Federal Signal (FSS) 10-Q 6 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FEDERAL SIGNAL CORP /DE/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000277509	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Trading Symbol	'FSS	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	62,674,392

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$209.30	$185	$631.70	$585.50
Cost of sales	158.8	139.4	482.6	445.4
Gross profit	50.5	45.6	149.1	140.1
Selling, engineering, general and administrative expenses	31.7	33.2	100.6	100.8
Restructuring charges (benefit)	0	0	-0.6	0.8
Operating income	18.8	12.4	49.1	38.5
Interest expense	1.5	5.2	7.7	15.7
Debt settlement charges	0	1.9	8.7	3.5
Other expense (income), net	0	-0.1	-0.1	0.2
Income before income taxes	17.3	5.4	32.8	19.1
Income tax benefit (expense)	-0.5	-1	100.7	-1.9
Income from continuing operations	16.8	4.4	133.5	17.2
Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of income tax benefit of $0.3, $2.9, $0.1 and $3.5, respectively	-0.8	-19.1	-0.6	-49.4
Net income (loss)	$16	($14.70)	$132.90	($32.20)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations (usd per share)	$0.27	$0.07	$2.14	$0.28
Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax (usd per share)	($0.01)	($0.31)	($0.01)	($0.79)
Net earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$0.26	($0.24)	$2.13	($0.51)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations (usd per share)	$0.26	$0.07	$2.12	$0.28
Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax (usd per share)	($0.01)	($0.31)	($0.01)	($0.79)
Net earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$0.25	($0.24)	$2.11	($0.51)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (shares)	62.6	62.4	62.5	62.3
Diluted (shares)	63.2	63	63	62.6

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense of discontinued operations	$0.30	$2.90	$0.10	$3.50

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$16	($14.70)	$132.90	($32.20)
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	6.5	2.7	2	9.3
Change in unrecognized losses related to pension benefit plans, net of income tax expense of $1.8, $0.1, $2.3, and $0.2, respectively	-1.2	1	4.2	3.8
Unrealized net gain (loss) on derivatives, net of income tax expense of $0.2, $0.0, $0.2, and $0.2, respectively	-0.4	0	0.1	0.6
Total other comprehensive income	4.9	3.7	6.3	13.7
Comprehensive income (loss)	$20.90	($11)	$139.20	($18.50)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Tax expense on change in unrecognized losses related to pension benefit plans	$1.80	$0.10	$2.30	$0.20
Tax expense on unrealized net gain on derivatives	$0.20	$0	$0.20	$0.20

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$20.90	$29.70
Restricted cash	0	1
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $2.6 and $2.4, respectively	108.2	96.9
Inventories	111.3	119.9
Prepaid expenses	11.8	13.8
Other current assets	12	5.1
Current assets of discontinued operations	1.8	0.8
Total current assets	266	267.2
Properties and equipment, net	61.1	59.3
Goodwill	273.1	272.3
Intangible assets, net	0.6	0.7
Deferred tax assets	50.3	0
Deferred charges and other long-term assets	2.4	12.5
Long-term assets of discontinued operations	3.3	1.2
Total assets	656.8	613.2
Current liabilities:	'	'
Short-term borrowings	'	0.3
Current portion of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	6.5	4.7
Accounts payable	48.8	52.5
Customer deposits	10.5	13.1
Deferred tax liability	0	10.6
Accrued liabilities:	'	'
Compensation and withholding taxes	21.8	25.8
Other current liabilities	36.6	36.2
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	3.7	6.4
Total current liabilities	127.9	149.6
Long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	121	152.8
Long-term pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities	77	84.1
Deferred gain	18.1	19.4
Deferred tax liabilities	0	35.8
Other long-term liabilities	16.8	16
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations	5.8	8.6
Total liabilities	366.6	466.3
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $1 par value per share, 90.0 shares authorized, 63.7 and 63.4 shares issued, respectively	63.7	63.4
Capital in excess of par value	175.2	171.1
Retained earnings	141.8	8.9
Treasury stock, at cost, 1.0 shares at both dates	-16.7	-16.4
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-73.8	-80.1
Total shareholders' equity	290.2	146.9
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$656.80	$613.20

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$2.60	$2.40
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	63,700,000	63,400,000
Treasury stock, shares (shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$174.70	$63.10	$167.70	$36.40	($16.10)	($76.40)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-32.2	'	'	-32.2	'	'
Total other comprehensive income	13.7	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based payments:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	2.1	'	2.1	'	'	'
Stock awards	0.2	0.3	0.2	'	-0.3	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	158.5	63.4	170	4.2	-16.4	-62.7
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	146.9	63.4	171.1	8.9	-16.4	-80.1
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	132.9	'	'	132.9	'	'
Total other comprehensive income	6.3	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based payments:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	2.3	'	2.3	'	'	'
Stock awards	1.8	0.3	1.8	'	-0.3	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$290.20	$63.70	$175.20	$141.80	($16.70)	($73.80)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$132.90	($32.20)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:	'	'
Loss on discontinued operations and disposal	0.6	49.4
Depreciation and amortization	10.4	9.6
Write-off of deferred financing costs	4.5	3.5
Stock-based compensation expense	2.3	2.1
Pension expense, net of funding	-1.2	-6.2
Provision for doubtful accounts	0.2	0.3
Deferred income taxes, including changes in valuation allowance	-91.3	2.6
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from dispositions of companies	-21.1	-10.3
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	37.3	18.8
Net cash used for operating activities of discontinued operations	-5.1	-21.1
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	32.2	-2.3
Investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of properties and equipment	-13.7	-9.2
Proceeds from sales of properties and equipment	2	1.3
Proceeds from sale of FSTech Group	0	82.1
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	1	-1.5
Net cash provided by (used for) continuing investing activities	-10.7	72.7
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations	'	'
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	-10.7	72.7
Financing activities:	'	'
Increase (decrease) in revolving lines of credit, net	50	-173.1
Decrease in short-term borrowings, net	-0.3	-7.6
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings	75	215
Payments on long-term borrowings	-150.7	-99.4
Payments of debt financing fees	-6.2	-6.9
Other, net	1.8	2.3
Net cash used for continuing financing activities	-30.4	-69.7
Net cash used for financing activities of discontinued operations	0	-0.9
Net cash used for financing activities	-30.4	-70.6
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0.1	-0.2
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-8.8	-0.4
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29.7	9.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$20.90	$9.10

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Organization and Description of the Business
	Federal Signal Corporation was founded in 1901 and was reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1969. References herein to the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer collectively to Federal Signal Corporation and its subsidiaries.
	Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements represent the consolidation of Federal Signal Corporation and its subsidiaries included herein and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to ensure the information presented is not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
	These statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, that we considered necessary to present a fair statement of our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. We label our quarterly information using a calendar convention whereby our first, second, and third quarters are labeled as ending on March 31, June 30, and September 30, respectively. It is our longstanding practice to establish interim quarterly closing dates using a 5-4-4 calendar with the fiscal year ending on December 31. The effects of this practice are not material and exist only within a reporting year.
	We have reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Changes
	In January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This update further clarified the guidance previously issued under ASU No. 2011-11, which required both gross and net presentation of offsetting assets and liabilities. The new requirements were effective retrospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. As the guidance impacted disclosure requirements only, the Company’s adoption of the guidance on January 1, 2013 did not have an impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The guidance was issued in response to ASU No. 2011-05 and required disclosure of the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items of net income, if the amounts reclassified are required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period. For other amounts not required to be reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, or when a portion of the amount is reclassified to a balance sheet account instead of directly to income or expense, a cross reference to the related footnote disclosures for additional information should be provided. The new requirements were effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2012, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. As the guidance impacted disclosure requirements only, the Company’s adoption of the guidance on January 1, 2013 did not have an impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. For additional information, see Note 8 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405), Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date. This update provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this update is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing U.S. GAAP. The guidance requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The new requirements are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required. The Company expects that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830), Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. This guidance clarifies the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity. The new requirements are effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company expects that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-10, Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. The update permits the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, as an alternative to interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government or the London Interbank Offered Rate. The update also removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. This guidance is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company’s adoption of the guidance did not have an impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This update clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. The new requirements are effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company expects that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In September 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) released final tangible property regulations under Sections 162(a) and 263(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code), as amended, (the “Code”) regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property. The final regulations replaced temporary regulations that were issued in December 2011. The IRS also released proposed regulations under Section 168 of the Code regarding dispositions of tangible property. These final and proposed regulations will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2014. The Company continues to review the regulations, but does not believe there will be a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows when they are fully adopted.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but are not limited to, revenue recognition, pension and other postretirement benefits, income tax contingency accruals and valuation allowances, workers’ compensation and product warranty accruals, asset impairment, and litigation-related accruals. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
	There have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies as disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	INVENTORIES
	The following table summarizes the components of inventories:
	(in millions)	September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	47.6	$	56.8
	Work in progress	24		26.8
	Finished goods	39.7		36.3
	Total inventories	$	111.3	$	119.9

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	DEBT
	The following table summarizes the components of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations:
	(in millions)	30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Senior Secured Credit Facility:
	Revolving credit facility	$	52.5	$	—
	Term loan	73.6		—
	February 2012 Financing:
	ABL facility	—		6.7
	Term loan	—		149.1
	Capital lease obligations	1.4		1.7
	Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, including current portion	127.5		157.5
	Less: Current maturities	6.1		4.2
	Less: Current capital lease obligations	0.4		0.5
	Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, net	$	121	$	152.8
	The Company uses a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs are as follows: Level 1, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and Level 3, unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities, including certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
	The carrying value of short-term debt approximates fair value due to its short maturity (Level 2 input). The fair value of long-term debt is based on interest rates that we believe are currently available to us for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities (Level 2 input). The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Notional		Fair		Notional		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Short-term debt	$	—	$	—	$	0.3	$	0.3
	Long-term debt (1)	127.5		127.5		157.5		208.2
	-1	Long-term debt includes current portions of long-term debt and current portions of capital lease obligations of $6.5 million and $4.7 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	On February 22, 2012, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement by and among the Company, as borrower, General Electric Capital Corporation, as a co-collateral agent, and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as administrative agent and co-collateral agent, providing the Company with a $100.0 million secured credit facility (the “ABL Facility”). On February 22, 2012, the Company also entered into a Financing Agreement by and among the Company, as borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, the lenders party thereto (the “Term Lenders”) and TPG Specialty Lending, Inc., as administrative agent, collateral agent and sole lead arranger, pursuant to which the Term Lenders agreed to provide the Company with a $215.0 million term loan (the “2012 Term Loan”).
	On March 13, 2013, the Company entered into a new Credit Agreement by and among the Company, as borrower, the lenders referred to therein, as lenders, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and issuing lender, General Electric Capital Corporation, as syndication agent, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and GE Capital Markets, Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers, providing the Company with a new $225.0 million senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”) comprised of a five-year fully funded term loan of $75.0 million and a five-year $150.0 million revolving credit facility under which borrowings may be made from time to time during the term of the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
	The Company used the proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility to (i) repay outstanding balances of the ABL Facility; (ii) repay outstanding balances under the 2012 Term Loan; (iii) finance the ongoing general corporate needs of the Company and its subsidiaries; and (iv) pay fees and expenses associated with repayment of amounts due under the ABL Facility and 2012 Term Loan, including the payment of approximately $4.2 million in resulting breakage fees and premiums under the 2012 Term Loan, and pay fees and expenses associated with the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
	The Senior Secured Credit Facility is a five-year senior secured credit facility secured by a first priority security interest in all now or hereafter acquired domestic property and assets and the stock or other equity interests in each of the domestic subsidiaries and certain of the first-tier foreign subsidiaries, subject to certain exclusions. The Senior Secured Credit Facility requires equal quarterly installment payments against the $75.0 million term loan that began on June 30, 2013 based on an amortization schedule. Year 1 of the Senior Secured Credit Facility amortization schedule requires 7.5% of the original term loan amount to be repaid, years 2 and 3 require 10.0% of the original term loan to be repaid, years 4 and 5 require 12.5% of the original term loan to be repaid, with the remaining balance to be repaid on the maturity date of March 13, 2018.
	The Senior Secured Credit Facility provides for loans and letters of credit in an amount up to an aggregate availability under the revolving credit facility of $150.0 million, with a sub-limit of $50.0 million for letters of credit. Borrowings under the entire Senior Secured Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a base rate or a LIBOR rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges from 1.00% to 2.00% for base rate borrowings and 2.00% to 3.00% for LIBOR borrowings. The Company must also pay a commitment fee to the lenders equal to a range of 0.25% to 0.45% per annum on the unused portion of the $150.0 million revolving credit facility along with other standard fees. Letter of credit fees are payable on outstanding letters of credit in an amount equal to the applicable LIBOR margin plus other customary fees. The Company is allowed to prepay in whole or in part advances under the revolving credit facility portion without penalty or premium other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans.
	The Senior Secured Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with financial covenants related to the maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and maximum leverage ratio. The financial covenants are measured at each fiscal quarter-end. Restricted payments, including dividends, shall be permitted only if the pro-forma leverage ratio after giving effect to such payment is less than 3.25x, pro-forma compliance after giving effect to such payment is maintained for all other financial covenants and there are no existing defaults under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of September 30, 2013.
	In the first quarter of 2013, upon execution of the Company’s new debt agreements, the Company recorded $8.7 million of costs related to the termination of its prior debt agreements. The costs included a $4.2 million early termination penalty payment which was equal to 2.75% of the outstanding balance of the 2012 Term Loan and a $4.5 million write-off of the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs related to the ABL Facility and 2012 Term Loan.
	The Company has incurred $1.9 million of debt issuance costs to date associated with the execution of its new Credit Agreement. Financing costs incurred in connection with the new Credit Agreement are deferred and amortized over the remaining life of the new debt.
	As of September 30, 2013, there was $52.5 million of cash drawn and $29.1 million of undrawn letters of credit under the $150.0 million revolving credit facility, with $68.4 million of net availability for borrowings.
	As of September 30, 2013, no amounts were drawn against the Company’s non-U.S. lines of credit which provide for borrowings up to $15.1 million.
	Interest Rate Swap
	On March 13, 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap (the “Swap”) with a notional amount of $75.0 million, as a means of fixing the floating interest rate component on $75.0 million of its variable rate debt under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. The Swap is designated as a cash flow hedge, with a termination date of March 13, 2018. As a result of the application of hedge accounting treatment, all unrealized gains and losses related to the derivative instrument are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are reclassified into operations in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Hedge effectiveness is tested quarterly. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
	The fair value of the Swap is derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the interest rate curve (Level 2 inputs) and measured on a recurring basis in our consolidated balance sheet. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the Swap, included in deferred charges and other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet, was $0.3 million and no ineffectiveness was recorded. An unrealized pre-tax loss of $0.2 million and an unrealized pre-tax gain of $0.3 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The Company recognized income tax expense of $0.5 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate was 2.9% and 18.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $100.7 million and expense of $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate was (307.0)% and 9.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information and other factors, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The guidance on accounting for income taxes provides important factors in determining whether a deferred tax asset will be realized, including whether there has been sufficient taxable income in recent years and whether sufficient income can reasonably be expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset.
	We continue to evaluate the need to maintain a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based on our assessment of whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax benefits will be realized through the generation of future taxable income. Appropriate consideration is given to all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
	In the second quarter of 2013, this evaluation resulted in the determination that $102.4 million of our valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets could be released. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of current and expected domestic earnings, industry and market trends, tax planning strategies, and general business risks resulted in a more likely than not conclusion of being able to realize a significant portion of our U.S. deferred tax assets. We have been able to sustain positive earnings despite low demand for products and services that has occurred in many of our markets during the current and previous three years. Our earnings have become positive on a cumulative basis through this period. In addition, market demand and our performance in many of our markets have improved during the current year, and demand and earnings performance are expected to continue into the foreseeable future. In addition, in 2012, we exited a business segment that had produced losses.
	Upon releasing the significant portion of our valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets in the second quarter, a valuation allowance of $10.3 million was maintained in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 740-270-25-4 and is being released through the effective tax rate as domestic income is recognized throughout the course of the year. Of this amount, $3.4 million and $7.0 million was released during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, leaving $3.3 million to be released in the fourth quarter of 2013. An additional $1.0 million reduction in deferred tax valuation allowances was recorded as a discrete item in the three months ended September 30, 2013.
	We continue to maintain a valuation allowance on certain federal, state, and foreign (principally Spain and Canada) deferred tax assets that we believe, on a more likely than not basis, will not be realized.
	The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for continuing operations were $3.8 million and $4.0 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, of which $3.7 million and $3.9 million are tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the annual effective tax rate. The Company expects the unrecognized tax benefits to decrease by $0.4 million over the next 12 months due to (i) the potential expiration of statutes of limitations and (ii) settlements with tax authorities.
	The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Accruals for interest and penalties of $0.3 million and $0.3 million are included as a component of other long-term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Pensions

Pensions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pensions	'
	PENSIONS
	The following table summarizes the components of net postretirement pension expense:
		U.S. Benefit Plan												Non-U.S. Benefit Plan
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,						September 30,						September 30,
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	0.1		$	0.1		$	0.2
	Interest cost	1.8			1.5			5.5			5.5			0.7			0.7			1.9			2
	Amortization of actuarial loss	1.9			1.3			5.6			4.1			0.2			0.2			0.6			0.6
	Expected return on plan assets	(2.2		)	(1.6		)	(6.6		)	(6.0		)	(0.6		)	(0.7		)	(1.9		)	(2.0		)
	Net postretirement pension expense	$	1.5		$	1.2		$	4.5		$	3.6		$	0.3		$	0.3		$	0.7		$	0.8
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company contributed $5.3 million and $9.2 million to its U.S. defined benefit plan, respectively, and $1.1 million and $1.4 million to its non-U.S. defined benefit plan, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company expects to contribute up to $6.8 million to the U.S. benefit plan and up to $1.6 million to the non-U.S. benefit plan.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Guarantees
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding standby letters of credit aggregating $29.1 million and $29.2 million, respectively, principally to act as security for retention levels related to casualty insurance policies and to guarantee the performance of subsidiaries that engage in export transactions to non-U.S. governments and municipalities, as well as industrial customers.
	The Company issues product performance warranties to customers with the sale of its products. The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary depending upon the product and the country in which the product is sold, with warranty periods generally ranging from one to ten years. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its basic limited warranty and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the sale of the related product is recognized. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units under warranty from time to time, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and costs per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s warranty liabilities:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	(in millions)	2013			2012
	Balance at January 1	$	6.8		$	6.7
	Provisions to expense	7.2			4.7
	Payments	(6.4		)	(4.6		)
	Balance at September 30	$	7.6		$	6.8
	We provide indemnifications and other guarantees in the ordinary course of business, the terms of which range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. We do not believe these will result in claims that would have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.
	Environmental Liabilities
	The Pearland, Texas facility was previously used by the Company’s discontinued Pauluhn business and manufactured marine, offshore, and industrial lighting products. The Company sold the facility in May 2012. While the Company has not finalized its plans, it is probable that the site will require remediation. Reserves of $1.4 million and $1.8 million related to the environmental remediation of the Pearland facility are included in liabilities of discontinued operations on the consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The recorded reserves are based on an undiscounted estimate of the range of costs to remediate the site, depending upon the remediation approach and other factors. The Company’s estimate may change in the near term as more information becomes available; however, the costs are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company is subject to various claims, other pending and possible legal actions for product liability and other damages, and other matters arising out of the conduct of the Company’s business. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews the material legal claims against the Company. The Company accrues for the costs of such claims as appropriate and in the exercise of its best judgment and experience. However, due to a lack of factual information available to the Company about a claim, or the procedural stage of a claim, it may not be possible for the Company to reasonably assess either the probability of a favorable or unfavorable outcome of the claim or to reasonably estimate the amount of loss should there be an unfavorable outcome. Therefore, for many of the claims, the Company cannot estimate a range of loss.
	The Company believes, based on current knowledge and after consultation with counsel, that the outcome of such claims and actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of such matters, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
	The Company has been sued by firefighters seeking damages claiming that exposure to the Company’s sirens has impaired their hearing and that the sirens are therefore defective. There were 33 cases filed during the period of 1999 through 2004, involving a total of 2,443 plaintiffs, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. These cases involved more than 1,800 firefighter plaintiffs from locations outside of Chicago. In 2009, six additional cases were filed in Cook County, involving 299 Pennsylvania firefighter plaintiffs. During 2013, another case was filed in Cook County involving 74 Pennsylvania firefighter plaintiffs.
	The trial of the first 27 of these plaintiffs’ claims occurred in 2008, when a Cook County jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the Company.
	An additional 40 Chicago firefighter plaintiffs were selected for trial in 2009. Plaintiffs’ counsel later moved to reduce the number of plaintiffs from 40 to nine. The trial for these nine plaintiffs concluded with a verdict returned against the Company and for the plaintiffs in varying amounts totaling $0.4 million. The Company appealed this verdict. On September 13, 2012, the Illinois Appellate Court rejected this appeal. Two justices voted to uphold the verdict and one justice filed a lengthy and vigorous dissent. The Company thereafter filed a petition for rehearing with the Illinois Appellate Court, which was denied on February 7, 2013. The Company sought further review by filing a petition for leave to appeal with the Illinois Supreme Court on March 14, 2013. On May 29, 2013, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a summary order declining to accept review of this case. On July 1, 2013, the Company satisfied the judgments entered for these plaintiffs, which has resulted in final dismissal of these cases.
	A third consolidated trial involving eight Chicago firefighter plaintiffs occurred during November 2011. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the Company at the conclusion of this trial.
	Following this trial, the trial court on March 12, 2012 entered an order certifying a class of the remaining Chicago Fire Department firefighter plaintiffs for trial on the sole issue of whether the Company’s sirens were defective and unreasonably dangerous. The Company petitioned the Illinois Appellate Court for interlocutory appeal of this ruling. On May 17, 2012, the Illinois Appellate Court accepted the Company’s petition. On June 8, 2012, plaintiffs moved to dismiss the appeal, agreeing with the Company that the trial court had erred in certifying a class action trial in this matter. Pursuant to plaintiffs’ motion, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed the trial court’s certification order.
	Thereafter, the trial court scheduled a fourth consolidated trial involving three firefighter plaintiffs, which began in December 2012.
	Prior to the start of this trial, the claims of two of the three firefighter plaintiffs were dismissed. On December 17, 2012, the jury entered a complete defense verdict for the Company in this trial.
	Following this defense verdict, plaintiffs again moved to certify a class of Chicago Fire Department plaintiffs for trial on the sole issue of whether the Company’s sirens were defective and unreasonably dangerous. Over the Company’s objection, the trial court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification on March 11, 2013 and scheduled a class action trial to begin on June 10, 2013. The Company filed a petition for review with the Illinois Appellate Court on March 29, 2013 seeking reversal of the class certification order. On April 23, 2013, the Illinois Appellate Court granted the Company’s petition for review. Briefing on this appeal was completed during July 2013. Pursuant to Illinois law, all class proceedings in the trial court are stayed pending a final decision from the Illinois Appellate Court on this issue.
	The Company has also been sued on this issue outside of the Cook County, Illinois venue. Most of these cases have involved lawsuits filed by a single attorney in the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. During 2007 and through 2009, this attorney filed a total of 71 lawsuits, involving 71 plaintiffs in this jurisdiction. Three of these cases were dismissed pursuant to pretrial motions filed by the Company. Another case was voluntarily dismissed. Prior to trial in four cases, the Company paid nominal sums, which included reimbursements of expenses, to obtain dismissals.
	Three trials occurred in Philadelphia involving these cases. The first trial involving one of these plaintiffs occurred in 2010, when the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff. In particular, the jury found that the Company’s siren was not defectively designed, but that the Company negligently constructed the siren. The jury awarded damages in the amount of $0.1 million, which was subsequently reduced to $0.08 million. The Company appealed this verdict. Another trial, involving nine Philadelphia firefighter plaintiffs, also occurred in 2010 when the jury returned a defense verdict for the Company as to all claims and all plaintiffs involved in that trial. The third trial, also involving nine Philadelphia firefighter plaintiffs, was completed during 2010 when the jury returned a defense verdict for the Company as to all claims and all plaintiffs involved in that trial.
	Following defense verdicts in the last two Philadelphia trials, the Company negotiated settlements with respect to all remaining filed cases in Philadelphia at that time, as well as other firefighter claimants represented by the attorney who filed the Philadelphia cases. On January 4, 2011, the Company entered into a Global Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with the law firm of the attorney representing the Philadelphia claimants, on behalf of 1,125 claimants the firm represented (the “Claimants”) and who had asserted product claims against the Company (the “Claims”). Three hundred and eight of the Claimants had lawsuits pending against the Company in Cook County, Illinois.
	The Settlement Agreement, as amended, provided that the Company pay a total amount of $3.8 million (the “Settlement Payment”) to settle the Claims (including the costs, fees and other expenses of the law firm in connection with its representation of the Claimants), subject to certain terms, conditions and procedures set forth in the Settlement Agreement. In order for the Company to be required to make the Settlement Payment: (i) each Claimant who agreed to settle his or her claims had to sign a release acceptable to the Company (a “Release”); (ii) each Claimant who agreed to the settlement and who was a plaintiff in a lawsuit, had to dismiss his or her lawsuit with prejudice; (iii) by April 29, 2011, at least 93% of the Claimants identified in the Settlement Agreement must have agreed to settle their claims and provide a signed Release to the Company; and (iv) the law firm had to withdraw from representing any Claimants who did not agree to the settlement, including those who filed lawsuits. If the conditions to the settlement were met, but less than 100% of the Claimants agreed to settle their Claims and sign a Release, the Settlement Payment would be reduced by the percentage of Claimants who did not agree to the settlement.
	On April 22, 2011, the Company confirmed that the terms and conditions of the Settlement Agreement had been met and made a payment of $3.6 million to conclude the settlement. The amount was based upon the Company’s receipt of 1,069 signed releases provided by Claimants, which was 95.02% of all Claimants identified in the Settlement Agreement.
	The Company generally denies the allegations made in the claims and lawsuits by the Claimants and denies that its products caused any injuries to the Claimants. Nonetheless, the Company entered into the Settlement Agreement for the purpose of minimizing its expenses, including legal fees, and avoiding the inconvenience, uncertainty, and distraction of the claims and lawsuits.
	During April through October 2012, 20 new cases were filed in the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. These cases were filed on behalf of 20 Philadelphia firefighters and involve various defendants in addition to the Company. On June 14, 2013, one of these cases was dismissed. During April through July 2013, additional cases were filed in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. These cases involve 246 plaintiff firefighters from Pittsburgh and various defendants, including the Company.
	Firefighters have brought hearing loss claims against the Company in jurisdictions other than Pennsylvania and Cook County. In particular, cases have been filed in New Jersey, Missouri, Maryland, and New York. All of those cases, however, were dismissed prior to trial, including four cases in the Supreme Court of Kings County, New York which were dismissed upon the Company’s motion in 2008. The trial court subsequently denied reconsideration of its ruling. On appeal, the appellate court affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of these cases. Plaintiffs’ attorneys have threatened to file additional lawsuits. The Company intends to vigorously defend all of these lawsuits, if filed.
	The Company’s ongoing negotiations with its insurer, CNA, over insurance coverage on these claims have resulted in reimbursements of a portion of the Company’s defense costs. These reimbursements are recorded as a reduction of corporate operating expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded and received $0.2 million of reimbursements from CNA related to legal costs incurred in the prior year and $0.2 million of reimbursements related to costs incurred in 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded $0.7 million of reimbursements related to legal costs incurred in the prior year, of which $0.6 million had been received as of December 31, 2012. The remaining $0.1 million was received in the first quarter of 2013.
	On July 29, 2011, Neology, Inc. (“Neology”) filed a complaint against the Company in the U.S. District Court of Delaware for alleged patent infringements (the “Delaware lawsuit”). The Delaware lawsuit demanded that the Company cease manufacturing, marketing, importing or selling radio frequency identification (“RFID”) systems and products that allegedly infringed certain specified patents owned by Neology, and also demanded compensation for past alleged infringement. The Company denied the allegations in the complaint. On December 2, 2011, Neology filed a motion for preliminary injunction, requesting that the court enter an order preliminarily enjoining the Company from further alleged infringement of certain Neology patents. On June 18, 2012, a U.S. District Court Magistrate issued a Report and Recommendation that the motion for a preliminary injunction be denied. On August 12, 2012, a U.S. District Court Judge adopted that Report and Recommendation. On August 20, 2012, Neology filed a motion for leave to file for partial summary judgment against the Company regarding two of the patents at issue. On September 21, 2012, a U.S. District Court Magistrate denied the motion.
	On May 21, 2012, Neology filed another complaint against the Company, also for alleged patent infringement, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. On July 19, 2012, Neology filed certain amendments to that complaint. The amended complaint similarly demanded that the Company cease manufacturing, marketing, importing or selling certain RFID transponders and readers that allegedly infringed certain other specified patents owned by Neology, and also demanded compensation for past alleged infringement. The Company denied the allegations in the complaint. On September 10, 2012, the Company filed a motion requesting that the court transfer this litigation to the U.S. District Court of Delaware, where Neology filed its earlier patent infringement suit against the Company. On October 15, 2012, the court granted this motion and ordered the transfer of this litigation to the U.S. District Court of Delaware. On November 2, 2012, the U.S. District Court of Delaware ordered the consolidation of the transferred California litigation and the Delaware lawsuit.
	On February 22, 2013, Neology filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) requesting that the ITC commence an investigation into alleged violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the “Tariff Act”). The complaint alleged that Federal Signal Corporation, Federal Signal Technologies, LLC, Sirit Corp. and 3M Company unlawfully imported into the U.S., sold for importation, and/or sold within the U.S. after importation certain RFID products and their major components, which allegedly infringed certain Neology patents. On March 26, 2013, the ITC issued a Notice of Investigation regarding the complaint filed by Neology.
	The remedy requested by Neology in its complaint filed with the ITC, and the relief that can be ordered by the ITC in favor of a prevailing complainant, is prospective injunctive relief barring the products and components that allegedly violate Section 337 of the Tariff Act from importation into the U.S. Compensatory monetary relief was neither expressly sought by Neology in its complaint nor a form of relief available to a prevailing complainant. Since the disposition of the assets of the Federal Signal Technologies (“FSTech”) Group on September 4, 2012, as further discussed in Note 11 – Discontinued Operations, the Company had not imported into the U.S. nor sold within the U.S. the products or components identified by Neology in its complaint.
	On May 6, 2013, the Company, Neology, and 3M Company (“the Parties”) agreed in principle to a settlement of the Delaware lawsuit as well as the ITC investigation. The Parties thereafter finalized a confidential settlement agreement, effective June 14, 2013. On June 19, 2013, pursuant to a joint request of the Parties, the ITC terminated its investigation. On June 25, 2013, the U.S. District Court granted the Parties’ joint motion to dismiss the Delaware lawsuit.
	In connection with the closing of the sale of the FSTech Group to 3M Company on September 4, 2012, 3M Company agreed to assume the defense of the Neology lawsuits. A portion of the purchase price proceeds was placed into escrow to be held for a period of 48 months as security for the indemnification obligations of the Company as well as defense and other costs associated with the Neology lawsuits and legal proceedings incident thereto, subject to early release under certain conditions. Subsequent to the settlement agreement relating to the Neology lawsuits that was reached in the second quarter of 2013, the Company received disbursement of the balance of the funds remaining in escrow that were associated with the Neology lawsuits during the third quarter of 2013. This disbursement resulted in an adjustment to the loss from discontinued operations in our financial statements and was not material to our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Information regarding the Company’s discontinued operations is further discussed in Note 11 – Discontinued Operations.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
	Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options, performance-based restricted stock unit awards, and restricted stock units and reflect the potential dilution that could occur if these awards were issued and converted into common stock. We use the treasury stock method to determine the potentially dilutive impact of our employee stock options and restricted stock units, and the contingently issuable method for our performance-based restricted stock unit awards. For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, options to purchase 0.8 million and 2.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, had an anti-dilutive effect on EPS, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, options to purchase 1.0 million and 2.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, had an anti-dilutive effect on EPS, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.
	The following table reconciles net income (loss) to basic and diluted EPS:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in millions, except per share data)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations	$	16.8		$	4.4		$	133.5		$	17.2
	Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax	(0.8		)	(19.1		)	(0.6		)	(49.4		)
	Net income (loss)	$	16		$	(14.7	)	$	132.9		$	(32.2	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic	62.6			62.4			62.5			62.3
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents	0.6			0.6			0.5			0.3
	Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted	$	63.2		$	63		$	63		$	62.6
	Basic earnings (loss) per share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.27		$	0.07		$	2.14		$	0.28
	Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax	(0.01		)	(0.31		)	(0.01		)	(0.79		)
	Net earnings (loss) per share	$	0.26		$	(0.24	)	$	2.13		$	(0.51	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.26		$	0.07		$	2.12		$	0.28
	Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax	(0.01		)	(0.31		)	(0.01		)	(0.79		)
	Net earnings (loss) per share	$	0.25		$	(0.24	)	$	2.11		$	(0.51	)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
	(in millions)	Actuarial Losses			Foreign			Unrealized			Total
					Currency Translation			Gain (Loss) on
								Derivatives
	Balance at July 1, 2013	$	(85.6	)	$	6.3		$	0.6		$	(78.7	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(4.1		)	6.3			(0.4		)	1.8
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1) (3)	2.9			0.2			—			3.1
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(1.2		)	6.5			(0.4		)	4.9
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(86.8	)	$	12.8		$	0.2		$	(73.8	)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(91.0	)	$	10.8		$	0.1		$	(80.1	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(2.7		)	2.1			0.1			(0.5		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2) (3)	6.9			(0.1		)	—			6.8
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	4.2			2			0.1			6.3
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(86.8	)	$	12.8		$	0.2		$	(73.8	)
	-1	The change in actuarial losses in the three months ended September 30, 2013 represents $2.2 million of actuarial losses that have been included in the computation of net postretirement pension expense for the period and $0.7 million of income tax expense, primarily due to a change in the United Kingdom tax rate that was enacted during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
	-2	The change in actuarial losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 represents $6.3 million of actuarial losses that have been included in the computation of net postretirement pension expense for the period and $0.6 million of income tax expense, primarily due to a change in the United Kingdom tax rate that was enacted during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
	-3	The changes in foreign currency translation include $0.2 million and ($0.1) million of foreign currency effects related to the FSTech Group disposal that have been included in the loss from discontinued operations and disposal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company has three operating segments. Business units are organized under each segment because they share certain characteristics, such as technology, marketing, distribution, and product application that create long-term synergies. The principal activities of the Company’s operating segments are as follows:
	Environmental Solutions – The Environmental Solutions Group manufactures a variety of self-propelled street cleaning vehicles, vacuum loader vehicles, municipal catch basin/sewer cleaning vacuum trucks and waterblasting equipment. The Group primarily sells to municipal and government customers, as well as industrial contractors. Products are sold under the Elgin®, Vactor®, Guzzler®, and Jetstream® brand names. The Group primarily manufactures its vehicles and equipment in the U.S.
	Safety and Security Systems – The Safety and Security Systems Group is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products that law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services, campuses, military facilities, and industrial sites use to protect people and property. Offerings include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications and command, and municipal networked security. Specific products include lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens, and public safety software. Products are primarily sold under the Federal Signal™, Federal Signal VAMA™, Target Tech®, and Victor™ brand names. The Group operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and South Africa.
	Fire Rescue – The Fire Rescue Group manufactures articulated and telescopic aerial platforms for rescue and fire fighting and for maintenance purposes. The Group sells to municipal and industrial fire services, civil defense authorities, rental companies, electric utilities, and industrial customers. The Group operates manufacturing facilities in Finland and sells globally under the Bronto Skylift® brand name.
	Corporate contains those items that are not included in our three operating segments.
	Net sales by operating segment reflect sales of products and services to external customers, as reported in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Intersegment sales were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of the respective segment. Operating income includes all revenues, costs and expenses related to the segment involved. In determining segment operating income, neither corporate nor interest expenses are included. Corporate assets consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, notes and other receivables, and fixed assets. The accounting policies of each operating segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
	The following tables summarize the Company’s net sales, operating income, and total assets by segment:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Environmental Solutions	$	113.1		$	101.6		$	353.1		$	321.6
	Safety and Security Systems	57.6			57.8			172.9			173.2
	Fire Rescue	38.6			25.6			105.7			90.7
	Total net sales	$	209.3		$	185		$	631.7		$	585.5
	Operating income:
	Environmental Solutions	$	12.1		$	9.3		$	40.6		$	33.8
	Safety and Security Systems	7			7.8			16.1			18.7
	Fire Rescue	3.3			1.9			7.4			4.4
	Corporate and eliminations	(3.6		)	(6.6		)	(15.0		)	(18.4		)
	Total operating income	18.8			12.4			49.1			38.5
	Interest expense	1.5			5.2			7.7			15.7
	Debt settlement charges	—			1.9			8.7			3.5
	Other expense (income), net	—			(0.1		)	(0.1		)	0.2
	Income before income taxes	$	17.3		$	5.4		$	32.8		$	19.1
	(in millions)	As of September 30, 2013			As of December 31, 2012
	Total assets:
	Environmental Solutions	$	239.8		$	237.5
	Safety and Security Systems	207.7			209.5
	Fire Rescue	127.4			122.5
	Corporate and eliminations	76.8			41.7
	Total assets of continuing operations	651.7			611.2
	Total assets of discontinued operations	5.1			2
	Total assets	$	656.8		$	613.2

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring	'
	RESTRUCTURING
	During the first quarter of 2012, the Company recorded expenses of $0.9 million related to severance costs in the Safety and Security Systems Group, which is the total amount expected to be incurred for these activities. These actions are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded an additional $0.6 million related to severance costs within corporate expense. Based upon further developments, it was determined during the second quarter of 2013 that these costs were not required and the $0.6 million charge was reversed.
	Restructuring reserves are included within other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s restructuring reserves during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	(in millions)	Severance
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1
	Payments	(0.1		)
	Adjustments	(0.6		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	0.3

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Federal Signal Technologies
	On June 21, 2012, the Company announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to sell the FSTech Group. On September 4, 2012, the Company closed the transaction to complete the disposition of the assets of the FSTech Group. At closing, certain amounts were placed into escrow as security for indemnification obligations provided by the Company pursuant to the sale agreement, including defense and other costs associated with the Neology lawsuits discussed in Note 6 – Commitments and Contingencies. A significant portion of the escrow identified for general indemnification obligations will be held for a period of 18 months with the remaining general escrow funds to be held for 36 months.
	Subsequent to the settlement agreement relating to the Neology lawsuits that was reached in the second quarter of 2013, the Company received disbursement of the balance of the funds remaining in escrow that were associated with the Neology lawsuits during the third quarter of 2013. This disbursement resulted in an adjustment to the loss from discontinued operations in our financial statements and was not material to the Company's results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	If and when any additional escrowed proceeds are released, the Company may recognize an adjustment to the loss from discontinued operations and disposal in its statement of operations. The net carrying amount of the escrow receivable was classified in other current assets at September 30, 2013 and deferred charges and other long-term assets at December 31, 2012, and was $7.8 million and $8.0 million, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the operating results of discontinued operations, principally the FSTech Group:
	(in millions)	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2012			September 30, 2012
	Net sales	$	24.9		$	87
	Interest allocated to discontinued operations	1.7			4.8
	Other costs and expenses	33.1			99.9
	Loss before income taxes	(9.9		)	(17.7		)
	Income tax benefit	2.9			3.5
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(7.0	)	$	(14.2	)
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded net losses from discontinued operations and disposal of $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The losses primarily include expenses associated with special termination benefits provided to certain employees of the former FSTech Group that were retained to assist with transition services with 3M Company. Upon conclusion of these transition services, management initiated a voluntary separation plan ("VSP"), which resulted in expense of approximately $0.5 million being recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2013 when the employees accepted the terms of the VSP. The net loss from discontinued operations and disposal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 also includes certain adjustments relating to assets of other previously discontinued operations.
	Other
	In May 2012, the Company sold its Pearland, Texas facility, which was previously used by the Company’s discontinued Pauluhn business, for proceeds of $0.9 million and recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.4 million. The Company retains certain liabilities for discontinued operations prior to January 1, 2010, primarily for environmental remediation and product liability. Included in liabilities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $1.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively, related to environmental remediation at the Pearland, Texas facility, and $3.9 million and $4.6 million, respectively, relating to estimated product liability obligations of the discontinued North American refuse truck body business.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Description of the Business	'
	Organization and Description of the Business
	Federal Signal Corporation was founded in 1901 and was reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1969. References herein to the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer collectively to Federal Signal Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements represent the consolidation of Federal Signal Corporation and its subsidiaries included herein and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to ensure the information presented is not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
	These statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, that we considered necessary to present a fair statement of our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. We label our quarterly information using a calendar convention whereby our first, second, and third quarters are labeled as ending on March 31, June 30, and September 30, respectively. It is our longstanding practice to establish interim quarterly closing dates using a 5-4-4 calendar with the fiscal year ending on December 31. The effects of this practice are not material and exist only within a reporting year.
	We have reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Changes	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Changes
	In January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This update further clarified the guidance previously issued under ASU No. 2011-11, which required both gross and net presentation of offsetting assets and liabilities. The new requirements were effective retrospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. As the guidance impacted disclosure requirements only, the Company’s adoption of the guidance on January 1, 2013 did not have an impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The guidance was issued in response to ASU No. 2011-05 and required disclosure of the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items of net income, if the amounts reclassified are required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period. For other amounts not required to be reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, or when a portion of the amount is reclassified to a balance sheet account instead of directly to income or expense, a cross reference to the related footnote disclosures for additional information should be provided. The new requirements were effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2012, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. As the guidance impacted disclosure requirements only, the Company’s adoption of the guidance on January 1, 2013 did not have an impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. For additional information, see Note 8 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405), Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date. This update provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this update is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing U.S. GAAP. The guidance requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The new requirements are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required. The Company expects that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830), Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. This guidance clarifies the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity. The new requirements are effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company expects that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-10, Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. The update permits the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, as an alternative to interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government or the London Interbank Offered Rate. The update also removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. This guidance is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company’s adoption of the guidance did not have an impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This update clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. The new requirements are effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company expects that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	In September 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) released final tangible property regulations under Sections 162(a) and 263(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code), as amended, (the “Code”) regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property. The final regulations replaced temporary regulations that were issued in December 2011. The IRS also released proposed regulations under Section 168 of the Code regarding dispositions of tangible property. These final and proposed regulations will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2014. The Company continues to review the regulations, but does not believe there will be a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows when they are fully adopted.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but are not limited to, revenue recognition, pension and other postretirement benefits, income tax contingency accruals and valuation allowances, workers’ compensation and product warranty accruals, asset impairment, and litigation-related accruals. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
	There have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies as disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventories	'
	The following table summarizes the components of inventories:
	(in millions)	September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	47.6	$	56.8
	Work in progress	24		26.8
	Finished goods	39.7		36.3
	Total inventories	$	111.3	$	119.9

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Components of Long-Term Borrowings and Capital Lease Obligations	'
	The following table summarizes the components of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations:
	(in millions)	30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Senior Secured Credit Facility:
	Revolving credit facility	$	52.5	$	—
	Term loan	73.6		—
	February 2012 Financing:
	ABL facility	—		6.7
	Term loan	—		149.1
	Capital lease obligations	1.4		1.7
	Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, including current portion	127.5		157.5
	Less: Current maturities	6.1		4.2
	Less: Current capital lease obligations	0.4		0.5
	Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, net	$	121	$	152.8
Summary of Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Notional		Fair		Notional		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Short-term debt	$	—	$	—	$	0.3	$	0.3
	Long-term debt (1)	127.5		127.5		157.5		208.2
	-1	Long-term debt includes current portions of long-term debt and current portions of capital lease obligations of $6.5 million and $4.7 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Pensions_Tables

Pensions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Components of Net Postretirement Pensions Expense	'
	The following table summarizes the components of net postretirement pension expense:
		U.S. Benefit Plan												Non-U.S. Benefit Plan
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,						September 30,						September 30,
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	0.1		$	0.1		$	0.2
	Interest cost	1.8			1.5			5.5			5.5			0.7			0.7			1.9			2
	Amortization of actuarial loss	1.9			1.3			5.6			4.1			0.2			0.2			0.6			0.6
	Expected return on plan assets	(2.2		)	(1.6		)	(6.6		)	(6.0		)	(0.6		)	(0.7		)	(1.9		)	(2.0		)
	Net postretirement pension expense	$	1.5		$	1.2		$	4.5		$	3.6		$	0.3		$	0.3		$	0.7		$	0.8

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Warranty Liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s warranty liabilities:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	(in millions)	2013			2012
	Balance at January 1	$	6.8		$	6.7
	Provisions to expense	7.2			4.7
	Payments	(6.4		)	(4.6		)
	Balance at September 30	$	7.6		$	6.8

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Basic and Diluted EPS	'
	The following table reconciles net income (loss) to basic and diluted EPS:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in millions, except per share data)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations	$	16.8		$	4.4		$	133.5		$	17.2
	Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax	(0.8		)	(19.1		)	(0.6		)	(49.4		)
	Net income (loss)	$	16		$	(14.7	)	$	132.9		$	(32.2	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic	62.6			62.4			62.5			62.3
	Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents	0.6			0.6			0.5			0.3
	Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted	$	63.2		$	63		$	63		$	62.6
	Basic earnings (loss) per share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.27		$	0.07		$	2.14		$	0.28
	Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax	(0.01		)	(0.31		)	(0.01		)	(0.79		)
	Net earnings (loss) per share	$	0.26		$	(0.24	)	$	2.13		$	(0.51	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.26		$	0.07		$	2.12		$	0.28
	Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax	(0.01		)	(0.31		)	(0.01		)	(0.79		)
	Net earnings (loss) per share	$	0.25		$	(0.24	)	$	2.11		$	(0.51	)

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
	(in millions)	Actuarial Losses			Foreign			Unrealized			Total
					Currency Translation			Gain (Loss) on
								Derivatives
	Balance at July 1, 2013	$	(85.6	)	$	6.3		$	0.6		$	(78.7	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(4.1		)	6.3			(0.4		)	1.8
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1) (3)	2.9			0.2			—			3.1
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(1.2		)	6.5			(0.4		)	4.9
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(86.8	)	$	12.8		$	0.2		$	(73.8	)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(91.0	)	$	10.8		$	0.1		$	(80.1	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(2.7		)	2.1			0.1			(0.5		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2) (3)	6.9			(0.1		)	—			6.8
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	4.2			2			0.1			6.3
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(86.8	)	$	12.8		$	0.2		$	(73.8	)
	-1	The change in actuarial losses in the three months ended September 30, 2013 represents $2.2 million of actuarial losses that have been included in the computation of net postretirement pension expense for the period and $0.7 million of income tax expense, primarily due to a change in the United Kingdom tax rate that was enacted during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
	-2	The change in actuarial losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 represents $6.3 million of actuarial losses that have been included in the computation of net postretirement pension expense for the period and $0.6 million of income tax expense, primarily due to a change in the United Kingdom tax rate that was enacted during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
	-3	The changes in foreign currency translation include $0.2 million and ($0.1) million of foreign currency effects related to the FSTech Group disposal that have been included in the loss from discontinued operations and disposal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of Net Sales, Operating Income (Loss), and Total Assets by Segment	'
	The following tables summarize the Company’s net sales, operating income, and total assets by segment:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Environmental Solutions	$	113.1		$	101.6		$	353.1		$	321.6
	Safety and Security Systems	57.6			57.8			172.9			173.2
	Fire Rescue	38.6			25.6			105.7			90.7
	Total net sales	$	209.3		$	185		$	631.7		$	585.5
	Operating income:
	Environmental Solutions	$	12.1		$	9.3		$	40.6		$	33.8
	Safety and Security Systems	7			7.8			16.1			18.7
	Fire Rescue	3.3			1.9			7.4			4.4
	Corporate and eliminations	(3.6		)	(6.6		)	(15.0		)	(18.4		)
	Total operating income	18.8			12.4			49.1			38.5
	Interest expense	1.5			5.2			7.7			15.7
	Debt settlement charges	—			1.9			8.7			3.5
	Other expense (income), net	—			(0.1		)	(0.1		)	0.2
	Income before income taxes	$	17.3		$	5.4		$	32.8		$	19.1
	(in millions)	As of September 30, 2013			As of December 31, 2012
	Total assets:
	Environmental Solutions	$	239.8		$	237.5
	Safety and Security Systems	207.7			209.5
	Fire Rescue	127.4			122.5
	Corporate and eliminations	76.8			41.7
	Total assets of continuing operations	651.7			611.2
	Total assets of discontinued operations	5.1			2
	Total assets	$	656.8		$	613.2

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes Restructuring Reserves	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s restructuring reserves during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	(in millions)	Severance
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1
	Payments	(0.1		)
	Adjustments	(0.6		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	0.3

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	'
	The following table summarizes the operating results of discontinued operations, principally the FSTech Group:
	(in millions)	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2012			September 30, 2012
	Net sales	$	24.9		$	87
	Interest allocated to discontinued operations	1.7			4.8
	Other costs and expenses	33.1			99.9
	Loss before income taxes	(9.9		)	(17.7		)
	Income tax benefit	2.9			3.5
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(7.0	)	$	(14.2	)

Inventories_Component_of_Inven

Inventories - Component of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$47.60	$56.80
Work in progress	24	26.8
Finished goods	39.7	36.3
Total inventories	$111.30	$119.90

Debt_Summary_of_Components_of_

Debt - Summary of Components of Long-Term Borrowings and Capital Lease Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Borrowings [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, including current portion	$127.50	$157.50
Less: Current maturities	6.1	4.2
Less: Current capital lease obligations	0.4	0.5
Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, net	121	152.8
Capital Lease Obligations	'	'
Borrowings [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, including current portion	1.4	1.7
Senior Secured Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility	'	'
Borrowings [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, including current portion	52.5	0
Senior Secured Credit Facility | Term Loan	'	'
Borrowings [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, including current portion	73.6	0
February 2012 Financing | Term Loan	'	'
Borrowings [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, including current portion	0	149.1
February 2012 Financing | ABL Facility	'	'
Borrowings [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, including current portion	$0	$6.70

Debt_Summary_of_Carrying_Amoun

Debt - Summary of Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount, Short-term debt	'		$0.30
Short-term Debt	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount, Short-term debt	0		0.3
Fair Value	0		0.3
Long-term Debt	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount, Long-term debt	127.5	[1]	157.5	[1]
Fair Value	$127.50	[1]	$208.20	[1]
[1]	Long-term debt includes current portions of long-term debt and current portions of capital lease obligations of $6.5 million and $4.7 million as of SeptemberB 30, 2013 and DecemberB 31, 2012, respectively.

Debt_Summary_of_Carrying_Amoun1

Debt - Summary of Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Long term debt and capital lease obligations	$6.50	$4.70

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 13, 2013

Mar. 13, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 13, 2013

Mar. 13, 2012

Mar. 13, 2013

Feb. 22, 2012

Feb. 22, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 13, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 13, 2013

Mar. 13, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Letter of Credit

Non-US lines of credit

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Term Loan

Term Loan

Term Loan

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Minimum

Maximum

Base Rate Borrowings

Base Rate Borrowings

Libor Borrowings

Libor Borrowings

Year 1 of the senior secured credit facility amortization schedule

Year 2 of the senior secured credit facility amortization schedule

Year 3 of the senior secured credit facility amortization schedule

Year 4 of the senior secured credit facility amortization schedule

Thereafter of the senior secured credit facility amortization schedule

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Secured credit facility

'

'

'

$225,000,000

$50,000,000

$15,100,000

'

'

'

'

$75,000,000

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, amount outstanding

'

52,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

215,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Breakage fees and premiums

'

'

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan principal payment commencement date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-13

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, percentage of original term loan amount to be repaid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.50%

10.00%

10.00%

12.50%

12.50%

Line of credit facility maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13-Mar-18

'

'

'

'

'

Base rate borrowings margin ranges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

2.00%

2.00%

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

0.45%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum covenant leverage ratio

'

3.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt agreement termination costs

8,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt early termination penalty payment

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Penalty percentage of outstanding balance of term loan

2.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write-off financing cost

4,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issuance cost

'

1,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining borrowing capacity

'

29,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of cash flow hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flow hedge swap termination date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'MarchB 13, 2018

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of swap derivative liabilities

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gain (loss) recorded in other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

($200,000)

$300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit (expense)	($0.50)	'	($1)	$100.70	($1.90)	'
Effective tax rate	2.90%	'	18.50%	-307.00%	9.90%	'
Valuation allowance that may be released	'	-102.4	'	-3.3	'	'
Discrete income taxes	-1	'	'	'	'	'
Total deferred tax asset valuation allowances	'	10.3	'	'	'	'
Decrease in valuation allowance	3.4	'	'	7	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	3.8	'	'	3.8	'	4
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the annual effective tax rate	3.7	'	'	3.7	'	3.9
Unrecognized tax benefits expected decrease	0.4	'	'	0.4	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that, interests and penalites	$0.30	'	'	$0.30	'	$0.30

Pensions_Summary_of_Components

Pensions - Summary of Components of Net Postretirement Pensions Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
U.S. Benefit Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$0	$0	$0	$0
Interest cost	1.8	1.5	5.5	5.5
Amortization of actuarial loss	1.9	1.3	5.6	4.1
Expected return on plan assets	-2.2	-1.6	-6.6	-6
Net postretirement pension expense	1.5	1.2	4.5	3.6
Non-U.S. Benefit Plan	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0.1	0.1	0.2
Interest cost	0.7	0.7	1.9	2
Amortization of actuarial loss	0.2	0.2	0.6	0.6
Expected return on plan assets	-0.6	-0.7	-1.9	-2
Net postretirement pension expense	$0.30	$0.30	$0.70	$0.80

Pensions_Additional_Informatio

Pensions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
U.S. Benefit Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Contribution to defined benefit plan	$5.30	$9.20
Expected contribution to defined benefit plan	6.8	'
Non-U.S. Benefit Plan	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Contribution to defined benefit plan	1.1	1.4
Expected contribution to defined benefit plan	$1.60	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

14 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

72 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

36 Months Ended

72 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

7 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Nov. 30, 2012

Sep. 04, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 20, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2010

Jan. 04, 2011

Apr. 22, 2011

Jan. 04, 2011

Apr. 22, 2011

Apr. 29, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2004

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2004

Dec. 31, 2009

Nov. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2009

Sep. 13, 2012

Dec. 31, 2009

Oct. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Jul. 31, 2013

plaintiff

plaintiff

patent

Minimum

Maximum

Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County

Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County

Settlement Agreement

Settlement Agreement

Settlement Agreement

Settlement Agreement

Prior Year

Prior Year

1999-2004

2009

2008

2007-2009

Outside Chicago Firefighter Plaintiffs

Pennsylvania Firefighter Plaintiffs

Chicago Firefighter Plaintiffs

Chicago Firefighter Plaintiffs

Chicago Firefighter Plaintiffs

Chicago Firefighter Plaintiffs

Chicago Firefighter Plaintiffs

Chicago Firefighter Plaintiffs

Chicago Firefighter Plaintiffs

Chicago Firefighter Plaintiffs

Philadelphia Firefighter Plaintiffs

Philadelphia Firefighter Plaintiffs

Pittsburgh Firefighter Plaintiffs

plaintiff

release

Circuit Court Of Cook County

Circuit Court Of Cook County

Circuit Court Of Cook County

Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County

1999-2004

2009

plaintiff

plaintiff

plaintiff

Minimum

Maximum

2009

2009

2009

Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County

2010

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

plaintiff

case

plaintiff

case

Circuit Court Of Cook County

Circuit Court Of Cook County

plaintiff

plaintiff

plaintiff

Circuit Court Of Cook County

Circuit Court Of Cook County

plaintiff

Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County

plaintiff

case

plaintiff

plaintiff

plaintiff

justice

plaintiff

case

plaintiff

Commitments Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount outstanding standby letters of credit

'

'

$29.10

'

$29.10

$29.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warranty maturity periods

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reserves related to environmental remediation

'

'

1.4

'

1.4

1.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of additional cases filed by firefighters

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33

6

'

71

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40

'

'

20

'

'

Number of plaintiffs

'

'

74

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,069

'

'

'

2,443

'

'

71

1,800

299

3

3

8

9

40

'

'

'

20

9

246

Number of cases of plaintiff's claims

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plaintiff's counsel later moved to reduce the number of plaintiff

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9

'

'

'

Claims settled amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.4

'

'

'

Number of justices upholding verdict

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

Number of justices dissenting verdict

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

Number of plaintiffs cases dismissed

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Damages maximum amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Damages subsequently reduced, minimum amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.08

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of claimants settled

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,125

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of claimants agreed for settlement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

95.02%

'

95.02%

93.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of claimants agreed for settlement as per settlement agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlement Agreement payment made

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reimbursement

'

'

'

'

0.2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.2

0.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reimbursement received

'

'

'

$0.10

'

$0.60

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Patents

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Holding period purchase proceed held as security

'

'48 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Changes in Warranty Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at January 1	$6.80	$6.70
Provisions to expense	7.2	4.7
Payments	-6.4	-4.6
Balance at September 30	$7.60	$6.80

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Additi

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Employee Stock Option [Member])	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of common stock excluded from calculation of diluted EPS	0.8	2.4	1	2.3

Reconciliation_of_Net_Income_L

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$16.80	$4.40	$133.50	$17.20
Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax	-0.8	-19.1	-0.6	-49.4
Net income (loss)	$16	($14.70)	$132.90	($32.20)
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic (shares)	62.6	62.4	62.5	62.3
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (shares)	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.3
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted (shares)	63.2	63	63	62.6
Basic earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations (usd per share)	$0.27	$0.07	$2.14	$0.28
Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax (usd per share)	($0.01)	($0.31)	($0.01)	($0.79)
Net earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$0.26	($0.24)	$2.13	($0.51)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations (usd per share)	$0.26	$0.07	$2.12	$0.28
Loss from discontinued operations and disposal, net of tax (usd per share)	($0.01)	($0.31)	($0.01)	($0.79)
Net earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$0.25	($0.24)	$2.11	($0.51)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'
Beginning balance, Pension Benefit Plan Costs	($85.60)		'	($91)		'
Other comprehensive income (expense) before reclassifications, Pension Benefit Plan Costs	-4.1		'	-2.7		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Pension Benefit Plan Costs	2.9	[1],[2]	'	6.9	[1],[3]	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (expense, Pension Benefit Plan Costs	-1.2		1	4.2		3.8
Ending balance, Pension Benefit Plan Costs	-86.8		'	-86.8		'
Beginning balance, Foreign Currency	6.3		'	10.8		'
Other comprehensive income (expense) before reclassifications, Foreign Currency	6.3		'	2.1		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Foreign Currency	0.2	[1],[2]	'	-0.1	[1],[3]	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (expense, Foreign Currency	6.5		2.7	2		9.3
Ending balance, Foreign Currency	12.8		'	12.8		'
Beginning balance, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	0.6		'	0.1		'
Other comprehensive income (expense) before reclassifications, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	-0.4		'	0.1		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	0	[1],[2]	'	0	[1],[3]	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (expense, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	-0.4		0	0.1		0.6
Ending balance, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	0.2		'	0.2		'
Beginning balance, Total	-78.7		'	-80.1		'
Other comprehensive income (expense) before reclassifications	1.8		'	-0.5		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	3.1	[1],[2]	'	6.8	[1],[3]	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (expense	4.9		'	6.3		'
Ending balance, Total	($73.80)		'	($73.80)		'
[1]	The changes in foreign currency translation include $0.2 million and ($0.1) million of foreign currency effects related to the FSTech Group disposal that have been included in the loss from discontinued operations and disposal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
[2]	The change in actuarial losses in the three months ended September 30, 2013 represents $2.2 million of actuarial losses that have been included in the computation of net postretirement pension expense for the period and $0.7 million of income tax expense, primarily due to a change in the United Kingdom tax rate that was enacted during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
[3]	The change in actuarial losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 represents $6.3 million of actuarial losses that have been included in the computation of net postretirement pension expense for the period and $0.6 million of income tax expense, primarily due to a change in the United Kingdom tax rate that was enacted during the three months ended September 30, 2013.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'		'
Actuarial losses	$2.20		$6.30
Tax on reclassification	-0.7		-0.6
Changes in FX	($0.20)	[1],[2]	$0.10	[1],[3]
[1]	The changes in foreign currency translation include $0.2 million and ($0.1) million of foreign currency effects related to the FSTech Group disposal that have been included in the loss from discontinued operations and disposal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
[2]	The change in actuarial losses in the three months ended September 30, 2013 represents $2.2 million of actuarial losses that have been included in the computation of net postretirement pension expense for the period and $0.7 million of income tax expense, primarily due to a change in the United Kingdom tax rate that was enacted during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
[3]	The change in actuarial losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 represents $6.3 million of actuarial losses that have been included in the computation of net postretirement pension expense for the period and $0.6 million of income tax expense, primarily due to a change in the United Kingdom tax rate that was enacted during the three months ended September 30, 2013.

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	3

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information - Summary of Net Sales, Operating Income (Loss), and Total Assets by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	$209.30	$185	$631.70	$585.50	'
Total operating income	18.8	12.4	49.1	38.5	'
Interest expense	1.5	5.2	7.7	15.7	'
Debt settlement charges	0	1.9	8.7	3.5	'
Other expense (income), net	0	-0.1	-0.1	0.2	'
Income before income taxes	17.3	5.4	32.8	19.1	'
Total identifiable assets	656.8	'	656.8	'	613.2
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total identifiable assets	5.1	'	5.1	'	2
Continuing Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total identifiable assets	651.7	'	651.7	'	611.2
Corporate and Eliminations	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating income	-3.6	-6.6	-15	-18.4	'
Total identifiable assets	76.8	'	76.8	'	41.7
Environmental Solutions	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	113.1	101.6	353.1	321.6	'
Total operating income	12.1	9.3	40.6	33.8	'
Total identifiable assets	239.8	'	239.8	'	237.5
Safety And Security Systems	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	57.6	57.8	172.9	173.2	'
Total operating income	7	7.8	16.1	18.7	'
Total identifiable assets	207.7	'	207.7	'	209.5
Fire Rescue	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	38.6	25.6	105.7	90.7	'
Total operating income	3.3	1.9	7.4	4.4	'
Total identifiable assets	$127.40	'	$127.40	'	$122.50

Restructuring_Additional_Infor

Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
	Employee Severance	Employee Severance	2012 Plan	2012 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance costs	'	'	$0.60	$0.90
Adjustments	$0.60	($0.60)	'	'

Restructuring_Summary_of_Chang

Restructuring - Summary of Changes in Restructuring Reserves (Detail) (Employee Severance, USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Severance	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	$1
Payments	'	-0.1
Adjustments	0.6	-0.6
Beginning Balance	$0.30	$0.30

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	31-May-12	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
				Federal Signal Technologies	Federal Signal Technologies	Special Termination Benefits [Member]
						Federal Signal Technologies
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Escrow identified for general representations and warranties period	'	'18 months	'	'	'	'
Remaining general escrow fund to be held	'	'36 months	'	'	'	'
Escrow receivable	'	$7.80	$8	'	'	'
Losses on discontinued operations related to the adjustment in reserves associated with the original sale	'	'	'	0.8	0.6	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	'	'	0.5
Proceed from sale of Pearland	0.9	'	'	'	'	'
Pre tax gain	0.4	'	'	'	'	'
Environmental remediation at the Pearland, Texas facility	'	1.4	1.8	'	'	'
Estimated product liability obligations	'	$3.90	$4.60	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Operat

Discontinued Operations - Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit	($0.30)	($2.90)	($0.10)	($3.50)
Federal Signal Technologies	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	24.9	'	87
Interest allocated to discontinued operations	'	1.7	'	4.8
Other costs and expenses	'	33.1	'	99.9
Loss before income taxes	'	-9.9	'	-17.7
Income tax benefit	'	2.9	'	3.5
Loss from discontinued operations	'	($7)	'	($14.20)