign equity futures as well as short positions in US Treasuries to adjust the duration of the portfolio
[5]	(e) Includes investments in hedge funds, including fund of fund products as well as individual hedge funds

Retirement Benefits IV (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets Measured Using Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Abstract]
Fair Value Beginning	$ 117.8	$ 110.7
Actual return on plan assets [Abstract]
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	9.2	2.3
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(0.8)	4.8
Fair Value Ending	$ 126.2	$ 117.8

- Definition

Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

+ References+ Details

Debt (Details) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Debt (Details) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Notes 2022 Term [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Notes 2022 Term [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 Notes 2022 Term [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 Notes 2012 Term [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Notes 2012 Term [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Notes 2018 Term [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Notes 2018 Term [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Brazilian Real LOC [Member] BRL	Dec. 31, 2011 Brazilian Real LOC [Member] BRL	Dec. 31, 2012 Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Other LOC [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Other LOC [Member] USD ($)
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Balance at year end	$ 0	$ 2.9
Weighted Average Interest Rate [Abstract]
At year end		14.02%
Paid during year	18.45%	14.58%
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Currency											BRL	BRL
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity											5.9	5.9	500.0	55.4	64.7
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date											Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2016
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms													total debt not exceed 55% of total capitalization
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance													Company is in compliance
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity														36.6	27.3
Long-term Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				300.0	300.0				300.0	300.0
Debt Instrument, Offering Date				Nov. 15, 2010					May 31, 2008
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Nov. 15, 2022					Jun. 01, 2018
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				3.625%				6.375%	5.95%
Long-Term Debt carrying value	596.7	596.3		298.0	297.8				298.7	298.5
Debt Instrument Net Proceeds						294.8
Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount							200.0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	(14.7)
Interest And Fees Paid	$ 29.8	$ 29.3	$ 28.4

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred Tax Carryforward [Abstract]
Tax Credit Carryforward Expiration Dates	Dec. 31, 2028
Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.80%	1.40%	1.30%
Foreign income taxes	(3.40%)	(3.60%)	(4.20%)
Other adjustments, net	(1.80%)	(2.10%)	(0.40%)
Consolidated effective income tax rate	31.60%	30.70%	31.70%
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Excluding Amounts Pertaining To Examined Tax Returns [RollForward]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 27.6	$ 25.2	$ 30.6
Additions based on tax positions relating to the current year	1.8	2.7	2.5
Reductions based on expiration of statute of limitations	(9.6)	(1.3)	(0.7)
Additions to tax positions relating to previous years	0.8	1.2	1.0
Settlements	(7.1)	(0.2)	(8.2)
Total unrecognized tax benefits	13.5	27.6	25.2
SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleEstimatedRangeOfChangeLowerBound	0.2
SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleEstimatedRangeOfChangeUpperBound	0.8
Income Taxes Paid Net [Abstract]
Income Taxes Paid	113.2	80.1	74.0
Other Information Pertaining To Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	8.8
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	(0.5)	0.4	1.0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	1.4	1.9
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Timing Of Deductibility Unknown	1.1
Deferred tax assets:[Abstract]
Inventory	8.3	8.8
Income tax credits	27.3	21.4
Accrued liabilities	17.7	15.4
Pension	50.8	69.9
Postretirement and post employment benefits	11.6	12.8
Stock-based compensation deferred tax assets	9.9	12.0
Net operating loss carryforwards	52.3	66.3
Miscellaneous other	4.5	5.0
Gross deferred tax assets	182.4	211.6
Valuation allowance	(7.0)	(3.2)
Total net deferred tax assets	175.4	208.4
Deferred tax liabilities: [Abstract]
Acquisition basis difference	(120.5)	(117.4)
Property, plant, and equipment	(37.4)	(36.9)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(157.9)	(154.3)
Total net deferred tax asset	17.5	54.1
Deferred taxes are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows: [Abstract]
Current tax assets (included in Deferred taxes and other)	32.7	29.5
Non-current tax assets (included in Other long-term assets)	1.7	40.6
Non-current tax liabilities (included in Other Non-current liabilities)	(16.9)	(16.0)
Total net deferred tax asset	17.5	54.1
Income before income taxes [Abstract]
United States	330.2	282.5	224.5
International	111.6	107.3	95.9
Income before income taxes	441.8	389.8	320.4
Total Provision [Abstract]
Total Provision Current	112.2	100.8	76.6
Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit	27.5	18.8	25.0
Income Tax Expense Benefit	139.7	119.6	101.6
Federal Provision For Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current Federal	66.4	61.7	47.5
Deferred Federal	25.6	23.3	24.3
State Provision For Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current State	12.8	9.7	7.8
Deferred State	1.8	(0.3)	1.5
International Provision For Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current International	33.0	29.4	21.3
Deferred International	0.1	(4.2)	(0.8)
Tax credit carryforward indefinitely [Member]
Deferred tax assets:[Abstract]
Income tax credits	0.8
United States [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Years	2008
Canada [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Years	2009
United Kingdom [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Years	2008
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries and Foreign Corporate Joint Ventures [Member]
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
Amount Of Temporary Difference related to undistributed international earnings	550.0
Amount Of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability related to undistributed international earnings	$ 100.0

Financial Instruments (Details) (No Single Customer Exceeds As Percentage Net Sales [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
No Single Customer Exceeds As Percentage Net Sales [Member]
Concentration Risk Percentage [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Nov. 30, 2010

Interest Rate Lock 2010 [Member]

May 31, 2008

Interest Rate Lock 2008 [Member]

Dec. 31, 2012

Interest Rate Lock Total [Member]

Dec. 31, 2011

Interest Rate Lock Total [Member]

Dec. 31, 2012

Other accrued liabilities

Dec. 31, 2011

Other accrued liabilities

Dec. 31, 2012

Deferred taxes and other

Dec. 31, 2011

Deferred taxes and other

Deferred Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Payments to Acquire Trading Securities Held-for-investment

$ 1.3

$ 1.4

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Foward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges liabilities

0.2

0.1

Foward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges assets

0.4

Number of Forward Exchange contracts held

18.0

Foward Exchange Contracts, Individual Notional Amount

1.0

Maximum Remaining Maturity of foward exchange contracts

1 year

Interest Rate Lock Derivative [Line Items]

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges, Pretax, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(1.6)

1.2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

(119.1)

(150.4)

(81.3)

(0.4)

Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net, Total [Abstract]

Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness

(0.5)

0.1

Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net [Abstract]

Foward exchange contract Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Cost of Sales, Net

(0.1)

(0.9)

Interest rate lock Reclassified to Interest Expense

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Line Items]

Money Market Funds

423.6

^[1]

365.9

^[1]

Available for Sale

39.7

50.8

39.7

50.8

Trading Securities

5.8

4.0

Deferred Compensation Plan Liabilities

5.8

4.0

Derivatives: [Abstract]

Foward Exchange contracts

(0.2)

0.3

Financial Instruments Net Fair Value

463.1

417.0

463.3

416.7

(0.2)

0.3

Long-term Debt [Abstract]

Long-term Debt, Fair Value

682.7

675.0

Long-Term Debt carrying value

$ 596.7

$ 596.3

[1]	(a) Money market funds are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Environmental [Abstract]
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies	$ 12.5	$ 13.0
OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue[Abstract]
Due in 1 Year	12.3
Due in 2 Years	9.4
Due in 3 Years	6.9
Due in 4 Years	4.6
Due in 5 Years	2.8
Due Thereafter	13.8
OperatingLeasesRentExpense[Abstract]
OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet	$ 21.9	$ 21.7	$ 22.3

Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Shares Reserved For Future Issuance [Abstract]
Preferred Stock Reserved	59,000
Capital Stock Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock Liquidation Preference	$ 100
Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	5,900,000
Preferred Stock Aggregate Dividend	1,000 times the dividend declared per share of Common Stock
Preferred Stock Aggregate Payment After Conversion or Exchange of Common Stock	1,000 times the amount received per share of Common Stock
Preferred Stock Redemption Price	1,000 times the payment made per share of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock
Rights Agreement Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Rights Redemption Price	$ 0.01
Class A Common Stock
Capital Stock Rollfoward [Abstract]
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	7,167,506	7,167,506	7,167,000	7,167,000
Exercise of stock options/stock appreciation rights	0	0	0
Shares issued under director compensation arrangements	0	0	0
Restricted shares issued, net of forfeitures	0	0	0
Acquisition/surrender of shares	0	0	0
Shares Reserved For Future Issuance [Abstract]
Exercise of outstanding stock options	0
Future grant of stock-based compensation	0
Common Shares Reserved Other Equity Plans	0
Common Stock Reserved	0
Capital Stock Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common Stock, Voting Rights	twenty votes per share
Common Stock, Conversion Features	$175.00 per one one-thousandth of a share
Class B Common Stock
Capital Stock Rollfoward [Abstract]
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	52,069,205	52,071,067	53,601,000	52,554,000
Exercise of stock options/stock appreciation rights	804,000	638,000	1,351,000
Shares issued under director compensation arrangements	19,000	8,000	11,000
Restricted shares issued, net of forfeitures	197,000	140,000	143,000
Acquisition/surrender of shares	(1,021,000)	(2,316,000)	(458,000)
Shares Reserved For Future Issuance [Abstract]
Exercise of outstanding stock options	104,000
Future grant of stock-based compensation	2,138,000
Common Shares Reserved Other Equity Plans	114,000
Common Stock Reserved	2,356,000
Capital Stock Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common Stock, Voting Rights	one vote per share
Common Stock, Conversion Features	$175.00 per one one-thousandth of a share
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Stock Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount	$ 10
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Stock Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount	$ 10

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share Based Compensation Allocation And Classification In Financial Statements [Abstract]
Award plan shares available for issuance	6,900,000
Shares issued to non-employee directors	13,980	12,568	15,750
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Pre-tax stock-based compensation cost	$ 15,800,000	$ 15,100,000	$ 11,400,000
Capitalized to inventory	200,000	200,000	100,000
Income tax benefits	17,600,000	7,100,000	8,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards	21,700,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options Exercises In Period Total Intrinsic Value	16,500,000	12,000,000	22,800,000
Tax benefit on stock-based awards	15,600,000	8,200,000	9,700,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	24,800,000	21,900,000	49,300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding Beginning	653,000
Exercised options	549,000
Canceled	0
Options Outstanding Ending	104,000	653,000
Options Exercisable	104,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 8 months
Options Exercisable Intrinsic Value	3,920,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 8 months
Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value	3,920,000
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 46.99	$ 45.62
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 45.38
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 46.99
Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested [RollForward]
Unvested Beginning	205,000
Granted	115,000
Vested	(108,000)
Forfeited	(4,000)
Unvested Ending	208,000	205,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value [Abstract]
Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date FairValue	$ 73.63	$ 60.60
Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 82.18	$ 65.10	$ 58.18
Vested In Period Weighted Average Grant Date FairValue	$ 58.60
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 59.18
Vested In Period Total Fair Value	8,900,000	8,700,000	7,200,000
Stock Appreciation Rights SARS Total [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
SAR Outstanding Beginning	2,340,000
Granted SAR	328,000
Exercised SAR	(1,021,000)
Forfeited SAR	(12,000)
Canceled SAR	(2,000)
SAR Outstanding Ending	1,633,000	2,340,000
Exercisable	977,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months	6 years
Expected volatility	29.40%	30.20%	28.00%
Dividend Yield	2.00%	2.60%	2.70%
Risk Free Interest Rate	0.70%	1.10%	1.90%
Weighted Average Grant Date SAR Fair Value	$ 18.13	$ 13.70	$ 12.79
SARS Outstanding Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 59.44	$ 50.71
SARS Granted Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 82.84
SARS Exercised Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 47.15
SARS Forfeited Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 45.87
SARS Canceled Shares Weighted Average Excercise Price	$ 49.72
SARS Exercisable Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 50.38
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 6 months
Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 5 months
Outstanding Intrinsic Value	41,280,000
Exercisable Intrinsic Value	33,470,000
SARS Exercised Intrinsic Value	32,500,000	12,000,000	2,800,000
Performance Shares Total [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested [RollForward]
Granted	38,656	39,456	31,671
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	3 years	3 years	3 years
Expected volatility	27.30%	35.90%	38.80%
Dividend Yield	2.00%	2.40%	3.00%
Risk Free Interest Rate	0.40%	0.40%	0.80%
Performance Share Measurement Date Stock Price	$ 83.73	$ 64.48	$ 59.95
Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 100.77	$ 83.12	$ 80.11
Performance based criteria plan payout range	0%-200%
Performance Share Payout At Target	100.00%
Performance Shares Dec 2009 Grant [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested [RollForward]
Vested	69,184
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value [Abstract]
Vested In Period Total Fair Value	6,400,000
Market Based Criteria Actual Payout Percentage	200.00%
Performance Shares Dec 2008 Grant [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested [RollForward]
Vested	93,800
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value [Abstract]
Vested In Period Total Fair Value	7,000,000
Market Based Criteria Actual Payout Percentage	187.00%
Performance Shares Dec 2007 Grant [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested [RollForward]
Vested	31,548
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value [Abstract]
Vested In Period Total Fair Value	2,000,000
Market Based Criteria Actual Payout Percentage	170.00%
Performance based criteria actual payout percentage	66.00%
Cost of Sales [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Pre-tax stock-based compensation cost	700,000	700,000	500,000
Selling and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Pre-tax stock-based compensation cost	$ 15,100,000	$ 14,400,000	$ 10,900,000

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Hubbell	$ 71.9	$ 87.1	$ 77.5	$ 63.2	$ 70.0	$ 82.4	$ 65.2	$ 50.3	$ 299.7	$ 267.9	$ 217.2
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities									1.0	1.0	0.9
Net income available to common shareholders									$ 298.7	$ 266.9	$ 216.3
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic									59.1	59.7	59.9
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									0.7	0.7	0.4
Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding									59.8	60.4	60.3
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Basic	$ 1.21	$ 1.47	$ 1.31	$ 1.06	$ 1.18	$ 1.38	$ 1.08	$ 0.83	$ 5.05	$ 4.47	$ 3.61
Earnings Per Share Diluted	$ 1.20	$ 1.45	$ 1.29	$ 1.05	$ 1.17	$ 1.37	$ 1.07	$ 0.82	$ 5.00	$ 4.42	$ 3.59
Stock Option And Performance Shares Antidilutive Securities [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount									0	0	0
Stock Appreciation Rights Antidilutive Securities [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount									0	0	1.6

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Pension and post retirement benefit plan adjustment, net of tax	$ (130.1)	$ (153.7)	$ (95.6)
Cumulative translation adjustment	10.8	2.5	14.6
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax	0.7	1.0	0.5
Cash flow hedge loss, net of tax	(0.5)	(0.2)	(0.8)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (119.1)	$ (150.4)	$ (81.3)

- Definition

Accumulated appreciation or loss, net of tax, in value of the total of available-for-sale securities at the end of an accounting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated change, net of tax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669686-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 10A

-Subparagraph (j-k)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (i)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 158

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph i

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 10A

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669686-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 830

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32022-110900

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 830

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450520&loc=d3e32583-110901

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 52

-Paragraph 12, 13

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 45

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 52

-Paragraph 31

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 12

-Paragraph 10

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669686-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 12

-Paragraph 10

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 31

-Article 5

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 15D

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 14, 17, 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Article 3

+ Details

Industry Segments Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net Sales [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 752.5	$ 789.7	$ 778.4	$ 723.8	$ 740.0	$ 764.3	$ 709.2	$ 658.1	$ 3,044.4	$ 2,871.6	$ 2,541.2
Operating Income [Abstract]
Operating Income									471.8	423.8	367.8
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0	0	(14.7)
Interest Expense									30.8	30.9	31.1
Investment income and other expense, net									0.8	(3.1)	(1.6)
Income before income taxes									441.8	389.8	320.4
Assets By Segment [Abstract]
Assets	2,947.0				2,846.5				2,947.0	2,846.5	2,705.8
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]
Capital expenditures									49.1	55.4	47.3
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization									66.8	68.2	72.5
Electrical [Member]
Net Sales [Abstract]
Net Sales									2,114.6	2,004.2	1,808.2
Operating Income [Abstract]
Operating Income									303.7	282.0	248.7
Assets By Segment [Abstract]
Assets	1,659.2				1,558.2				1,659.2	1,558.2	1,576.7
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]
Capital expenditures									27.1	35.9	23.5
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization									45.8	47.1	50.8
Power [Member]
Net Sales [Abstract]
Net Sales									929.8	867.4	733.0
Operating Income [Abstract]
Operating Income									168.1	141.8	119.1
Assets By Segment [Abstract]
Assets	710.4				659.8				710.4	659.8	622.2
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]
Capital expenditures									20.4	16.5	17.8
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization									21.0	21.1	21.7
General Corporate [Member]
Assets By Segment [Abstract]
Assets	577.4				628.5				577.4	628.5	506.9
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]
Capital expenditures									$ 1.6	$ 3.0	$ 6.0

Geographic Area Data (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Export Sales From United States									$ 243.9	$ 210.2	$ 182.7
Net Sales [Abstract]
Net Sales	752.5	789.7	778.4	723.8	740.0	764.3	709.2	658.1	3,044.4	2,871.6	2,541.2
Operating Income [Abstract]
Operating Income									471.8	423.8	367.8
Long-lived Assets, Net [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	1,452.4				1,410.5				1,452.4	1,410.5	1,415.3
United States Geographic [Member]
Net Sales [Abstract]
Net Sales									2,541.6	2,381.5	2,107.9
Operating Income [Abstract]
Operating Income									383.8	338.0	292.9
Long-lived Assets, Net [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	1,225.4				1,185.4				1,225.4	1,185.4	1,189.5
International Geographic [Member]
Net Sales [Abstract]
Net Sales									502.8	490.1	433.3
Operating Income [Abstract]
Operating Income									88.0	85.8	74.9
Long-lived Assets, Net [Abstract]
Long-lived assets	$ 227.0				$ 225.1				$ 227.0	$ 225.1	$ 225.8
Foreign Operations [Member] \| Net Sales Total [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									17.00%	17.00%	17.00%
Foreign Operations [Member] \| Long-lived assets Total [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									16.00%	16.00%	16.00%
Canada Operations [Member] \| International Net Sales [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									29.00%
Canada Operations [Member] \| International Long-lived assets [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									19.00%
United Kingdom Operations [Member] \| International Net Sales [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									23.00%
United Kingdom Operations [Member] \| International Long-lived assets [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									27.00%
Mexico Operations [Member] \| International Long-lived assets [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									19.00%
Brazil Operations [Member] \| International Net Sales [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									12.00%

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Sales Revenue Net	$ 752.5	$ 789.7	$ 778.4	$ 723.8	$ 740.0	$ 764.3	$ 709.2	$ 658.1	$ 3,044.4	$ 2,871.6	$ 2,541.2
Gross Profit	249.8	268.5	259.8	234.1	236.3	252.3	229.9	205.2	1,012.2	923.7	828.7
Profit Loss	72.9	87.6	78.0	63.6	70.5	83.3	65.7	50.7	302.1	270.2	218.8
Net income attributable to Hubbell	$ 71.9	$ 87.1	$ 77.5	$ 63.2	$ 70.0	$ 82.4	$ 65.2	$ 50.3	$ 299.7	$ 267.9	$ 217.2
Earnings Per Share Basic	$ 1.21	$ 1.47	$ 1.31	$ 1.06	$ 1.18	$ 1.38	$ 1.08	$ 0.83	$ 5.05	$ 4.47	$ 3.61
Earnings Per Share Diluted	$ 1.20	$ 1.45	$ 1.29	$ 1.05	$ 1.17	$ 1.37	$ 1.07	$ 0.82	$ 5.00	$ 4.42	$ 3.59

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 36, 37, 38

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 07-4

-Paragraph 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7655603&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 18

-Article 7

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 20

-Article 5

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 21

-Article 9

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 52

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16381557&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 10, 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 19

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 20

-Article 9

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28, 29, 30

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Net Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A7

-Appendix A

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 87-21

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

- 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/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4K

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4591552-111686

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 19

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 29

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph c(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4J

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4591551-111686

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A1, A4, A5

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1A

-Subparagraph (a),(c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Rollfoward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 3.0	$ 3.6	$ 5.1
Additions/(Reversals) Charged to Costs and Expenses	1.4	0.1	(0.2)
Deductions	(1.2)	(0.7)	(1.3)
Balance at End of Year	3.2	3.0	3.6
Allowance for credit memos and returns [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Rollfoward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	20.4	18.6	18.6
Additions/(Reversals) Charged to Costs and Expenses	141.3	118.3	102.3
Deductions	(141.2)	(116.5)	(102.3)
Balance at End of Year	20.5	20.4	18.6
Valuation allowance on deferred tax asset [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Rollfoward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	3.2	2.6	2.2
Additions/(Reversals) Charged to Costs and Expenses	3.8	0.6	0.4
Balance at End of Year	$ 7.0	$ 3.2	$ 2.6