General Cable 10-K 3 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 21, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'GENERAL CABLE CORP /DE/	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000886035	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,482.90
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	49,237,830	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 27, 2013

Jun. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2012

Jun. 29, 2012

Mar. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Statement and Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

$1,661.30

$1,557.10

$1,659.10

$1,543.70

$1,622.20

$1,512.60

$1,475.20

$1,449.50

$6,421.20

$6,059.50

$5,808.20

Cost of sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,717.50

5,434.60

5,213.90

Gross profit

193.8

160.2

192.8

156.9

136.7

165.4

173.7

149.1

703.7

624.9

594.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

492

425.5

379.7

Operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

211.7

199.4

214.6

Other income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-66.7

-2.9

-31.7

Interest income (expense):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-124.9

-106.8

-99.2

Interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.9

6.5

7.7

Loss on extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-9.3

0

Interest income (expense), total

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-118

-109.6

-91.5

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27

86.9

91.4

Income tax provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-38.8

-78.6

-38.6

Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.7

1.7

2.9

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10.1

10

55.7

Less: preferred stock dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.3

0.3

0.3

Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.7

5.7

0.9

Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders

13.8

5.7

8.2

-45.8

-15.7

-22.9

17.7

24.9

-18.1

4

54.5

EPS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (losses) per common share - basic (usd per share)

$0.28

$0.11

$0.17

($0.92)

($0.32)

($0.46)

$0.36

$0.50

($0.37)

[1]

$0.08

[1]

$1.05

[1]

Weighted average common shares-basic

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.4

[1],[2]

49.7

[1],[2]

51.9

[1],[2]

Earnings (losses) per common share - assuming dilution (usd per share)

$0.27

$0.11

$0.16

($0.92)

($0.32)

($0.46)

$0.35

$0.49

($0.37)

$0.08

$1.02

Weighted average common shares-assuming dilution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.4

[2]

51.1

[2]

53.7

[2]

Comprehensive income (loss):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10.1

10

55.7

Currency translation gain (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-46.9

9.9

-60.6

Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax $16.8 million in 2013, $7.3 million in 2012 and $12.2 million in 2011

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32

-21.3

-18

Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax $0.2 million in 2013, $3.0 million in 2012 and $8.2 million in 2011

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.3

6

-37.6

Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-24.7

4.6

-60.5

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.6

7.5

-5.1

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($25.30)

($2.90)

($55.40)

[1]

Under the two class method, Earnings per share — basic reflects undistributed earnings per share for both common stock and unvested share-based payment awards (restricted stock).

[2]

Denominator

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement and Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan adjustments, tax	$16.80	$7.30	$12.20
Change in fair value of derivatives, tax	$0.20	$3	$8.20

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$418.80	$622.30
Receivables, net of allowances of $39.2 million in 2013 and $38.3 million in 2012	1,171.70	1,182.10
Inventories	1,239.60	1,273.60
Deferred income taxes	50.2	39.5
Prepaid expenses and other	126.2	133
Total current assets	3,006.50	3,250.50
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,092	1,193.90
Deferred income taxes	15.8	12.8
Goodwill	184.6	187.6
Intangible assets, net	182.9	202.9
Unconsolidated affiliated companies	19	18.9
Other non-current assets	78.1	66
Total assets	4,578.90	4,932.60
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	870.6	1,003
Accrued liabilities	434.9	496.1
Current portion of long-term debt	250.3	511.2
Total current liabilities	1,555.80	2,010.30
Long-term debt	1,136.60	938.9
Deferred income taxes	233.8	223.9
Other liabilities	255.9	292.7
Total liabilities	3,182.10	3,465.80
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	17	18.6
Total Equity:	'	'
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, at redemption value (liquidation preference of $50.00 per share): Shares outstanding - 0 in 2013 and 76,002 in 2012	0	3.8
Common stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding shares: 2013 — 49,598,653 (net of 9,211,857 treasury shares), 2012 — 49,693,532 (net of 8,738,094 treasury shares)	0.6	0.6
Additional paid-in capital	699.6	676.7
Treasury stock	-155.3	-137
Retained earnings	847.4	892.2
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-112.1	-104.6
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,280.20	1,331.70
Noncontrolling interest	99.6	116.5
Total equity	1,379.80	1,448.20
Total liabilities and equity	$4,578.90	$4,932.60

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, liquidation preference (usd per share)	$0	$50
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	76,002
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares issued	49,598,653	49,693,532
Common stock, shares outstanding	49,598,653	49,693,532
Treasury stock, shares	9,211,857	8,738,094
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'
Allowances for receivables	$39.20	$38.30

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows of operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income including noncontrolling interest	($10.10)	$10	$55.70
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	132.6	115.2	111.6
Amortization on restricted stock awards	0.9	2.2	3.4
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss	56	5.8	12.8
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	9.3	0
Non-cash asset impairment charge	14	0	0
Convertible debt instruments noncash interest charges	21.9	22.1	20.7
Deferred income taxes	-1.4	10.6	7.4
Excess tax (benefits) deficiencies from stock-based compensation	0	0.6	-1
(Gain) loss on disposal of property	3.9	2.1	-2.6
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions and divestitures:	'	'	'
(Increase) decrease in receivables	-29.3	35.1	-53.9
(Increase) decrease in inventories	14.4	105.9	-180.1
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-8.9	-31.9	-3
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities	-155.8	-14.4	126.8
Net cash flows of operating activities	38.2	272.6	97.8
Cash flows of investing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-89.1	-108.6	-121.5
Proceeds from properties sold	0.4	4.5	6.5
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-6.9	-286.5	0
Other	1	0.3	0.3
Net cash flows of investing activities	-94.6	-390.3	-114.7
Cash flows of financing activities:	'	'	'
Dividends paid to shareholders	-27	-0.3	-0.3
Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation	0	-0.6	1
Proceeds from other debt	1,645.30	1,473.60	1,891.40
Repayments of other debt	-1,357.60	-1,560.80	-1,835.80
Issuance of long term debt	0	600	0
Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	-355	-217.7	0
Purchase of non-controlling interest	-4	0	0
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	-5.3	-3.5	-3.8
Repurchase of common shares	-19.5	-1.2	-62.5
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0.7	0.1	1.5
Net cash flows of financing activities	-122.4	289.6	-8.5
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-24.7	16.3	0.8
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-203.5	188.2	-24.6
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	622.3	434.1	458.7
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	418.8	622.3	434.1
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'	'
Income tax payments	33.5	38.8	33.5
Interest paid	93.6	64.5	63.2
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	$23.30	$27.40	$40.10

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Total Equity (USD $)	Total		Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Add'l Paid in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total GCC Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$1,552,400,000		$3,800,000	$600,000	$652,800,000	($74,000,000)	$833,700,000	$12,800,000	$1,429,700,000	$122,700,000
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'		76,000	52,116,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	-60,500,000		'	'	'	'	54,800,000	-110,200,000	-55,400,000	-5,100,000
Preferred stock dividend	-300,000		'	'	'	'	-300,000	'	-300,000	'
Stock option and RSU expense	8,300,000		'	'	8,300,000	'	'	'	8,300,000	'
Exercise of stock options	1,500,000		'	'	1,500,000	'	'	'	1,500,000	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'		'	122,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury shares related to nonvested stock vesting	-500,000		'	'	'	-500,000	'	'	-500,000	'
Treasury shares related to nonvested stock vesting, shares	'		'	-13,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of nonvested shares	3,400,000		'	'	3,400,000	'	'	'	3,400,000	'
Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation	1,000,000	[1]	'	'	1,000,000	'	'	'	1,000,000	'
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	-3,800,000		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,800,000
Repurchase of common shares	-62,500,000		'	'	'	-62,500,000	'	'	-62,500,000	'
Repurchase of common shares, shares	'		'	-2,529,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	-1,100,000		'	'	-300,000	500,000	'	'	200,000	-1,300,000
Other, shares	'		'	2,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	1,437,900,000		3,800,000	600,000	666,700,000	-136,500,000	888,200,000	-97,400,000	1,325,400,000	112,500,000
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'		76,000	49,698,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	4,600,000		'	'	'	'	4,300,000	-7,200,000	-2,900,000	7,500,000
Preferred stock dividend	-300,000		'	'	'	'	-300,000	'	-300,000	'
Stock option and RSU expense	10,000,000		'	'	10,000,000	'	'	'	10,000,000	'
Exercise of stock options	100,000		'	'	100,000	'	'	'	100,000	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'		'	14,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury shares related to nonvested stock vesting	-800,000		'	'	'	-800,000	'	'	-800,000	'
Treasury shares related to nonvested stock vesting, shares	'		'	-25,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of nonvested shares	2,300,000		'	'	2,300,000	'	'	'	2,300,000	'
Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation	-600,000	[1]	'	'	-600,000	'	'	'	-600,000	'
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	-3,500,000		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,500,000
Repurchase of common shares	-1,200,000		'	'	'	-1,200,000	'	'	-1,200,000	'
Repurchase of common shares, shares	'		'	-50,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	-300,000		'	'	-1,800,000	1,500,000	'	'	-300,000	0
Other, shares	'		'	56,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,448,200,000		3,800,000	600,000	676,700,000	-137,000,000	892,200,000	-104,600,000	1,331,700,000	116,500,000
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'		76,000	49,693,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	-24,700,000		'	'	'	'	-17,800,000	-7,500,000	-25,300,000	600,000
Common stock dividends paid ($0.54 per share)	-26,700,000		'	'	'	'	-26,700,000	'	-26,700,000	'
Preferred stock dividend	-300,000		'	'	'	'	-300,000	'	-300,000	'
Stock option and RSU expense	12,000,000		'	'	12,000,000	'	'	'	12,000,000	'
Exercise of stock options	600,000		'	'	-100,000	700,000	'	'	600,000	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	50,500		'	51,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury shares related to nonvested stock vesting	-1,000,000		'	'	'	-1,000,000	'	'	-1,000,000	'
Treasury shares related to nonvested stock vesting, shares	'		'	-32,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of nonvested shares	1,000,000		'	'	1,000,000	'	'	'	1,000,000	'
Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation	-700,000	[1]	'	'	-700,000	'	'	'	-700,000	'
Purchase of non-controlling interest	-4,000,000		'	'	8,200,000	'	'	'	8,200,000	-12,200,000
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	-5,300,000		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,300,000
Repurchase of common shares	-19,500,000		'	'	'	-19,500,000	'	'	-19,500,000	'
Repurchase of common shares, shares	'		'	-597,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Preferred Stock	'		-3,800,000	'	3,800,000	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Preferred Stock, shares	'		-76,000	384,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	200,000		'	'	-1,300,000	1,500,000	'	'	200,000	'
Other, shares	'		'	99,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,379,800,000		$0	$600,000	$699,600,000	($155,300,000)	$847,400,000	($112,100,000)	$1,280,200,000	$99,600,000
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'		0	49,598,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
[1]	Cash inflows (outflows) recognized as financing and operating activities in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Total Equity Consolidated Statements of Changes in Total Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	20-May-13	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Dividends per common share	$0.18	$0.54

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
General	'
	General
	General Cable Corporation (the Company) is a global leader in the development, design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products for use in the energy, industrial, construction, specialty and communications markets. The Company sells copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products worldwide. The Company’s operations are divided into three reportable segments: North America, Europe and Mediterranean and Rest of World (ROW) which consists of operations in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. As of December 31, 2013, General Cable operated 56 manufacturing facilities, which includes 4 facilities owned by companies in which the Company has an equity investment, in 25 countries with regional distribution centers around the world in addition to the corporate headquarters in Highland Heights, Kentucky.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of wholly-owned subsidiaries, majority-owned controlled subsidiaries and variable interest entities where the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company records its investment in each unconsolidated affiliated Company (generally 20-50 percent ownership in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence) at its respective equity in net assets. Other investments (less than 20 percent ownership) are recorded at cost. All intercompany transactions and balances among the consolidated companies have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are based on historical experience and information that is available to management about current events and actions the Company may take in the future. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include valuation allowances for accounts receivable and deferred income taxes; legal, environmental and asbestos liabilities; uncertain tax positions; assets and obligations related to pension and other postretirement benefits; business combination accounting and related purchase accounting valuations; goodwill and intangible valuations; financial instruments; self-insured workers’ compensation and health insurance reserves; and revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from these estimates.
	Historically, the Company has not experienced material changes in estimates as it relates to the revenue recognized under the percentage of completion method. However, in the fourth quarter of 2012 changes in estimates across all submarine turnkey projects in the European segment resulted in a reduction to gross profit of $27.5 million, with $20.8 million of the reduction associated with one certain submarine turnkey project at the Company's German submarine power cable manufacturing facility. Equipment failure at the German facility resulted in costs, for this particular project, related to cable damage, equipment repairs and ship rental of $13.3 million. Further revision of this project's profitability, due to changes in estimates, resulted in a reduction of margin by $7.5 million. There was no material impact to gross profit as a result of changes in estimates related to revenue recognition under the percentage of completion method in 2013 or 2011.
	Revenue Recognition
	The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized when goods are shipped to the customer, title and risk of loss are transferred, pricing is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Most revenue transactions represent sales of inventory. A provision for payment discounts, product returns, warranty and customer rebates is estimated based upon historical experience and other relevant factors and is recorded within the same period that the revenue is recognized. A portion of the Company’s revenue consists of long-term product installation contract revenue that is recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method generally based on the cost-to-cost method if there are reasonably reliable estimates of total revenue, total cost, and the extent of progress toward completion; and there is an enforceable agreement between parties who can fulfill their contractual obligations. The Company reviews contract price and cost estimates periodically as the work progresses and reflects adjustments proportionate to the percentage-of-completion to income in the period when those estimates are revised. For these contracts, if a current estimate of total contract cost indicates a loss on a contract, the projected loss is recognized in full in the period when determined.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has various plans which provide for granting options and common stock to certain employees and independent directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The appropriate fair value model is used for valuing share-based payments and in determining the amortization method for the compensation cost for new awards, and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after January 1, 2006. Information on General Cable’s equity compensation plans and additional information on compensation costs from stock-based compensation are described in Notes 13 and 14.
	Earnings Per Share
	Earnings per common share-basic is determined by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares-basic outstanding. Earnings per common share-assuming dilution is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares-assuming dilution outstanding which gives effect (when dilutive) to stock options, other stock-based awards, the assumed conversion of the Subordinated Convertible Notes, if applicable, and other potentially dilutive securities. Refer to discussion in Note 16 - Earnings Per Common Share.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	For operations outside the United States that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at spot exchange rates at the end of the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in total equity. The effects of changes in exchange rates between the designated functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are recorded as foreign currency transaction gains (losses) within other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
	Accounts Receivable
	The accounts receivable balance is recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. At the time of the sale and at each quarter, the Company evaluates the accounts receivable balance to determine a best estimate for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. The Company reviews general historical trends in the account, customer overdue balances, high risk accounts that have been specifically identified based on historical and current customer patterns, contractual obligations, and current economic conditions to determine an estimate for these allowances.
	Inventories
	Approximately 85% of the Company's inventories are valued using the average cost method and all remaining inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value.
	The Company has consignment inventory at certain of its customer locations for purchase and use by the customer or other parties. General Cable retains title to the inventory and records no sale until it is ultimately sold either to the customer storing the inventory or to another party. In general, the value and quantity of the consignment inventory is verified by General Cable through either cycle counting or annual physical inventory counting procedures.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Costs assigned to property, plant and equipment relating to acquisitions are based on estimated fair values at the acquired date. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: new buildings, from 15 to 50 years; and machinery, equipment and office furnishings, from 2 to 20 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease or over the useful life if shorter. The Company’s manufacturing facilities perform major maintenance activities during planned shutdown periods which traditionally occur in July and December, and costs related to major maintenance activities are expensed as incurred.
	The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying amount of long-lived assets (including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with determinable lives) whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates events or changes in circumstances based mostly on actual historical operating results, but business plans, forecasts, general and industry trends and anticipated cash flows are also considered. Impairment is assessed when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from an asset are less than its carrying amount. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value and are recognized in earnings. The Company also continually evaluates the estimated useful lives of all long-lived assets and, when warranted, revises such estimates based on current events.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill. The impairment test for the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets involves comparing the fair value of the intangibles to their carrying values. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset with an indefinite life exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in the amount equal to the excess.
	As noted, our annual impairment test for both goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles assets indicated there was no impairment. However, future changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in our annual impairment testing, including discount and tax rates, future cash flow projections, or the long term growth rate could result in significantly different estimates of fair value; therefore, such changes could materially affect the financial statements in any given year.
	Intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life, principally customer relationships, are amortized over their useful lives based on the expected economic benefit consistent with the historical customer attrition rates.
	Restructuring Accruals
	Over the last several years, the Company has incurred expenses as a result of cost reduction efforts. The expenses primarily relate to employee termination benefits that are payable under local statutory requirements. In 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred $6.7 million and $7.5 million in charges related to actions taken at various operations in Europe to permanently reduce manufacturing personnel as well as severance expenses resulting from the recent North America acquisitions and the closure of a North American manufacturing facility. The liability was recorded in accordance with ASC 420 - Exit Costs; when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability is reasonably estimable. Management estimates must be applied to determine when it is appropriate to record restructuring accruals as well as assumptions in calculating the restructuring accruals as employees could choose to voluntarily leave the Company forfeiting termination benefits. To the extent these assumptions and estimates change the Company could have future subsequent adjustments to the accrual balance.
	Warranty Accruals
	The Company provides service and product warranty policies on certain of its products. In accordance with ASC 450 - Contingencies, the Company accrues liabilities under service and warranty policies based upon specific claims and a review of historical warranty and service claim experience. Management estimates must be applied in determining the probability of specific claims as well as determining if the historical claims data will be indicative of future warranty claims. Adjustments are made to the accruals as claim data and historical experience change. In addition, the Company incurs discretionary costs to service its products in connection with product performance issues.
	Long-Term Debt
	In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets, or partially in cash, upon conversion, are separately accounted for as long-term debt and equity components (or conversion feature). The accounting applies to the Subordinated Convertible Notes. The debt component represents the Company’s contractual obligation to pay principal and interest and the equity component represents the Company’s option to convert the debt security into equity of the Company or the equivalent amount of cash. Upon issuance the Company allocated the debt component on the basis of the estimated fair value of an identical debt instrument that it would issue excluding the convertible option and the remaining proceeds are allocated to the equity component. The bifurcation of the debt and equity components resulted in a debt discount for each of the aforementioned notes. In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, the Company uses the interest method to amortize the debt discount to interest expense over the amortization period which is the expected life of the debt.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	It is the company’s policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate, commodity and foreign currency risk. ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging, as amended, requires that all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. At December 31, 2013 there were no derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges.
	Forward Pricing Agreements for Purchases of Copper and Aluminum
	In the normal course of business, the Company enters into forward pricing agreements for purchases of copper and aluminum to match certain sales transactions. The Company accounts for these forward pricing arrangements under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption because these arrangements are for purchases of copper and aluminum that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used by the Company over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. For these arrangements, it is probable at the inception and throughout the life of the arrangements that the arrangements will not settle net and will result in physical delivery of the inventory. The Company expects to recover the cost of copper and aluminum under these agreements as a result of firm sales price commitments with customers. Refer to Note 10 - Financial Instruments.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company carries derivative assets, derivative liabilities and marketable equity securities held in rabbi trust as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan at fair value. The Company determines the fair market value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement.
	Pension Plans
	The Company provides retirement benefits through contributory and non-contributory qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans covering eligible domestic and international employees as well as through defined contribution plans and other postretirement benefits. Benefits under General Cable’s qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan generally are based on years of service multiplied by a specific fixed dollar amount, and benefits under the Company’s qualified non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans generally are based on years of service and a variety of other factors that can include a specific fixed dollar amount or a percentage of either current salary or average salary over a specific period of time. The amounts funded for any plan year for the qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan are neither less than the minimum required under federal law nor more than the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. General Cable’s non-qualified unfunded U.S. defined benefit pension plans include a plan that provides defined benefits to select senior management employees beyond those benefits provided by other programs. The Company’s non-qualified unfunded non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans include plans that provide retirement indemnities to employees within the Company’s Europe and Mediterranean and ROW businesses. Pension obligations for the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans are provided by provisions in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are based on local practices and regulations of the respective countries. General Cable makes cash contributions for the costs of the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans as the benefits are paid.
	Self-insurance
	The Company is self-insured for certain employee medical benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, environmental and asbestos-related issues. The Company purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to any significant level of workers’ compensation claims in 2013 and 2012. Certain insurers are also partly responsible for coverage on many of the asbestos-related issues (refer to Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies for information relating to the release of one of these insurers during 2006). Self-insured losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims incurred using the Company’s historical claims experience.
	Concentration of Risk
	General Cable sells a broad range of products globally. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers, including members of buying groups, composing General Cable’s customer base. General Cable customers generally receive a 30 to 60 day payment period on purchases from the Company, with certain exceptions in European, Mediterranean and Asian markets. Certain automotive aftermarket customers of the Company receive payment terms ranging from 45 days to 360 days, which is common in this particular market. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition are performed, and generally, no collateral is required. General Cable maintains reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have not exceeded management’s estimates. Certain subsidiaries also maintain credit insurance for certain customer balances. Bad debt expense associated with uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $9.4 million, $21.9 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
	In North America, the Company has centralized the purchasing of its copper, aluminum and other significant raw materials to capitalize on economies of scale and to facilitate the negotiation of favorable purchase terms from suppliers. In 2013, the Company’s largest supplier of copper rod accounted for approximately 95% of its North American copper purchases while the largest supplier of aluminum rod accounted for approximately 50% of its North American aluminum purchases. The Company’s European operations purchase copper and aluminum rod from many suppliers or brokers with each generally providing a small percentage of the total copper and aluminum rod purchased. The Company’s ROW segment internally produces the majority of its copper and aluminum rod production needs and obtains cathode and ingots from various suppliers with each supplier generally providing a small percentage of the total copper and aluminum rod purchased for operations in this segment.
	In addition, Venezuela has foreign exchange and price controls which have historically limited the Company’s ability to convert bolivars to U.S. dollar and transfer funds out of Venezuela. In Venezuela, government restrictions on the transfer of cash out of the country have limited the Company’s ability to repatriate cash. Approximately 46% and 23% of the consolidated cash balance as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, was held in Venezuela. The operating cash flows attributable to Venezuela in 2013 is $97.4 million and $49.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively as compared to the Company's operating cash flows of $38.2 million and $272.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively .
	Also, in Venezuela at December 31, 2013, $37.6 million of requests of U.S. dollars to settle U.S. dollar denominated intercompany payables remained pending with CADIVI, which we expect will be settled at the 6.30 BsF per U.S. dollar rate. Approximately $22.4 million of the requested settlements have been pending up to 30 days, $15.1 million have been pending up to 180 days, and $0.1 million have pending over 180 days. Currency exchange controls in Venezuela continue to limit our ability to remit funds from Venezuela. We do not consider the net assets of Venezuela to be integral to our ability to service our debt and operational requirements.
	Income Taxes
	The Company is subject to income tax in numerous United States federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are inherent in determining the Company's consolidated income tax expense, current tax payable, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for uncertain tax positions. Future events such as changes in business conditions, tax legislation, tax audit resolutions, or foreign earnings repatriation plans could materially impact these estimates and the Company's tax position.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. At December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded a net deferred tax liability of $168.8 million ($49.3 million net current deferred tax asset less $218.1 million net long term deferred tax liability). The valuation of deferred tax assets is dependent on, among other things, the ability of the Company to generate a sufficient level of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, the Company has considered both positive and negative evidence, such as historical and forecasted results of operations, including prior losses, and has considered the implementation of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $93.8 million to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount judged more likely than not to be realized. The Company has and will continue to review on a quarterly basis its assumptions and tax planning strategies, and, if the amount of the estimated realizable deferred tax assets is less than the amount currently on the balance sheet, the Company would reduce its deferred tax asset, recognizing a non-cash charge against reported earnings. Likewise, if the Company determines that a valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset is no longer appropriate, the adjustment to the valuation allowance would reduce income tax expense.
	The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions with complex tax policies and regulations. In certain jurisdictions, the Company has taken tax positions that it believes are supportable, but which could be subject to challenge by the tax authorities. These tax positions are evaluated and liabilities for uncertain tax positions are established in accordance with the ASC 740 - Income Taxes tax accounting guidance. The status of uncertain tax positions is reviewed in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as tax audits, rulings, and case law, and the related liabilities are adjusted accordingly.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line item in the consolidated balance sheet.
	Shipping and Handling Costs
	All shipping and handling amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction are classified as revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with storage and handling of finished goods and storage and handling of shipments to customers are included in cost of sales and totaled $163.5 million, $150.4 million and $137.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Advertising Expense
	Advertising expense consists of expenses relating to promoting the Company’s products, including trade shows, catalogs, and e-commerce promotions, and is charged to expense when incurred. Advertising expense was $13.3 million, $10.7 million and $11.2 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company did not change any of its existing accounting policies that are expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements. The following accounting pronouncements were adopted and became effective with respect to the Company in 2013 or will become effective with respect to the Company in 2014:
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-02 (“ASU 2013-02”), “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which amends ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income.” The amended guidance requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under U.S GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company has adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-02 as required.
	In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, "Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities." The amendments in this update require enhanced disclosures around financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in accordance with either ASC 210-20-45 or ASC 815-10-45 or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with either ASC 210-20-45 or ASC 815-10-45. The Company provided the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. We have adopted the required disclosure  under this guidance with retrospective application as of January 1, 2013, see Note 10.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions and Divestitures	'
	Acquisitions and Divestitures
	Alcan Cable North America
	On September 4, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of the North American business of Alcan Cable North America for $151.0 million, subject to additional customary adjustments of $20.3 million as anticipated in the purchase agreement, primarily related to estimated working capital levels at closing. The Company paid $171.3 million in cash to the sellers at closing in consideration for the North American business and expensed $3.3 million in fees and expenses related to the acquisition, reported within SG&A.
	Alcan Cable North America employs over 750 employees in North America and is a leading supplier of aluminum strip products and a leading supplier of both electrical and mechanical rod alloys around the globe. The acquisition was completed to create synergies, expand the range of product offerings, increase production capacity and complement the Company's current investments in Mexico.
	The following table represents the purchase price allocation based on the estimated fair values, or other measurements as applicable, of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, in millions:
		September 4, 2012
	Cash	$	—
	Accounts receivable (1). (2)	74.7
	Inventories(2)	70.7
	Property, plant and equipment	72.7
	Intangible assets	5.9
	Goodwill(2)	3.5
	Other current and noncurrent assets	2.2
	Total assets	$	229.7
	Current liabilities(2)	$	57.1
	Other liabilities	1.3
	Total liabilities	$	58.4
	(1) Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
	(2) Final purchase price accounting includes immaterial adjustments to Goodwill and other working capital accounts of approximately $4.3 million.
	The primary factors that contributed to the acquisition price in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired and the establishment of goodwill was the expansion of product lines and production capacity in the United States and Canada as well as the strategic benefit of adding additional presence in the Mexican market. The resulting goodwill is amortizable for tax purposes.
	Productora de Cables Procables S.A.S. (“Procables”)
	On October 1, 2012, the Company participated in a share subscription for 60% of the outstanding and issued shares of Procables . The existing shareholders immediately prior to the subscription (the “Sellers” or “Minority Shareholders”) maintained control of the remaining 40% of the shares. The Company contributed $27.4 million to Procables in exchange for its 60% ownership interest. Procables used $24.0 million of the proceeds from the subscription to reduce its then existing debt of $48.1 million. The Company and the Minority Shareholders also agreed to certain put and call options with regard to the remaining 40% interest in Procables retained by the Minority Shareholders. For a 36-month period commencing on the fifth anniversary of the closing date, the Minority Shareholders may exercise a put option to sell their entire 40% interest in Procables to the Company. The Company shall be irrevocably obligated to purchase the shares (the "Put Option"). In addition, the Company has a call option (the "Call Option") to purchase the Minority Shareholders’ 40% interest in Procables, during the 36-month period commencing on the expiration of the Put Option period. The consideration to be exchanged, per share in the event of a Put Option or Call Option shall be the higher of the following (1) the final per share purchase price; or (2) a price per Share based on the Company's enterprise value equal to seven times the average of its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) over the two most recently audited year-end financial statements immediately prior to the option being exercised, minus the 12-month average Net Indebtedness of the Company for the most recent audited fiscal year (“EBITDA average”). Refer to Note 15 - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for details of the put and call option. The Company expensed $0.6 million in fees and expenses related to the acquisition, reported within SG&A.
	Procables employs over 500 employees, through its two manufacturing facilities in Bogota and Barranquilla, Colombia, and offers a broad range of wire and cable products, including low and medium voltage power cables, building wire, industrial, communications, and bare aluminum conductors as well as operating copper and aluminum rod mills. The acquisition of Procables was completed to enhance the Company's presence in the Andean Region, create synergies, increase production capacity and complement the Company's existing investments in ROW.
	The following table represents the purchase price allocation based on the estimated fair values, or other measurements as applicable, of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, in millions:
		October 1, 2012
	Cash	$	28.8
	Accounts receivable (1)	28.2
	Inventories	19.3
	Property, plant and equipment	27
	Intangible assets	10.6
	Goodwill	3.7
	Other current and noncurrent assets	4.4
	Total assets	$	122
	Current liabilities	$	67.8
	Other liabilities	8.5
	Total liabilities	$	76.3
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$	18.3
	(1) Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
	The primary factor which contributed to an acquisition price in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired and the establishment of goodwill was the strategy to enhance the Company's presence in this strategically important market in the Andean Region further solidifying the Company's geographic coverage throughout the Americas which is one of the most extensive in the wire and cable industry. The resulting goodwill is not amortizable for tax purposes.
	Prestolite Wire, LLC ("Prestolite")
	On November 2, 2012, the Company acquired Prestolite for $59.5 million. The operations include two manufacturing locations in Paragould, Arkansas and Nogales, Mexico. The Company expensed $0.6 million in fees and expenses related to the acquisition, reported within SG&A.
	Through its manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico the business offers a broad range of wire and cable and wire harness products serving predominately transportation OEMs, tier 1 wire harness manufacturers and distribution customers. Prestolite employs over 700 employees.
	The following table represents the purchase price allocation based on the estimated fair values, or other measurements as applicable, of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, in millions:
		November 2, 2012
	Cash	$	0.7
	Accounts receivable (1)	22.7
	Inventories	17.3
	Property, plant and equipment	24.6
	Intangible assets	11.7
	Goodwill	7.8
	Other current and noncurrent assets	2
	Total assets	$	86.8
	Current liabilities	$	20.1
	Other liabilities	7.2
	Total liabilities	$	27.3
	(1) Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
	The primary factors that contributed to the acquisition price in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired and the establishment of goodwill were the Company's ability to strategically grow its business with existing customers to capitalize on greater opportunities to offer existing products to new markets, and strengthening of its market strategies for both new and existing specialty industrial OEM and distribution customers. A portion of the goodwill is amortizable for tax purposes.
	Alcan Cable China
	On December 3, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of the Chinese business of Alcan Cable ("Alcan Cable China"), a related business of Alcan Cable North America, for $57.7 million. The Company expensed $1.1 million in fees and expenses related to the acquisition, reported within SG&A.
	Alcan Cable China employs over 300 employees in China and was completed to create synergies, expand the range of product offerings, increase production capacity and complement the Company's current investment in China.
	The following table represents the purchase price allocation based on the estimated fair values, or other measurements as applicable, of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, in millions:
		December 3, 2012
	Cash	$	8.4
Accounts receivable (1)	8.5
Inventories	20.5
Property, plant and equipment(2)	58.8
Intangible assets	—
Goodwill	—
Other current and noncurrent assets	0.2
Total assets	$	96.4
Current liabilities	$	18.6
Other liabilities(2)	20.1
Total liabilities	$	38.7
(1) Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
(2) Final purchase price accounting includes immaterial adjustments to Property, plant, and equipment and Other liabilities of approximately $20 million.
The following table presents selected financial information, in millions, except per share data, from the actual condensed consolidated results of operations for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013, including the operations of the aforementioned acquisitions, and December 31, 2012, respectively, and presents selected financial information from unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, as though the acquisitions had been completed as of the beginning of that period. This pro forma information is intended to provide information regarding how the Company might have looked if the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2011. The pro forma adjustments represent management's best estimates based on information available at the time the pro forma information was prepared and may differ from the adjustments that may actually have been required. Accordingly, the pro forma financial information should not be relied upon as being indicative of the historical results that would have been realized had the acquisition occurred as of the dates indicated or that may be achieved in the future.
	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2012		2011		2011
	(as reported)		(unaudited pro forma)		(as reported)		(unaudited pro forma)
Net sales	$	6,059.50	$	6,804.30	$	5,808.20	$	6,776.80
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	$	4	$	22.7	$	54.5	$	54
Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution	$	0.08	$	0.44	$	1.02	$	1.01
The unaudited pro forma results are based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and are not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations of results that might have been achieved had the acquisitions been completed on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect any (i) integration costs that may be incurred as a result of the acquisition; (ii) synergies, operating efficiencies and costs savings that may result from the acquisition; or (iii) changes in commodities prices subsequent to the dates of such unaudited pro forma financial information. In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information does not include any transition costs, restructuring costs or recognition of compensation expenses or other one-time charges that may be incurred in connection with integrating the operations of the Company and the acquired companies.
The Company also completed an acquisition in Brazil in 2012. The results of operations of the acquired business have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of acquisition, and have been determined to be immaterial for disclosure purposes. There were no material acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no material acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2011. There were no divestitures in the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Other_Income_Expense

Other Income (Expense)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Income (Expense)	'
	Other Income (Expense)
	Other income and expense primarily includes foreign currency transaction gains or losses, which result from changes in exchange rates between the designated functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated as well as gains and losses on derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded a $66.7 million loss, $2.9 million loss and a $31.7 million loss, respectively. For 2013, other expense was primarily attributable to $40.9 million related to the Venezuela currency devaluation, $3.9 million of foreign currency transaction losses which resulted from changes in exchange rates in the various regions in which the Company operates which include $17.0 million in foreign exchange gains related to copper imports in Venezuela that were approved at the 4.30 BsF per U.S. dollar rate prior to currency devaluation on February 13, 2013, and losses of $21.9 million on derivative instruments which were not designated as cash flow hedges and ineffectiveness on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. For 2012, other expense was primarily attributable to $4.5 million of foreign currency transaction losses which resulted from changes in exchange rates in the various countries in which the Company operates and gains of $1.6 million on derivative instruments that were not designated as cash flow hedges and ineffectiveness on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. For 2011, other expense was primarily attributable to the $24.4 million attributable to foreign currency transaction losses which resulted from changes in exchange rates in the various countries in which the Company operates and losses of $6.1 million on derivative instruments which were not designated as cash flow hedges and ineffectiveness on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.
	On February 13, 2013 the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency from 4.30 BsF per U.S. dollar to 6.30 BsF per U.S. dollar. Due to the impact of the devaluation of its currency by the Venezuelan government, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $40.9 million in the first quarter of 2013 primarily related to the remeasurement of the local balance sheet on the date of the devaluation at the 6.30 BsF per U.S. dollar rate. The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiary in Venezuela is the U.S. dollar. In the year ended December 31, 2013, Venezuela recorded foreign currency transaction gains of $17.0 million which resulted from copper imports in Venezuela that were approved at the 4.30 BsF per U.S. dollar rate prior to currency devaluation on February 13, 2013.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Approximately 85% of the Company’s inventories are valued using the average cost method and all remaining inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value.
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013		Dec 31, 2012
	Raw materials	$	319.1	$	332
	Work in process	190.1		211.8
	Finished goods	730.4		729.8
	Total	$	1,239.60	$	1,273.60
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had approximately $32.5 million and $27.3 million, respectively of consignment inventory at locations not operated by the Company with approximately 87% and 92%, respectively, of the consignment inventory located throughout the United States and Canada.

Property_Plant_And_Equipment

Property, Plant And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Land	$	120.8		$	124.8
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	372.6			375.3
	Machinery, equipment and office furnishings	1,290.60			1,257.10
	Construction in progress	46.3			77.5
	Total — gross book value	1,830.30			1,834.70
	Less accumulated depreciation	(738.3		)	(640.8		)
	Total — net book value	$	1,092.00		$	1,193.90
	Depreciation expense totaled $118.6 million, $102.5 million and $97.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	In the second half of 2013 the Company’s executive management decided to no longer import building wire product into the United States manufactured in its Mexico unit ("Mexico"). This change is considered significant to the Mexican operation due to the associated revenue, profit and the influence on the overall results in Mexico from this United States business. This change coupled with pricing pressures in the Mexico market and a history of losses caused the Company to perform an asset impairment analysis of its Mexican business in accordance with ASC 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment”. Based on the results of the analysis, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $14.0 million in the third quarter of 2013.
	The Mexico results are reported within the ROW reporting segment. The Mexico operations and assets include machinery and equipment which manufactures power cables, building wire and telephone cables. These three product lines have a significant amount of shared costs including advertising, sales force, data processing, accounting, and general management. The Company manages its business at a total Mexico level and has similar distribution methods. Therefore, based on the reporting structure, the lowest level of which identifiable cash flows that can be determined is the Mexico unit.
	The Company developed its internal forward business plans and 2014 outlook under the guidance of new local and regional leadership to determine the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from the Mexican long lived assets. Based on the internal projections developed by executive management, the Company determined that the undiscounted expected future cash flows were less than the carrying value of the assets. Since the undiscounted expected cash flows were less than the carrying value of the assets, the Company engaged a third party valuation firm to determine the amount of the impairment by determining the fair value of the Mexican long lived assets.  To determine the fair value of these assets, the Company first estimated the future cash flows associated with the Mexico business based on management's best estimates considering the likelihood of various outcomes.  Subsequently, the Company performed an appraisal of the Mexican machinery and equipment and real property assets utilizing standard valuation approaches. Based on the results of the analysis, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $14.0 million in the third quarter of 2013.

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net
	The amounts of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were as follows in millions of dollars:
		Goodwill												Indefinite-lived assets — Trade names
		North			Europe and			ROW			Total			North		Europe and		ROW			Total
		America			Mediterranean									America		Mediterranean
	Balance, December 31, 2011	$	2.3		$	2.3		$	166.8		$	171.4		$	2.4	$	0.5	$	132.2		$	135.1
	Acquisitions	11.6			—			3.7			15.3			—		—		—			—
	Currency translation and other adjustments	(0.3		)	(0.1		)	1.3			0.9			—		—		0.7			0.7
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	13.6		$	2.2		$	171.8		$	187.6		$	2.4	$	0.5	$	132.9		$	135.8
	Acquisitions	—			—			—			—			—		—		—			—
	Currency translation and other adjustments	4			(0.2		)	(6.8		)	(3.0		)	—		—		(5.0		)	(5.0		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	17.6		$	2		$	165		$	184.6		$	2.4	$	0.5	$	127.9		$	130.8
	Acquisitions in the North America segment during 2012 include goodwill of $3.5 million related to the acquisition of Alcan Cable North America, $7.8 million related to the acquisition of Prestolite and $0.3 million related to immaterial acquisitions. The Procables acquisition resulted in $3.7 million of goodwill in the ROW segment in 2012.
	The amounts of other intangible assets were as follows in millions of dollars:
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Amortized intangible assets	$	139.5		$	140.1
	Accumulated amortization	(85.8		)	(73.3		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1.6		)	0.3
	Total Amortized intangible assets	$	52.1		$	67.1
	Amortized intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. As part of the acquisitions of Alcan Cable North America and Prestolite, the Company acquired certain customer relationships for which the fair market value as of September 4, 2012 and November 2, 2012 were $5.9 million and $11.7 million, respectively. Customer relationships have been determined to have a useful life in the range of 7 to 12 years, and the Company has accelerated the amortization expense to align with the historical customer attrition rates. The approximate weighted average useful life of the amortized intangible assets is 10 years. In addition, the Procables acquisition includes intangibles of $10.6 million related to a favorable lease contract at one of the manufacturing facilities. The Company will recognize the expense over the life of the ten year lease.
	The amortization of intangible assets in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $12.5 million, $11.5 million, and $12.4 million, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for the next five years is in millions of dollars: 2014 — $11.7 million, 2015 — $10.7 million, 2016 — $9.8 million, 2017 — $7.3 million, and 2018 — $3.4 million and $9.2 million thereafter.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in millions):
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Payroll related accruals	$	83.8		$	83.5
	Customers deposits and prepayments	93.2			113.8
	Taxes other than income	36.5			45.2
	Customer rebates	50.6			59.2
	Insurance claims and related expenses	21.1			20.1
	Current and deferred income tax liabilities	21.9			21.6
	Derivative liability	7			8.8
	Other accrued liabilities	120.8			143.9
	Total	$	434.9		$	496.1
	Restructuring Accrual
	The Company has incurred expenses as a result of cost reduction efforts in recent years. The expenses primarily relate to employee termination benefits that are payable under local statutory requirements. In 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred $6.7 million and $7.5 million in charges related to actions taken at various operations in Europe to permanently reduce manufacturing personnel as well as severance expenses resulting from the recent North America acquisitions and the closure of a North American manufacturing facility. Payments made in year ended December 31, 2013 were $4.6 million resulting in an accrual balance related to these actions of $2.5 million at December 31, 2013. The 2012 expenses were incurred and paid in 2012; therefore, the accrual balance at December 31, 2012 was immaterial. Other expenses related to routine employee reductions for cost savings initiatives throughout the globe, with the exception of the aforementioned severance plan, were immaterial.
	Warranty Accrual
	The warranty accrual balance at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $14.1 million, $12.8 million and $11.5 million, respectively. The Company accrues liabilities under service and warranty policies based upon specific claims and a review of historical warranty and service claim experience. Adjustments are made to the accruals as claim data and historical experience change. In addition, the Company incurs discretionary costs to service its products in connection with product performance issues.
	Changes in the carrying amount of the service and product warranty accrual is below (in millions):
	Balance, December 31, 2011	$	11.5
	Net provisions for warranties issued	5.8
	Payments related to the warranty accrual	(4.7		)
	Foreign currency translation	0.2
	Balance, December 31, 2012	12.8
	Net provisions for warranties issued	5.6
	Net benefits for warranties existing at the beginning of the year	(3.9		)
	Payments related to the warranty accrual	(0.9		)
	Foreign currency translation	0.5
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	14.1

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	North America
	5.75% Senior Notes due 2022		$	600			$	600
	Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2029		429.5				429.5
	Debt discount on Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2029		(261.5		)		(263.0		)
	0.875% Convertible Notes due 2013		—				355
	Debt discount on 0.875% Convertible Notes due 2013		—				(20.4		)
	Senior Floating Rate Notes		125				125
	Revolving Credit Facility		225				—
	Other		9				9
	Europe and Mediterranean
	Spanish Term Loan		—				14.6
	Credit facilities		17				14.7
	Uncommitted accounts receivable facilities		—				4
	Other		10.3				11.7
	ROW
	Credit facilities		232.6				170
	Total debt		1,386.90				1,450.10
	Less current maturities		250.3				511.2
	Long-term debt		$	1,136.60			$	938.9
	At December 31, 2013, maturities of long-term debt during the twelve month periods beginning December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2018 and thereafter were $250.3 million, $129.3 million, $1.2 million, $0.9 million and $225.9 million, respectively, and $779.3 million thereafter.
	The fair value of the Company's long-term debt, as noted below, was estimated using quoted market prices where available. For long-term debt not actively traded, fair values were based on valuations from third-party banks and market quotations for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
	5.75% Senior Notes due 2022
	The Company's 5.75% Senior Notes are summarized in the table below:
		5.75% Senior Notes
	(in millions)	December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Face Value	$	600			$	600
	Fair Value (Level 2)	588				619.5
	Stated Interest Rate	5.75		%		5.75		%
	Interest Payment	Semi-Annual: Apr 1 & Oct 1
	Maturity Date	Oct-22
	Guarantee	Jointly and severally guaranteed by the Company's wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries
			5.75% Senior Notes
		Beginning Date	Percentage
	Call Option (1)	1-Oct-17	102.875	%
		1-Oct-18	101.917	%
		1-Oct-19	100.958	%
		October 1, 2020 and thereafter	100	%
	-1	The Company may, at its option, redeem the 5.75% Senior Notes on or after the stated beginning dates at percentages noted above (plus accrued and unpaid interest). Additionally, the Company, may on or prior to October 1, 2015 redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes issued with the cash proceeds from one or more equity offerings, at a redemption price in cash equal to 105.75% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest so long as (i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.75% Senior Notes issued remains outstanding immediately after giving effect to any such redemption; and (ii) notice of any such redemption is given within 60 days after the date of the closing of any such equity offering. In addition, at any time prior to October 1, 2017, the Company may redeem some or all of the 5.75% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus a make whole premium.
	The 5.75% Senior Notes' indenture contains covenants that limit the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to (i) incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem the Company's capital stock; (iii) purchase, redeem or retire debt; (iv) issue certain preferred stock or similar equity securities; (v) make loans and investments; (vi) sell assets; (vii) incur liens; (viii) enter into transactions with affiliates; (ix) enter into agreements restricting the Company's subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends; and (x) consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all assets. However, these covenants are subject to exceptions and qualifications.
	The 5.75% Senior Notes may also be repurchased at the option of the holders in connection with a change of control (as defined in the indenture governing the 5.75% Senior Notes) or in connection with certain asset sales.
	Convertible Debt Instruments
	The Company’s convertible debt instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Subordinated Notes Due in 2029								0.875% Convertible
											Notes
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Face value		$	429.5			$	429.5			$	—		$	355
	Debt discount		(261.5		)		(263.0		)		—			(20.4		)
	Book value		168				166.5				—			334.6
	Fair value (Level 1)		462.8				464.1				—			349.7
	Maturity date		Nov 2029								Nov 2013
	Stated annual interest rate		4.50% until Nov 2019								0.875% until Nov 2013
			2.25% until Nov 2029
	Interest payments		Semi-annually:								Semi-annually:
			May 15 & Nov 15								May 15 & Nov 15
	The 0.875% Convertible Notes were unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis, by the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries.
	Subordinated Convertible Notes
	The Company’s Subordinated Convertible Notes were issued on December 18, 2009 in the amount of $429.5 million. The notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion were registered on a Registration Statement on Form S-4, initially filed with the SEC on October 27, 2009, as amended and as declared effective by the SEC on December 18, 2009. At issuance, the Company separately accounted for the liability and equity components of the instrument, based on the Company’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate on the instrument’s issuance date of 12.5%. At issuance, the liability and equity components were $162.9 million and $266.6 million, respectively. The equity component (debt discount) is being amortized to interest expense based on the effective interest method. There were no proceeds generated from the transaction and the Company incurred issuance fees and expenses of approximately $14.5 million as a result of the exchange offer which have been proportionately allocated to the liability and equity components of the new subordinate notes due in 2029. Additional terms have been summarized in the table below.
	0.875% Convertible Notes
	The Company’s 0.875% Convertible Notes issued in November 2006 in the amount of $355.0 million matured on November 15, 2013.  The Company fully satisfied and extinguished these notes at maturity. The Company used cash on hand and borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility to fund the retirement of the notes.
	Beginning January 1, 2009, as discussed in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company separately accounted for the liability and equity components of the instrument, retrospectively, based on the Company’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate on the instrument’s issuance date of 7.35%. At issuance, the liability and equity components were $230.9 million and $124.1 million, respectively. The equity component (debt discount) is being amortized to interest expense based on the effective interest method. Key terms have been summarized in the table below.
	The Company’s convertible debt instruments and terms are summarized in the tables below. For a discussion of the effects on earnings per share, refer to Note 16 - Earnings Per Common Share.
		Subordinated Notes due in 2029 (1)
Conversion Rights — The notes are convertible at the option of the holder into the Company’s common stock upon the occurrence of certain events, including		(i) during any calendar quarter commencing after March 31, 2010, in which the closing price of the Company’s common stock is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding calendar quarter (establishing a contingent conversion price of $47.78);
		(ii) during any five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the notes for each day of that period is less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock and the applicable conversion rate;
		(iii) certain distributions to holders of the Company’s common stock are made or upon specified corporate transactions including a consolidation or merger;
		(iv) a fundamental change as defined; and
		(v) at any time during the period beginning on August 31, 2029 and ending on the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the stated maturity date.
		(vi) On or after November 15, 2019, the Company may redeem all or a part of the notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus interest, if the price of our common stock has been at least 150% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading day period immediately preceding the date on which notice is given
Initial conversion rate		$36.75 per share — approximating 27.2109 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes
Upon conversion		A holder will receive, in lieu of common stock, an amount of cash equal to the lesser of (i) the principal amount of the notes, or (ii) the conversion value, determined in the manner set forth in the indenture governing the notes, of a number of shares equal to the conversion rate.
		If the conversion value exceeds the principal amount of the notes on the conversion date, the Company will also deliver, at the Company’s election, cash or common stock or a combination of cash and common stock with respect to the conversion value upon conversion.
		If conversion occurs in connection with a “fundamental change” as defined in the notes indenture, the Company may be required to repurchase the notes for cash at a price equal to the principal amount plus accrued but unpaid interest.
		If conversion occurs in connection with certain changes in control, the Company may be required to deliver additional shares of the Company’s common stock (a “make whole” premium) by increasing the conversion rate with respect to such notes.
Share issuable upon conversion		The Company may issue additional share up to 11,686,075 under almost all conditions and up to 14,315,419 under the “make-whole” premium
Guarantee		None
-1	In the event of a “fundamental change” or exceeding the aforementioned average pricing thresholds, the Company would be required to classify the amount outstanding as a current liability.
7.125% Senior Notes and Senior Floating Rate Notes
			Senior Floating Rate Notes
(in millions)			Dec 31, 2013					Dec 31, 2012
Face value			$	125				$	125
Fair value (Level 1)			124.1					122.7
Interest rate			2.6		%			2.7		%
Interest payment			3-month LIBOR rate plus 2.375%
			Quarterly: Jan 1, Apr 1, Jul 1 & Oct 1
Maturity date			Apr 2015
Guarantee		Jointly and severally guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries
Call Option (1)		Beginning Date			Percentage			Beginning Date			Percentage
		April 1, 2012		—	103.563	%		April 1, 2009		—	102	%
		April 1, 2013		—	102.375	%		April 1, 2010		—	101	%
		April 1, 2014		—	101.188	%		April 1, 2011		—	100	%
		April 1, 2015		—	100	%
-1	The Company may, at its option, redeem the Senior Floating Rate Notes on or after the following dates and percentages (plus accrued and unpaid interest due)
The Notes’ indenture contains covenants that limit the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to (i) pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase the Company’s capital stock; (ii) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; (iii) make investments; (iv) create liens; (v) sell assets; (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) create or designate unrestricted subsidiaries; and (viii) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all assets. However, these covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, one of which will permit the Company to declare and pay dividends or distributions so long as there is no default on the Notes and the Company meets certain financial conditions.
Proceeds from the Notes of $325.0 million, less approximately $7.9 million of cash payments for fees and expenses that are being amortized over the life of the Notes, were used to pay approximately $285.0 million for the 9.5% Senior Notes, $9.3 million for accrued interest on the 9.5% Senior Notes and $20.5 million for tender fees and the inducement premium on the 9.5% Senior Notes, leaving net cash proceeds of approximately $2.3 million which were used for general corporate purposes.
Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”)
On July 21, 2011, the Company entered into a $400 million Revolving Credit Facility, which was first amended in 2012 to increase the Facility size to $700 million and then subsequently amended and restated on September 6, 2013, to, among other things, increase the facility size to $1.0 billion, $630 million of which may be borrowed by the U.S. borrower, $300 million of which may be borrowed by the European borrowers and $70 million of which may be borrowed by the Canadian borrower. The Revolving Credit Facility contains restrictions including limitations on, among other things, distributions and dividends, acquisitions and investments, indebtedness, liens and affiliate transactions. The Revolving Credit Facility provides the Company with flexibility and the restrictions in the Revolving Credit Facility generally only apply in the event that the Company's availability under the Revolving Credit Facility falls below certain specific thresholds.
The Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity date of September 6, 2018. The Revolving Credit Facility includes a springing maturity concept. The springing maturity will automatically become December 31, 2014, which is applicable only if the Company's Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2015 are not, within 90 days of their maturity, repaid or refinanced with indebtedness that matures or is mandatorily redeemable or is redeemable at the option of the holders thereof not earlier than the date that is 6 months after September 6, 2018 unless, if such notes are not repaid or refinanced, there is at least $100 million of availability and the fixed charge coverage ratio is not less than 1.15 to 1.00, in each case after giving pro forma effect to the repayment of such notes. The commitment amount under the Revolving Credit Facility may be increased by an additional $250 million, subject to certain conditions and approvals as set forth in the credit agreement. The Company capitalized $4.9 million in 2013, $2.3 million in 2012 and $4.8 million in 2011 in deferred financing costs in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility requires maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00 if availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is less than the greater of $100 million or 10% of the then existing aggregate lender commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Indebtedness under our senior secured credit facility is secured by: (a) for US borrowings under the facility, a first priority security interest in substantially all of our domestic assets and, (b) for Canadian and European borrowings under the facility, a first priority security interest in substantially all of our domestic and Canadian assets and certain assets of our Spanish, French and German subsidiaries party to the facility.   In addition, the lenders under our senior secured credit facility have received a pledge of (i) 100% of the equity interests in all of the Company's domestic subsidiaries, and (ii) 65% of the voting equity interests in and 100% of the non-voting equity interests in in certain of our foreign subsidiaries, including our Canadian subsidiaries and our Spanish, French and German subsidiaries party to the Revolving Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at interest rate bases elected by the Company plus an applicable margin calculated quarterly based on the Company's average availability as set forth in the credit agreement. The Revolving Credit Facility also requires the payment of a commitment fee equal to the available but unused commitments multiplied by an applicable margin of either 0.25% or 0.375% based on the average daily unused commitments.
The Company's Revolving Credit Facility as of the respective dates is summarized in the table below:
	Revolving Credit Facility
(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
Outstanding borrowings	$	225			$	—
Total credit under facility	1,000.00				700
Undrawn availability(1)	298.4				515.3
Interest rate	2		%		1.5		%
Outstanding letters of credit	$	112.7			$	18.3
Original issuance	Jul-11				Jul-11
Maturity date	Sep-18				Jul-17
(1) Total undrawn availability for the U.S. borrower, the Canadian borrower and the European borrowers at December 31, 2013 is $102.1 million, $53.1 million and $143.2 million, respectively. Total undrawn availability for the U.S. borrower, and the Canadian borrower at December 31, 2012 was $471.0 million and $44.3 million , respectively.
Spanish Term Loans
The table below provides a summary of the Company’s Spanish Term Loans and corresponding fixed interest rate swaps. In 2013, the Company repaid the outstanding obligations of the Spanish Term Loans.
		Spanish Term Loans
(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
Outstanding borrowings		$	—			$	14.6
Fair Value (Level 2)		—				14.8
Interest rate — weighted average		—		%		3.7		%
Europe and Mediterranean Credit Facilities
The Company’s Europe and Mediterranean credit facilities are summarized in the table below:
		Europe and Mediterranean Credit Facilities
(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
Outstanding borrowings		$	17			$	14.7
Undrawn availability		48.8				82.5
Interest rate — weighted average		6.7		%		6.4		%
Maturity date		Various; all due within 1 year
Europe and Mediterranean Uncommitted Accounts Receivable Facilities
The Company’s Europe and Mediterranean uncommitted accounts receivable facilities are summarized in the table below:
		Uncommitted Accounts Receivable Facilities
(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
Outstanding borrowings		$	—			$	4
Undrawn availability		—				42.8
Interest rate — weighted average		—		%		2.1		%
The credit facilities held by the Company’s European subsidiary are subject to certain financial ratios of the Company’s European subsidiaries, which includes minimum net equity and net debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).
ROW credit facilities
The Company’s ROW credit facilities are summarized in the table below:
		ROW Credit Facilities
(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
Outstanding borrowings		$	232.6			$	170
Undrawn availability		302.2				336.9
Interest rate — weighted average		4.6		%		5.5		%
Maturity date		Various; $230.8 million due within one year
The Company’s ROW credit facilities are short term loans utilized for working capital purposes. Certain credit facilities are subject to financial covenants including certain financial tests and ratios.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	Financial Instruments
	The Company is exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency and raw material (commodity) prices. To manage risks associated with the volatility of these natural business exposures the Company enters into interest rate, commodity and foreign currency derivative agreements, as well as copper and aluminum forward pricing agreements. The Company does not purchase or sell derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company does not engage in derivative contracts for which a lack of marketplace quotations would necessitate the use of fair value estimation techniques.
	In 2013 the Company repaid the outstanding obligations of the Spanish Term Loans. The Company utilized interest rate swaps to manage its interest expense exposure by fixing its interest rate on portions of the Company’s floating rate debt. The Company had entered into interest rate swaps on the Company’s Spanish Term Loans, as discussed in Note 9 - Long-Term Debt. The Company did not provide or receive any collateral specifically for these contracts. The fair value of these financial derivatives which are designated as and qualify as cash flow hedges are based on quoted market prices which reflect the present values of the difference between estimated future variable-rate receipts and future fixed-rate payments.
	The Company enters into commodity instruments to hedge the purchase of copper, aluminum and lead in future periods and foreign currency exchange contracts principally to hedge the currency fluctuations in certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies, thereby limiting the Company's risk that would otherwise result from changes in exchange rates. Principal transactions hedged during the year were firm sales and purchase commitments. The fair value of foreign currency contracts represents the amount required to enter into offsetting contracts with similar remaining maturities based on quoted market prices.
	We account for these commodity instruments and foreign currency exchange contracts as cash flow or economic hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified to the income statement when the effects of the items being hedged are realized. There are no derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2013. Changes in the fair value of economic hedges are recognized in current period earnings.
	Fair Value of Derivatives Instruments
	The notional amounts and fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are shown below (in millions).
		December 31, 2013												December 31, 2012
		Notional				Fair Value								Notional		Fair Value
	(in millions)	Amount				Asset (1)				Liability (2)				Amount		Asset (1)		Liability (2)
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	15.3	$	—	$	0.2
	Commodity futures	—				—				—				22.8		0.2		1.1
	Foreign currency exchange	—				—				—				60.7		0.4		0.6
						$	—			$	—					$	0.6	$	1.9
	(in millions)
	Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges:
	Commodity futures	$	173.7			$	1.2			$	7.6			$	206	$	3.3	$	4.9
	Foreign currency exchange	223.2				$	6			1.7				253.7		3.2		3.3
						$	7.2			$	9.3					$	6.5	$	8.2
	-1	Balance recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other” and “Other non-current assets”
	-2	Balance recorded in “Accrued liabilities” and “Other liabilities”
	As of  December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, all financial instruments held by the Company were subject to enforceable master netting arrangements held by various financial institutions. In general, the terms of our agreements provide that in the event of an early termination the counterparties have the right to offset amounts owed or owing under that and any other agreement with the same counterparty.  The Company's accounting policy is to not offset these positions in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  As of  December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 the net positions of the enforceable master netting agreements are not significantly different from the gross positions noted in the table above. Depending on the extent of an unrealized loss position on a derivative contract held by the Company, certain counterparties may require collateral to secure the Company's derivative contract position. As of December 31, 2013 there were no contracts held by the Company that required collateral to secure the Company’s derivative liability positions. As of December 31, 2012 there were contracts held by the Company that required $0.7 million in collateral to secure the Company's derivative liability positions.
	For the above derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the unrealized gain and loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings, which generally occurs over periods of less than one year. Gain and loss on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
			Year ended December 31, 2013
			Effective portion recognized in				Reclassified from				Ineffective portion and amount excluded from
			Accumulated OCI				Accumulated OCI				effectiveness testing
	(in millions)		Gain / (Loss)				Gain / (Loss)				Gain / (Loss)1				Location
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps		$	0.1			$	(0.1	)		$	—			Interest Expense
	Commodity futures		(1.3		)		(1.9		)		—				Cost of Sales
	Total		$	(1.2	)		$	(2.0	)		$	—
			Year ended December 31, 2012
			Effective portion recognized in				Reclassified from				Ineffective portion and amount excluded from
			Accumulated OCI				Accumulated OCI				effectiveness testing
	(in millions)		Gain / (Loss)				Gain / (Loss)				Gain / (Loss) (1)				Location
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps		$	0.3			$	—			$	—			Interest Expense
	Commodity futures		4.8				(3.3		)		(0.3		)		Cost of Sales
	Foreign currency exchange		(0.2		)		(1.1		)		—				Other income /(expense)
	Total		$	4.9			$	(4.4	)		$	(0.3	)
	-1	The ineffective portion and the amount excluded from effectiveness testing for all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recognized in other income and expense.
	For derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges the unrealized gain or loss on the derivatives is reported in current earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a loss of $20.1 million for derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges in other income (expense). For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a gain of $3.0 million for derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges in other income (expense). No pre-tax gains or losses are expected to be reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income during 2014.
	Other Forward Pricing Agreements
	In the normal course of business, General Cable enters into forward pricing agreements for the purchase of copper and aluminum for delivery in a future month to match certain sales transactions. The Company accounts for these forward pricing arrangements under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption because these arrangements are for purchases of copper and aluminum that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used by the Company over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. For these arrangements, it is probable at the inception and throughout the life of the arrangements that the arrangements will not settle net and will result in physical delivery of the inventory. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, General Cable had $10.1 million and $37.7 million, respectively, of future copper and aluminum purchases that were under forward pricing agreements. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, General Cable had an unrealized gain of $0.5 million and an unrealized gain of $0.3 million, respectively, related to these transactions. The fair market value of the forward pricing agreements was $10.6 million and $38.0 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. General Cable expects the unrealized losses under these agreements to offset firm sales price commitments with customers. Depending on the extent of the unrealized loss position on certain forward pricing agreements, certain counterparties may require collateral to secure the Company’s forward purchase agreements. There were no funds posted as collateral as of December 31, 2013 or 2012.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	For financial reporting purposes, income before income taxes includes the following components (in millions):
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	United States	$	2			$	38.4			$	51.2
	Foreign	25				48.5				40.2
	Total	$	27			$	86.9			$	91.4
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following (in millions):
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	(11.5	)		$	12			$	(8.6	)
	State	(0.2		)		3.4				(0.4		)
	Foreign	51.9				52.6				40.2
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	9				5.7				19.3
	State	(0.6		)		(0.6		)		1.7
	Foreign	(9.8		)		5.5				(13.6		)
	Total	$	38.8			$	78.6			$	38.6
	The reconciliation of reported income tax expense (benefit) to the amount of income tax expense that would result from applying domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income is as follows (in millions):
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Income tax expense (benefit) at Federal statutory tax rate	$	9.4			$	30.4			$	32
	Foreign tax rate differential	(5.1		)		(0.2		)		0.1
	Foreign withholding tax and surcharges	7.3				4.7				3.4
	Change in valuation allowance	24.8				31.2				5.3
	Change in uncertain tax positions	9.2				11.7				(4.8		)
	Nondeductible / nontaxable items	(6.8		)		(0.3		)		1.9
	Other (net)	—				1.1				0.7
	Total	$	38.8			$	78.6			$	38.6
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	98.3			$	78.6
	Pension and retiree benefits accruals	33				46.4
	Inventory	12.8				20
	Depreciation and fixed assets	12				7.7
	Tax credit carryforwards	9.3				6.5
	Other liabilities	67.7				49.8
	Valuation allowance	(93.8		)		(77.8		)
	Total deferred tax assets	139.3				131.2
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Convertible debt discount	165.7				147.7
	Inventory	1.2				1.5
	Depreciation and fixed assets	87.4				89.1
	Intangibles	42.8				58.8
	Other	11				6.3
	Total deferred tax liabilities	308.1				303.4
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(168.8	)		$	(172.2	)
	The valuation of deferred tax assets is dependent on, among other things, the ability of the Company to generate a sufficient level of future taxable income in relevant taxing jurisdictions. In estimating future taxable income, the Company has considered both positive and negative evidence and has considered the implementation of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The Company has and will continue to review on a quarterly basis its assumptions and tax planning strategies and, if the amount of the estimated realizable net deferred tax asset is less than the amount currently on the balance sheet, the Company will reduce its deferred tax asset, recognizing a non-cash charge against reported earnings.
	In the third quarter of 2012, the Company updated its 2012 forecasts and substantially completed its 2013 global business planning process, which indicated continuing weakness in its Iberian market and business. After weighing all positive and negative evidence, including the three year cumulative loss position, and factoring in prudent and feasible tax  planning strategies, management judged that it was not more likely than not that a future tax benefit for the deferred tax assets of its Spanish and Portuguese business units would be realized. Tax expense of $15 million was recorded in 2012 to establish a full valuation allowance against Spanish and Portuguese deferred tax assets, of which $5.3 million related to the beginning of the year net deferred tax asset position.
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, a valuation allowance was also recorded against deferred tax assets in the Company's German business unit. The German business unit incurred an equipment failure in the fourth quarter that adversely impacted its ability to meet its contractual obligations for its large project work and reduced profit expectations. In addition, the German business was encountering certain other project delay/cancellation and warranty issues. After weighing all positive and negative evidence, including the three year cumulative loss position, and factoring in prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, management judged that it was not more likely than not that a future tax benefit for the deferred tax assets of its German business would be realized. Tax expense of $8.3 million was recorded in 2012 to establish a full valuation allowance against German deferred tax assets, none of which related to a beginning of the year net deferred tax asset position.
	A full valuation allowance was also recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012 for the Company's Colombian distribution business since it was rendered redundant by the fourth quarter acquisition of Procables. The Colombian distribution business is winding down and is expected to generate losses until the business is terminated. Tax expense of $1.1 million was recorded in 2012 to establish a full valuation allowance against the Colombian deferred tax assets, of which $0.2 million related to the beginning of the year net deferred tax asset position.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has recorded approximately $93.8 million of valuation allowance to adjust deferred tax assets to the amount judged more likely than not to be realized. The valuation allowance is primarily attributable to certain foreign temporary differences and tax loss and tax credit carryforwards due to uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain future tax benefits for these tax attributes.
	The Company has recognized deferred tax assets of approximately $14.7 million for tax loss carryforwards in various taxing jurisdictions as follows (in millions):
			Tax Loss
	Jurisdiction		Carryforward				Expiration
	United States		$	16			2033
	New Zealand		$	10.3			Indefinite
	Spain		8.1				2026 - 2028
	Others		11.4				Various
	Total		$	45.8
	The Company also has various foreign subsidiaries with approximately $280 million of tax loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions that are subject to a valuation allowance due to statutory limitations on utilization, uncertainty of future profitability, and other relevant factors.
The Company does not provide for deferred taxes on the excess of the financial reporting over the tax basis in investments in foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested. These basis differences would become taxable upon the repatriation of assets from the foreign subsidiaries or a sale or liquidation of the foreign subsidiaries. The temporary difference for these basis differences was approximately $850 million as of December 31, 2013. The determination of the additional tax expense that would be incurred upon repatriation of assets or disposition of foreign subsidiaries is not practical because of the complexities and variables inherent in the hypothetical calculation.
The Company applies ASC 740 - Income Taxes in determining unrecognized tax benefits. ASC 740 - Income Taxes prescribes a recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements and provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition issues.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the year:
(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
Unrecognized Tax Benefit — Beginning balance		$	64.2			$	58.8			$	66.1
Gross Increases — Tax Positions in Prior Period		0.8				3.4				2.1
Gross Decreases — Tax Positions in Prior Period		(0.9		)		(4.2		)		(4.9		)
Gross Increases — Tax Positions in Current Period		8.9				15.1				8
Settlements		(4.5		)		—				(0.3		)
Lapse of Statute of Limitations		(3.6		)		(9.6		)		(11.4		)
Foreign Currency Translation		(7.2		)		0.7				(0.8		)
Unrecognized Tax Benefit — Ending Balance		$	57.7			$	64.2			$	58.8
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are $55.4 million, $61.7 million and $54.3 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Also included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are $2.3 million, $2.5 million and $4.5 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in adjustments to deferred taxes.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, the Company accrued penalties of $0.7 million and interest of $3.8 million during 2013 and in total, as of December 31, 2013, has recognized a liability for penalties of $7.6 million and interest of $15.4 million. During 2012 and 2011, the Company accrued penalties of $1.2 million and $(1.1) million, respectively, and interest of $2.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and in total, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, had recognized liabilities for penalties of $7.8 million and $6.5 million, respectively and interest of $13.8 million and $11.4 million, respectively.
The Company files income tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions around the world. Due to uncertainties regarding the timing and outcome of various tax audits, appeals and settlements, it is difficult to reliably estimate the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that could change within the next twelve months. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that approximately $13 million of unrecognized tax benefits could change within the next twelve months due to the resolution of tax audits and statute of limitations expirations.
The Company files income tax returns in the United States and numerous foreign, state, and local tax jurisdictions. Tax years that are open for examination and assessment by the Internal Revenue Service are 2007 — 2013. With limited exceptions, tax years prior to 2008 are no longer open in major foreign, state or local tax jurisdictions.
On September 13, 2013, the U.S Treasury Department issued final regulations addressing the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property.  The final regulations, which are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014 but may be adopted in earlier years, will require the Company to assess the need to make tax method changes related to the treatment of costs incurred to acquire or improve tangible property.  These method changes will not have an impact on total tax expense, but may result in either offsetting increases and decreases in current taxes payable and deferred taxes or offsetting shifts within the components of deferred taxes.  Based on its initial analysis, and pending further analysis to be completed in 2014, the Company has reached a preliminary conclusion that it will elect to early adopt portions of the final regulations on its 2013 federal income tax return and will defer adoption of certain other portions of the regulations until 2014.  The impact of the changes adopted for 2013 was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.  The tangible property regulations may require the Company to make additional tax method changes as of January 1, 2014, but the Company does not expect the impact of these changes to be material to its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Employee Benefit Plans
	General Cable provides retirement benefits through contributory and noncontributory qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans covering eligible domestic and international employees as well as through defined contribution plans and other postretirement benefits.
	Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets, the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in millions):
		U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Changes in Benefit Obligation:
	Beginning benefit obligation	$	180.4			$	167.2			$	158.5		$	114.2
	Impact of foreign currency exchange rate change	—				—				(8.9		)	—
	Acquisitions	—				—				—			19.1
	Service cost	1.9				1.8				6.5			4.3
	Interest cost	7.2				7.7				5.9			6.1
	Settlement (gain) loss	—				—				(3.7		)	(2.5		)
	Benefits paid	(10.1		)		(9.9		)		(5.0		)	(4.1		)
	Employee contributions	—				—				0.6			0.2
	Amendments / Change in assumptions	(0.1		)		0.1				(2.3		)	4
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(9.4		)		13.5				(8.7		)	17.2
	Ending benefit obligation	$	169.9			$	180.4			$	142.9		$	158.5
	Changes in Plan Assets:
	Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	129.1			$	126.6			$	46.1		$	40.1
	Impact of foreign currency exchange rate change	—				—				(3.4		)	0.5
	Acquisitions	—				—				—			16.9
	Employee contributions	—				—				0.6			—
	Actual return on plan assets	23.4				11.9				6.3			2.5
	Company contributions	0.5				0.5				10.7			8
	Settlements	—				—				(3.7		)	(17.8		)
	Benefits paid	(10.1		)		(9.9		)		(5.0		)	(4.1		)
	Ending fair value of plan assets	$	142.9			$	129.1			$	51.6		$	46.1
	Funded status at end of year	$	(27.0	)		$	(51.3	)		$	(91.3	)	$	(112.4	)
	Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Other Assets	$	—			$	—			$	6.3		$	0.2
	Accrued liabilities	$	(0.4	)		$	(0.4	)		$	(5.2	)	$	(5.7	)
	Other liabilities	$	(26.6	)		$	(50.9	)		$	(92.4	)	$	(106.9	)
	Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	Net actuarial loss	$	55.4			$	87.6			$	17.1		$	31.2
	Prior service cost	0.4				0.4				5.7			8.9
	Transition obligation	—				—				0.3			0.5
		$	55.8			$	88			$	23.1		$	40.6
	The accumulated benefit obligation for US defined benefit retirement pension plans was $169.4 million and $179.4 million for 2013 and 2012, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for Non-US defined benefit retirement pension plans was $104.5 million and $136.1 million for 2013 and 2012, respectively. Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets consist of the following (in millions):
		U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Projected benefit obligation	$	169.9			$	180.4			$	115.4		$	149.7
	Accumulated benefit obligation	169.4				179.4				104.5			136.1
	Fair value of the plan assets	142.9				129				49.6			44.2
	Pension expense included the following components (in millions):
		U.S. Plans											Non-U.S. Plans
		Year ended											Year ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011			Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011
	Pension expense:
	Service cost	$	1.9			$	1.8			$	1.4		$	6.5			$	4.3		$	3.1
	Interest cost	7.2				7.7				8.1			5.9				6.1			5.7
	Expected return on plan assets	(9.4		)		(9.1		)		(10.6		)	(2.7		)		(2.0		)	(2.4		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	0.1				0.1				0.1			1.2				1.4			0.3
	Amortization of net loss	8.5				8.3				5.1			1.2				1.2			1.2
	Amortization of transition obligation	—				—				—			0.1				0.2			0.2
	Curtailment (gain) loss	—				—				—			—				—			—
	Settlement (gain) loss	—				—				—			0.1				0.1			0.3
	Net pension expense	$	8.3			$	8.8			$	4.1		$	12.3			$	11.3		$	8.4
	The estimated net loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net pension expense over the next fiscal year is $5.2 million. The prior service cost to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net pension expense over the next fiscal year is $1.2 million.
	General Cable evaluates its actuarial assumptions at least annually, and adjusts them as necessary. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for all of its defined benefit pension plans. The weighted average assumptions used in determining benefit obligations were:
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Discount rate	4.85	%		4.1	%		4.36	%		4.2	%
Expected rate of increase in future compensation levels	2	%		2	%		3.85	%		4.1	%
The weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension expense were:
	U.S. Plans									Non-U.S. Plans
	Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011			Dec 31, 2013		Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011
Discount rate	4.12	%		4.7	%		5.4	%		4.26	%	5.1	%		5.6	%
Expected rate of increase in future compensation levels	2	%		2	%		2	%		3.94	%	6.1	%		4.3	%
Long-term expected rate of return on plan assets	7.5	%		7.5	%		8.5	%		6.09	%	4.5	%		7.2	%
Pension expense for the defined benefit pension plans sponsored by General Cable is determined based principally upon certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on assets. The discount rates for the U.S. defined benefit pension plans were determined based on a review of long-term bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency which are expected to be available during the period to maturity of the projected pension benefit obligations and based on information received from actuaries. Non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans followed a similar evaluation process based on financial markets in those countries where General Cable provides a defined benefit pension plan.
The weighted-average long-term expected rate of return on assets is based on input from actuaries, including their review of historical 10-year, 20-year, and 25-year rates of inflation and real rates of return on various broad equity and bond indices in conjunction with the diversification of the asset portfolio. The Company’s overall investment strategy is to diversify its investments for the qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan based on an asset allocation assumption of 65% allocated to equity investments, with an expected real rate of return of 8%, and 35% to fixed-income investments, with an expected real rate of return of 2%, and an assumed long-term rate of inflation of 3%. Equity investments primarily include investments in large-cap and mid-cap companies primarily located in the United States. The actual asset allocations were 54% of equity investments and 46% of fixed-income investments at December 31, 2013 and 66% of equity investments and 34% of fixed-income investments at December 31, 2012. Approximately 41% and 31% of plan assets were concentrated in two mutual funds as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The expected long-term rate of return on assets for qualified non-U.S. defined benefit plans is based on a weighted-average asset allocation assumption of 57% allocated to equity investments, 40% to fixed-income investments and 3% to other investments. The actual weighted-average asset allocations were 63% of equity investments, 37% of fixed-income investments and 0% of other investments at December 31, 2013 and 58% of equity investments, 40% of fixed-income investments and 3% of other investments at December 31, 2012. Management believes that long-term asset allocations on average and by location will approximate the Company’s assumptions and that the long-term rate of return used by each country that is included in the weighted-average long-term expected rate of return on assets is a reasonable assumption.
The Company determined the fair market values of the pension plan assets based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values which are provided in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The fair values of pension plan assets are primarily traded in active markets. For those that are not traded in active markets, the fair value is determined using quantitative models that require the use of multiple market inputs including interest rates, prices and indices to generate pricing and volatility factors, which are used to value the asset. The predominance of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services. Estimation risk is greater for pension assets where observable market inputs are less readily available or are unobservable. The fair values of pension assets include adjustments for market liquidity, counterparty credit quality. The fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2013 by asset category are as follows (in millions):
						Quoted prices in Active				Significant Observable			Significant
						Markets for Identical							Unobservable
Asset Category		Total				Assets (Level 1)				Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
Equity Securities		$	76.7			$	76.6			$	0.1		$	—
Mutual Funds		89.5				58.9				30.6			—
Short Term Investments		2.3				—				2.3			—
Equitable Contract		1.2				—				1.2			—
Fixed Income		20.8				—				20.8			—
Coal Lease (1)		4				—				—			4
Total		$	194.5			$	135.5			$	55		$	4
The fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2012 by asset category are as follows (in millions):
						Quoted prices in Active				Significant Observable			Significant
						Markets for Identical							Unobservable
Asset Category		Total				Assets (Level 1)				Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
Equity Securities		$	77.3			$	77.2			$	0.1		$	—
Mutual Funds		54.7				37.9				16.8			—
Short Term Investments		2.1				—				2.1			—
Equitable Contract		1.3				—				1.3			—
Fixed Income		11.5				—				11.5			—
Coal Lease (1)		4.2				—				—			4.2
Total		$	151.1			$	115.1			$	31.8		$	4.2
-1	The Company’s interest represents approximately 26% of the lease which is currently between American Premier Underwriters (APU), the Lessor and CONSOL Energy (CONSOL), the Lessee. The lease pertains to real property mined by CONSOL located in Pennsylvania.
The following table represents details of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
	Coal Lease
Beginning balance at January 1, 2012	$	4.4
Change in fair value of plan assets	(0.2		)
Purchases, sales, transfers, and settlements	—
Ending balance December 31, 2012	$	4.2
Change in fair value of plan assets	(0.2		)
Purchases, sales, transfers, and settlements	—
Ending balance at December 31, 2013	$	4
The determination of pension expense for the qualified defined benefit pension plans is based on the fair market value of assets as of the measurement date. Investment gains and losses are recognized in the measurement of assets immediately. Such gains and losses will be amortized and recognized as part of the annual benefit cost to the extent that unrecognized net gains and losses from all sources exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market value of assets.
General Cable’s expense under both U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans is determined using the discount rate as of the beginning of the fiscal year, so 2014 expense for the pension plans will be based on the weighted-average discount rate of 4.9% for U.S. defined benefit pension plans and 4.4% for non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans.
The Company expects to contribute, at a minimum, $13.2 million to its defined benefit pension plans for 2014. The estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans are $17.5 million in 2014, $17.6 million in 2015, $17.5 million in 2016, $18.1 million in 2017, $17.8 million in 2018 and $97.6 million from 2019 through 2023.
In the second quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a pre-tax non-cash settlement loss of $6.1 million for the termination of a legacy pension plan in the United Kingdom stemming from the 1999 acquisition of BICC.
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
General Cable has postretirement benefit plans that provide medical and life insurance for certain retirees and eligible dependents. General Cable funds the plans as claims or insurance premiums are incurred. The changes in accrued postretirement benefits were as follows (in millions):
	Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
Changes in Benefit Obligation:
Beginning benefit obligation	$	6.3			$	7.1
Service cost	0.1				0.1
Interest cost	0.2				0.2
Actuarial loss	(1.1		)		(0.4		)
Benefits paid	(0.6		)		(0.8		)
Foreign currency impact	0.1				0.1
Ending benefit obligation	$	5			$	6.3
Funded status at end of year	$	(5.0	)		$	(6.3	)
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Accrued liabilities	$	(0.6	)		$	(0.9	)
Other liabilities	$	(4.4	)		$	(5.4	)
Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
Net actuarial loss	$	(0.3	)		$	0.6
Prior service cost	(0.2		)		(0.2		)
	$	(0.5	)		$	0.4
Net postretirement benefit expense included the following components (in millions):
	Year ended
	Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
Postretirement benefit expense:
Service cost	$	0.1			$	0.1			$	0.1
Interest cost	0.2				0.2				0.3
Amortization of prior service cost	—				—				(0.1		)
Amortization of net loss	0.1				—				0.1
Net postretirement benefit expense	$	0.4			$	0.3			$	0.4
The estimated net (gain) loss and prior service cost for the postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net postretirement benefit expense over the next fiscal year will be immaterial in the coming year.
The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 2.95% for the year ended December 31, 2013, 3.00% for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 3.50% for the year ended December 31, 2011. The discount rate used in determining the net postretirement benefit expense was 3.70% for the year ended December 31, 2013, 3.5% for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 4.25% for the year ended December 31, 2011. The assumed health-care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in 2013 was 8.00% decreasing gradually to 4.50% in year 2019 and thereafter, in 2012 was 8.00%, decreasing gradually to 4.50% in year 2019 and thereafter and in 2011 was 8.50% decreasing gradually to 4.50% in year 2019 and thereafter. Increasing the assumed health-care cost trend rate by 1% would result in an increase in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of $0.2 million for 2013. The effect of this change would increase net postretirement benefit expense by less than $0.1 million. Decreasing the assumed health-care cost trend rate by 1% would result in a decrease in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of $0.2 million for 2013. The effect of this change would decrease net postretirement benefit expense by less than $0.1 million.
The estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid for the Company’s postretirement benefits other than pensions are $0.7 million in 2014, $0.6 million in 2015, $0.6 million in 2016, $0.6 million in 2017, $0.5 million in 2018 and $2.0 million and thereafter.
Defined Contribution Plans
Expense under both U.S. and non-U.S. defined contribution plans generally equals up to six percent of each eligible employee’s covered compensation based on the location and status of the employee. The net defined contribution plan expense recognized was $12.0 million, $10.0 million and $9.3 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Total_Equity

Total Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Total Equity	'
	Total Equity
	General Cable is authorized to issue 200 million shares of common stock and 25 million shares of preferred stock.
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, consisted of the following (in millions):
		Fiscal Years Ended
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Company			Noncontrolling			Company			Noncontrolling
		Common			Interest			Common			Interest
		Shareholders						Shareholders
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(67.1	)	$	(24.5	)	$	(27.9	)	$	(16.8	)
	Pension adjustments, net of tax	(52.6		)	(2.9		)	(84.4		)	(3.1		)
	Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	—			—			0.1			(0.4		)
	Company deferred stock held in rabbi trust, net of tax	7.3			—			7.3			—
	Other	0.3			—			0.3			—
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(112.1	)	$	(27.4	)	$	(104.6	)	$	(20.3	)
	The following is the detail of the change in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 including the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income as required by ASC 2013-02 (in millions, net of tax):
		Foreign currency translation			Change of fair value of pension benefit obligation			Change in fair value of derivatives			Deferred stock held in rabbi trust			Other		Total
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	(27.9	)	$	(84.4	)	$	0.1		$	7.3		$	0.3	$	(104.6	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(39.2		)	13.6			(0.8		)	—			—		(26.4		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			18.2			0.7			—			—		18.9
	Net current - period other comprehensive income (loss)	(39.2		)	31.8			(0.1		)	—			—		(7.5		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(67.1	)	$	(52.6	)	$	—		$	7.3		$	0.3	$	(112.1	)
	The following is the detail of the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions, net of tax):
			Year Ended,
			December 31, 2013
			Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Change in fair value of derivatives:
	Commodity contracts		$	0.7		Cost of Sales
	Total - Change in fair value of derivatives		0.7
	Amortization of defined pension items
	Prior service cost		1.7			SG&A
	Net loss		16.5			SG&A
	Total - Amortization of defined benefit pension items		18.2
	Total		$	18.9
	Stock Repurchase Programs
	On December 10, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the extension of the Company’s existing $125 million share repurchase program through the end of 2014. Stock purchases under this program may be made through the open market and privately negotiated transactions at times and in such amounts as deemed appropriate by a special committee appointed by the Board. Under the stock repurchase program, the Company purchased $19.5 million, or 597,531 common shares at an average price of $32.65 per share, during the year ended December 31, 2013. Under the prior stock repurchase program the Company purchased $1.2 million, or 50,000 common shares at an average price of $24.80 per share, during the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company’s future repurchase of shares is subject to the terms of the Company's Revolving Credit Facility and the indentures governing the Subordinated Convertible Notes, Senior Floating Rate Notes and 5.75% Senior Notes.
	Preferred Stock
	The Company issued 2,070,000 shares of General Cable 5.75% Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A preferred stock”) on November 24, 2003. Zero shares and 76,002 were outstanding under the original terms of the Series A preferred stock issuance as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company’s outstanding shares of the Series A preferred stock were to be mandatorily redeemed on November 24, 2013. Prior to the redemption date, all but two shareholders elected to convert their shares into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion ratio of 5.056 shares of common stock per share of Series A preferred stock.  As a result of the conversions and mandatory redemption, as of November 25, 2013, no shares of the Series A preferred stock were outstanding.
	Dividends on Common Stock
	On May 20, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the payment of a regular quarterly dividend of $0.18 per quarter. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company paid in total approximately $26.7 million to all common shareholders of record, or $0.54 per share. Future declarations of dividends and the establishment of future record dates and payment dates are subject to the final determination of our Board of Directors. In determining dividends, the Board of Directors takes into consideration items such as general business conditions, financial performance, projected cash flows and anticipated financing needs. Future payments of dividends is also subject to the Company's Revolving Credit Facility, the indentures governing the Subordinated Convertible Notes, Senior Floating Rate Notes and 5.75% Senior Notes, and the requirements of Delaware General Corporation law.
	Deferred Compensation Plan
	The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan (“Deferred Compensation Plan”). This plan is available to directors and certain officers and managers of the Company. The plan allows participants to defer all or a portion of their directors’ fees and/or salary and annual bonuses, as applicable, and it permits participants to elect to contribute and defer all or any portion of their nonvested stock, restricted stock and stock awards. All deferrals to the participants’ accounts vest immediately; Company contributions vest according to the vesting schedules in the qualified plan and nonvested stock and restricted stock vests according to the schedule designated by the award. The Company makes matching and retirement contributions (currently equal to 6%) of compensation paid over the maximum allowed for qualified pension benefits, whether or not the employee elects to defer any compensation. The Deferred Compensation Plan does not have dollar limits on tax-deferred contributions. The assets of the Deferred Compensation Plan are held in a Rabbi Trust (“Trust”) and, therefore, are available to satisfy the claims of the Company’s creditors in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company. Participants have the right to request that their account balance be determined by reference to specified investment alternatives (with the exception of the portion of the account which consists of deferred nonvested and subsequently vested stock and restricted stock). With certain exceptions, these investment alternatives are the same alternatives offered to participants in the General Cable Retirement and Savings Plan for Salaried Associates. In addition, participants have the right to request that the Plan Administrator re-allocate the deferral among available investment alternatives; provided, however that the Plan Administrator is not required to honor such requests. Distributions from the plan are generally made upon the participants’ termination as a director and/or employee, as applicable, of the Company. Participants receive payments from the plan in cash, either as a lump sum payment or through equal annual installments from between one and ten years, except for the nonvested and subsequently vested stock and restricted stock, which the participants receive in shares of General Cable stock.
	The Company accounts for its Deferred Compensation Plan in accordance with ASC 710 - Compensation — General, as it relates to arrangements where amounts earned are held in rabbi trusts. Assets of the Trust, other than the nonvested and subsequently vested stock and restricted stock of the Company, are invested in funds covering a variety of securities and investment strategies, approximately 89% are invested in mutual funds and the remaining 11% are invested in a General Cable stock fund. Mutual funds available to participants are publicly quoted and reported at market value. The Company accounts for these investments as trading securities in accordance with ASC 320 - Investments — Debt and Equity Securities. The Trust also holds nonvested and subsequently vested stock and restricted stock shares of the Company. The Company’s nonvested and subsequently vested and restricted stock that are held by the Trust are accounted for in additional paid-in capital as discussed in ASC 718 - Compensation — Stock Compensation.
	The market value of mutual fund investments, nonvested and subsequently vested stock and restricted stock in the Trust was $42.0 million and $38.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The market value of the assets held by the Trust, exclusive of the market value of the shares of the Company’s nonvested and subsequently vested restricted stock, restricted stock units held in the deferred compensation plan and Company stock investments by participants’ elections, at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $22.2 million and $17.7 million, respectively, and is classified as “other non-current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. Amounts payable to the plan participants at December 31, 2013 and 2012, excluding the market value of the shares of the Company’s nonvested and subsequently vested restricted stock and restricted stock units held, was $24.2 million and $19.8 million, respectively, and is classified as “other liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets.
	In accordance with ASC 710 - Compensation — General, all market value fluctuations of the Trust assets, exclusive of the shares of nonvested and subsequently vested stock and restricted stock of the Company, are effectively offset by changes in the market value of the deferred compensation liability held by the Trust, which are included as compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Prior to 2012, management had classified the mutual fund assets as available for sale; as such, changes in the value of these investments were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company has various plans that provide for granting options, restricted stock units and restricted stock to certain employees and independent directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date. The table below summarizes compensation expense for the Company’s non-qualified stock options based on the fair value method estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model, and non-vested stock awards, including restricted stock units, and performance-based non-vested stock awards based on the fair value method for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The Company records compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards as a component of selling, general and administrative expense.
		Year Ended
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Non-qualified stock option expense	$	5.5			$	4.9			$	4.8
	Non-vested stock awards expense	0.2				1.7				2.8
	Stock unit awards	5.2				4.5				3.1
	Performance-based non-vested stock awards expense	2				1.4				1
	Total pre-tax share-based compensation expense	$	12.9			$	12.5			$	11.7
	Excess tax benefit (deficiency) on share-based compensation (1)	$	(0.7	)		$	(0.6	)		$	1
	-1	Cash inflows (outflows) recognized as financing and operating activities in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, cash received from stock option exercises was $0.7 million, $0.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The total tax benefit to be realized for tax deductions from these option exercises was $0.4 million, $0.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The $5.0 million and $3.6 million tax deductions for all share-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, includes $(0.7) million and $(0.6) million of excess tax benefits (deficiencies). The 2013 deficiency does not impact cash flow due to the US tax loss carry forward position. The 2012 deficiency is classified as a cash outflow of financing activities and a cash inflow from operating activities. The Company has elected the shortcut method to calculate the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of ASC 718 - Compensation — Stock Compensation.
	The Company currently has share-based compensation awards outstanding under three plans. These plans allow the Company to fulfill its incentive award obligations generally by granting nonqualified stock options and nonvested stock awards. New shares are issued when nonqualified stock options are exercised and when non-vested stock awards are granted. There have been no material modifications made to these plans during the year ended December 31, 2013 or 2012. On May 10, 2005, the General Cable Corporation 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”) was approved and replaced the two previous equity compensation plans, the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2000 Stock Option Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors will no longer grant any awards under the previous plans but will continue to administer awards which were previously granted under the 1997 and 2000 plans. The 2005 Plan authorized a maximum of 5.8 million shares to be granted. Shares reserved for future grants, including options, under the 2005 Plan, approximated 2.3 million at December 31, 2013.
	The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the following types of awards to be granted: (i) Stock Options (both Incentive Stock Options and Nonqualified Stock Options); (ii) Stock Appreciation Rights; (iii) Nonvested and Restricted Stock Awards; (iv) Performance Awards; and (v) Stock Units, as more fully described in the 2005 Plan. Each award is subject to such terms and conditions consistent with the 2005 Plan as determined by the Compensation Committee and as set forth in an award agreement and awards under the 2005 Plan were granted at not less than the closing market price on the date of grant.
	The 2000 Stock Option Plan (“2000 Plan”), as amended, authorized a maximum of 1.5 million non-qualified options to be granted. No other forms of award were authorized under this plan. Stock options were granted to employees selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer at prices which were not less than the closing market price on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee (or Chief Executive Officer) had authority to set all the terms of each grant.
	The 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (“1997 Plan”) authorized a maximum of 4.7 million nonvested shares, options or units of common stock to be granted. Stock options were granted to employees selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer at prices which were not less than the closing market price on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee (or Chief Executive Officer) had authority to set all the terms of each grant.
	Stock Options
	All options awarded under the 2005 Plan have a term of 10 years from the grant date. The majority of the options vest ratably over three years of continued employment from the grant date. The majority of the options granted under the 2000 Plan will expire in 10 years and become fully exercisable ratably over three years of continued employment or become fully exercisable after three years of continued employment. A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows (options in thousands and aggregate intrinsic value in millions):
					Weighted				Weighted Average		Aggregate
					Average				Remaining
		Options			Exercise				Contractual		Intrinsic
		Outstanding			Price				Term		Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,814.80			$	32.99			5.9 years		$	9.5
	Granted	334			35.24
	Exercised	(50.5	)		13.33
	Forfeited or Expired	(154.2	)		41.92
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	1,944.10			$	33.18			6.1 years		$	7
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,342.10			$	32.31			4.9 years		$	7
	Options expected to vest in the next twelve months	277.3			$	35.99			8.3 years		$	—
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $35.24, $32.50 and $24.11, respectively, the total intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.0 million, $0.3 million, and $2.8 million, respectively, and the total fair value of options vested during the periods was $20.8 million, $18.7 million, and $14.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the total compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized was $4.1 million and $3.4 million with a weighted average expense recognition period of 1.9 years and 1.8 years, respectively.
	The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model using the following weighted-average assumptions:
			Year Ended
			Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Risk-free interest rate (1)		0.6		%		1		%		2.4		%
	Expected dividend yield (2)		0				0				N/A
	Expected option life (3)		4.4 years				5.0 years				5.0 years
	Expected stock price volatility (4)		67.8		%		68		%		65.6		%
	Weighted average fair value of options granted		$	18.6			$	18.2			$	24.11
	-1	Risk-free interest rate — This is the U.S. Treasury rate at the grant date having a term approximately equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.
	-2	Expected dividend yield — The Company did not pay dividends in the year ended December 31, 2012; therefore compensation expense was not decreased. The assumptions for the compensation expense were set at the beginning of the year prior to the Company deciding to pay dividends in 2013; as the Company did not expect to pay dividends in 2013 there was no effect on compensation expense in the year ended December 31, 2013.
	-3	Expected option life — This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years. An increase in expected life will increase compensation expense.
	-4	Expected stock price volatility — This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of the Company’s stock to calculate the volatility assumption as it is management’s belief that this is the best indicator of future volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.
	Additional information regarding options outstanding as of December 31, 2013 is as follows (options in thousands):
	Range of Option Prices		Options Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Options Exercisable		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	$0 -$14		76.6			$	11.9			1.1		76.6		$	11.9
	$14 - $28		747.2			$	21.8			5		747.2		$	21.8
	$28 -$42		640			$	33.93			8.7		102		$	32.5
	$42 - $56		274			$	45.29			5.9		210		$	46.02
	$56 - $70		206.3			$	63.87			4		206.3		$	63.87
	Nonvested Stock
	The majority of the nonvested stock and stock unit awards issued under the 2005 Plan are restricted as to transferability and salability with these restrictions being removed in equal annual installments over the five-year period following the grant date. The majority of the nonvested stock awards issued under the 1997 Plan are restricted as to transferability and salability with these restrictions expiring ratably over a three-year or five-year period, expiring after six years from the date of grant or expiring ratably from the second anniversary to the sixth anniversary of the date of grant. A minimal amount of immediately vesting restricted stock held by certain members of the Company’s Board of Directors in the Deferred Compensation Plan is included in this presentation as nonvested stock.
	A summary of all nonvested stock and restricted stock units activity for the year ended December 31, 2013, is as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date
		Outstanding			Fair Value
	Balance, December 31, 2012	853.9			$	30.26
	Granted	301.2			34.83
	Vested	(201.2	)		30.81
	Forfeited	(62.0	)		24.94
	Balance, December 31, 2013	891.9			$	32.02
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of all nonvested shares and restricted stock units granted, the total fair value (in millions) of all nonvested shares and restricted stock units granted, and the fair value (in millions) of all nonvested shares and restricted stock units that have vested during each of the past three years is as follows:
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested shares granted	$	34.83			$	29.65			$	39.94
Fair value of nonvested shares granted	$	10.5			$	9.1			$	7.9
Fair value of shares vested	$	6.2			$	7			$	2.5
As of December 31, 2013, there was $13.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested stock and restricted stock units. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.46 years. There are 237 thousand nonvested stock and restricted stock units with a weighted average grant price of $29.52 and a fair value of $7.0 million expected to vest in 2014.

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
	The Company acquired 60% of Procables on October 1, 2012 and entered into certain option agreements with the Minority Shareholders; refer to Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures for additional details. The Company determined that the Put Option is embedded within the noncontrolling interest shares that are subject to the Put Option. The redemption feature requires classification of the Minority Shareholder's interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheet outside of equity under caption “Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest”.
	The redeemable noncontrolling interest of Procables was recorded on the acquisition date based on the estimated fair value of the shares including the embedded Put Option. The fair value of the Put Option was estimated at the higher of the final per share purchase price or EBITDA average. At December 31, 2013, the final per share purchase price was greater than the EBITDA average; therefore, the redeemable noncontrolling interest was valued at the same cost as the fair value determined at the opening balance sheet date subject to foreign currency translation. Subsequent adjustments to the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest due to the redemption feature, if any, will be recognized as they occur and recorded within Net Income.
	The following is a rollforward of the redeemable noncontrolling interest (in millions):
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	18.6
	Foreign currency translation	(1.6		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	17

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	Earnings Per Common Share
	The Company applies the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share. Future declarations of dividends and the establishment of future record dates and payment dates are subject to the final determination of our Board of Directors. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not declare, pay or otherwise accrue a dividend payable to the holders of the Company’s common stock or holders of unvested share-based payment awards (restricted stock).
	A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of earnings per common share-basic to earnings per common share-assuming dilution is as follows (in millions, except per share data):
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012		Dec 31, 2011
	Earnings per share — basic:
	Net income attributable to Company common shareholders	$	(18.1	)	$	4	$	54.5
	Less: Net income allocated to participating securities(4)	0.1			—		—
	Net income (loss) for basic EPS computations(1)	(18.2		)	4		54.5
	Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS computation (2,3)	49.4			49.7		51.9
	Earnings per common share — basic (3)	$	(0.37	)	$	0.08	$	1.05
	Earnings per share — assuming dilution:
	Net income attributable to Company common shareholders	$	(18.1	)	$	4	$	54.5
	Add: Preferred stock dividends on convertible stock	—			0.3		0.3
	Net income attributable to Company common shareholders — for diluted EPS computation (1)	$	(18.1	)	$	4.3	$	54.8
	Weighted average shares outstanding including nonvested shares	49.4			49.7		51.9
	Dilutive effect of convertible bonds	—			—		0.6
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	—			1		0.8
	Dilutive effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock	—			0.4		0.4
	Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted EPS computation (2)	49.4			51.1		53.7
	Earnings per common share — assuming dilution	$	(0.37	)	$	0.08	$	1.02
	-1	Numerator
	-2	Denominator
	-3	Under the two class method, Earnings per share — basic reflects undistributed earnings per share for both common stock and unvested share-based payment awards (restricted stock).
	-4	Outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends are considered participating securities in undistributed earnings in the calculation above.
	On December 10, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the extension of the Company’s existing $125 million share repurchase program through the end of 2014. Refer to Note 13 - Total Equity for additional details regarding the share repurchase program.
	As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there were approximately 288 thousand, 553 thousand, and 506 thousand stock options excluded from the earnings per common share — assuming dilution computation because their impact was anti-dilutive, respectively.
	Under ASC 260 - Earnings per Share and ASC 470 - Debt and because of the Company’s obligation to settle the par value of the Subordinated Convertible Notes in cash, the Company is not required to include any shares underlying the Subordinated Convertible Notes in its weighted average shares outstanding — assuming dilution until the average stock price per share for the quarter exceeds the $36.75 conversion price of the Subordinated Convertible Notes, respectively, and only to the extent of the additional shares that the Company may be required to issue in the event that the Company’s conversion obligation exceeds the principal amount of the Subordinated Convertible Notes.
	Regarding the Subordinated Convertible Notes, the average stock price threshold conditions had not been met as of December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012. At any such time in the future the threshold conditions are met, only the number of shares issuable under the “treasury” method of accounting for the share dilution would be included in the Company’s earnings per share — assuming dilution calculation, which is based upon the amount by which the average stock price exceeds the conversion price.
	The following table provides examples of how changes in the Company’s stock price would require the inclusion of additional shares in the denominator of the weighted average shares outstanding — assuming dilution calculation for the Subordinated Convertible Notes.
			Shares Underlying		Total Treasury Method
			Subordinated
	Share Price		Convertible Notes		Incremental Shares (1)
	$36.75		—		—
	$38.75		603,152		603,152
	$40.75		1,147,099		1,147,099
	$42.75		1,640,151		1,640,151
	$44.75		2,089,131		2,089,131
	-1	Represents the number of incremental shares that must be included in the calculation of fully diluted shares under U.S. GAAP.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The Company conducts its operations through three geographic reportable segments — North America, Europe and Mediterranean, and ROW, which consists of operations in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. The Company’s reportable segments align with the structure of the Company’s internal management organization. All three segments engage in the development, design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of copper, aluminum, and fiber optic communication, electric utility and electrical infrastructure wire and cable products. In addition to the above products, the ROW segment and the Europe and Mediterranean segment develop, design, manufacture, market and distribute construction products and the ROW segment manufactures and distributes rod mill wire and cable products.
	Net revenues as shown below represent sales to external customers for each segment. Intersegment sales have been eliminated. For the year ended December 31, 2013 intersegment sales in North America were $20.6 million. In Europe and Mediterranean intersegment sales were $33.3 million and in ROW intersegment sales were $68.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2012 intersegment sales in North America were $27.1 million. In Europe and Mediterranean intersegment sales were $22.1 million and in ROW intersegment sales were $95.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2011 intersegment sales in North America were $28.8 million. In Europe and Mediterranean intersegment sales were $24.8 million and in ROW intersegment sales were $38.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The chief operating decision maker evaluates segment performance and allocates resources based on segment operating income. Segment operating income represents income from continuing operations before interest income, interest expense, other income (expense), other financial costs and income tax.
	Corporate assets include cash, deferred income taxes, certain property, including property held for sale and prepaid expenses and other certain current and non-current assets.
		Year Ended
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011
	Net Sales:
	North America	$	2,751.60		$	2,340.20		$	2,120.20
	Europe and Mediterranean	1,629.60			1,684.20			1,737.90
	ROW	2,040.00			2,035.10			1,950.10
	Total	$	6,421.20		$	6,059.50		$	5,808.20
	Segment Operating Income (Loss):
	North America	$	129.8		$	126.1		$	121.8
	Europe and Mediterranean	(0.3		)	(13.0		)	30.3
	ROW	82.2			86.3			62.5
	Total	$	211.7		$	199.4		$	214.6
	Capital Expenditures:
	North America	$	33.5		$	25.3		$	22.2
	Europe and Mediterranean	18.4			35.3			41.1
	ROW	37.2			48			58.2
	Total	$	89.1		$	108.6		$	121.5
	Depreciation Expense:
	North America	$	40.3		$	30		$	27.2
	Europe and Mediterranean	40.3			38			38.3
	ROW	38			34.5			32.1
	Total	$	118.6		$	102.5		$	97.6
	Total Assets:
	North America	$	1,342.00		$	1,483.40
	Europe and Mediterranean	1,232.80			1,329.60
	ROW	2,004.10			2,119.60
	Total	$	4,578.90		$	4,932.60
	Revenues by Major Product Lines Revenues to external customers are attributable to sales of electric utility, electrical infrastructure, construction, communications and rod mill wire product lines.
		Year Ended
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011
	Electric Utility	$	2,148.50		$	2,004.80		$	1,792.80
	Electrical Infrastructure	1,674.20			1,611.50			1,708.30
	Construction	1,568.90			1,519.00			1,395.30
	Communications	713			651.2			655.3
	Rod Mill Products	316.6			273			256.5
	Total	$	6,421.20		$	6,059.50		$	5,808.20
	Geographic Information The following table presents net sales to unaffiliated customers by country of destination for the last three years and long-lived assets by country as of December 31:
		Net Sales								Long-lived Assets
		Year Ended								Year Ended
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011		Dec 31, 2013		Dec 31, 2012
	United States	$	1,919.80		$	1,859.50		$	1,712.20	$	331.7	$	337.9
	Canada	708			441.3			379.8		49.3		45.6
	France	469.4			494.9			506		72.6		78.3
	Brazil	421.3			477.6			420.4		105		121.3
	Spain	280.7			319			400.1		166		169.8
	Others	2,622.00			2,467.20			2,389.70		847.8		929.2
	Total	$	6,421.20		$	6,059.50		$	5,808.20	$	1,572.40	$	1,682.10

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations covering the storage, handling, emission and discharge of materials into the environment, including CERCLA, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act (including the 1990 amendments) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
	The Company’s subsidiaries in the United States have been identified as potentially responsible parties with respect to several sites designated for cleanup under CERCLA or similar state laws, which impose liability for cleanup of certain waste sites and for related natural resource damages without regard to fault or the legality of waste generation or disposal. Persons liable for such costs and damages generally include the site owner or operator and persons that disposed or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at those sites. Although CERCLA imposes joint and several liability on all potentially responsible parties, in application, the potentially responsible parties typically allocate the investigation and cleanup costs based upon, among other things, the volume of waste contributed by each potentially responsible party.
	Settlements can often be achieved through negotiations with the appropriate environmental agency or the other potentially responsible parties. Potentially responsible parties that contributed small amounts of waste (typically less than 1% of the waste) are often given the opportunity to settle as “de minimus” parties, resolving their liability for a particular site. The Company does not own or operate any of the waste sites with respect to which it has been named as a potentially responsible party by the government. Based on the Company’s review and other factors, it believes that costs to the Company relating to environmental clean-up at these sites will not have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had an accrued liability of approximately $3.1 million and 1.9 million, respectively, for various environmental-related liabilities to the extent costs are known or can be reasonably estimated as a liability. While it is difficult to estimate future environmental-related liabilities accurately, the Company does not currently anticipate any material adverse impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows as a result of compliance with federal, state, local or foreign environmental laws or regulations or cleanup costs of the sites discussed above.
	In addition, Company subsidiaries have been named as defendants in lawsuits alleging exposure to asbestos in products manufactured by the Company. As of December 31, 2013, General Cable was a defendant in approximately 29,133 cases brought in Federal District Courts throughout the United States. In calendar years 2013, 2012 and 2011, 133, 113, and 115 asbestos cases, respectively, were brought against the Company. In the last 20 years, General Cable has had no cases proceed to verdict. In many of the cases, General Cable was dismissed as a defendant before trial for lack of product identification. As of December 31, 2013, 21,933 asbestos cases have been dismissed. In calendar years 2013, 2012 and 2011, 65 cases, 66 cases and 61 cases, respectively, were dismissed. With regards to the approximately 29,133 remaining pending cases, General Cable is aggressively defending these cases based upon either lack of product identification as to General Cable manufactured asbestos-containing product and/or lack of exposure to asbestos dust from the use of General Cable product.
	For cases outside the Multidistrict Litigation (“MDL”) as of December 31, 2013, Plaintiffs have asserted monetary damages in 361 cases. In 219 of these cases, plaintiffs allege only damages in excess of some dollar amount (about $358 thousand per plaintiff); in these cases there are no claims for specific dollar amounts requested as to any defendant. In the 141 other cases pending in state and federal district courts (outside the MDL), plaintiffs seek approximately $438 million in damages from as many as 50 defendants. In one case, plaintiffs have asserted damages related to General Cable in the amount of $10 million. In addition, in relation to these 361 cases, there are claims of $319 million in punitive damages from all of the defendants. However, many of the plaintiffs in these cases allege non-malignant injuries. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, General Cable had accrued, on a gross basis, approximately $5.2 million and had recorded approximately $0.5 million of insurance recoveries for these lawsuits, at each year end. The net amount of $4.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, at each year end, represents the Company's best estimate in order to cover resolution of current and future asbestos-related claims.
	The components of the asbestos litigation reserve are current and future asbestos-related claims. The significant assumptions are: (1) the number of cases per state, (2) an estimate of the judgment per case per state, (3) an estimate of the percentage of cases per state that would make it to trial and (4) the estimated total liability percentage, excluding insurance recoveries, per case judgment. Management's estimates are based on the Company's historical experience with asbestos related claims. The Company's current history of asbestos claims does not provide sufficient and reasonable information to estimate a range of loss for potential future, unasserted asbestos claims because the number and the value of the alleged damages of such claims have not been consistent. As such, the Company does not believe a reasonably possible range can be estimated with respect to asbestos claims that may be filed in the future.
	Settlement payments are made, and the asbestos reserve is relieved, when the Company receives a fully executed settlement release from the Plaintiff's counsel. As of December 31, 2013, aggregate settlement costs were $8.7 million. In calendar years 2013, 2012 and 2011, the settlement costs totaled $0.3 million, $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, aggregate costs of administering and litigating the asbestos claims were $24.4 million. In calendar years 2013, 2012 and 2011, the costs of administering and litigating asbestos claims totaled $1.7 million, $1.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
	In January 1994, General Cable entered into a settlement agreement with certain principal primary insurers concerning liability for the costs of defense, judgments and settlements, if any, in all of the asbestos litigation described above. Subject to the terms and conditions of the settlement agreement, the insurers are responsible for a substantial portion of the costs and expenses incurred in the defense or resolution of this litigation. In recent years one of the insurers participating in the settlement that was responsible for a significant portion of the contribution under the settlement agreement entered into insurance liquidation proceedings. As a result, the contribution of the insurers has been reduced and the Company has had to bear a larger portion of the costs relating to these lawsuits. Moreover, certain of the other insurers may be financially unstable, and if one or more of these insurers enter into insurance liquidation proceedings, General Cable will be required to pay a larger portion of the costs incurred in connection with these cases.
	As part of the acquisition of Silec, SAFRAN SA agreed to indemnify the Company for the full amount of losses arising from, related to or attributable to practices, if any, that are similar to previous practices investigated by the French competition authority for alleged competition law violations related to medium and high voltage cable markets. The Company has asserted a claim under this indemnity against SAFRAN SA related to the European Commission's Statement of Objections to preserve the Company's rights should an unfavorable outcome occur.
	On July 5, 2011, the European Commission issued a Statement of Objections in relation to its ongoing competition investigation to a number of wire and cable manufacturers in the submarine and underground power cables business, including the Company's Spanish affiliate and its subsidiary, Silec. The allegations related to Silec are for the eleven months following its acquisition by the Company's Spanish affiliate, for which the Company has filed a claim for indemnification from Safran to preserve the Company's rights should an unfavorable outcome occur. A Statement of Objections is a procedural document in which the European Commission communicates its preliminary views in regard to possible infringement of European competition law and allows the companies identified in the Statement to present procedural and substantive arguments in response before a final decision is made. Any unfavorable decision by the European Commission is subject to appeal. The Statement of Objections issued to the Company alleges that two affiliates in Europe engaged in violations of competition law in the underground power cables businesses for a limited period of time. The Company has responded to the Statement of Objections on October 28, 2011 and intends to continue to vigorously defend itself against the allegations in the course of future proceedings with the European Commission on the Statement of Objections.
	The European Commission has significant discretion in assessing fines and the Statement of Objections has only provided limited guidance on how it could potentially assess fines on each of the named wire and cable companies alleged to have violated applicable competition laws. At this time, the Company believes that it has substantial defenses to the allegations contained in the Statement of Objections. However, if the Company's defenses are ultimately not successful, the Company could be assessed fines, which if imposed, could be substantial and may have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. While the Company continues to incur legal and associated costs in this matter, it is unable, at this time, to estimate the range of loss, if any, that may result as an outcome of these proceedings.
	During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company became aware of a potential claim involving multiple parties regarding the failure of a newly installed transformer in France, which was manufactured and installed by an independent third party, at a customer's hydroelectric plant. The Company supplied and installed cables and terminations to the transformer, which failed as it was being energized. The transformer was significantly damaged and the customer is alleging losses consisting of damage to the transformer and consequential damages due to its inability to operate the facility. The customer retained a court appointed technical expert to review the evidence to determine the root cause of the transformer failure and to allocate liability to the parties found responsible for such losses. The investigation is ongoing at this time and the Company believes it has substantial defenses to potential liability in regard to the transformer failure. At this time, the Company is unable to predict with any certainty an estimated range of damages or whether it will have liability, if any, attributable to the transformer failure.
	In March 2012, the Company received formal notice of a claim for damages arising from a transformer fire that occurred in December 2010 allegedly resulting in loss of equipment and some consequential damages at a metal processing facility in Iceland. The Company supplied and installed cables and terminations to the transformer, which was manufactured and installed by an independent third party, during 2006 and the first quarter of 2007. The Company's work was inspected and accepted by the customer in March 2007. In August 2012, the customer initiated arbitration proceedings before the ICC Tribunal with a request to arbitrate in Pennsylvania. In September 2012, the Company initiated litigation in Pennsylvania state court seeking a declaration that it is not liable for any damages associated with the alleged loss resulting from the transformer fire and seeking to enjoin the ICC arbitration proceedings. The customer then moved the case from state to federal district court in the Western District of Pennsylvania which determined on motion that the ICC Tribunal not the court should decide whether the claims were arbitrable in the first instance. A decision on arbitrability is pending before the ICC Tribunal. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to potential liability in regard to the transformer fire and claimed loss. At this time, the Company is unable to predict with any certainty an estimated range of damages or whether it will have any liability, if any, attributable to the transformer fire.
	One of the Company's Brazilian subsidiaries is involved in an administrative proceeding with a state tax authority regarding whether tax incentives granted to the Company by one Brazilian state are applicable to goods sold in another Brazilian state from September 2008 to December 31, 2009. The Company believes it correctly relied on the tax incentives granted and that it has substantial defenses to their disallowance by the Brazilian state claimant.  The principal amount claimed to be due during the contested period is approximately $8 million which does not include penalties and interest which could be substantial. In September 2012, the 1st Chamber of the Administrative Court found that the Company was not liable for any incentive tax payments claimed by the state treasury office. This decision was appealed by the Brazilian state and the Administrative Court determined in April 2013 that the subsidiary is liable for a part of the contested amount. The Company's subsidiary is seeking formal judicial review of this latest decision on the merits in the Civil Court and obtained an injunction in April 2013 restraining collection of the tax pending the review process in the Civil Court in further proceedings. The Brazilian state subsequently sought to overturn this injunction in a State Court of Appeal and the State Court rejected the application in May 2013.
	On December 19, 2012, the same Brazilian subsidiary received three notices of infraction from another Brazilian state related to alleged failure to pay taxes on the distribution of goods and services from one state for lack of appropriate documents and alleged failure to file electronic records with the state tax authorities in regard to inventories, goods receipts and invoices from acquisitions. The total amount of taxes allegedly due for the infractions is approximately $0.2 million and the total fines claimed amount to approximately $22.9 million. The Company believes it is exempt from the taxes claimed and has very substantial defenses to the claims. The Company has filed opposition to all the claims in January 2013 and will vigorously defend itself against such claims. At this time, the Company is unable to predict with any certainty an estimated range of damages or whether it will have any liability, if any, attributable to the taxes claimed.
	Two civil complaints have been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by named plaintiffs on behalf of purported classes of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s publicly traded securities, in one case which was filed on October 21, 2013 between May 3, 2011 and October 14, 2013, inclusive, and in the other case, which was filed on December 4, 2013, between May 2, 2011 and November 4, 2013, inclusive, against the Company, Gregory Kenny, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Robinson, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The complaints, which were transferred to the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Kentucky, allege claims under the anti-fraud and controlling person liability provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, alleging generally, among other assertions, that defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding revenue recognition and other Company financial matters and failed to state material facts, including, among other things, that there was a lack of adequate internal controls, thereby artificially inflating the prices at which our securities traded. The complaints seek damages in undefined amounts, as well as attorney’s fees, experts’ fees and other costs. In addition, a derivative complaint was filed on January 7, 2014 in the Campbell County, Kentucky Circuit Court against all but one member of our Board of Directors, including Mr. Kenny, a former director and against Mr. Robinson and two former ROW officials, one of whom is a former executive officer of the Company. The complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by knowingly failing to ensure that the Company implemented and maintained adequate internal controls over its accounting and financial reporting functions and by knowingly disseminating to stockholders materially false and misleading statements concerning the Company's financial results and internal controls. The complaint seeks damages in an unspecified amount, appropriate equitable relief to remedy the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, attorney's fees, experts’ fees and other costs. We believe the purported class action complaints, and the derivative complaint insofar as it relates to our directors and Mr. Robinson, are without merit and intend to vigorously contest the actions.
	The Company has a global insurance policy with coverage limits of $15 million which may potentially result in the recovery of certain losses including the theft in Brazil. As previously reported, on October 29, 2012, the Company announced that it had identified historical accounting errors relating to inventory. The Company believes that the Brazil inventory accounting issues are, to a significant extent, attributable to a complex theft scheme affecting work in process and finished goods inventory. The Company determined there is a potential recovery of losses associated with reported theft of inventory within the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary.  At this time the Company cannot estimate the possibility of recovery and the potential amounts involved.
	The Company is also involved in various routine legal proceedings and administrative actions. Such proceedings and actions should not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its result of operations, cash flows or financial position.
	In Europe and Mediterranean as it relates to the 2005 purchase of shares of Silec, the Company has pledged to the bank the following: Silec shares, segment assets such as land and buildings and certain General Cable entities in Spain and Portugal, which have been designated as guarantors.
	The General Cable Executive Severance Benefit Plan (“Severance Plan”), effective January 1, 2008, applicable to the Company’s executive officers includes a change in control provision such that the executives may receive payments or benefits in accordance with the Severance Plan to the extent that both a change of control and a triggering event, each as defined in the Severance Plan, occur. Unless there are circumstances of ineligibility, as defined, the Company must provide payments and benefits upon both a change in control and a triggering event.
	The Company has entered into various operating lease agreements related principally to certain administrative, manufacturing and distribution facilities and transportation equipment. Future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreements at December 31, 2013 were as follows: 2014 — $40.3 million, 2015 — $35.5 million, 2016 — $31.8 million, 2017 — $21.4 million, 2018 — $8.0 million and thereafter $13.9 million. Rental expense recorded in income from continuing operations was $47.0 million, $29.8 million and $20.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $150.7 million in letters of credit, $249.3 million in various performance bonds and $380.5 million in other guarantees. Other guarantees include bank guarantees and advance payment bonds. These letters of credit, performance bonds and guarantees are periodically renewed and are generally related to risk associated with self-insurance claims, defined benefit plan obligations, contract performance, quality and other various bank and financing guarantees. Advance payment bonds are often required by customers when the Company obtains advance payments to secure the production of cable for long term contracts. The advance payment bonds provide the customer protection on their deposit in the event that the Company does not perform under the contract.

Unconsolidated_Affiliated_Comp

Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies	'
	Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies
	Unconsolidated affiliated companies are those in which the Company generally owns less than 50 percent of the outstanding voting shares. The Company does not control these companies and accounts for its investments in them on the equity basis. The unconsolidated affiliated companies primarily manufacture or market wire and cable products in our ROW segment. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company has recorded on its consolidated balance sheets an investment in unconsolidated affiliated companies of $19.0 million and $18.9 million, respectively. The Company’s share of the income of these companies is reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) under “Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies.” In 2013, 2012 and 2011, equity in net earnings of affiliated companies was $1.7 million, $1.7 million, and $2.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s ownership percentage was as follows: PDTL Trading Company Ltd. 49%, Colada Continua Chilean, S.A. 41%, Minuet Realty Corp. 40%, Nostag GmBH & Co. KG 33%, Pakistan Cables Limited 24.6%, Keystone Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. 20% and Thai Copper Rod Company Ltd. 18%.

Fair_Value_Disclosure

Fair Value Disclosure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosure	'
	Fair Value Disclosure
	Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which provides a framework for measuring fair value. ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
	The Company determined the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values which are provided in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The Company carries marketable equity securities held in a rabbi trust as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan (as discussed in Note 13 - Total Equity) and derivative assets and liabilities at fair value.
	Marketable equity securities are recorded at fair value, which are based on quoted market prices. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities traded in the over-the-counter market are determined using quantitative models that require the use of multiple market inputs including interest rates, prices and indices to generate pricing and volatility factors, which are used to value the position. The predominance of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services. Estimation risk is greater for derivative asset and liability positions that are either option-based or have longer maturity dates where observable market inputs are less readily available or are unobservable, in which case interest rate, price or index scenarios are extrapolated in order to determine the fair value. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market liquidity, counterparty credit quality, Company’s own credit standing and other specific factors, where appropriate. Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		Fair Value Measurement
		December 31, 2013								December 31, 2012
	(in millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Assets:
	Derivative assets	$	—	$	7.2	$	—	$	7.2	$	—	$	7.1	$	—	$	7.1
	Equity securities	22.2		—		—		22.2		17.7		—		—		17.7
	Total Assets	$	22.2	$	7.2	$	—	$	29.4	$	17.7	$	7.1	$	—	$	24.8
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	9.3	$	—	$	9.3	$	—	$	10.1	$	—	$	10.1
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	9.3	$	—	$	9.3	$	—	$	10.1	$	—	$	10.1
	At December 31, 2013, there were no financial assets or financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). In the year ended, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $14.0 million for its Mexican business. To determine the fair value of these assets, the Company engaged a third-party to perform a current appraisal of the Mexican machinery and equipment and real property assets utilizing standard valuation approaches; the fair value was measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).  The non-financial assets measured at fair value which include the Mexico buildings and machinery and equipment, are fair valued at $12.7 million at December 31, 2013.

Quarterly_Operating_Results_Un

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	'
	Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)
	The interim financial information is unaudited. In the opinion of management, the interim financial information reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of quarterly financial information. Quarterly results have been influenced by seasonal factors inherent in General Cable’s businesses. The sum of the quarters’ earnings per share amounts may not add to full year earnings per share because each quarter is calculated independently, and the sum of the quarters’ other figures may not add to the full year because of rounding. The Company's fiscal quarters consist of 13-week periods ending on the Friday nearest to the end of the calendar months of March, June and September.
		First			Second		Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
	2013
	Net sales	$	1,543.70		$	1,659.10	$	1,557.10		$	1,661.30
	Gross profit	156.9			192.8		160.2			193.8
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	(45.8		)	8.2		5.7			13.8
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders — for diluted EPS computation	(45.8		)	8.3		5.8			13.9
	Earnings (loss) per common share — basic	$	(0.92	)	$	0.17	$	0.11		$	0.28
	Earnings (loss) per common share — assuming dilution	$	(0.92	)	$	0.16	$	0.11		$	0.27
		First			Second		Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
	2012
	Net sales	$	1,449.50		$	1,475.20	$	1,512.60		$	1,622.20
	Gross profit	149.1			173.7		165.4			136.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	24.9			17.7		(22.9		)	(15.7		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders — for diluted EPS computation	25			17.8		(22.8		)	(15.7		)
	Earnings (loss) per common share — basic	$	0.5		$	0.36	$	(0.46	)	$	(0.32	)
	Earnings (loss) per common share — assuming dilution	$	0.49		$	0.35	$	(0.46	)	$	(0.32	)

Supplemental_Guarantor_Condens

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Guarantor And Parent Company Condensed Financial Information	'
	Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information
	General Cable Corporation (“Parent Company”) and its U.S. 100% wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”) fully and unconditionally guarantee the $600.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due in 2022 and the $125.0 million of Senior Floating Rate Notes due in 2015 of the Parent Company on a joint and several basis. In December 2012, the Canadian Subsidiaries became Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries due to amendments of the Revolving Credit Facility; this effectively changed the Guarantor structure under the terms of the notes described above. The year ended December 31, 2011 Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information and Condensed Statements of Cash Flow Information have been recast to reflect the removal of the Canadian subsidiaries as guarantor subsidiaries. The Canadian subsidiaries are now reflected as non-guarantor subsidiaries. The following tables present financial information about the Parent Company, Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries in millions. Intercompany transactions are eliminated in the "Eliminations" column of the Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information tables.
	Condensed Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
	Net sales:
	Customers	$	—			$	2,233.00			$	4,188.20			$	—		$	6,421.20
	Intercompany	56				292				281.4				(629.4		)	—
		56				2,525.00				4,469.60				(629.4		)	6,421.20
	Cost of sales	—				2,244.50				4,046.40				(573.4		)	5,717.50
	Gross profit	56				280.5				423.2				(56.0		)	703.7
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	43.4				188.7				315.9				(56.0		)	492
	Operating income	12.6				91.8				107.3				—			211.7
	Other income (expense)	—				(6.2		)		(60.5		)		—			(66.7		)
	Interest income (expense):
	Interest expense	(86.9		)		(110.7		)		(48.1		)		120.8			(124.9		)
	Interest income	105.1				15.2				7.4				(120.8		)	6.9
		18.2				(95.5		)		(40.7		)		—			(118.0		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	30.8				(9.9		)		6.1				—			27
	Income tax (provision) benefit	(11.5		)		13.8				(41.1		)		—			(38.8		)
	Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	(37.1		)		(41.0		)		0.8				79			1.7
	Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	(17.8		)		(37.1		)		(34.2		)		79			(10.1		)
	Less: preferred stock dividends	0.3				—				—				—			0.3
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—				—				7.7				—			7.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	$	(18.1	)		$	(37.1	)		$	(41.9	)		$	79		$	(18.1	)
	Comprehensive income (loss):
	Net income (loss)	$	(17.8	)		$	(37.1	)		$	(34.2	)		$	79		$	(10.1	)
	Currency translation gain (loss)	(39.2		)		(39.2		)		(55.8		)		87.3			(46.9		)
	Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	31.8				31.8				12.3				(43.9		)	32
	Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	(0.1		)		(0.1		)		0.3				0.2			0.3
	Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(25.3		)		(44.6		)		(77.4		)		122.6			(24.7		)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—				—				0.6				—			0.6
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	$	(25.3	)		$	(44.6	)		$	(78.0	)		$	122.6		$	(25.3	)
	Condensed Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
	Net sales:
	Customers	$	—			$	2,015.80			$	4,043.70			$	—		$	6,059.50
	Intercompany	54.4				150.3				320.6				(525.3		)	—
		54.4				2,166.10				4,364.30				(525.3		)	6,059.50
	Cost of sales	—				1,903.60				4,001.90				(470.9		)	5,434.60
	Gross profit	54.4				262.5				362.4				(54.4		)	624.9
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	41.5				150.6				287.8				(54.4		)	425.5
	Operating income	12.9				111.9				74.6				—			199.4
	Other income (expense)	—				—				(2.9		)		—			(2.9		)
	Interest income (expense):
	Interest expense	(70.6		)		(96.1		)		(48.0		)		107.9			(106.8		)
	Interest income	91.6				15.5				7.3				(107.9		)	6.5
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(9.3		)		—				—				—			(9.3		)
		11.7				(80.6		)		(40.7		)		—			(109.6		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	24.6				31.3				31				—			86.9
	Income tax (provision) benefit	(10.9		)		(11.0		)		(56.7		)		—			(78.6		)
	Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	(9.4		)		(29.7		)		1.2				39.6			1.7
	Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	4.3				(9.4		)		(24.5		)		39.6			10
	Less: preferred stock dividends	0.3				—				—				—			0.3
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—				—				5.7				—			5.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	$	4			$	(9.4	)		$	(30.2	)		$	39.6		$	4
	Comprehensive income (loss):
	Net income (loss)	$	4.3			$	(9.4	)		$	(24.5	)		$	39.6		$	10
Currency translation gain (loss)	8.4				7.6				5.1				(11.2		)	9.9
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	(21.4		)		(21.4		)		(20.0		)		41.5			(21.3		)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	5.8				5.8				2.8				(8.4		)	6
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2.9		)		(17.4		)		(36.6		)		61.5			4.6
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—				—				7.5				—			7.5
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	$	(2.9	)		$	(17.4	)		$	(44.1	)		$	61.5		$	(2.9	)
Condensed Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
					Subsidiaries				Guarantor
									Subsidiaries
Net sales:
Customers	$	—			$	1,857.00			$	3,951.20			$	—		$	5,808.20
Intercompany	55.9				116.4				204.9				(377.2		)	—
	55.9				1,973.40				4,156.10				(377.2		)	5,808.20
Cost of sales	—				1,742.50				3,792.70				(321.3		)	5,213.90
Gross profit	55.9				230.9				363.4				(55.9		)	594.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses	44.6				130.7				260.3				(55.9		)	379.7
Operating income	11.3				100.2				103.1				—			214.6
Other income (expense)	(0.1		)		(0.2		)		(31.4		)		—			(31.7		)
Interest income (expense):
Interest expense	(63.0		)		(91.6		)		(48.9		)		104.3			(99.2		)
Interest income	88.6				15				8.4				(104.3		)	7.7
	25.6				(76.6		)		(40.5		)		—			(91.5		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	36.8				23.4				31.2				—			91.4
Income tax (provision) benefit	(15.8		)		2.6				(25.4		)		—			(38.6		)
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	33.8				7.8				2.6				(41.3		)	2.9
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	54.8				33.8				8.4				(41.3		)	55.7
Less: preferred stock dividends	0.3				—				—				—			0.3
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—				—				0.9				—			0.9
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	$	54.5			$	33.8			$	7.5			$	(41.3	)	$	54.5
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$	54.8			$	33.8			$	8.4			$	(41.3	)	$	55.7
Currency translation gain (loss)	(57.1		)		(56.6		)		(51.8		)		104.9			(60.6		)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	(15.6		)		(15.6		)		(3.0		)		16.2			(18.0		)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	(37.5		)		(37.5		)		(33.8		)		71.2			(37.6		)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(55.4		)		(75.9		)		(80.2		)		151			(60.5		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—				—				(5.1		)		—			(5.1		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	$	(55.4	)		$	(75.9	)		$	(75.1	)		$	151		$	(55.4	)
Condensed Balance Sheet Information
December 31, 2013
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
					Subsidiaries				Guarantor
									Subsidiaries
Assets
Current assets:
Cash	$	0.2			$	2.2			$	416.4			$	—		$	418.8
Receivables, net of allowances	—				258.5				913.2				—			1,171.70
Inventories	—				438				801.6				—			1,239.60
Deferred income taxes	—				23.3				26.9				—			50.2
Prepaid expenses and other	1.9				32.7				91.6				—			126.2
Total current assets	2.1				754.7				2,249.70				—			3,006.50
Property, plant and equipment, net	0.6				231.9				859.5				—			1,092.00
Deferred income taxes	—				—				15.8				—			15.8
Intercompany accounts	1,305.50				507.7				35.8				(1,849.0		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	1,050.40				1,332.30				—				(2,382.7		)	—
Goodwill	—				13.7				170.9				—			184.6
Intangible assets, net	—				15.5				167.4				—			182.9
Unconsolidated affiliated companies	—				8				11				—			19
Other non-current assets	13.7				33.8				30.6				—			78.1
Total assets	$	2,372.30			$	2,897.60			$	3,540.70			$	(4,231.7	)	$	4,578.90
Liabilities and Total Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—			$	118.5			$	752.1			$	—		$	870.6
Accrued liabilities	13.8				103.9				317.2				—			434.9
Current portion of long-term debt	—				—				250.3				—			250.3
Total current liabilities	13.8				222.4				1,319.60				—			1,555.80
Long-term debt	902				225				9.6				—			1,136.60
Deferred income taxes	175.2				(19.4		)		78				—			233.8
Intercompany accounts	—				1,339.70				509.3				(1,849.0		)	—
Other liabilities	1.1				79.5				175.3				—			255.9
Total liabilities	1,092.10				1,847.20				2,091.80				(1,849.0		)	3,182.10
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—				—				17				—			17
Total Company shareholders’ equity	1,280.20				1,050.40				1,332.30				(2,382.7		)	1,280.20
Noncontrolling interest	—				—				99.6				—			99.6
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,372.30			$	2,897.60			$	3,540.70			$	(4,231.7	)	$	4,578.90
Condensed Balance Sheet Information
December 31, 2012
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
					Subsidiaries				Guarantor
									Subsidiaries
Assets
Current assets:
Cash	$	65.3			$	44.2			$	512.8			$	—		$	622.3
Receivables, net of allowances	—				277.6				904.5				—			1,182.10
Inventories	—				460				813.6				—			1,273.60
Deferred income taxes	—				24.4				15.1				—			39.5
Prepaid expenses and other	2.3				20.9				109.8				—			133
Total current assets	67.6				827.1				2,355.80				—			3,250.50
Property, plant and equipment, net	0.4				238.2				955.3				—			1,193.90
Deferred income taxes	—				—				12.8				—			12.8
Intercompany accounts	1,566.70				491				40.2				(2,097.9		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	1,086.90				1,367.40				—				(2,454.3		)	—
Goodwill	—				15				172.6				—			187.6
Intangible assets, net	—				17.7				185.2				—			202.9
Unconsolidated affiliated companies	—				7.3				11.6				—			18.9
Other non-current assets	15.3				26.4				24.3				—			66
Total assets	$	2,736.90			$	2,990.10			$	3,757.80			$	(4,552.2	)	$	4,932.60
Liabilities and Total Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—			$	103.8			$	899.2			$	—		$	1,003.00
Accrued liabilities	12.1				109.1				374.9				—			496.1
Current portion of long-term debt	334.6				—				176.6				—			511.2
Total current liabilities	346.7				212.9				1,450.70				—			2,010.30
Long-term debt	900.5				—				38.4				—			938.9
Deferred income taxes	156.9				(18.2		)		85.2				—			223.9
Intercompany accounts	—				1,606.90				491				(2,097.9		)	—
Other liabilities	1.1				101.6				190				—			292.7
Total liabilities	1,405.20				1,903.20				2,255.30				(2,097.9		)	3,465.80
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—				—				18.6				—			18.6
Total Company shareholders’ equity	1,331.70				1,086.90				1,367.40				(2,454.3		)	1,331.70
Noncontrolling interest	—				—				116.5				—			116.5
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,736.90			$	2,990.10			$	3,757.80			$	(4,552.2	)	$	4,932.60
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows Information
Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
					Subsidiaries				Guarantor
									Subsidiaries
Net cash flows of operating activities	$	56			$	102.4			$	(120.2	)		$	—		$	38.2
Cash flows of investing activities:									—
Capital expenditures	(0.3		)		(29.1		)		(59.7		)		—			(89.1		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—				(2.3		)		(4.6		)		—			(6.9		)
Proceeds from properties sold	—				0.3				0.1				—			0.4
Other	—				(43.7		)		44.7				—			1
Net cash flows of investing activities	(0.3		)		(74.8		)		(19.5		)		—			(94.6		)
Cash flows of financing activities:
Preferred stock dividend paid	(27.0		)		—				—				—			(27.0		)
Intercompany accounts	280				(308.3		)		28.3				—			—
Proceeds from other debt	—				420				1,225.30				—			1,645.30
Repayments of other debt	—				(194.9		)		(1,162.7		)		—			(1,357.6		)
Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	(355.0		)		—				—				—			(355.0		)
Purchase of non-controlling interest	—				8.2				(12.2		)		—			(4.0		)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	—				—				(5.3		)		—			(5.3		)
Repurchase of common shares	(19.5		)		—				—				—			(19.5		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0.7				—				—				—			0.7
Net cash flows of financing activities	(120.8		)		(75.0		)		73.4				—			(122.4		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—				5.4				(30.1		)		—			(24.7		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(65.1		)		(42.0		)		(96.4		)		—			(203.5		)
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period	65.3				44.2				512.8				—			622.3
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	$	0.2			$	2.2			$	416.4			$	—		$	418.8
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows Information
Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
					Subsidiaries				Guarantor
									Subsidiaries
Net cash flows of operating activities	$	55.6			$	60.6			$	156.4			$	—		$	272.6
Cash flows of investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(0.2		)		(25.1		)		(83.3		)		—			(108.6		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—				(175.3		)		(111.2		)		—			(286.5		)
Return of investment intercompany dividends	—				90.8				(90.8		)		—			—
Proceeds from properties sold	—				0.1				4.4				—			4.5
Other	(29.2		)		(129.0		)		158.5				—			0.3
Net cash flows of investing activities	(29.4		)		(238.5		)		(122.4		)		—			(390.3		)
Cash flows of financing activities:
Preferred stock dividend paid	(0.3		)		—				—				—			(0.3		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(0.6		)		—				—				—			(0.6		)
Intercompany accounts	(342.1		)		241.5				100.6				—			—
Proceeds from other debt	—				692.5				781.1				—			1,473.60
Repayments of other debt	—				(727.3		)		(833.5		)		—			(1,560.8		)
Issuance of long term debt	600				—				—				—			600
Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	(217.7		)		—				—				—			(217.7		)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	—				—				(3.5		)		—			(3.5		)
Repurchase of common shares	(1.2		)		—				—				—			(1.2		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0.1				—				—				—			0.1
Net cash flows of financing activities	38.2				206.7				44.7				—			289.6
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0.8				6.9				8.6				—			16.3
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	65.2				35.7				87.3				—			188.2
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period	0.1				8.5				425.5				—			434.1
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	$	65.3			$	44.2			$	512.8			$	—		$	622.3
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows Information
Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
					Subsidiaries				Guarantor
									Subsidiaries
Net cash flows of operating activities	$	53.3			$	52.1			$	(7.6	)		$	—		$	97.8
Cash flows of investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(0.2		)		(20.6		)		(100.7		)		—			(121.5		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—				—				—				—			—
Proceeds from properties sold	—				—				6.5				—			6.5
Other	—				(58.1		)		58.4				—			0.3
Net cash flows of investing activities	(0.2		)		(78.7		)		(35.8		)		—			(114.7		)
Cash flows of financing activities:
Preferred stock dividend paid	(0.3		)		—				—				—			(0.3		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	1				—				—				—			1
Intercompany accounts	(21.0		)		3.6				17.4				—			—
Proceeds from other debt	—				940				951.4				—			1,891.40
Repayments of other debt	—				(905.2		)		(930.6		)		—			(1,835.8		)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	—				—				(3.8		)		—			(3.8		)
Repurchase of common shares	(62.5		)		—				—				—			(62.5		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1.5				—				—				—			1.5
Net cash flows of financing activities	(81.3		)		38.4				34.4				—			(8.5		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(0.7		)		(6.2		)		7.7				—			0.8
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(28.9		)		5.6				(1.3		)		—			(24.6		)
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period	29				2.9				426.8				—			458.7
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	$	0.1			$	8.5			$	425.5			$	—		$	434.1
Intercompany Activity
The Parent Company and its Guarantor Subsidiaries participate in a cash pooling program. As part of this program, cash balances are generally swept on a daily basis between the Guarantor Subsidiaries’ bank accounts and those of the Parent Company. There are a significant number of the Company’s subsidiaries that participate in this cash pooling arrangement and there are thousands of transactions per week that occur between the Parent Company and Guarantor Subsidiaries, all of which are accounted for through the intercompany accounts.
Parent Company transactions include interest, dividend, tax payments and intercompany sales transactions related to administrative costs incurred by the Parent Company, which are billed to Guarantor Subsidiaries on a cost-plus basis. These costs are reported in the Parent’s “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information for the respective period(s). All intercompany transactions are presumed to be settled in cash when they occur and are included in operating activities on the statement of cash flows. Non-operating cash flow changes have been classified as financing activities beginning in 2009.
A summary of cash and non-cash transactions of the Parent Company’s intercompany account is provided below:
		Year ended
(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
Beginning Balance		$	1,566.70			$	1,210.40			$	1,169.70
Non-cash transactions
Convertible notes and other debt		—				—				—
Deferred tax		7.1				5.9				8
Equity based awards		11.7				11.7				12.7
Foreign currency and other		—				(3.4		)		(1.0		)
Cash transactions		(280.0		)		342.1				21
Ending Balance		$	1,305.50			$	1,566.70			$	1,210.40
Dividends
There were no dividend payments to the Parent Company from the Guarantor Subsidiaries in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
Parent Company Long-Term Debt
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Parent Company was party to various long-term financing arrangements, as summarized below (in millions):
(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
5.75% Senior Notes due 2022		$	600			$	600
Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2029		429.5				429.5
Debt discount on Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2029		(261.5		)		(263.0		)
0.875% Convertible Notes due 2013		—				355
Debt discount on 0.875% Convertible Notes due 2013		—				(20.4		)
Senior Floating Rate Notes		125				125
Other		9				9
Total Parent Company debt		902				1,235.10
Less current maturities		—				334.6
Parent Company Long-term debt		$	902			$	900.5
(in millions)		2014				2015				2016				2017			2018
Debt maturities		$	—			$	125			$	—			$	—		$	—
Long-term debt related to the Parent Company is discussed in Note 9 - Long-Term Debt.
Commitments and Contingencies
For contingencies and guarantees related to the Parent Company, refer to Note 9 - Long-Term Debt and Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies.

Subsequent_Event_Subsequent_Ev

Subsequent Event Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	Subsequent Event
	On January 24, 2014, the Venezuelan government announced the establishment of a dual exchange rate system. A rate of 6.30 BsF per U.S. dollar will be applied to priority sectors, while other sectors of the economy will apply an exchange rate determined based on the results of the Venezuelan central bank’s system of weekly currency auctions.  The SICAD auction rate is a floating rate, and the potential exists for additional financial impacts if the auction rate changes significantly. The Company has assessed a number of factors, including the limited number of SICAD auctions held to date, the Company’s inability to access the SICAD exchange to date, the restrictions placed on eligible participants, the sectors that can apply the 6.30 BsF per U.S. dollar rate, the amount of U.S. Dollars available for purchase through the auction process, and the historical lack of official information about the resulting SICAD rate.  At this time, based upon its assessment, the Company does not believe it would be appropriate to use rates from the SICAD exchange system for financial reporting purposes at December 31, 2013.  While the Company continues to evaluate the impact of these actions by the Venezuelan government, depending on the exchange rate the Company is required to apply to its financial statements, it may incur a charge to earnings in 2014.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	(in millions)
		For the Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011
	Accounts Receivable Allowances:
	Beginning balance	$	38.3		$	21.2		$	25.1
	Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes	(1.9		)	0.3			(0.2		)
	Provision	9.4			21.9			4.4
	Write-offs	(6.6		)	(5.1		)	(8.1		)
	Ending balance	$	39.2		$	38.3		$	21.2
	Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance:
	Beginning balance	$	77.8		$	40		$	38.9
	Additions charged to tax expense	26			31.6			6.5
	Changes attributable to acquisitions and dispositions	—			0.4			—
	Changes impacting equity and other movements	(8.8		)	6.2			(4.1		)
	Reductions from utilization and reassessments	(1.2		)	(0.4		)	(1.3		)
	Ending balance	$	93.8		$	77.8		$	40

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of wholly-owned subsidiaries, majority-owned controlled subsidiaries and variable interest entities where the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company records its investment in each unconsolidated affiliated Company (generally 20-50 percent ownership in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence) at its respective equity in net assets. Other investments (less than 20 percent ownership) are recorded at cost. All intercompany transactions and balances among the consolidated companies have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	'
	The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are based on historical experience and information that is available to management about current events and actions the Company may take in the future. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include valuation allowances for accounts receivable and deferred income taxes; legal, environmental and asbestos liabilities; uncertain tax positions; assets and obligations related to pension and other postretirement benefits; business combination accounting and related purchase accounting valuations; goodwill and intangible valuations; financial instruments; self-insured workers’ compensation and health insurance reserves; and revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from these estimates.
	Historically, the Company has not experienced material changes in estimates as it relates to the revenue recognized under the percentage of completion method. However, in the fourth quarter of 2012 changes in estimates across all submarine turnkey projects in the European segment resulted in a reduction to gross profit of $27.5 million, with $20.8 million of the reduction associated with one certain submarine turnkey project at the Company's German submarine power cable manufacturing facility. Equipment failure at the German facility resulted in costs, for this particular project, related to cable damage, equipment repairs and ship rental of $13.3 million. Further revision of this project's profitability, due to changes in estimates, resulted in a reduction of margin by $7.5 million. There was no material impact to gross profit as a result of changes in estimates related to revenue recognition under the percentage of completion method in 2013 or 2011.
Revenue Recognition	'
	The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized when goods are shipped to the customer, title and risk of loss are transferred, pricing is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Most revenue transactions represent sales of inventory. A provision for payment discounts, product returns, warranty and customer rebates is estimated based upon historical experience and other relevant factors and is recorded within the same period that the revenue is recognized. A portion of the Company’s revenue consists of long-term product installation contract revenue that is recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method generally based on the cost-to-cost method if there are reasonably reliable estimates of total revenue, total cost, and the extent of progress toward completion; and there is an enforceable agreement between parties who can fulfill their contractual obligations. The Company reviews contract price and cost estimates periodically as the work progresses and reflects adjustments proportionate to the percentage-of-completion to income in the period when those estimates are revised. For these contracts, if a current estimate of total contract cost indicates a loss on a contract, the projected loss is recognized in full in the period when determined.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	The Company has various plans which provide for granting options and common stock to certain employees and independent directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The appropriate fair value model is used for valuing share-based payments and in determining the amortization method for the compensation cost for new awards, and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after January 1, 2006. Information on General Cable’s equity compensation plans and additional information on compensation costs from stock-based compensation are described in Notes 13 and 14.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings per common share-basic is determined by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares-basic outstanding. Earnings per common share-assuming dilution is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares-assuming dilution outstanding which gives effect (when dilutive) to stock options, other stock-based awards, the assumed conversion of the Subordinated Convertible Notes, if applicable, and other potentially dilutive securities. Refer to discussion in Note 16 - Earnings Per Common Share.
Foreign Currency Transaction	'
	For operations outside the United States that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at spot exchange rates at the end of the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in total equity. The effects of changes in exchange rates between the designated functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are recorded as foreign currency transaction gains (losses) within other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Cash Equivalents	'
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Accounts Receivable	'
	The accounts receivable balance is recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. At the time of the sale and at each quarter, the Company evaluates the accounts receivable balance to determine a best estimate for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. The Company reviews general historical trends in the account, customer overdue balances, high risk accounts that have been specifically identified based on historical and current customer patterns, contractual obligations, and current economic conditions to determine an estimate for these allowances.
Inventories	'
	Approximately 85% of the Company's inventories are valued using the average cost method and all remaining inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value.
	The Company has consignment inventory at certain of its customer locations for purchase and use by the customer or other parties. General Cable retains title to the inventory and records no sale until it is ultimately sold either to the customer storing the inventory or to another party. In general, the value and quantity of the consignment inventory is verified by General Cable through either cycle counting or annual physical inventory counting procedures.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Costs assigned to property, plant and equipment relating to acquisitions are based on estimated fair values at the acquired date. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: new buildings, from 15 to 50 years; and machinery, equipment and office furnishings, from 2 to 20 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease or over the useful life if shorter. The Company’s manufacturing facilities perform major maintenance activities during planned shutdown periods which traditionally occur in July and December, and costs related to major maintenance activities are expensed as incurred.
	The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying amount of long-lived assets (including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with determinable lives) whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates events or changes in circumstances based mostly on actual historical operating results, but business plans, forecasts, general and industry trends and anticipated cash flows are also considered. Impairment is assessed when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from an asset are less than its carrying amount. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value and are recognized in earnings. The Company also continually evaluates the estimated useful lives of all long-lived assets and, when warranted, revises such estimates based on current events.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill. The impairment test for the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets involves comparing the fair value of the intangibles to their carrying values. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset with an indefinite life exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in the amount equal to the excess.
	As noted, our annual impairment test for both goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles assets indicated there was no impairment. However, future changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in our annual impairment testing, including discount and tax rates, future cash flow projections, or the long term growth rate could result in significantly different estimates of fair value; therefore, such changes could materially affect the financial statements in any given year.
	Intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life, principally customer relationships, are amortized over their useful lives based on the expected economic benefit consistent with the historical customer attrition rates.
Restructuring Accruals	'
	Over the last several years, the Company has incurred expenses as a result of cost reduction efforts. The expenses primarily relate to employee termination benefits that are payable under local statutory requirements. In 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred $6.7 million and $7.5 million in charges related to actions taken at various operations in Europe to permanently reduce manufacturing personnel as well as severance expenses resulting from the recent North America acquisitions and the closure of a North American manufacturing facility. The liability was recorded in accordance with ASC 420 - Exit Costs; when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability is reasonably estimable. Management estimates must be applied to determine when it is appropriate to record restructuring accruals as well as assumptions in calculating the restructuring accruals as employees could choose to voluntarily leave the Company forfeiting termination benefits. To the extent these assumptions and estimates change the Company could have future subsequent adjustments to the accrual balance.
Warranty Accruals	'
	The Company provides service and product warranty policies on certain of its products. In accordance with ASC 450 - Contingencies, the Company accrues liabilities under service and warranty policies based upon specific claims and a review of historical warranty and service claim experience. Management estimates must be applied in determining the probability of specific claims as well as determining if the historical claims data will be indicative of future warranty claims. Adjustments are made to the accruals as claim data and historical experience change. In addition, the Company incurs discretionary costs to service its products in connection with product performance issues.
Long-Term Debt	'
	In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets, or partially in cash, upon conversion, are separately accounted for as long-term debt and equity components (or conversion feature). The accounting applies to the Subordinated Convertible Notes. The debt component represents the Company’s contractual obligation to pay principal and interest and the equity component represents the Company’s option to convert the debt security into equity of the Company or the equivalent amount of cash. Upon issuance the Company allocated the debt component on the basis of the estimated fair value of an identical debt instrument that it would issue excluding the convertible option and the remaining proceeds are allocated to the equity component. The bifurcation of the debt and equity components resulted in a debt discount for each of the aforementioned notes. In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, the Company uses the interest method to amortize the debt discount to interest expense over the amortization period which is the expected life of the debt.
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	It is the company’s policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate, commodity and foreign currency risk. ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging, as amended, requires that all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. At December 31, 2013 there were no derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges.
Forward Pricing Agreements for Purchases of Copper and Aluminum	'
	In the normal course of business, the Company enters into forward pricing agreements for purchases of copper and aluminum to match certain sales transactions. The Company accounts for these forward pricing arrangements under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption because these arrangements are for purchases of copper and aluminum that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used by the Company over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. For these arrangements, it is probable at the inception and throughout the life of the arrangements that the arrangements will not settle net and will result in physical delivery of the inventory. The Company expects to recover the cost of copper and aluminum under these agreements as a result of firm sales price commitments with customers. Refer to Note 10 - Financial Instruments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The Company carries derivative assets, derivative liabilities and marketable equity securities held in rabbi trust as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan at fair value. The Company determines the fair market value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement.
Pension Plans	'
	The Company provides retirement benefits through contributory and non-contributory qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans covering eligible domestic and international employees as well as through defined contribution plans and other postretirement benefits. Benefits under General Cable’s qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan generally are based on years of service multiplied by a specific fixed dollar amount, and benefits under the Company’s qualified non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans generally are based on years of service and a variety of other factors that can include a specific fixed dollar amount or a percentage of either current salary or average salary over a specific period of time. The amounts funded for any plan year for the qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan are neither less than the minimum required under federal law nor more than the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. General Cable’s non-qualified unfunded U.S. defined benefit pension plans include a plan that provides defined benefits to select senior management employees beyond those benefits provided by other programs. The Company’s non-qualified unfunded non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans include plans that provide retirement indemnities to employees within the Company’s Europe and Mediterranean and ROW businesses. Pension obligations for the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans are provided by provisions in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are based on local practices and regulations of the respective countries. General Cable makes cash contributions for the costs of the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans as the benefits are paid.
Self-insurance	'
	The Company is self-insured for certain employee medical benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, environmental and asbestos-related issues. The Company purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to any significant level of workers’ compensation claims in 2013 and 2012. Certain insurers are also partly responsible for coverage on many of the asbestos-related issues (refer to Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies for information relating to the release of one of these insurers during 2006). Self-insured losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims incurred using the Company’s historical claims experience.
Concentration of Risk Policy	'
	General Cable sells a broad range of products globally. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers, including members of buying groups, composing General Cable’s customer base. General Cable customers generally receive a 30 to 60 day payment period on purchases from the Company, with certain exceptions in European, Mediterranean and Asian markets. Certain automotive aftermarket customers of the Company receive payment terms ranging from 45 days to 360 days, which is common in this particular market. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition are performed, and generally, no collateral is required. General Cable maintains reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have not exceeded management’s estimates. Certain subsidiaries also maintain credit insurance for certain customer balances. Bad debt expense associated with uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $9.4 million, $21.9 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
	In North America, the Company has centralized the purchasing of its copper, aluminum and other significant raw materials to capitalize on economies of scale and to facilitate the negotiation of favorable purchase terms from suppliers. In 2013, the Company’s largest supplier of copper rod accounted for approximately 95% of its North American copper purchases while the largest supplier of aluminum rod accounted for approximately 50% of its North American aluminum purchases. The Company’s European operations purchase copper and aluminum rod from many suppliers or brokers with each generally providing a small percentage of the total copper and aluminum rod purchased. The Company’s ROW segment internally produces the majority of its copper and aluminum rod production needs and obtains cathode and ingots from various suppliers with each supplier generally providing a small percentage of the total copper and aluminum rod purchased for operations in this segment.
Income Taxes	'
	The Company is subject to income tax in numerous United States federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are inherent in determining the Company's consolidated income tax expense, current tax payable, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for uncertain tax positions. Future events such as changes in business conditions, tax legislation, tax audit resolutions, or foreign earnings repatriation plans could materially impact these estimates and the Company's tax position.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. At December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded a net deferred tax liability of $168.8 million ($49.3 million net current deferred tax asset less $218.1 million net long term deferred tax liability). The valuation of deferred tax assets is dependent on, among other things, the ability of the Company to generate a sufficient level of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, the Company has considered both positive and negative evidence, such as historical and forecasted results of operations, including prior losses, and has considered the implementation of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $93.8 million to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount judged more likely than not to be realized. The Company has and will continue to review on a quarterly basis its assumptions and tax planning strategies, and, if the amount of the estimated realizable deferred tax assets is less than the amount currently on the balance sheet, the Company would reduce its deferred tax asset, recognizing a non-cash charge against reported earnings. Likewise, if the Company determines that a valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset is no longer appropriate, the adjustment to the valuation allowance would reduce income tax expense.
	The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions with complex tax policies and regulations. In certain jurisdictions, the Company has taken tax positions that it believes are supportable, but which could be subject to challenge by the tax authorities. These tax positions are evaluated and liabilities for uncertain tax positions are established in accordance with the ASC 740 - Income Taxes tax accounting guidance. The status of uncertain tax positions is reviewed in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as tax audits, rulings, and case law, and the related liabilities are adjusted accordingly.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line item in the consolidated balance sheet.
Shipping and Handling Costs	'
	All shipping and handling amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction are classified as revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with storage and handling of finished goods and storage and handling of shipments to customers are included in cost of sales and totaled $163.5 million, $150.4 million and $137.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Advertising Expense	'
	Advertising expense consists of expenses relating to promoting the Company’s products, including trade shows, catalogs, and e-commerce promotions, and is charged to expense when incurred. Advertising expense was $13.3 million, $10.7 million and $11.2 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	The following table presents selected financial information, in millions, except per share data, from the actual condensed consolidated results of operations for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013, including the operations of the aforementioned acquisitions, and December 31, 2012, respectively, and presents selected financial information from unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, as though the acquisitions had been completed as of the beginning of that period. This pro forma information is intended to provide information regarding how the Company might have looked if the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2011. The pro forma adjustments represent management's best estimates based on information available at the time the pro forma information was prepared and may differ from the adjustments that may actually have been required. Accordingly, the pro forma financial information should not be relied upon as being indicative of the historical results that would have been realized had the acquisition occurred as of the dates indicated or that may be achieved in the future.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2012		2011		2011
		(as reported)		(unaudited pro forma)		(as reported)		(unaudited pro forma)
	Net sales	$	6,059.50	$	6,804.30	$	5,808.20	$	6,776.80
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	$	4	$	22.7	$	54.5	$	54
	Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution	$	0.08	$	0.44	$	1.02	$	1.01
Alcan Cable [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	'
	The following table represents the purchase price allocation based on the estimated fair values, or other measurements as applicable, of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, in millions:
		September 4, 2012
	Cash	$	—
	Accounts receivable (1). (2)	74.7
	Inventories(2)	70.7
	Property, plant and equipment	72.7
	Intangible assets	5.9
	Goodwill(2)	3.5
	Other current and noncurrent assets	2.2
	Total assets	$	229.7
	Current liabilities(2)	$	57.1
	Other liabilities	1.3
	Total liabilities	$	58.4
	(1) Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
	(2) Final purchase price accounting includes immaterial adjustments to Goodwill and other working capital accounts of approximately $4.3 million.
ProCables S.A. [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	'
	The following table represents the purchase price allocation based on the estimated fair values, or other measurements as applicable, of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, in millions:
		October 1, 2012
	Cash	$	28.8
	Accounts receivable (1)	28.2
	Inventories	19.3
	Property, plant and equipment	27
	Intangible assets	10.6
	Goodwill	3.7
	Other current and noncurrent assets	4.4
	Total assets	$	122
	Current liabilities	$	67.8
	Other liabilities	8.5
	Total liabilities	$	76.3
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$	18.3
	(1) Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
Prestolite [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	'
	The following table represents the purchase price allocation based on the estimated fair values, or other measurements as applicable, of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, in millions:
		November 2, 2012
	Cash	$	0.7
	Accounts receivable (1)	22.7
	Inventories	17.3
	Property, plant and equipment	24.6
	Intangible assets	11.7
	Goodwill	7.8
	Other current and noncurrent assets	2
	Total assets	$	86.8
	Current liabilities	$	20.1
	Other liabilities	7.2
	Total liabilities	$	27.3
	(1) Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
Alcan Cable China [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	'
	The following table represents the purchase price allocation based on the estimated fair values, or other measurements as applicable, of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, in millions:
		December 3, 2012
	Cash	$	8.4
	Accounts receivable (1)	8.5
	Inventories	20.5
	Property, plant and equipment(2)	58.8
	Intangible assets	—
	Goodwill	—
	Other current and noncurrent assets	0.2
	Total assets	$	96.4
	Current liabilities	$	18.6
	Other liabilities(2)	20.1
	Total liabilities	$	38.7
	(1) Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
	(2) Final purchase price accounting includes immaterial adjustments to Property, plant, and equipment and Other liabilities of approximately $20 million.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Inventories Stated At The Lower Of Cost Or Market Value	'
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013		Dec 31, 2012
	Raw materials	$	319.1	$	332
	Work in process	190.1		211.8
	Finished goods	730.4		729.8
	Total	$	1,239.60	$	1,273.60

Property_Plant_And_Equipment_T

Property, Plant And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Land	$	120.8		$	124.8
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	372.6			375.3
	Machinery, equipment and office furnishings	1,290.60			1,257.10
	Construction in progress	46.3			77.5
	Total — gross book value	1,830.30			1,834.70
	Less accumulated depreciation	(738.3		)	(640.8		)
	Total — net book value	$	1,092.00		$	1,193.90

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Goodwill And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	'
	The amounts of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were as follows in millions of dollars:
		Goodwill												Indefinite-lived assets — Trade names
		North			Europe and			ROW			Total			North		Europe and		ROW			Total
		America			Mediterranean									America		Mediterranean
	Balance, December 31, 2011	$	2.3		$	2.3		$	166.8		$	171.4		$	2.4	$	0.5	$	132.2		$	135.1
	Acquisitions	11.6			—			3.7			15.3			—		—		—			—
	Currency translation and other adjustments	(0.3		)	(0.1		)	1.3			0.9			—		—		0.7			0.7
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	13.6		$	2.2		$	171.8		$	187.6		$	2.4	$	0.5	$	132.9		$	135.8
	Acquisitions	—			—			—			—			—		—		—			—
	Currency translation and other adjustments	4			(0.2		)	(6.8		)	(3.0		)	—		—		(5.0		)	(5.0		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	17.6		$	2		$	165		$	184.6		$	2.4	$	0.5	$	127.9		$	130.8
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets, Customer Relationships	'
	The amounts of other intangible assets were as follows in millions of dollars:
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Amortized intangible assets	$	139.5		$	140.1
	Accumulated amortization	(85.8		)	(73.3		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1.6		)	0.3
	Total Amortized intangible assets	$	52.1		$	67.1

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in millions):
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Payroll related accruals	$	83.8		$	83.5
	Customers deposits and prepayments	93.2			113.8
	Taxes other than income	36.5			45.2
	Customer rebates	50.6			59.2
	Insurance claims and related expenses	21.1			20.1
	Current and deferred income tax liabilities	21.9			21.6
	Derivative liability	7			8.8
	Other accrued liabilities	120.8			143.9
	Total	$	434.9		$	496.1
Warranty Accrual	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of the service and product warranty accrual is below (in millions):
	Balance, December 31, 2011	$	11.5
	Net provisions for warranties issued	5.8
	Payments related to the warranty accrual	(4.7		)
	Foreign currency translation	0.2
	Balance, December 31, 2012	12.8
	Net provisions for warranties issued	5.6
	Net benefits for warranties existing at the beginning of the year	(3.9		)
	Payments related to the warranty accrual	(0.9		)
	Foreign currency translation	0.5
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	14.1

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Long-Term-Debt	'
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	North America
	5.75% Senior Notes due 2022		$	600			$	600
	Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2029		429.5				429.5
	Debt discount on Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2029		(261.5		)		(263.0		)
	0.875% Convertible Notes due 2013		—				355
	Debt discount on 0.875% Convertible Notes due 2013		—				(20.4		)
	Senior Floating Rate Notes		125				125
	Revolving Credit Facility		225				—
	Other		9				9
	Europe and Mediterranean
	Spanish Term Loan		—				14.6
	Credit facilities		17				14.7
	Uncommitted accounts receivable facilities		—				4
	Other		10.3				11.7
	ROW
	Credit facilities		232.6				170
	Total debt		1,386.90				1,450.10
	Less current maturities		250.3				511.2
	Long-term debt		$	1,136.60			$	938.9
Schedule of Debt Information	'
	The Company’s convertible debt instruments and terms are summarized in the tables below. For a discussion of the effects on earnings per share, refer to Note 16 - Earnings Per Common Share.
			Subordinated Notes due in 2029 (1)
	Conversion Rights — The notes are convertible at the option of the holder into the Company’s common stock upon the occurrence of certain events, including		(i) during any calendar quarter commencing after March 31, 2010, in which the closing price of the Company’s common stock is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding calendar quarter (establishing a contingent conversion price of $47.78);
			(ii) during any five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the notes for each day of that period is less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock and the applicable conversion rate;
			(iii) certain distributions to holders of the Company’s common stock are made or upon specified corporate transactions including a consolidation or merger;
			(iv) a fundamental change as defined; and
			(v) at any time during the period beginning on August 31, 2029 and ending on the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the stated maturity date.
			(vi) On or after November 15, 2019, the Company may redeem all or a part of the notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus interest, if the price of our common stock has been at least 150% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading day period immediately preceding the date on which notice is given
	Initial conversion rate		$36.75 per share — approximating 27.2109 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes
	Upon conversion		A holder will receive, in lieu of common stock, an amount of cash equal to the lesser of (i) the principal amount of the notes, or (ii) the conversion value, determined in the manner set forth in the indenture governing the notes, of a number of shares equal to the conversion rate.
			If the conversion value exceeds the principal amount of the notes on the conversion date, the Company will also deliver, at the Company’s election, cash or common stock or a combination of cash and common stock with respect to the conversion value upon conversion.
			If conversion occurs in connection with a “fundamental change” as defined in the notes indenture, the Company may be required to repurchase the notes for cash at a price equal to the principal amount plus accrued but unpaid interest.
			If conversion occurs in connection with certain changes in control, the Company may be required to deliver additional shares of the Company’s common stock (a “make whole” premium) by increasing the conversion rate with respect to such notes.
	Share issuable upon conversion		The Company may issue additional share up to 11,686,075 under almost all conditions and up to 14,315,419 under the “make-whole” premium
	Guarantee		None
	-1	In the event of a “fundamental change” or exceeding the aforementioned average pricing thresholds, the Company would be required to classify the amount outstanding as a current liability.
5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-Term-Debt	'
	The Company's 5.75% Senior Notes are summarized in the table below:
		5.75% Senior Notes
	(in millions)	December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Face Value	$	600			$	600
	Fair Value (Level 2)	588				619.5
	Stated Interest Rate	5.75		%		5.75		%
	Interest Payment	Semi-Annual: Apr 1 & Oct 1
	Maturity Date	Oct-22
	Guarantee	Jointly and severally guaranteed by the Company's wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries
			5.75% Senior Notes
		Beginning Date	Percentage
	Call Option (1)	1-Oct-17	102.875	%
		1-Oct-18	101.917	%
		1-Oct-19	100.958	%
		October 1, 2020 and thereafter	100	%
	-1	The Company may, at its option, redeem the 5.75% Senior Notes on or after the stated beginning dates at percentages noted above (plus accrued and unpaid interest). Additionally, the Company, may on or prior to October 1, 2015 redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes issued with the cash proceeds from one or more equity offerings, at a redemption price in cash equal to 105.75% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest so long as (i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.75% Senior Notes issued remains outstanding immediately after giving effect to any such redemption; and (ii) notice of any such redemption is given within 60 days after the date of the closing of any such equity offering. In addition, at any time prior to October 1, 2017, the Company may redeem some or all of the 5.75% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus a make whole premium.
Convertible Debt [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-Term-Debt	'
	The Company’s convertible debt instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Subordinated Notes Due in 2029								0.875% Convertible
											Notes
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Face value		$	429.5			$	429.5			$	—		$	355
	Debt discount		(261.5		)		(263.0		)		—			(20.4		)
	Book value		168				166.5				—			334.6
	Fair value (Level 1)		462.8				464.1				—			349.7
	Maturity date		Nov 2029								Nov 2013
	Stated annual interest rate		4.50% until Nov 2019								0.875% until Nov 2013
			2.25% until Nov 2029
	Interest payments		Semi-annually:								Semi-annually:
			May 15 & Nov 15								May 15 & Nov 15
7.125% Senior Notes and Senior Floating Rate Notes [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-Term-Debt	'
				Senior Floating Rate Notes
	(in millions)			Dec 31, 2013					Dec 31, 2012
	Face value			$	125				$	125
	Fair value (Level 1)			124.1					122.7
	Interest rate			2.6		%			2.7		%
	Interest payment			3-month LIBOR rate plus 2.375%
				Quarterly: Jan 1, Apr 1, Jul 1 & Oct 1
	Maturity date			Apr 2015
	Guarantee		Jointly and severally guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries
	Call Option (1)		Beginning Date			Percentage			Beginning Date			Percentage
			April 1, 2012		—	103.563	%		April 1, 2009		—	102	%
			April 1, 2013		—	102.375	%		April 1, 2010		—	101	%
			April 1, 2014		—	101.188	%		April 1, 2011		—	100	%
			April 1, 2015		—	100	%
	-1	The Company may, at its option, redeem the Senior Floating Rate Notes on or after the following dates and percentages (plus accrued and unpaid interest due)
Spanish Term Loan [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-Term-Debt	'
	The table below provides a summary of the Company’s Spanish Term Loans and corresponding fixed interest rate swaps. In 2013, the Company repaid the outstanding obligations of the Spanish Term Loans.
			Spanish Term Loans
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	Outstanding borrowings		$	—			$	14.6
	Fair Value (Level 2)		—				14.8
	Interest rate — weighted average		—		%		3.7		%
Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'
Schedule of Credit Facilities	'
	The Company's Revolving Credit Facility as of the respective dates is summarized in the table below:
		Revolving Credit Facility
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	Outstanding borrowings	$	225			$	—
	Total credit under facility	1,000.00				700
	Undrawn availability(1)	298.4				515.3
	Interest rate	2		%		1.5		%
	Outstanding letters of credit	$	112.7			$	18.3
	Original issuance	Jul-11				Jul-11
	Maturity date	Sep-18				Jul-17
	(1) Total undrawn availability for the U.S. borrower, the Canadian borrower and the European borrowers at December 31, 2013 is $102.1 million, $53.1 million and $143.2 million, respectively. Total undrawn availability for the U.S. borrower, and the Canadian borrower at December 31, 2012 was $471.0 million and $44.3 million , respectively.
Europe And Mediterranean Credit Facilities [Member]	'
Schedule of Credit Facilities	'
	The Company’s Europe and Mediterranean credit facilities are summarized in the table below:
			Europe and Mediterranean Credit Facilities
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	Outstanding borrowings		$	17			$	14.7
	Undrawn availability		48.8				82.5
	Interest rate — weighted average		6.7		%		6.4		%
	Maturity date		Various; all due within 1 year
Europe And Mediterranean Uncommitted Accounts Receivable Facilities [Member]	'
Schedule of Credit Facilities	'
	The Company’s Europe and Mediterranean uncommitted accounts receivable facilities are summarized in the table below:
			Uncommitted Accounts Receivable Facilities
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	Outstanding borrowings		$	—			$	4
	Undrawn availability		—				42.8
	Interest rate — weighted average		—		%		2.1		%
Rest Of World Credit Facilities [Member]	'
Schedule of Credit Facilities	'
	The Company’s ROW credit facilities are summarized in the table below:
			ROW Credit Facilities
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	Outstanding borrowings		$	232.6			$	170
	Undrawn availability		302.2				336.9
	Interest rate — weighted average		4.6		%		5.5		%
	Maturity date		Various; $230.8 million due within one year

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract]	'
Notional Amounts And Fair Values Of Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges And Derivatives Not Designated As Cash Flow Hedges	'
	The notional amounts and fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are shown below (in millions).
		December 31, 2013												December 31, 2012
		Notional				Fair Value								Notional		Fair Value
	(in millions)	Amount				Asset (1)				Liability (2)				Amount		Asset (1)		Liability (2)
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	15.3	$	—	$	0.2
	Commodity futures	—				—				—				22.8		0.2		1.1
	Foreign currency exchange	—				—				—				60.7		0.4		0.6
						$	—			$	—					$	0.6	$	1.9
	(in millions)
	Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges:
	Commodity futures	$	173.7			$	1.2			$	7.6			$	206	$	3.3	$	4.9
	Foreign currency exchange	223.2				$	6			1.7				253.7		3.2		3.3
						$	7.2			$	9.3					$	6.5	$	8.2
	-1	Balance recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other” and “Other non-current assets”
	-2	Balance recorded in “Accrued liabilities” and “Other liabilities”
Gain And Loss On The Derivative Representing Either Hedge Ineffectiveness Or Hedge Components Excluded From The Assessment Of Effectiveness	'
			Year ended December 31, 2013
			Effective portion recognized in				Reclassified from				Ineffective portion and amount excluded from
			Accumulated OCI				Accumulated OCI				effectiveness testing
	(in millions)		Gain / (Loss)				Gain / (Loss)				Gain / (Loss)1				Location
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps		$	0.1			$	(0.1	)		$	—			Interest Expense
	Commodity futures		(1.3		)		(1.9		)		—				Cost of Sales
	Total		$	(1.2	)		$	(2.0	)		$	—
			Year ended December 31, 2012
			Effective portion recognized in				Reclassified from				Ineffective portion and amount excluded from
			Accumulated OCI				Accumulated OCI				effectiveness testing
	(in millions)		Gain / (Loss)				Gain / (Loss)				Gain / (Loss) (1)				Location
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps		$	0.3			$	—			$	—			Interest Expense
	Commodity futures		4.8				(3.3		)		(0.3		)		Cost of Sales
	Foreign currency exchange		(0.2		)		(1.1		)		—				Other income /(expense)
	Total		$	4.9			$	(4.4	)		$	(0.3	)
	-1	The ineffective portion and the amount excluded from effectiveness testing for all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recognized in other income and expense.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	'
	For financial reporting purposes, income before income taxes includes the following components (in millions):
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	United States	$	2			$	38.4			$	51.2
	Foreign	25				48.5				40.2
	Total	$	27			$	86.9			$	91.4
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following (in millions):
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	(11.5	)		$	12			$	(8.6	)
	State	(0.2		)		3.4				(0.4		)
	Foreign	51.9				52.6				40.2
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	9				5.7				19.3
	State	(0.6		)		(0.6		)		1.7
	Foreign	(9.8		)		5.5				(13.6		)
	Total	$	38.8			$	78.6			$	38.6
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	The reconciliation of reported income tax expense (benefit) to the amount of income tax expense that would result from applying domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income is as follows (in millions):
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Income tax expense (benefit) at Federal statutory tax rate	$	9.4			$	30.4			$	32
	Foreign tax rate differential	(5.1		)		(0.2		)		0.1
	Foreign withholding tax and surcharges	7.3				4.7				3.4
	Change in valuation allowance	24.8				31.2				5.3
	Change in uncertain tax positions	9.2				11.7				(4.8		)
	Nondeductible / nontaxable items	(6.8		)		(0.3		)		1.9
	Other (net)	—				1.1				0.7
	Total	$	38.8			$	78.6			$	38.6
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	98.3			$	78.6
	Pension and retiree benefits accruals	33				46.4
	Inventory	12.8				20
	Depreciation and fixed assets	12				7.7
	Tax credit carryforwards	9.3				6.5
	Other liabilities	67.7				49.8
	Valuation allowance	(93.8		)		(77.8		)
	Total deferred tax assets	139.3				131.2
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Convertible debt discount	165.7				147.7
	Inventory	1.2				1.5
	Depreciation and fixed assets	87.4				89.1
	Intangibles	42.8				58.8
	Other	11				6.3
	Total deferred tax liabilities	308.1				303.4
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(168.8	)		$	(172.2	)
Summary of Income Tax Examinations	'
	The Company has recognized deferred tax assets of approximately $14.7 million for tax loss carryforwards in various taxing jurisdictions as follows (in millions):
			Tax Loss
	Jurisdiction		Carryforward				Expiration
	United States		$	16			2033
	New Zealand		$	10.3			Indefinite
	Spain		8.1				2026 - 2028
	Others		11.4				Various
	Total		$	45.8
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	'
	The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the year:
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Unrecognized Tax Benefit — Beginning balance		$	64.2			$	58.8			$	66.1
	Gross Increases — Tax Positions in Prior Period		0.8				3.4				2.1
	Gross Decreases — Tax Positions in Prior Period		(0.9		)		(4.2		)		(4.9		)
	Gross Increases — Tax Positions in Current Period		8.9				15.1				8
	Settlements		(4.5		)		—				(0.3		)
	Lapse of Statute of Limitations		(3.6		)		(9.6		)		(11.4		)
	Foreign Currency Translation		(7.2		)		0.7				(0.8		)
	Unrecognized Tax Benefit — Ending Balance		$	57.7			$	64.2			$	58.8

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Changes in Benefit Obligations	'
	The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets, the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in millions):
		U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Changes in Benefit Obligation:
	Beginning benefit obligation	$	180.4			$	167.2			$	158.5		$	114.2
	Impact of foreign currency exchange rate change	—				—				(8.9		)	—
	Acquisitions	—				—				—			19.1
	Service cost	1.9				1.8				6.5			4.3
	Interest cost	7.2				7.7				5.9			6.1
	Settlement (gain) loss	—				—				(3.7		)	(2.5		)
	Benefits paid	(10.1		)		(9.9		)		(5.0		)	(4.1		)
	Employee contributions	—				—				0.6			0.2
	Amendments / Change in assumptions	(0.1		)		0.1				(2.3		)	4
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(9.4		)		13.5				(8.7		)	17.2
	Ending benefit obligation	$	169.9			$	180.4			$	142.9		$	158.5
	Changes in Plan Assets:
	Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	129.1			$	126.6			$	46.1		$	40.1
	Impact of foreign currency exchange rate change	—				—				(3.4		)	0.5
	Acquisitions	—				—				—			16.9
	Employee contributions	—				—				0.6			—
	Actual return on plan assets	23.4				11.9				6.3			2.5
	Company contributions	0.5				0.5				10.7			8
	Settlements	—				—				(3.7		)	(17.8		)
	Benefits paid	(10.1		)		(9.9		)		(5.0		)	(4.1		)
	Ending fair value of plan assets	$	142.9			$	129.1			$	51.6		$	46.1
	Funded status at end of year	$	(27.0	)		$	(51.3	)		$	(91.3	)	$	(112.4	)
	Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Other Assets	$	—			$	—			$	6.3		$	0.2
	Accrued liabilities	$	(0.4	)		$	(0.4	)		$	(5.2	)	$	(5.7	)
	Other liabilities	$	(26.6	)		$	(50.9	)		$	(92.4	)	$	(106.9	)
	Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	Net actuarial loss	$	55.4			$	87.6			$	17.1		$	31.2
	Prior service cost	0.4				0.4				5.7			8.9
	Transition obligation	—				—				0.3			0.5
		$	55.8			$	88			$	23.1		$	40.6
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations	'
	Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets consist of the following (in millions):
		U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Projected benefit obligation	$	169.9			$	180.4			$	115.4		$	149.7
	Accumulated benefit obligation	169.4				179.4				104.5			136.1
	Fair value of the plan assets	142.9				129				49.6			44.2
Schedule of Pension Expense	'
	Pension expense included the following components (in millions):
		U.S. Plans											Non-U.S. Plans
		Year ended											Year ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011			Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011
	Pension expense:
	Service cost	$	1.9			$	1.8			$	1.4		$	6.5			$	4.3		$	3.1
	Interest cost	7.2				7.7				8.1			5.9				6.1			5.7
	Expected return on plan assets	(9.4		)		(9.1		)		(10.6		)	(2.7		)		(2.0		)	(2.4		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	0.1				0.1				0.1			1.2				1.4			0.3
	Amortization of net loss	8.5				8.3				5.1			1.2				1.2			1.2
	Amortization of transition obligation	—				—				—			0.1				0.2			0.2
	Curtailment (gain) loss	—				—				—			—				—			—
	Settlement (gain) loss	—				—				—			0.1				0.1			0.3
	Net pension expense	$	8.3			$	8.8			$	4.1		$	12.3			$	11.3		$	8.4
Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations and Net Pension Expense	'
	The weighted average assumptions used in determining benefit obligations were:
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012
	Discount rate	4.85	%		4.1	%		4.36	%		4.2	%
	Expected rate of increase in future compensation levels	2	%		2	%		3.85	%		4.1	%
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension expense were:
		U.S. Plans									Non-U.S. Plans
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011			Dec 31, 2013		Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011
	Discount rate	4.12	%		4.7	%		5.4	%		4.26	%	5.1	%		5.6	%
	Expected rate of increase in future compensation levels	2	%		2	%		2	%		3.94	%	6.1	%		4.3	%
	Long-term expected rate of return on plan assets	7.5	%		7.5	%		8.5	%		6.09	%	4.5	%		7.2	%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	'
	The fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2013 by asset category are as follows (in millions):
							Quoted prices in Active				Significant Observable			Significant
							Markets for Identical							Unobservable
	Asset Category		Total				Assets (Level 1)				Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
	Equity Securities		$	76.7			$	76.6			$	0.1		$	—
	Mutual Funds		89.5				58.9				30.6			—
	Short Term Investments		2.3				—				2.3			—
	Equitable Contract		1.2				—				1.2			—
	Fixed Income		20.8				—				20.8			—
	Coal Lease (1)		4				—				—			4
	Total		$	194.5			$	135.5			$	55		$	4
	The fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2012 by asset category are as follows (in millions):
							Quoted prices in Active				Significant Observable			Significant
							Markets for Identical							Unobservable
	Asset Category		Total				Assets (Level 1)				Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
	Equity Securities		$	77.3			$	77.2			$	0.1		$	—
	Mutual Funds		54.7				37.9				16.8			—
	Short Term Investments		2.1				—				2.1			—
	Equitable Contract		1.3				—				1.3			—
	Fixed Income		11.5				—				11.5			—
	Coal Lease (1)		4.2				—				—			4.2
	Total		$	151.1			$	115.1			$	31.8		$	4.2
	-1	The Company’s interest represents approximately 26% of the lease which is currently between American Premier Underwriters (APU), the Lessor and CONSOL Energy (CONSOL), the Lessee. The lease pertains to real property mined by CONSOL located in Pennsylvania.
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Inputs	'
	The following table represents details of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
		Coal Lease
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2012	$	4.4
	Change in fair value of plan assets	(0.2		)
	Purchases, sales, transfers, and settlements	—
	Ending balance December 31, 2012	$	4.2
	Change in fair value of plan assets	(0.2		)
	Purchases, sales, transfers, and settlements	—
	Ending balance at December 31, 2013	$	4
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans	'
	General Cable has postretirement benefit plans that provide medical and life insurance for certain retirees and eligible dependents. General Cable funds the plans as claims or insurance premiums are incurred. The changes in accrued postretirement benefits were as follows (in millions):
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	Changes in Benefit Obligation:
	Beginning benefit obligation	$	6.3			$	7.1
	Service cost	0.1				0.1
	Interest cost	0.2				0.2
	Actuarial loss	(1.1		)		(0.4		)
	Benefits paid	(0.6		)		(0.8		)
	Foreign currency impact	0.1				0.1
	Ending benefit obligation	$	5			$	6.3
	Funded status at end of year	$	(5.0	)		$	(6.3	)
	Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Accrued liabilities	$	(0.6	)		$	(0.9	)
	Other liabilities	$	(4.4	)		$	(5.4	)
	Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	Net actuarial loss	$	(0.3	)		$	0.6
	Prior service cost	(0.2		)		(0.2		)
		$	(0.5	)		$	0.4
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans	'
	Net postretirement benefit expense included the following components (in millions):
		Year ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Postretirement benefit expense:
	Service cost	$	0.1			$	0.1			$	0.1
	Interest cost	0.2				0.2				0.3
	Amortization of prior service cost	—				—				(0.1		)
	Amortization of net loss	0.1				—				0.1
	Net postretirement benefit expense	$	0.4			$	0.3			$	0.4

Total_Equity_Tables

Total Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, consisted of the following (in millions):
		Fiscal Years Ended
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Company			Noncontrolling			Company			Noncontrolling
		Common			Interest			Common			Interest
		Shareholders						Shareholders
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(67.1	)	$	(24.5	)	$	(27.9	)	$	(16.8	)
	Pension adjustments, net of tax	(52.6		)	(2.9		)	(84.4		)	(3.1		)
	Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	—			—			0.1			(0.4		)
	Company deferred stock held in rabbi trust, net of tax	7.3			—			7.3			—
	Other	0.3			—			0.3			—
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(112.1	)	$	(27.4	)	$	(104.6	)	$	(20.3	)
	The following is the detail of the change in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 including the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income as required by ASC 2013-02 (in millions, net of tax):
		Foreign currency translation			Change of fair value of pension benefit obligation			Change in fair value of derivatives			Deferred stock held in rabbi trust			Other		Total
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	(27.9	)	$	(84.4	)	$	0.1		$	7.3		$	0.3	$	(104.6	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(39.2		)	13.6			(0.8		)	—			—		(26.4		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			18.2			0.7			—			—		18.9
	Net current - period other comprehensive income (loss)	(39.2		)	31.8			(0.1		)	—			—		(7.5		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(67.1	)	$	(52.6	)	$	—		$	7.3		$	0.3	$	(112.1	)
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following is the detail of the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions, net of tax):
			Year Ended,
			December 31, 2013
			Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Change in fair value of derivatives:
	Commodity contracts		$	0.7		Cost of Sales
	Total - Change in fair value of derivatives		0.7
	Amortization of defined pension items
	Prior service cost		1.7			SG&A
	Net loss		16.5			SG&A
	Total - Amortization of defined benefit pension items		18.2
	Total		$	18.9

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Compensation Expense for Company's Non-Qualified Stock Options, Non-Vested Stock Awards	'
	The table below summarizes compensation expense for the Company’s non-qualified stock options based on the fair value method estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model, and non-vested stock awards, including restricted stock units, and performance-based non-vested stock awards based on the fair value method for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The Company records compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards as a component of selling, general and administrative expense.
		Year Ended
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Non-qualified stock option expense	$	5.5			$	4.9			$	4.8
	Non-vested stock awards expense	0.2				1.7				2.8
	Stock unit awards	5.2				4.5				3.1
	Performance-based non-vested stock awards expense	2				1.4				1
	Total pre-tax share-based compensation expense	$	12.9			$	12.5			$	11.7
	Excess tax benefit (deficiency) on share-based compensation (1)	$	(0.7	)		$	(0.6	)		$	1
	-1	Cash inflows (outflows) recognized as financing and operating activities in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	'
	A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows (options in thousands and aggregate intrinsic value in millions):
					Weighted				Weighted Average		Aggregate
					Average				Remaining
		Options			Exercise				Contractual		Intrinsic
		Outstanding			Price				Term		Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,814.80			$	32.99			5.9 years		$	9.5
	Granted	334			35.24
	Exercised	(50.5	)		13.33
	Forfeited or Expired	(154.2	)		41.92
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	1,944.10			$	33.18			6.1 years		$	7
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,342.10			$	32.31			4.9 years		$	7
	Options expected to vest in the next twelve months	277.3			$	35.99			8.3 years		$	—
Schedule of Valuation Assumptions	'
	The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model using the following weighted-average assumptions:
			Year Ended
			Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Risk-free interest rate (1)		0.6		%		1		%		2.4		%
	Expected dividend yield (2)		0				0				N/A
	Expected option life (3)		4.4 years				5.0 years				5.0 years
	Expected stock price volatility (4)		67.8		%		68		%		65.6		%
	Weighted average fair value of options granted		$	18.6			$	18.2			$	24.11
	-1	Risk-free interest rate — This is the U.S. Treasury rate at the grant date having a term approximately equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.
	-2	Expected dividend yield — The Company did not pay dividends in the year ended December 31, 2012; therefore compensation expense was not decreased. The assumptions for the compensation expense were set at the beginning of the year prior to the Company deciding to pay dividends in 2013; as the Company did not expect to pay dividends in 2013 there was no effect on compensation expense in the year ended December 31, 2013.
	-3	Expected option life — This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years. An increase in expected life will increase compensation expense.
	-4	Expected stock price volatility — This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of the Company’s stock to calculate the volatility assumption as it is management’s belief that this is the best indicator of future volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.
Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range	'
	Additional information regarding options outstanding as of December 31, 2013 is as follows (options in thousands):
	Range of Option Prices		Options Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Options Exercisable		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	$0 -$14		76.6			$	11.9			1.1		76.6		$	11.9
	$14 - $28		747.2			$	21.8			5		747.2		$	21.8
	$28 -$42		640			$	33.93			8.7		102		$	32.5
	$42 - $56		274			$	45.29			5.9		210		$	46.02
	$56 - $70		206.3			$	63.87			4		206.3		$	63.87
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	A summary of all nonvested stock and restricted stock units activity for the year ended December 31, 2013, is as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date
		Outstanding			Fair Value
	Balance, December 31, 2012	853.9			$	30.26
	Granted	301.2			34.83
	Vested	(201.2	)		30.81
	Forfeited	(62.0	)		24.94
	Balance, December 31, 2013	891.9			$	32.02
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	'
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of all nonvested shares and restricted stock units granted, the total fair value (in millions) of all nonvested shares and restricted stock units granted, and the fair value (in millions) of all nonvested shares and restricted stock units that have vested during each of the past three years is as follows:
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested shares granted	$	34.83			$	29.65			$	39.94
	Fair value of nonvested shares granted	$	10.5			$	9.1			$	7.9
	Fair value of shares vested	$	6.2			$	7			$	2.5

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte1

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The following is a rollforward of the redeemable noncontrolling interest (in millions):
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	18.6
	Foreign currency translation	(1.6		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	17

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation Of The Numerator And Denominator Of Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of earnings per common share-basic to earnings per common share-assuming dilution is as follows (in millions, except per share data):
		Year Ended
		Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012		Dec 31, 2011
	Earnings per share — basic:
	Net income attributable to Company common shareholders	$	(18.1	)	$	4	$	54.5
	Less: Net income allocated to participating securities(4)	0.1			—		—
	Net income (loss) for basic EPS computations(1)	(18.2		)	4		54.5
	Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS computation (2,3)	49.4			49.7		51.9
	Earnings per common share — basic (3)	$	(0.37	)	$	0.08	$	1.05
	Earnings per share — assuming dilution:
	Net income attributable to Company common shareholders	$	(18.1	)	$	4	$	54.5
	Add: Preferred stock dividends on convertible stock	—			0.3		0.3
	Net income attributable to Company common shareholders — for diluted EPS computation (1)	$	(18.1	)	$	4.3	$	54.8
	Weighted average shares outstanding including nonvested shares	49.4			49.7		51.9
	Dilutive effect of convertible bonds	—			—		0.6
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	—			1		0.8
	Dilutive effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock	—			0.4		0.4
	Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted EPS computation (2)	49.4			51.1		53.7
	Earnings per common share — assuming dilution	$	(0.37	)	$	0.08	$	1.02
	-1	Numerator
	-2	Denominator
	-3	Under the two class method, Earnings per share — basic reflects undistributed earnings per share for both common stock and unvested share-based payment awards (restricted stock).
	-4	Outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends are considered participating securities in undistributed earnings in the calculation above.
Impact Of Company's Stock Price On Assuming Dilution Calculation For The Subordinated Convertible Notes	'
	The following table provides examples of how changes in the Company’s stock price would require the inclusion of additional shares in the denominator of the weighted average shares outstanding — assuming dilution calculation for the Subordinated Convertible Notes.
			Shares Underlying		Total Treasury Method
			Subordinated
	Share Price		Convertible Notes		Incremental Shares (1)
	$36.75		—		—
	$38.75		603,152		603,152
	$40.75		1,147,099		1,147,099
	$42.75		1,640,151		1,640,151
	$44.75		2,089,131		2,089,131
	-1	Represents the number of incremental shares that must be included in the calculation of fully diluted shares under U.S. GAAP.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Financial Information By Reportable Segments	'
		Year Ended
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011
	Net Sales:
	North America	$	2,751.60		$	2,340.20		$	2,120.20
	Europe and Mediterranean	1,629.60			1,684.20			1,737.90
	ROW	2,040.00			2,035.10			1,950.10
	Total	$	6,421.20		$	6,059.50		$	5,808.20
	Segment Operating Income (Loss):
	North America	$	129.8		$	126.1		$	121.8
	Europe and Mediterranean	(0.3		)	(13.0		)	30.3
	ROW	82.2			86.3			62.5
	Total	$	211.7		$	199.4		$	214.6
	Capital Expenditures:
	North America	$	33.5		$	25.3		$	22.2
	Europe and Mediterranean	18.4			35.3			41.1
	ROW	37.2			48			58.2
	Total	$	89.1		$	108.6		$	121.5
	Depreciation Expense:
	North America	$	40.3		$	30		$	27.2
	Europe and Mediterranean	40.3			38			38.3
	ROW	38			34.5			32.1
	Total	$	118.6		$	102.5		$	97.6
	Total Assets:
	North America	$	1,342.00		$	1,483.40
	Europe and Mediterranean	1,232.80			1,329.60
	ROW	2,004.10			2,119.60
	Total	$	4,578.90		$	4,932.60
Schedule Of Revenue To External Customers	'
	Revenues by Major Product Lines Revenues to external customers are attributable to sales of electric utility, electrical infrastructure, construction, communications and rod mill wire product lines.
		Year Ended
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011
	Electric Utility	$	2,148.50		$	2,004.80		$	1,792.80
	Electrical Infrastructure	1,674.20			1,611.50			1,708.30
	Construction	1,568.90			1,519.00			1,395.30
	Communications	713			651.2			655.3
	Rod Mill Products	316.6			273			256.5
	Total	$	6,421.20		$	6,059.50		$	5,808.20
Schedule Of Revenue To Unaffiliated Customers By Country	'
	Geographic Information The following table presents net sales to unaffiliated customers by country of destination for the last three years and long-lived assets by country as of December 31:
		Net Sales								Long-lived Assets
		Year Ended								Year Ended
	(in millions)	Dec 31, 2013			Dec 31, 2012			Dec 31, 2011		Dec 31, 2013		Dec 31, 2012
	United States	$	1,919.80		$	1,859.50		$	1,712.20	$	331.7	$	337.9
	Canada	708			441.3			379.8		49.3		45.6
	France	469.4			494.9			506		72.6		78.3
	Brazil	421.3			477.6			420.4		105		121.3
	Spain	280.7			319			400.1		166		169.8
	Others	2,622.00			2,467.20			2,389.70		847.8		929.2
	Total	$	6,421.20		$	6,059.50		$	5,808.20	$	1,572.40	$	1,682.10

Fair_Value_Disclosure_Tables

Fair Value Disclosure (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis	'
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		Fair Value Measurement
		December 31, 2013								December 31, 2012
	(in millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Assets:
	Derivative assets	$	—	$	7.2	$	—	$	7.2	$	—	$	7.1	$	—	$	7.1
	Equity securities	22.2		—		—		22.2		17.7		—		—		17.7
	Total Assets	$	22.2	$	7.2	$	—	$	29.4	$	17.7	$	7.1	$	—	$	24.8
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	9.3	$	—	$	9.3	$	—	$	10.1	$	—	$	10.1
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	9.3	$	—	$	9.3	$	—	$	10.1	$	—	$	10.1

Quarterly_Operating_Results_Un1

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
		First			Second		Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
	2013
	Net sales	$	1,543.70		$	1,659.10	$	1,557.10		$	1,661.30
	Gross profit	156.9			192.8		160.2			193.8
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	(45.8		)	8.2		5.7			13.8
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders — for diluted EPS computation	(45.8		)	8.3		5.8			13.9
	Earnings (loss) per common share — basic	$	(0.92	)	$	0.17	$	0.11		$	0.28
	Earnings (loss) per common share — assuming dilution	$	(0.92	)	$	0.16	$	0.11		$	0.27
		First			Second		Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
	2012
	Net sales	$	1,449.50		$	1,475.20	$	1,512.60		$	1,622.20
	Gross profit	149.1			173.7		165.4			136.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	24.9			17.7		(22.9		)	(15.7		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders — for diluted EPS computation	25			17.8		(22.8		)	(15.7		)
	Earnings (loss) per common share — basic	$	0.5		$	0.36	$	(0.46	)	$	(0.32	)
	Earnings (loss) per common share — assuming dilution	$	0.49		$	0.35	$	(0.46	)	$	(0.32	)

Supplemental_Guarantor_Condens1

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Statements Of Operations	'
	Condensed Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
	Net sales:
	Customers	$	—			$	2,233.00			$	4,188.20			$	—		$	6,421.20
	Intercompany	56				292				281.4				(629.4		)	—
		56				2,525.00				4,469.60				(629.4		)	6,421.20
	Cost of sales	—				2,244.50				4,046.40				(573.4		)	5,717.50
	Gross profit	56				280.5				423.2				(56.0		)	703.7
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	43.4				188.7				315.9				(56.0		)	492
	Operating income	12.6				91.8				107.3				—			211.7
	Other income (expense)	—				(6.2		)		(60.5		)		—			(66.7		)
	Interest income (expense):
	Interest expense	(86.9		)		(110.7		)		(48.1		)		120.8			(124.9		)
	Interest income	105.1				15.2				7.4				(120.8		)	6.9
		18.2				(95.5		)		(40.7		)		—			(118.0		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	30.8				(9.9		)		6.1				—			27
	Income tax (provision) benefit	(11.5		)		13.8				(41.1		)		—			(38.8		)
	Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	(37.1		)		(41.0		)		0.8				79			1.7
	Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	(17.8		)		(37.1		)		(34.2		)		79			(10.1		)
	Less: preferred stock dividends	0.3				—				—				—			0.3
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—				—				7.7				—			7.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	$	(18.1	)		$	(37.1	)		$	(41.9	)		$	79		$	(18.1	)
	Comprehensive income (loss):
	Net income (loss)	$	(17.8	)		$	(37.1	)		$	(34.2	)		$	79		$	(10.1	)
	Currency translation gain (loss)	(39.2		)		(39.2		)		(55.8		)		87.3			(46.9		)
	Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	31.8				31.8				12.3				(43.9		)	32
	Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	(0.1		)		(0.1		)		0.3				0.2			0.3
	Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(25.3		)		(44.6		)		(77.4		)		122.6			(24.7		)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—				—				0.6				—			0.6
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	$	(25.3	)		$	(44.6	)		$	(78.0	)		$	122.6		$	(25.3	)
	Condensed Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
	Net sales:
	Customers	$	—			$	2,015.80			$	4,043.70			$	—		$	6,059.50
	Intercompany	54.4				150.3				320.6				(525.3		)	—
		54.4				2,166.10				4,364.30				(525.3		)	6,059.50
	Cost of sales	—				1,903.60				4,001.90				(470.9		)	5,434.60
	Gross profit	54.4				262.5				362.4				(54.4		)	624.9
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	41.5				150.6				287.8				(54.4		)	425.5
	Operating income	12.9				111.9				74.6				—			199.4
	Other income (expense)	—				—				(2.9		)		—			(2.9		)
	Interest income (expense):
	Interest expense	(70.6		)		(96.1		)		(48.0		)		107.9			(106.8		)
	Interest income	91.6				15.5				7.3				(107.9		)	6.5
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(9.3		)		—				—				—			(9.3		)
		11.7				(80.6		)		(40.7		)		—			(109.6		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	24.6				31.3				31				—			86.9
	Income tax (provision) benefit	(10.9		)		(11.0		)		(56.7		)		—			(78.6		)
	Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	(9.4		)		(29.7		)		1.2				39.6			1.7
	Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	4.3				(9.4		)		(24.5		)		39.6			10
	Less: preferred stock dividends	0.3				—				—				—			0.3
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—				—				5.7				—			5.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	$	4			$	(9.4	)		$	(30.2	)		$	39.6		$	4
	Comprehensive income (loss):
	Net income (loss)	$	4.3			$	(9.4	)		$	(24.5	)		$	39.6		$	10
	Currency translation gain (loss)	8.4				7.6				5.1				(11.2		)	9.9
	Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	(21.4		)		(21.4		)		(20.0		)		41.5			(21.3		)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	5.8				5.8				2.8				(8.4		)	6
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2.9		)		(17.4		)		(36.6		)		61.5			4.6
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—				—				7.5				—			7.5
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	$	(2.9	)		$	(17.4	)		$	(44.1	)		$	61.5		$	(2.9	)
Condensed Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
					Subsidiaries				Guarantor
									Subsidiaries
Net sales:
Customers	$	—			$	1,857.00			$	3,951.20			$	—		$	5,808.20
Intercompany	55.9				116.4				204.9				(377.2		)	—
	55.9				1,973.40				4,156.10				(377.2		)	5,808.20
Cost of sales	—				1,742.50				3,792.70				(321.3		)	5,213.90
Gross profit	55.9				230.9				363.4				(55.9		)	594.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses	44.6				130.7				260.3				(55.9		)	379.7
Operating income	11.3				100.2				103.1				—			214.6
Other income (expense)	(0.1		)		(0.2		)		(31.4		)		—			(31.7		)
Interest income (expense):
Interest expense	(63.0		)		(91.6		)		(48.9		)		104.3			(99.2		)
Interest income	88.6				15				8.4				(104.3		)	7.7
	25.6				(76.6		)		(40.5		)		—			(91.5		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	36.8				23.4				31.2				—			91.4
Income tax (provision) benefit	(15.8		)		2.6				(25.4		)		—			(38.6		)
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	33.8				7.8				2.6				(41.3		)	2.9
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	54.8				33.8				8.4				(41.3		)	55.7
Less: preferred stock dividends	0.3				—				—				—			0.3
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—				—				0.9				—			0.9
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	$	54.5			$	33.8			$	7.5			$	(41.3	)	$	54.5
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$	54.8			$	33.8			$	8.4			$	(41.3	)	$	55.7
Currency translation gain (loss)	(57.1		)		(56.6		)		(51.8		)		104.9			(60.6		)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	(15.6		)		(15.6		)		(3.0		)		16.2			(18.0		)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	(37.5		)		(37.5		)		(33.8		)		71.2			(37.6		)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(55.4		)		(75.9		)		(80.2		)		151			(60.5		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—				—				(5.1		)		—			(5.1		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	$	(55.4	)		$	(75.9	)		$	(75.1	)		$	151		$	(55.4	)
Condensed Balance Sheets	'
	Condensed Balance Sheet Information
	December 31, 2013
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash	$	0.2			$	2.2			$	416.4			$	—		$	418.8
	Receivables, net of allowances	—				258.5				913.2				—			1,171.70
	Inventories	—				438				801.6				—			1,239.60
	Deferred income taxes	—				23.3				26.9				—			50.2
	Prepaid expenses and other	1.9				32.7				91.6				—			126.2
	Total current assets	2.1				754.7				2,249.70				—			3,006.50
	Property, plant and equipment, net	0.6				231.9				859.5				—			1,092.00
	Deferred income taxes	—				—				15.8				—			15.8
	Intercompany accounts	1,305.50				507.7				35.8				(1,849.0		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,050.40				1,332.30				—				(2,382.7		)	—
	Goodwill	—				13.7				170.9				—			184.6
	Intangible assets, net	—				15.5				167.4				—			182.9
	Unconsolidated affiliated companies	—				8				11				—			19
	Other non-current assets	13.7				33.8				30.6				—			78.1
	Total assets	$	2,372.30			$	2,897.60			$	3,540.70			$	(4,231.7	)	$	4,578.90
	Liabilities and Total Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	—			$	118.5			$	752.1			$	—		$	870.6
	Accrued liabilities	13.8				103.9				317.2				—			434.9
	Current portion of long-term debt	—				—				250.3				—			250.3
	Total current liabilities	13.8				222.4				1,319.60				—			1,555.80
	Long-term debt	902				225				9.6				—			1,136.60
	Deferred income taxes	175.2				(19.4		)		78				—			233.8
	Intercompany accounts	—				1,339.70				509.3				(1,849.0		)	—
	Other liabilities	1.1				79.5				175.3				—			255.9
	Total liabilities	1,092.10				1,847.20				2,091.80				(1,849.0		)	3,182.10
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—				—				17				—			17
	Total Company shareholders’ equity	1,280.20				1,050.40				1,332.30				(2,382.7		)	1,280.20
	Noncontrolling interest	—				—				99.6				—			99.6
	Total liabilities and equity	$	2,372.30			$	2,897.60			$	3,540.70			$	(4,231.7	)	$	4,578.90
	Condensed Balance Sheet Information
	December 31, 2012
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash	$	65.3			$	44.2			$	512.8			$	—		$	622.3
	Receivables, net of allowances	—				277.6				904.5				—			1,182.10
	Inventories	—				460				813.6				—			1,273.60
	Deferred income taxes	—				24.4				15.1				—			39.5
	Prepaid expenses and other	2.3				20.9				109.8				—			133
	Total current assets	67.6				827.1				2,355.80				—			3,250.50
	Property, plant and equipment, net	0.4				238.2				955.3				—			1,193.90
	Deferred income taxes	—				—				12.8				—			12.8
	Intercompany accounts	1,566.70				491				40.2				(2,097.9		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,086.90				1,367.40				—				(2,454.3		)	—
	Goodwill	—				15				172.6				—			187.6
	Intangible assets, net	—				17.7				185.2				—			202.9
	Unconsolidated affiliated companies	—				7.3				11.6				—			18.9
	Other non-current assets	15.3				26.4				24.3				—			66
	Total assets	$	2,736.90			$	2,990.10			$	3,757.80			$	(4,552.2	)	$	4,932.60
	Liabilities and Total Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	—			$	103.8			$	899.2			$	—		$	1,003.00
	Accrued liabilities	12.1				109.1				374.9				—			496.1
Current portion of long-term debt	334.6				—				176.6				—			511.2
Total current liabilities	346.7				212.9				1,450.70				—			2,010.30
Long-term debt	900.5				—				38.4				—			938.9
Deferred income taxes	156.9				(18.2		)		85.2				—			223.9
Intercompany accounts	—				1,606.90				491				(2,097.9		)	—
Other liabilities	1.1				101.6				190				—			292.7
Total liabilities	1,405.20				1,903.20				2,255.30				(2,097.9		)	3,465.80
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—				—				18.6				—			18.6
Total Company shareholders’ equity	1,331.70				1,086.90				1,367.40				(2,454.3		)	1,331.70
Noncontrolling interest	—				—				116.5				—			116.5
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,736.90			$	2,990.10			$	3,757.80			$	(4,552.2	)	$	4,932.60
Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows	'
	Condensed Statement of Cash Flows Information
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
	Net cash flows of operating activities	$	56			$	102.4			$	(120.2	)		$	—		$	38.2
	Cash flows of investing activities:									—
	Capital expenditures	(0.3		)		(29.1		)		(59.7		)		—			(89.1		)
	Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—				(2.3		)		(4.6		)		—			(6.9		)
	Proceeds from properties sold	—				0.3				0.1				—			0.4
	Other	—				(43.7		)		44.7				—			1
	Net cash flows of investing activities	(0.3		)		(74.8		)		(19.5		)		—			(94.6		)
	Cash flows of financing activities:
	Preferred stock dividend paid	(27.0		)		—				—				—			(27.0		)
	Intercompany accounts	280				(308.3		)		28.3				—			—
	Proceeds from other debt	—				420				1,225.30				—			1,645.30
	Repayments of other debt	—				(194.9		)		(1,162.7		)		—			(1,357.6		)
	Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	(355.0		)		—				—				—			(355.0		)
	Purchase of non-controlling interest	—				8.2				(12.2		)		—			(4.0		)
	Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	—				—				(5.3		)		—			(5.3		)
	Repurchase of common shares	(19.5		)		—				—				—			(19.5		)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0.7				—				—				—			0.7
	Net cash flows of financing activities	(120.8		)		(75.0		)		73.4				—			(122.4		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—				5.4				(30.1		)		—			(24.7		)
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(65.1		)		(42.0		)		(96.4		)		—			(203.5		)
	Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period	65.3				44.2				512.8				—			622.3
	Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	$	0.2			$	2.2			$	416.4			$	—		$	418.8
	Condensed Statement of Cash Flows Information
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
	Net cash flows of operating activities	$	55.6			$	60.6			$	156.4			$	—		$	272.6
	Cash flows of investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	(0.2		)		(25.1		)		(83.3		)		—			(108.6		)
	Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—				(175.3		)		(111.2		)		—			(286.5		)
	Return of investment intercompany dividends	—				90.8				(90.8		)		—			—
	Proceeds from properties sold	—				0.1				4.4				—			4.5
	Other	(29.2		)		(129.0		)		158.5				—			0.3
	Net cash flows of investing activities	(29.4		)		(238.5		)		(122.4		)		—			(390.3		)
	Cash flows of financing activities:
	Preferred stock dividend paid	(0.3		)		—				—				—			(0.3		)
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(0.6		)		—				—				—			(0.6		)
	Intercompany accounts	(342.1		)		241.5				100.6				—			—
	Proceeds from other debt	—				692.5				781.1				—			1,473.60
	Repayments of other debt	—				(727.3		)		(833.5		)		—			(1,560.8		)
	Issuance of long term debt	600				—				—				—			600
	Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	(217.7		)		—				—				—			(217.7		)
	Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	—				—				(3.5		)		—			(3.5		)
	Repurchase of common shares	(1.2		)		—				—				—			(1.2		)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0.1				—				—				—			0.1
	Net cash flows of financing activities	38.2				206.7				44.7				—			289.6
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0.8				6.9				8.6				—			16.3
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	65.2				35.7				87.3				—			188.2
	Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period	0.1				8.5				425.5				—			434.1
	Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	$	65.3			$	44.2			$	512.8			$	—		$	622.3
	Condensed Statement of Cash Flows Information
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations			Total
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
	Net cash flows of operating activities	$	53.3			$	52.1			$	(7.6	)		$	—		$	97.8
	Cash flows of investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(0.2		)		(20.6		)		(100.7		)		—			(121.5		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—				—				—				—			—
Proceeds from properties sold	—				—				6.5				—			6.5
Other	—				(58.1		)		58.4				—			0.3
Net cash flows of investing activities	(0.2		)		(78.7		)		(35.8		)		—			(114.7		)
Cash flows of financing activities:
Preferred stock dividend paid	(0.3		)		—				—				—			(0.3		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	1				—				—				—			1
Intercompany accounts	(21.0		)		3.6				17.4				—			—
Proceeds from other debt	—				940				951.4				—			1,891.40
Repayments of other debt	—				(905.2		)		(930.6		)		—			(1,835.8		)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	—				—				(3.8		)		—			(3.8		)
Repurchase of common shares	(62.5		)		—				—				—			(62.5		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1.5				—				—				—			1.5
Net cash flows of financing activities	(81.3		)		38.4				34.4				—			(8.5		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(0.7		)		(6.2		)		7.7				—			0.8
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(28.9		)		5.6				(1.3		)		—			(24.6		)
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period	29				2.9				426.8				—			458.7
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	$	0.1			$	8.5			$	425.5			$	—		$	434.1
Intercompany Cash And Non-Cash Transactions	'
	A summary of cash and non-cash transactions of the Parent Company’s intercompany account is provided below:
			Year ended
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012				Dec 31, 2011
	Beginning Balance		$	1,566.70			$	1,210.40			$	1,169.70
	Non-cash transactions
	Convertible notes and other debt		—				—				—
	Deferred tax		7.1				5.9				8
	Equity based awards		11.7				11.7				12.7
	Foreign currency and other		—				(3.4		)		(1.0		)
	Cash transactions		(280.0		)		342.1				21
	Ending Balance		$	1,305.50			$	1,566.70			$	1,210.40
Parent Company Long-Term Financing Arrangements	'
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Parent Company was party to various long-term financing arrangements, as summarized below (in millions):
	(in millions)		Dec 31, 2013				Dec 31, 2012
	5.75% Senior Notes due 2022		$	600			$	600
	Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2029		429.5				429.5
	Debt discount on Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2029		(261.5		)		(263.0		)
	0.875% Convertible Notes due 2013		—				355
	Debt discount on 0.875% Convertible Notes due 2013		—				(20.4		)
	Senior Floating Rate Notes		125				125
	Other		9				9
	Total Parent Company debt		902				1,235.10
	Less current maturities		—				334.6
	Parent Company Long-term debt		$	902			$	900.5
Parent Company Debt Maturities	'
	(in millions)		2014				2015				2016				2017			2018
	Debt maturities		$	—			$	125			$	—			$	—		$	—

General_Details

General (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013
	Countries
	Facilities
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Number of manufacturing facilities in which entity operates	56
Factories owned by companies in which entity has an equity investment	4
Number of countries in which entity operates	25

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 14, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2006

Sep. 27, 2013

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

New Buildings [Member]

New Buildings [Member]

Machinery, Equipment and Office Furnishings [Member]

Machinery, Equipment and Office Furnishings [Member]

Pending Period Up to 30 Days [Member]

Pending Period Up to 180 Days [Member]

Pending Period Over 180 Days [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Copper Rod [Member]

Aluminum Rod [Member]

Significant Influence [Member]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]

Venezuela [Member]

Venezuela [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

Rest Of World [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]

Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

Mexico [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum percent of ownership to exercise significant influence

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percent of ownership to exercise significant influence

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of ownership recorded at cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.88%

0.88%

0.88%

'

Percentage of weighted average cost inventory

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'50 years

'2 years

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment charge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14

Restructuring charges

6.7

7.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14

Payment period on purchases

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'60 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'45 days

'360 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bad debt expense associate with uncollectable accounts

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.4

21.9

4.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration risk, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

95.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents, percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

46.00%

23.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash flows of operating activities

38.2

272.6

97.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

97.4

49.6

56

55.6

53.3

'

'

'

'

Exchange rate, currency translation

6.3

'

'

6.3

4.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlement for Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Payable, Pending Amount

37.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22.4

15.1

0.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax (liabilities)

-168.8

-172.2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net current deferred tax asset

49.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net long term deferred tax liabilities

218.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance

93.8

77.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shipping and handling costs

163.5

150.4

137.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advertising expense

$13.30

$10.70

$11.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Use of Estimates) (Details) (European Segment [Member], Submarine Turnkey Project [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Reduction to gross profit	$27.50
Germany [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Reduction to gross profit	20.8
Reduction in margin	7.5
Expenses for ongoing project	$13.30

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_1

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 27, 2013

Jun. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2012

Jun. 29, 2012

Mar. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 01, 2012

Oct. 01, 2012

Nov. 02, 2012

Dec. 03, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 04, 2012

Sep. 04, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 01, 2012

ProCables S.A. [Member]

ProCables S.A. [Member]

Prestolite [Member]

CHINA [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

Seller [Member]

Rest Of World [Member]

Rest Of World [Member]

Facilities

Alcan Cable [Member]

Alcan Cable [Member]

Alcan Cable [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

ProCables S.A. [Member]

Minimum [Member]

employees

employees

Minimum [Member]

Rest Of World [Member]

employees

employees

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of acquired entity, purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$18.30

'

$59.50

$57.70

'

'

'

$151

'

'

'

'

Customary adjustment, primarily related to working capital

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.3

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for acquired entity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

171.3

'

'

'

'

Selling, general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

492

425.5

379.7

0.6

'

0.6

1.1

'

'

'

3.3

'

'

'

'

Number of manufacturing locations acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500

700

300

'

'

'

'

750

'

'

'

Net sales

1,661.30

1,557.10

1,659.10

1,543.70

1,622.20

1,512.60

1,475.20

1,449.50

6,421.20

6,059.50

5,808.20

'

'

'

'

2,751.60

2,340.20

2,120.20

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,421.20

6,059.50

5,808.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Existing debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

Noncontrolling interest, value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27.4

Repayments of long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

355

217.7

0

24

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term after no-transfer period that shareholders' may exercise

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'36 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

700

'

Operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$211.70

$199.40

$214.60

'

'

'

'

$129.80

$126.10

$121.80

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of interests acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_2

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Assets Acquired and Liability Assumed - Alcon Cable) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 04, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Alcan Cable [Member]
			North America [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	$0
Accounts receivable	'	'	74.7	[1],[2]
Inventories	'	'	70.7	[2]
Property, plant, and equipment	'	'	72.7
Amortized intangible assets	52.1	67.1	5.9
Goodwill	'	'	3.5
Other current and noncurrent assets	'	'	2.2
Total Assets	'	'	229.7
Current liabilities	'	'	57.1
Other liabilities	'	'	1.3
Total liabilities	'	'	58.4
Adjustments to goodwill and other working capital	'	'	$4.30
[1]	Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
[2]	Final purchase price accounting includes immaterial adjustments to Goodwill and other working capital accounts of approximately $4.3 million.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_3

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Assets Acquired and Liability Assumed - ProCables) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 01, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified				ROW [Member]
				ProCables S.A. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	'	$28.80
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	28.2	[1]
Inventories	'	'	'	19.3
Property, plant, and equipment	'	'	'	27
Amortized intangible assets	52.1	67.1	'	10.6
Goodwill	'	'	'	3.7
Goodwill	184.6	187.6	171.4	'
Other current and noncurrent assets	'	'	'	4.4
Total Assets	'	'	'	122
Current liabilities	'	'	'	67.8
Other liabilities	'	'	'	8.5
Total liabilities	'	'	'	76.3
Redeemable noncontrolling Interests	'	'	'	$18.30
[1]	Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_4

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Assets Acquired and Liability Assumed - Prestolite) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 02, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified				Prestolite [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	'	$0.70
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	22.7	[1]
Inventories	'	'	'	17.3
Property, plant, and equipment	'	'	'	24.6
Amortized intangible assets	52.1	67.1	'	11.7
Goodwill	'	'	'	7.8
Goodwill	184.6	187.6	171.4	'
Other current and noncurrent assets	'	'	'	2
Total Assets	'	'	'	86.8
Current liabilities	'	'	'	20.1
Other liabilities	'	'	'	7.2
Total liabilities	'	'	'	$27.30
[1]	Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_5

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Assets Acquired and Liability Assumed - Alcan Cable China) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 03, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified				CHINA [Member]
				Alcan Cable [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	'	$8.40
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	8.5	[1]
Inventories	'	'	'	20.5
Property, plant, and equipment	'	'	'	58.8	[2]
Intangible assets	'	'	'	0
Goodwill	184.6	187.6	171.4	0
Other current and noncurrent assets	'	'	'	0.2
Total Assets	'	'	'	96.4
Current liabilities	'	'	'	18.6
Other liabilities	'	'	'	20.1
Total liabilities	'	'	'	38.7
Adjustments to property, plant and equipment and other liabilities	'	'	'	$20
[1]	Accounts receivable is gross contractual value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated carrying value.
[2]	Final purchase price accounting includes immaterial adjustments to Property, plant, and equipment and Other liabilities of approximately $20 million.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_6

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Pro Forma Information) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'
Revenue (As reported)	$6,059.50	$5,808.20
Net income applicable to common shareholders (As reported)	4	54.5
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution (As reported)	$0.08	$1.02
Revenue (Pro Forma)	6,804.30	6,776.80
Net income applicable to common shareholders (Pro forma)	$22.70	$54
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution (Pro forma)	$0.44	$1.01

Other_Income_Expense_Details

Other Income (Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 14, 2013	Feb. 13, 2013
Other income (expense)	($66.70)	($2.90)	($31.70)	'	'
Foreign currency transaction loss	3.9	4.5	'	'	'
Other income attributable to foreign currency transaction gains and losses	'	'	-24.4	'	'
Exchange rate, currency translation	6.3	'	'	6.3	4.3
Venezuela [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency transaction loss	-17	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax charge on foreign currency devaluation transaction related to Venezuelan Bolivar	40.9	'	'	'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on derivatives in other income (expense)	-21.9	-3	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	$20.10	($1.60)	$6.10	'	'

Inventories_Schedule_Of_Invent

Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories Stated At The Lower Of Cost Or Market Value) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of weighted average cost inventory	85.00%	'
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$319.10	$332
Work in process	190.1	211.8
Finished goods	730.4	729.8
Total	1,239.60	1,273.60
Consignment inventory	$32.50	$27.30
UNITED STATES AND CANADA [Member]	'	'
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Consignment inventory, percentage	87.00%	92.00%

Property_Plant_And_Equipment_N

Property, Plant And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 27, 2013
				Rest Of World [Member]	Rest Of World [Member]	Rest Of World [Member]	Mexico [Member]
							Rest Of World [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$118.60	$102.50	$97.60	$38	$34.50	$32.10	'
Impairment charge	'	'	'	'	'	'	14
Restructuring charges	$6.70	$7.50	'	'	'	'	$14

Property_Plant_And_Equipment_S

Property, Plant And Equipment (Schedule Of Property, Plant And Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total - gross book value	$1,830.30	$1,834.70
Less accumulated depreciation	-738.3	-640.8
Total - net book value	1,092	1,193.90
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total - gross book value	120.8	124.8
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total - gross book value	372.6	375.3
Machinery, Equipment and Office Furnishings [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total - gross book value	1,290.60	1,257.10
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total - gross book value	$46.30	$77.50

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amortized intangible assets	$52.10	$67.10	'
Amortization of intangible assets	12.5	11.5	12.4
Estimated amortization expense - 2014	11.7	'	'
Estimated amortization expense - 2015	10.7	'	'
Estimated amortization expense - 2016	9.8	'	'
Estimated amortization expense - 2017	7.3	'	'
Estimated amortization expense - 2018	3.4	'	'
Estimated amortization expense, thereafter	9.2	'	'
Immaterial Acquisitions [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	$0.30	'
Trade Names [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average useful life of the amortized intangible assets	'10 years	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets useful life	'7 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets useful life	'12 years	'	'

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Goodwill And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning balance	$187.60	$171.40
Goodwill, Acquisitions	0	15.3
Goodwill, Currency translation and other adjustments	-3	0.9
Goodwill, Ending balance	184.6	187.6
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Beginning balance	135.8	135.1
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Acquisitions	0	0
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Currency translation and other adjustments	-5	0.7
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Ending balance	130.8	135.8
North America [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning balance	13.6	2.3
Goodwill, Acquisitions	0	11.6
Goodwill, Currency translation and other adjustments	4	-0.3
Goodwill, Ending balance	17.6	13.6
North America [Member] | Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Beginning balance	2.4	2.4
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Acquisitions	0	0
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Currency translation and other adjustments	0	0
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Ending balance	2.4	2.4
Europe and Mediterranean [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning balance	2.2	2.3
Goodwill, Acquisitions	0	0
Goodwill, Currency translation and other adjustments	-0.2	-0.1
Goodwill, Ending balance	2	2.2
Europe and Mediterranean [Member] | Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Beginning balance	0.5	0.5
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Acquisitions	0	0
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Currency translation and other adjustments	0	0
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Ending balance	0.5	0.5
ROW [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning balance	171.8	166.8
Goodwill, Acquisitions	0	3.7
Goodwill, Currency translation and other adjustments	-6.8	1.3
Goodwill, Ending balance	165	171.8
ROW [Member] | Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Beginning balance	132.9	132.2
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Acquisitions	0	0
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Currency translation and other adjustments	-5	0.7
Indefinite-lived assets - Trade names, Ending balance	$127.90	$132.90

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets, Customer Relationships) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Customer relationships	$139.50	$140.10
Accumulated amortization	-85.8	-73.3
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1.6	0.3
Total Amortized intangible assets	$52.10	$67.10

Accrued_Liabilities_Accrued_Li

Accrued Liabilities (Accrued Liabilities and Restructuring Accrual) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Payroll related accruals	$83.80	$83.50
Customers deposits and prepayments	93.2	113.8
Taxes other than income	36.5	45.2
Customer rebates	50.6	59.2
Insurance claims and related expenses	21.1	20.1
Current and deferred income tax liabilities	21.9	21.6
Derivative liabilities	7	8.8
Other accrued liabilities	120.8	143.9
Total	$434.90	$496.10

Accrued_Liabilities_Narrative_

Accrued Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$6.70	$7.50	'
Product warranty accrual	14.1	12.8	11.5
Europe and North America [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Severance costs	4.6	'	'
Accrued severance costs	$2.50	'	'

Accrued_Liabilities_Warranty_A

Accrued Liabilities (Warranty Accrual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	$12.80	$11.50
Net provisions for warranties issued	5.6	5.8
Net benefits for warranties existing at the beginning of the year	-3.9	'
Payments related to the warranty accrual	-0.9	-4.7
Foreign currency translation	0.5	0.2
Ending balance	$14.10	$12.80

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term-Debt) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 15, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

Europe and Mediterranean [Member]

Europe and Mediterranean [Member]

Europe and Mediterranean [Member]

Europe and Mediterranean [Member]

Europe and Mediterranean [Member]

Europe and Mediterranean [Member]

Europe and Mediterranean [Member]

Europe and Mediterranean [Member]

Rest Of World [Member]

Rest Of World [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

7.125% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

7.125% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Floating Rate Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Senior Floating Rate Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

Credit Facilities [Member]

Credit Facilities [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

Spanish Term Loan [Member]

Spanish Term Loan [Member]

Uncommitted Accounts Receivable Facilities [Member]

Uncommitted Accounts Receivable Facilities [Member]

Credit Facilities [Member]

Credit Facilities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face value

'

'

'

'

$600

$600

$429.50

$429.50

$162.90

$0

$355

$230.90

'

'

$125

$125

$9

$9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

-261.5

-263

-266.6

0

-20.4

-124.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt

1,386.90

1,450.10

225

0

'

'

168

166.5

'

0

334.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17

14.7

10.3

11.7

0

[1]

14.6

[1]

0

4

232.6

170

Less current maturities

250.3

511.2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

$1,136.60

$938.90

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

2.00%

1.50%

5.75%

5.75%

'

'

'

0.88%

0.88%

0.88%

'

'

2.60%

2.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'October 2022

'October 2022

'November 2029

'November 2029

'

'November 2013

'November 2013

'

'April 2015

'April 2015

'July 2015

'July 2015

'

'

'Various

'Various

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Various

'Various

[1]

{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmJjNzVmMDBlMDgxYzQ0MjdiNGU5Y2IyNDEyNGQyZWY3fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246NEMyQzU3QjE1MUU5NUJCOTg2REJDODk1NzFGQjRCMkUM}

LongTerm_Debt_Maturity_Range_N

Long-Term Debt (Maturity Range) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Maturities of long-term debt range, start	31-Dec-14
Maturities of long-term debt range, end	31-Dec-18
Maturities of long-term debt in 2014	$250.30
Maturities of long-term debt in 2015	129.3
Maturities of long-term debt in 2016	1.2
Maturities of long-term debt in 2017	0.9
Maturities of long-term debt in 2018	225.9
Maturities of long-term debt in 2019 and thereafter	$779.30

LongTerm_Debt_575_Senior_Notes

Long-Term Debt (5.75% Senior Notes Due in 2022) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Redemption price in cash equal to principal plus accrued and unpaid interest, percent	105.75%	'
5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Percent of aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued remains outstanding	65.00%	'
5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Percent of aggregate principal amount of senior notes that can be redeemed on or prior to October 1, 2015	35.00%	'
5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] | North America [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Face value	$600	$600
Fair value (Level 2)	$588	$619.50
Stated Interest rate	5.75%	5.75%
Interest payments	'Semi-Annual: Apr 1 & Oct 1	'Semi-Annual: Apr 1 & Oct 1
Maturity date	'October 2022	'October 2022
Call Option, Beginning Date, year one	1-Oct-17	'
Call Option, Percentage, year one	102.88%	'
Call Option, Beginning Date, year two	1-Oct-18	'
Call Option, Percentage, year two	101.92%	'
Call Option, Beginning Date, year three	1-Oct-19	'
Call Option, Percentage, year three	100.96%	'
Call Option, Beginning Date, year four and thereafter	'October 1, 2020 and thereafter	'
Call Option, Percentage, year four and thereafter	100.00%	'
7.125% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member] | North America [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity date	'April 2015	'April 2015
Call Option, Beginning Date, year one	1-Apr-12	'
Call Option, Percentage, year one	103.56%	'
Call Option, Beginning Date, year two	1-Apr-13	'
Call Option, Percentage, year two	102.38%	'
Call Option, Beginning Date, year three	1-Apr-14	'
Call Option, Percentage, year three	101.19%	'

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (North America [Member], Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member], USD $)	Dec. 15, 2009
North America [Member] | Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]	'
Debt principal amount	$429,500,000

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Conv

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Convertible Debt Instruments Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 15, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2006

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

4.50% Annual Interest Rate On Subordinated Convertible Notes Until November 2019 [Member]

4.50% Annual Interest Rate On Subordinated Convertible Notes Until November 2019 [Member]

2.25% Annual Interest Rate On Subordinated Convertible Notes Until November 2029 [Member]

2.25% Annual Interest Rate On Subordinated Convertible Notes Until November 2029 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

Face value

'

'

$429.50

$429.50

$162.90

'

'

'

'

$0

$355

$230.90

Debt discount

'

'

-261.5

-263

-266.6

'

'

'

'

0

-20.4

-124.1

Total debt

1,386.90

1,450.10

168

166.5

'

'

'

'

'

0

334.6

'

Fair value

'

'

$462.80

$464.10

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$349.70

'

Maturity date

'

'

'November 2029

'November 2029

'

'November 2019

'November 2019

'November 2029

'November 2029

'November 2013

'November 2013

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

4.50%

4.50%

2.25%

2.25%

0.88%

0.88%

0.88%

Interest payments

'

'

'Semi-annually: May 15 & Nov 15

'Semi-annually: May 15 & Nov 15

'

'

'

'

'

'Semi-annually: May 15 & Nov 15

'Semi-annually: May 15 & Nov 15

'

LongTerm_Debt_Convertible_Note

Long-Term Debt (Convertible Notes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2006	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 15, 2009	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2006
	Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]	1.00% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2012 [Member]	0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]	0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]	North America [Member]	North America [Member]	North America [Member]	North America [Member]	North America [Member]	North America [Member]
					Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]	Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]	Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]	0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]	0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]	0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt principal amount	'	'	'	'	$429,500,000	'	'	'	'	$355,000,000
Nonconvertible debt borrowing rate on debt instrument issuance date	'	'	'	'	12.50%	'	'	'	'	7.35%
Liability component of convertible notes	'	'	'	'	162,900,000	429,500,000	429,500,000	0	355,000,000	230,900,000
Unamortized discount	'	'	'	'	266,600,000	261,500,000	263,000,000	0	20,400,000	124,100,000
Debt issuance costs	'	'	'	'	$14,500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.88%	0.88%	0.88%
Debt instrument original issuance date	'	30-Sep-07	30-Nov-06	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion price per share	$36.75	'	'	$50.36	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock covered under note hedges	11,686,075	'	'	7,048,880	'	'	'	'	'	'

LongTerm_Debt_Convertible_Debt

Long-Term Debt (Convertible Debt Instruments and Terms) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Closing price as percent	130.00%
Consecutive trading days	'30 days
Contingent, conversion price	$47.78
Debt instrument, beginning date	31-Aug-29
Conversion price per share	$36.75
Conversion, shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes	27.2109
Principal amount of notes	$1,000
Common stock covered under note hedges	11,686,075
Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member] | Make-Whole [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Common stock covered under note hedges	14,315,419
Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Trading days	'20 days
0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Closing price as percent	130.00%
Consecutive trading days	'30 days
Contingent, conversion price	$65.47
Debt instrument, beginning date	15-Oct-13
Conversion price per share	$50.36
Conversion, shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes	19.856
Principal amount of notes	$1,000
Common stock covered under note hedges	7,048,880
0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member] | Make-Whole [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Common stock covered under note hedges	8,987,322
0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Trading days	'20 days

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_7125

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of 7.125% Senior Notes And Senior Floating Rate Notes) (Details) (North America [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 21, 2007	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 21, 2007
	5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	7.125% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	7.125% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	Senior Floating Rate Notes Due 2015 [Member]	Senior Floating Rate Notes Due 2015 [Member]	9.5% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Face value	$600	$600	'	'	'	$125	$125	'
Fair value	588	619.5	'	'	'	124.1	122.7	'
Interest rate	5.75%	5.75%	'	'	'	2.60%	2.70%	9.50%
Interest payments	'Semi-Annual: Apr 1 & Oct 1	'Semi-Annual: Apr 1 & Oct 1	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maturity date	'October 2022	'October 2022	'	'April 2015	'April 2015	'July 2015	'July 2015	'
Call Option, Beginning Date, year one	1-Oct-17	'	'	1-Apr-12	'	1-Apr-09	'	'
Call Option, Beginning Date, year two	1-Oct-18	'	'	1-Apr-13	'	1-Apr-10	'	'
Call Option, Beginning Date, year three	1-Oct-19	'	'	1-Apr-14	'	1-Apr-11	'	'
Call Option, Beginning Date, year four	'	'	'	1-Apr-15	'	'	'	'
Call Option, Percentage, year one	102.88%	'	'	103.56%	'	102.00%	'	'
Call Option, Percentage, year two	101.92%	'	'	102.38%	'	101.00%	'	'
Call Option, Percentage, year three	100.96%	'	'	101.19%	'	100.00%	'	'
Call Option, Percentage, year four	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, payment terms	'	'	'	'Semi-annually: Apr 1 & Oct 1	'Semi-annually: Apr 1 & Oct 1	'3-month LIBOR rate plus 2.375% Quarterly: Jan 1, Apr 1, Jul 1 & Oct 1	'3-month LIBOR rate plus 2.375% Quarterly: Jan 1, Apr 1, Jul 1 & Oct 1	'
Description of variable rate basis	'	'	'	'	'	'LIBOR	'LIBOR	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	'	'	'	'	2.38%	2.38%	'
Notes originally issued amount	'	'	325	'	'	'	'	'
Payment of issuance costs and expenses of related to notes	'	'	7.9	'	'	'	'	'
Payments for senior notes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	285
Payment for accrued interest related to senior notes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9.3
Payment for tender fees and the inducement premium related to senior notes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20.5
Net cash proceeds from notes used for general corporate purposes	'	'	$2.30	'	'	'	'	'

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Revo

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Revolving Credit Facility) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 06, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 06, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Jul. 22, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 22, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 22, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 22, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 06, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 06, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

UNITED STATES [Member]

UNITED STATES [Member]

UNITED STATES [Member]

EUROPE [Member]

EUROPE [Member]

CANADA [Member]

CANADA [Member]

CANADA [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

Senior Floating Rate Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Senior Floating Rate Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Potential Increase [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Floating Rate Notes Due 2015 [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing capacity under credit facility

'

'

'

$1,000,000,000

$700,000,000

'

'

$400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$630,000,000

'

'

$300,000,000

'

$70,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

355,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2015

Deferred financing costs capitalized

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

4,900,000

4,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Threshold for line of credit facility borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

Threshold for line of credit facility percentage of asset based revolving credit facilities

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity interest pledged in all domestic subsidiaries, percentage

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity interest pledged in foreign subsidiaries, percentage

'

'

'

65.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-voting equity interest pledged in certain foreign subsidiaries, percentage

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional borrowings

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility commitment fee, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

0.38%

'

Capital expenditures to fixed charges ratio

'

'

'

100.00%

115.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding borrowings

1,386,900,000

'

1,450,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

334,600,000

'

'

'

225,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total credit under facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000,000

700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Undrawn availability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

298,400,000

[1]

515,300,000

[1]

'

102,100,000

471,000,000

'

143,200,000

'

53,100,000

44,300,000

'

100,000,000

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.88%

0.88%

0.88%

2.60%

2.70%

2.00%

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding letters of credit

$150,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$112,700,000

$18,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Jul-11

31-Jul-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Sep-18

31-Jul-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Total undrawn availability for the U.S. borrower, the Canadian borrower and the European borrowers at December 31, 2013 is $102.1 million, $53.1 million and $143.2 million, respectively. Total undrawn availability for the U.S. borrower, and the Canadian borrower at December 31, 2012 was $471.0 million and $44.3 million , respectively.

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_The_

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of The Spanish Term Loans And Corresponding Fixed Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Outstanding borrowings	$1,386.90		$1,450.10
Europe and Mediterranean [Member] | Spanish Term Loan [Member]	'		'
Outstanding borrowings	0	[1]	14.6	[1]
Fair Value (Level 2)	$0	[1]	$14.80	[1]
Interest rate - weighted average	0.00%	[1]	3.70%	[1]
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmJjNzVmMDBlMDgxYzQ0MjdiNGU5Y2IyNDEyNGQyZWY3fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246NEMyQzU3QjE1MUU5NUJCOTg2REJDODk1NzFGQjRCMkUM}

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Euro

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Europe And Mediterranean Credit Facilities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Outstanding borrowings	$1,386.90	$1,450.10
Credit Facilities [Member] | Europe and Mediterranean [Member]	'	'
Outstanding borrowings	17	14.7
Undrawn availability	$48.80	$82.50
Interest rate - weighted average	6.70%	6.40%
Maturity date	'Various	'Various

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Euro1

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Europe And Mediterranean Uncommitted Accounts Receivable Facilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Outstanding borrowings	$1,386.90	$1,450.10
Europe and Mediterranean [Member] | Uncommitted Accounts Receivable Facilities [Member]	'	'
Outstanding borrowings	0	4
Undrawn availability	$0	$42.80
Interest rate - weighted average	0.00%	2.10%

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_ROW_

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of ROW Credit Facilities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding borrowings	$1,386.90	$1,450.10
Maturities within one year	250.3	'
Rest Of World [Member] | Credit Facilities [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding borrowings	232.6	170
Undrawn availability	302.2	336.9
Interest rate - weighted average	4.60%	5.50%
Maturity date	'Various	'Various
Maturities within one year	$230.80	'

Financial_Instruments_Narrativ

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Collateral to secure the derivative liability positions	'	$0.70	'
Forward pricing agreements	10.1	37.7	'
Unrealized loss related to forward pricing agreements	0.5	'	'
Unrealized gain related to forward pricing agreements	'	0.3	'
Fair value forward pricing agreements	10.6	38	'
Number of derivative require collateral security	0	0	'
February 2013 [Member] | Spanish Term Loan [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maturity date of outstanding interest rate swap	'February 2013	'	'
April 2013 [Member] | Spanish Term Loan [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maturity date of outstanding interest rate swap	'April 2013	'	'
June 2013 [Member] | Spanish Term Loan [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maturity date of outstanding interest rate swap	'June 2013	'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	20.1	-1.6	6.1
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges	($21.90)	($3)	'

Financial_Instruments_Notional

Financial Instruments (Notional Amounts And Fair Values Of Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges And Derivatives Not Designated As Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of asset for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	$0	[1]	$0.60	[1]
Fair Value of liability for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0	[2]	1.9	[2]
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0		15.3
Fair Value of asset for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value of liability for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0	[2]	0.2	[2]
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity Futures [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0		22.8
Fair Value of asset for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0	[1]	0.2	[1]
Fair Value of liability for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0	[2]	1.1	[2]
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchanges [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0		60.7
Fair Value of asset for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0	[1]	0.4	[1]
Fair Value of liability for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0	[2]	0.6	[2]
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of assets for derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges	7.2	[1]	6.5	[1]
Fair Value of liability for derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges	9.3	[2]	8.2	[2]
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity Futures [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional amount of derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges	173.7		206
Fair Value of assets for derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges	1.2	[1]	3.3	[1]
Fair Value of liability for derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges	7.6	[2]	4.9	[2]
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchanges [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional amount of derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges	223.2		253.7
Fair Value of assets for derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges	6	[1]	3.2	[1]
Fair Value of liability for derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges	$1.70	[2]	$3.30	[2]
[1]	Balance recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other” and “Other non-current assets”
[2]	Balance recorded in “Accrued liabilities” and “Other liabilities”

Financial_Instruments_Gain_And

Financial Instruments (Gain And Loss On The Derivative Representing Either Hedge Ineffectiveness Or Hedge Components Excluded From The Assessment Of Effectiveness) (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Effective Portion recognized in OCI Gain / (Loss)	($1.20)		$4.90
Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Gain / (Loss)	-2		-4.4
Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing Gain / (Loss)	0	[1]	-0.3	[1]
Interest Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Effective Portion recognized in OCI Gain / (Loss)	0.1		0.3
Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Gain / (Loss)	-0.1		0
Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing Gain / (Loss)	0	[1]	0	[1]
Cost of Sales [Member] | Commodity Futures [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Effective Portion recognized in OCI Gain / (Loss)	-1.3		4.8
Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Gain / (Loss)	-1.9		-3.3
Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing Gain / (Loss)	0	[1]	-0.3	[1]
Other Income /(Expense) [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchanges [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Effective Portion recognized in OCI Gain / (Loss)	'		-0.2
Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Gain / (Loss)	'		-1.1
Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing Gain / (Loss)	'		$0	[1]
[1]	The ineffective portion and the amount excluded from effectiveness testing for all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recognized in other income and expense.

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$93.80	$77.80	'
Deferred tax assets, tax loss carryforwards	98.3	78.6	'
Operating loss carryforwards	45.8	'	'
Excess of financial reporting over the tax basis in investments	850	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	55.4	61.7	54.3
Unrecognized tax benefit that would result in adjustments to deferred taxes	2.3	2.5	4.5
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties expense	0.7	1.2	-1.1
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes expense	3.8	2.4	0.7
Recognized liabilities for penalties	7.6	7.8	6.5
Recognized liabilities for expense	15.4	13.8	11.4
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible, amount of unrecorded benefit	13	'	'
Spanish and Portuguese Business Units [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax expense for valuation allowance	'	15	'
Deferred tax assets	'	5.3	'
German Business Unit [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax expense for valuation allowance	'	8.3	'
Colombian Distribution Business [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax expense for valuation allowance	'	1.1	'
Deferred tax assets	'	0.2	'
Taxing Jurisdictions [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets, tax loss carryforwards	14.7	'	'
Foreign Country [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	$280	'	'

Income_Taxes_Income_before_Inc

Income Taxes (Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
United States	$2	$38.40	$51.20
Foreign	25	48.5	40.2
Income before income taxes	$27	$86.90	$91.40

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'
Federal	($11.50)	$12	($8.60)
State	-0.2	3.4	-0.4
Foreign	51.9	52.6	40.2
Deferred tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'
Federal	9	5.7	19.3
State	-0.6	-0.6	1.7
Foreign	-9.8	5.5	-13.6
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$38.80	$78.60	$38.60

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit) at Federal statutory tax rate	$9.40	$30.40	$32
Foreign tax rate differential	-5.1	-0.2	0.1
Foreign withholding taxes	7.3	4.7	3.4
Change in valuation allowance	24.8	31.2	5.3
Change in uncertain tax positions	9.2	11.7	-4.8
Nondeductible / nontaxable items	-6.8	-0.3	1.9
Other (net)	0	1.1	0.7
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$38.80	$78.60	$38.60

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$98.30	$78.60
Pension and retiree benefits accruals	33	46.4
Inventory	12.8	20
Depreciation and fixed assets	12	7.7
Tax credit carryforwards	9.3	6.5
Other liabilities	67.7	49.8
Valuation allowance	-93.8	-77.8
Total deferred tax assets	139.3	131.2
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Convertible debt discount	165.7	147.7
Inventory	1.2	1.5
Depreciation and fixed assets	87.4	89.1
Intangibles	42.8	58.8
Other	11	6.3
Total deferred tax liabilities	308.1	303.4
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	($168.80)	($172.20)

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Examin

Income Taxes (Income Tax Examinations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating loss carryforwards	$45.80
UNITED STATES [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating loss carryforwards	16
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	'2033
NEW ZEALAND [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating loss carryforwards	10.3
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	'Indefinite
SPAIN [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating loss carryforwards	8.1
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	'2026 - 2028
Others [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating loss carryforwards	$11.40
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	'Various

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefit - Beginning balance	$64.20	$58.80	$66.10
Gross Increases - Tax Positions in Prior Period	0.8	3.4	2.1
Gross Decreases - Tax Positions in Prior Period	-0.9	-4.2	-4.9
Gross Increases - Tax Positions in Current Period	8.9	15.1	8
Settlements	-4.5	0	-0.3
Lapse of Statute of Limitations	-3.6	-9.6	-11.4
Foreign Currency Translation	-7.2	0.7	-0.8
Unrecognized Tax Benefit - Ending Balance	$57.70	$64.20	$58.80

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unrecognized net gains and losses from all sources, threshold	'	10.00%	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2014	'	$17.50	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2015	'	17.6	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2016	'	17.5	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2017	'	18.1	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2018	'	17.8	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments, from 2019 to 2023	'	97.6	'	'
Settlements	6.1	'	'	'
Net defined contribution plan expense recognized	'	12	10	9.3
Loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in the next year	'	5.2	'	'
Discount rate used to determine accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	'	2.95%	3.00%	3.50%
Discount rate used to determine net postretirement benefit expense	'	3.70%	3.50%	4.25%
Health care-cost trend rate used to determine accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	'	8.00%	8.00%	8.50%
Health-care cost trend, decrease in 2019 and thereafter	'	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
One percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	'	0.2	'	'
One percentage point increase on net postretirement benefit expense	'	0.1	'	'
One percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	'	0.2	'	'
One percentage point decrease on net postretirement benefit expense	'	0.1	'	'
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2014	'	0.7	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2015	'	0.6	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2016	'	0.6	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2017	'	0.6	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2018	'	0.5	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments, from 2019 to 2023	'	2	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	'	169.4	179.4	'
Defined benefit pension plan cash contributions	'	0.5	0.5	'
Asset allocation assumption to equity investments	'	65.00%	'	'
Equity investments, expected real rate of return	'	8.00%	'	'
Fixed-income investments, expected real rate of return	'	2.00%	'	'
Long-term rate of inflation	'	3.00%	'	'
Equity investment, actual asset allocation	'	54.00%	66.00%	'
Discount rate used to determine accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	'	4.85%	4.10%	'
Discount rate used to determine net postretirement benefit expense	'	4.90%	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	'	104.5	136.1	'
Defined benefit pension plan cash contributions	'	10.7	8	'
Asset allocation assumption to equity investments	'	57.00%	58.00%	'
Asset allocation assumption to other investments	'	3.00%	3.00%	'
Actual asset allocation of equity investment	'	63.00%	'	'
Actual asset allocation of other investments	'	0.00%	'	'
Discount rate used to determine accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	'	4.36%	4.20%	'
Discount rate used to determine net postretirement benefit expense	'	4.40%	'	'
Two Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Plan assets concentration	'	41.00%	31.00%	'
Debt Securities [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Asset allocation assumption to equity investments	'	35.00%	'	'
Equity investment, actual asset allocation	'	46.00%	34.00%	'
Debt Securities [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Asset allocation assumption to equity investments	'	40.00%	40.00%	'
Actual asset allocation of fixed-investments	'	37.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments 2014	'	$13.20	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Changes

Employee Benefit Plans (Changes in Benefit Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Ending fair value of plan assets	$194.50	$151.10	'
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning benefit obligation	180.4	167.2	'
Impact of foreign currency exchange rate change	0	0	'
Acquisitions	0	0	'
Service cost	1.9	1.8	1.4
Interest cost	7.2	7.7	8.1
Settlements (gain) loss	0	0	'
Benefits paid	-10.1	-9.9	'
Employee contributions	0	0	'
Amendments / Change in assumptions	-0.1	0.1	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-9.4	13.5	'
Ending benefit obligation	169.9	180.4	167.2
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning fair value of plan assets	129.1	126.6	'
Impact of foreign currency exchange rate change	0	0	'
Acquisitions	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets	23.4	11.9	'
Company contributions	0.5	0.5	'
Settlements	0	0	'
Benefit paid	-10.1	-9.9	'
Ending fair value of plan assets	142.9	129.1	126.6
Funded status at end of year	-27	-51.3	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Assets	0	0	'
Accrued liabilities	-0.4	-0.4	'
Other liabilities	-26.6	-50.9	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	55.4	87.6	'
Prior service cost	0.4	0.4	'
Transition obligation	0	0	'
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	55.8	88	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning benefit obligation	158.5	114.2	'
Impact of foreign currency exchange rate change	-8.9	0	'
Acquisitions	0	19.1	'
Service cost	6.5	4.3	3.1
Interest cost	5.9	6.1	5.7
Settlements (gain) loss	-3.7	-2.5	'
Benefits paid	-5	-4.1	'
Employee contributions	0.6	0.2	'
Amendments / Change in assumptions	-2.3	4	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-8.7	17.2	'
Ending benefit obligation	142.9	158.5	114.2
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning fair value of plan assets	46.1	40.1	'
Impact of foreign currency exchange rate change	-3.4	0.5	'
Acquisitions	0	16.9	'
Actual return on plan assets	6.3	2.5	'
Company contributions	10.7	8	'
Settlements	-3.7	-17.8	'
Benefit paid	-5	-4.1	'
Ending fair value of plan assets	51.6	46.1	40.1
Funded status at end of year	-91.3	-112.4	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Assets	6.3	0.2	'
Accrued liabilities	-5.2	-5.7	'
Other liabilities	-92.4	-106.9	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	17.1	31.2	'
Prior service cost	5.7	8.9	'
Transition obligation	0.3	0.5	'
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$23.10	$40.60	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Accumul

Employee Benefit Plans (Accumulated Benefit Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	$169.90	$180.40
Accumulated benefit obligation	169.4	179.4
Fair value of the plan assets	142.9	129
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	115.4	149.7
Accumulated benefit obligation	104.5	136.1
Fair value of the plan assets	$49.60	$44.20

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Net_Pen

Employee Benefit Plans (Net Pension Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Pension expense:	'	'	'
Service cost	$1.90	$1.80	$1.40
Interest cost	7.2	7.7	8.1
Expected return on plan assets	-9.4	-9.1	-10.6
Amortization of prior service cost	0.1	0.1	0.1
Amortization of net loss	8.5	8.3	5.1
Amortization of translation obligation	0	0	0
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	0	0
Settlement (gain) loss	0	0	0
Net pension expense	8.3	8.8	4.1
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Pension expense:	'	'	'
Service cost	6.5	4.3	3.1
Interest cost	5.9	6.1	5.7
Expected return on plan assets	-2.7	-2	-2.4
Amortization of prior service cost	1.2	1.4	0.3
Amortization of net loss	1.2	1.2	1.2
Amortization of translation obligation	0.1	0.2	0.2
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	0	0
Settlement (gain) loss	0.1	0.1	0.3
Net pension expense	$12.30	$11.30	$8.40

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Weighte

Employee Benefit Plans (Weighted Average Assumption Used in Determining Benefit Obligation) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate	2.95%	3.00%	3.50%
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.85%	4.10%	'
Expected rate of increase in future compensation levels	2.00%	2.00%	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.36%	4.20%	'
Expected rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.85%	4.10%	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Weighte1

Employee Benefit Plans (Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Pension Expense) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.12%	4.70%	5.40%
Expected rate of increase in future compensation levels	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Long-term expected rate of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	8.50%
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.26%	5.10%	5.60%
Expected rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.94%	6.10%	4.30%
Long-term expected rate of return on plan assets	6.09%	4.50%	7.20%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Summary

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary of Pension Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	$194.50		$151.10		'
Interest of lease	26.00%		26.00%		'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	135.5		115.1		'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	55		31.8		'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	4		4.2		'
Equity Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	76.7		77.3		'
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	76.6		77.2		'
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0.1		0.1		'
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	89.5		54.7		'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	58.9		37.9		'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	30.6		16.8		'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	2.3		2.1		'
Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	2.3		2.1		'
Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Equitable Contracts [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	1.2		1.3		'
Equitable Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Equitable Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	1.2		1.3		'
Equitable Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Fixed Income [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	20.8	[1]	11.5	[1]	'
Fixed Income [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Fixed Income [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	20.8	[1]	11.5	[1]	'
Fixed Income [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Coal Lease [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	4	[1]	4.2	[1]	'
Coal Lease [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Coal Lease [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Coal Lease [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	$4	[1]	$4.20	[1]	$4.40
[1]	The Company’s interest represents approximately 26% of the lease which is currently between American Premier Underwriters (APU), the Lessor and CONSOL Energy (CONSOL), the Lessee. The lease pertains to real property mined by CONSOL located in Pennsylvania.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Fair_Va

Employee Benefit Plans (Fair Value Measurements Classified as Level 3) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Ending fair value of plan assets	$194.50		$151.10
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Ending fair value of plan assets	4		4.2
Coal Lease [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Ending fair value of plan assets	4	[1]	4.2	[1]
Coal Lease [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Beginning fair value of plan assets	4.2	[1]	4.4
Change in fair value of plan assets	-0.2		-0.2
Purchases, sales, transfers, and settlements	0		0
Ending fair value of plan assets	$4	[1]	$4.20	[1]
[1]	The Company’s interest represents approximately 26% of the lease which is currently between American Premier Underwriters (APU), the Lessor and CONSOL Energy (CONSOL), the Lessee. The lease pertains to real property mined by CONSOL located in Pennsylvania.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Postret

Employee Benefit Plans (Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions) (Details) (Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning benefit obligation	$6.30	$7.10	'
Service cost	0.1	0.1	0.1
Interest cost	0.2	0.2	0.3
Actuarial loss	-1.1	-0.4	'
Benefits paid	-0.6	-0.8	'
Foreign currency impact	0.1	0.1	'
Ending benefit obligation	5	6.3	7.1
Funded status at end of year	-5	-6.3	'
Accrued liabilities	-0.6	-0.9	'
Other liabilities	-4.4	-5.4	'
Net actuarial loss	-0.3	0.6	'
Prior service cost	-0.2	-0.2	'
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	($0.50)	$0.40	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Net_Pos

Employee Benefit Plans (Net Postretirement Benefit Expense) (Details) (Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions [Member]	'	'	'
Service cost	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10
Interest cost	0.2	0.2	0.3
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	-0.1
Amortization of net loss	0.1	0	0.1
Net postretirement benefit expense	$0.40	$0.30	$0.40

Total_Equity_Narrative_Details

Total Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

20-May-13

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 25, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 24, 2003

Nov. 23, 2013

Dec. 10, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Five Point Seven Five Percent Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Five Point Seven Five Percent Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Five Point Seven Five Percent Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Five Point Seven Five Percent Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

Prior Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock authorized, shares

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock authorized, shares

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Authorized amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$125

'

'

'

'

Purchase of common shares, value

'

19.5

1.2

62.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

19.5

1.2

'

'

Repurchase of common shares, shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

597,531

50,000

'

'

Average cost per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$32.65

$24.80

'

'

Preferred stock, shares issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,070,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding

'

0

76,002

'

0

0

76,002

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares conversion ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.056

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends per share declared and paid

$0.18

$0.54

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of dividends in total

'

26.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percent of matching and retirement contribution of compensation paid

'

6.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments in mutual funds, percent

'

89.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments in General Cable stock fund

'

11.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Market value of mutual fund investments, nonvested and subsequently vested stock and restricted stock in the rabbi trust

'

42

38.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Market value of the assets held by the rabbi trust classified as other non-current assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22.2

17.7

Amounts payable to the plan participants classified as other liabilities

'

$24.20

$19.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total_Equity_Components_Of_Acc

Total Equity (Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Statement Equity Components [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($112.10)	($104.60)
Company Common Shareholders [Member]	'	'
Statement Equity Components [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-67.1	-27.9
Pension adjustments, net of tax	-52.6	-84.4
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	0	0.1
Company deferred stock held in rabbi trust, net of tax	7.3	7.3
Other	0.3	0.3
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-112.1	-104.6
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'
Statement Equity Components [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-24.5	-16.8
Pension adjustments, net of tax	-2.9	-3.1
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	0	-0.4
Company deferred stock held in rabbi trust, net of tax	0	0
Other	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($27.40)	($20.30)

Total_Equity_Change_in_Accumul

Total Equity (Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2012	($104.60)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-26.4
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	18.9
Net current - period other comprehensive income	-7.5
Balance, December 31, 2013	-112.1
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2012	-27.9
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-39.2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0
Net current - period other comprehensive income	-39.2
Balance, December 31, 2013	-67.1
Change of Fair Value of Pension Benefit Obligation [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2012	-84.4
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	13.6
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	18.2
Net current - period other comprehensive income	31.8
Balance, December 31, 2013	-52.6
Change in Fair Value of Derivatives [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2012	0.1
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-0.8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0.7
Net current - period other comprehensive income	-0.1
Balance, December 31, 2013	0
Accumulated Deferred Stock Held in Rabbi Trust [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2012	7.3
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0
Net current - period other comprehensive income	0
Balance, December 31, 2013	7.3
Other1 [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2012	0.3
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0
Net current - period other comprehensive income	0
Balance, December 31, 2013	$0.30

Total_Equity_Reclassifications

Total Equity (Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost of Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,717.50	$5,434.60	$5,213.90
Total	13.8	5.7	8.2	-45.8	-15.7	-22.9	17.7	24.9	-18.1	4	54.5
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18.9	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Change in Fair Value of Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost of Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.7	'	'
Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.7	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Defined Pension Items [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Prior service cost	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.7	'	'
Net loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16.5	'	'
Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$18.20	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'
Cash received from stock option exercises	$0.70		$0.10		$1.50
Tax deductions for all share-based compensation	5		3.6		'
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	-0.7	[1]	-0.6	[1]	1	[1]
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$18.60		$18.20		$24.11
Stock Option [Member]	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'
Tax deductions for all share-based compensation	0.4		0.1		1
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$35.24		$32.50		$24.11
Intrinsic value of options exercised	1		0.3		2.8
Fair value of shares vested	20.8		18.7		14.3
Compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized	4.1		3.4		'
Weighted average recognition period	'1 year 10 months 24 days		'1 year 9 months 18 days		'
2005 Plan [Member]	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'
Authorized shares to be granted	5,800,000		'		'
Shares reserved for future grants	2,300,000		'		'
Option granted, expiration period	'10 years		'		'
Vesting period	'3 years		'		'
2000 Plan [Member]	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'
Number of shares authorized	1,500,000		'		'
Option granted, expiration period	'10 years		'		'
Vesting period	'3 years		'		'
1997 Plan [Member]	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'
Number of shares authorized	4,700,000		'		'
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of shares vested	6.2		7		2.5
Compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized	13.4		'		'
Weighted average recognition period	'2 years 5 months 16 days		'		'
Nonvested stock and restricted stock units	237,000		'		'
Weighted average grant price, per share expected to vested in next year	$29.52		'		'
Fair value of shares expected to vested in next year	$7		'		'
[1]	Cash inflows (outflows) recognized as financing and operating activities in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows

ShareBased_Compensation_Expens

Share-Based Compensation (Expense Related to Non-vested Stock Awards) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Total pre-tax share-based compensation expense	$12.90		$12.50		$11.70
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	-0.7	[1]	-0.6	[1]	1	[1]
Non-Qualified Stock Option Expense [Member]	'		'		'
Total pre-tax share-based compensation expense	5.5		4.9		4.8
Non-Vested Stock Awards Expense [Member]	'		'		'
Total pre-tax share-based compensation expense	0.2		1.7		2.8
Stock Unit Awards [Member]	'		'		'
Total pre-tax share-based compensation expense	5.2		4.5		3.1
Performance-Based Non-Vested Stock Awards Expense [Member]	'		'		'
Total pre-tax share-based compensation expense	$2		$1.40		$1
[1]	Cash inflows (outflows) recognized as financing and operating activities in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2012, shares	1,814,800	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2012, weighted average exercise price	$32.99	'
Granted, shares	334,000	'
Granted, weighted average exercise price	$35.24	'
Exercised, shares	-50,500	'
Exercised, weighted average exercise price	$13.33	'
Forfeited or Expired, shares	-154,200	'
Forfeited or Expired, weighted average exercise price	$41.92	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013, shares	1,944,100	1,814,800
Outstanding at December 31, 2013, weighted average exercise price	$33.18	$32.99
Exercisable at December 31, 2013, shares	1,342,100	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013, weighted average exercise price	$32.31	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013, weighted average remaining contractual term, years	'4 years 11 months 12 days	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013, average intrinsic value	$7	'
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contactual term, years	'6 years 1 month 1 day	'5 years 11 months 0 days
Outstanding at December 31, 2012, aggregate intrinsic value	9.5	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013, aggregate intrinsic value	7	9.5
Options expected to vest in the next twelve months, shares	277,300	'
Options expected to vest in the next twelve months, weighted average exercise price	$35.99	'
Options expected to vest in the next twelve months, weighted average remaining contractual term, years	'8 years 3 months 6 days	'
Options expected to vest in the next twelve months, aggregate intrinsic value	$0	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Assump

Share-Based Compensation (Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Each Stock) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'
Risk-free interest rate	0.60%	[1]	1.00%	[1]	2.40%	[1]
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	'
Expected option life	'4 years 5 months	[2]	'5 years 0 months 0 days	[2]	'5 years 0 months 0 days	[2]
Expected stock price volatility	67.80%	[3]	68.00%	[3]	65.60%	[3]
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$18.60		$18.20		$24.11
[1]	Risk-free interest rate — This is the U.S. Treasury rate at the grant date having a term approximately equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.
[2]	Expected option life — This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years. An increase in expected life will increase compensation expense.
[3]	Expected stock price volatility — This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of the Company’s stock to calculate the volatility assumption as it is management’s belief that this is the best indicator of future volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation (Additional Information Option Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding	1,944,100	1,814,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$33.18	$32.99
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'6 years 1 month 1 day	'5 years 11 months 0 days
Options Exercisable	1,342,100	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.31	'
$0 - $14 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding	76,600	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.90	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 year 1 month 6 days	'
Options Exercisable	76,600	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.90	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$0	'
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$14	'
$14 - $28 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding	747,200	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.80	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years	'
Options Exercisable	747,200	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.80	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$14	'
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$28	'
$28 - $42 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding	640,000	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$33.93	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 8 months 12 days	'
Options Exercisable	102,000	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.50	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$28	'
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$42	'
$42 - $56 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding	274,000	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$45.29	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years 10 months 24 days	'
Options Exercisable	210,000	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$46.02	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$42	'
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$56	'
$56 - $70 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding	206,300	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$63.87	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years	'
Options Exercisable	206,300	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$63.87	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$56	'
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$70	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Nonves

Share-Based Compensation (Nonvested Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2012, shares	853,900	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2012, weighted average grant date fair value	$30.26	'	'
Granted, shares	301,200	'	'
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value	$34.83	$29.65	$39.94
Vested, shares	-201,200	'	'
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value	$30.81	'	'
Forfeited, shares	-62,000	'	'
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value	$24.94	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013, shares	891,900	853,900	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013, weighted average grant date fair value	$32.02	$30.26	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Nonves1

Share-Based Compensation (Nonvested Shares Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested shares granted	$34.83	$29.65	$39.94
Fair value of nonvested shares granted	$10.50	$9.10	$7.90
Fair value of shares vested	$6.20	$7	$2.50

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Narrative) (Details) (ProCables S.A. [Member], ROW [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2012
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Percentage of interests acquired	60.00%
Term after no-transfer period that shareholders' may exercise	'36 months
Seller [Member]	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage	40.00%
Noncontrolling interest, value	27.4

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte3

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]	'
Balance	$18.60
Foreign currency translation	-1.6
Balance	$17

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Narr

Earnings Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended							0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	20-May-13	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 10, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
					Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Stock Repurchase Program [Member]	Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payments of dividends in total	'	$26.70	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends per common share	$0.18	$0.54	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	125	'
Repurchase of common shares, value	'	19.5	1.2	62.5	'	'	'	'	'	19.5
Repurchase of common shares, shares	'	'	'	'	'	597,000	50,000	2,529,000	'	597,531
Average price per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$32.65
Stock options and restricted stock units excluded from the earnings per common share	'	288,000	553,000	506,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total debt	'	$1,386.90	$1,450.10	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average conversion price per share	'	'	'	'	$36.75	'	'	'	'	'
Average stock considered as issuable under the treasury	'	0	0	600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Reco

Earnings Per Common Share (Reconciliation Of The Numerator And Denominator Of Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 27, 2013

Jun. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2012

Jun. 29, 2012

Mar. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income for basic EPS computation

$13.80

$5.70

$8.20

($45.80)

($15.70)

($22.90)

$17.70

$24.90

($18.10)

$4

$54.50

Less: Net income allocated to participating securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.1

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

Net income (loss) for basic EPS computations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-18.2

[2]

4

[2]

54.5

[2]

Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS computation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.4

[3],[4]

49.7

[3],[4]

51.9

[3],[4]

Earnings (losses) per common share - basic (usd per share)

$0.28

$0.11

$0.17

($0.92)

($0.32)

($0.46)

$0.36

$0.50

($0.37)

[4]

$0.08

[4]

$1.05

[4]

Net income attributable to Company common shareholders

13.8

5.7

8.2

-45.8

-15.7

-22.9

17.7

24.9

-18.1

4

54.5

Add: Preferred stock dividends on convertible stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0.3

0.3

Net income attributable to Company common shareholders - for diluted EPS computation

$13.90

$5.80

$8.30

($45.80)

($15.70)

($22.80)

$17.80

$25

($18.10)

[2]

$4.30

[2]

$54.80

[2]

Weighted average shares outstanding including nonvested shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.4

[3],[4]

49.7

[3],[4]

51.9

[3],[4]

Dilutive effect of convertible notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0.6

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1

0.8

Dilutive effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0.4

0.4

Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted EPS computation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.4

[3]

51.1

[3]

53.7

[3]

Earnings (losses) per common share - assuming dilution (usd per share)

$0.27

$0.11

$0.16

($0.92)

($0.32)

($0.46)

$0.35

$0.49

($0.37)

$0.08

$1.02

[1]

Outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends are considered participating securities in undistributed earnings in the calculation above.

[2]

Numerator

[3]

Denominator

[4]

Under the two class method, Earnings per share — basic reflects undistributed earnings per share for both common stock and unvested share-based payment awards (restricted stock).

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Impa

Earnings Per Common Share (Impact Of Company's Stock Price On Assuming Dilution Calculation For The Subordinated Convertible Notes) (Details) (Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share price	$36.75
$36.75 [Member]	'
Share price	$36.75
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	0
$38.75 [Member]	'
Share price	$38.75
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	603,152
$40.75 [Member]	'
Share price	$40.75
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	1,147,099
$42.75 [Member]	'
Share price	$42.75
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	1,640,151
$44.75 [Member]	'
Share price	$44.75
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	2,089,131
Total Treasury Method Incremental Shares [Member] | $36.75 [Member]	'
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	0	[1]
Total Treasury Method Incremental Shares [Member] | $38.75 [Member]	'
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	603,152	[1]
Total Treasury Method Incremental Shares [Member] | $40.75 [Member]	'
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	1,147,099	[1]
Total Treasury Method Incremental Shares [Member] | $42.75 [Member]	'
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	1,640,151	[1]
Total Treasury Method Incremental Shares [Member] | $44.75 [Member]	'
Incremental common shares attributable to contingently issuable shares	2,089,131	[1]
[1]	Represents the number of incremental shares that must be included in the calculation of fully diluted shares under U.S. GAAP.

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
									Segment
Number of operating segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'	'
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of same entity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0
Net sales	1,661.30	1,557.10	1,659.10	1,543.70	1,622.20	1,512.60	1,475.20	1,449.50	6,421.20	6,059.50	5,808.20
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	211.7	199.4	214.6
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	89.1	108.6	121.5
Depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	118.6	102.5	97.6
Assets	4,578.90	'	'	'	4,932.60	'	'	'	4,578.90	4,932.60	'
Long-lived assets	1,572.40	'	'	'	1,682.10	'	'	'	1,572.40	1,682.10	'
North America [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of same entity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20.6	27.1	28.8
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,751.60	2,340.20	2,120.20
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	129.8	126.1	121.8
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33.5	25.3	22.2
Depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40.3	30	27.2
Assets	1,342	'	'	'	1,483.40	'	'	'	1,342	1,483.40	'
Europe and Mediterranean [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of same entity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33.3	22.1	24.8
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,629.60	1,684.20	1,737.90
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-0.3	-13	30.3
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18.4	35.3	41.1
Depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40.3	38	38.3
Assets	1,232.80	'	'	'	1,329.60	'	'	'	1,232.80	1,329.60	'
ROW [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of same entity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	68.6	95.5	38.1
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,040	2,035.10	1,950.10
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	82.2	86.3	62.5
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	37.2	48	58.2
Depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38	34.5	32.1
Assets	2,004.10	'	'	'	2,119.60	'	'	'	2,004.10	2,119.60	'
Electric Utility [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,148.50	2,004.80	1,792.80
Electrical Infrastructure [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,674.20	1,611.50	1,708.30
Construction [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,568.90	1,519	1,395.30
Communications [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	713	651.2	655.3
Rod Mill Products [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	316.6	273	256.5
UNITED STATES [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,919.80	1,859.50	1,712.20
Long-lived assets	331.7	'	'	'	337.9	'	'	'	331.7	337.9	'
CANADA [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	708	441.3	379.8
Long-lived assets	49.3	'	'	'	45.6	'	'	'	49.3	45.6	'
FRANCE [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	469.4	494.9	506
Long-lived assets	72.6	'	'	'	78.3	'	'	'	72.6	78.3	'
BRAZIL [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	421.3	477.6	420.4
Long-lived assets	105	'	'	'	121.3	'	'	'	105	121.3	'
SPAIN [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	280.7	319	400.1
Long-lived assets	166	'	'	'	169.8	'	'	'	166	169.8	'
Others [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,622	2,467.20	2,389.70
Long-lived assets	$847.80	'	'	'	$929.20	'	'	'	$847.80	$929.20	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 19, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010
		Cases	Cases	Cases	Asbestos Issue [Member]	Asbestos Issue [Member]	Asbestos Issue [Member]	Monetary Damages [Member]	Allege Only Damages [Member]	Parent Company [Member]	Brazilian State Claimant [Member]
		Defendants			Cases	Cases	Cases	Cases	Cases	Cases
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Environmental-related accrued liabilities	'	$3,100,000	$1,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Claims outstanding under indemnity	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contribution in loss by BICC plc in indemnity for the first year	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contribution in loss by BICC plc in indemnity for two and three years	'	75.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contribution in loss by BICC plc in indemnity for fourth year	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contribution in loss by acquiree in indemnity for fifth and sixth years	'	25.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of cases	'	29,133	'	'	'	'	'	361	219	1	'
Number of new cases	'	'	'	'	133	113	115	'	'	'	'
Number of cases dismissed	'	65	66	61	21,933	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of defended cases	'	29,133	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount per plaintiff	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	358,000	'	'
Pending cases, number	'	141	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Damages, value	'	438,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,000,000	'
Number of defendants	'	50	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Punitive damages, value	'	319,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accrual related to maritime and non-maritime cases, gross amount	'	5,200,000	5,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Insurance recoveries related to lawsuits	'	500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accrual related to maritime and non-maritime cases, net amount	'	4,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement costs	'	8,700,000	'	'	300,000	600,000	900,000	'	'	'	'
Costs of administering and litigating claims	'	24,400,000	'	'	1,700,000	1,700,000	2,200,000	'	'	'	'
Principal amount claimed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,000,000
Taxes allegedly due for the infractions	200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fines claimed amount	22,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Global insurance policy, coverage limits	'	15,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Matters [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 1	'	40,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 2	'	35,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 3	'	31,800,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 4	'	21,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 5	'	8,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement thereafter	'	13,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rent expense	'	47,000,000	29,800,000	20,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of credit	'	150,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Performance bonds	'	249,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other guarantees	'	$380,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Unconsolidated_Affiliated_Comp1

Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Ownership threshold, investment as equity method	50.00%	'	'
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies	$1.70	$1.70	$2.90
Unconsolidated affiliated companies	$19	$18.90	'
PDTL Trading Company Ltd. [Member]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in affiliated companies, less than	49.00%	'	'
Colada Continua Chilean, S.A. [Member]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in affiliated companies, less than	41.00%	'	'
Minuet Realty Corp. [Member]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in affiliated companies, less than	40.00%	'	'
Nostag GmbH & Co. KG [Member]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in affiliated companies, less than	33.00%	'	'
Pakistan Cables Limited [Member]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in affiliated companies, less than	24.60%	'	'
Keystone Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. [Member]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in affiliated companies, less than	20.00%	'	'
Thai Copper Rod Company Ltd. [Member]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in affiliated companies, less than	18.00%	'	'

Fair_Value_Disclosure_Financia

Fair Value Disclosure (Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 27, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Rest Of World [Member]

Rest Of World [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Mexico [Member]

Mexico [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative assets

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$7.20

$7.10

$0

$0

$7.20

$7.10

Equity securities

'

'

'

'

22.2

17.7

0

0

0

0

22.2

17.7

Total Assets

'

'

'

'

22.2

17.7

7.2

7.1

0

0

29.4

24.8

Derivative liabilities

'

'

'

'

0

0

9.3

10.1

0

0

9.3

10.1

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

0

0

9.3

10.1

0

0

9.3

10.1

Restructuring charges

6.7

7.5

14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure

'

'

'

$12.70

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly_Operating_Results_Un2

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Net sales	$1,661.30	$1,557.10	$1,659.10	$1,543.70	$1,622.20	$1,512.60	$1,475.20	$1,449.50	$6,421.20		$6,059.50		$5,808.20
Gross profit	193.8	160.2	192.8	156.9	136.7	165.4	173.7	149.1	703.7		624.9		594.3
Net income attributable to Company common shareholders	13.8	5.7	8.2	-45.8	-15.7	-22.9	17.7	24.9	-18.1		4		54.5
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders - for diluted EPS computation	$13.90	$5.80	$8.30	($45.80)	($15.70)	($22.80)	$17.80	$25	($18.10)	[1]	$4.30	[1]	$54.80	[1]
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic (usd per share)	$0.28	$0.11	$0.17	($0.92)	($0.32)	($0.46)	$0.36	$0.50	($0.37)	[2]	$0.08	[2]	$1.05	[2]
Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution (usd per share)	$0.27	$0.11	$0.16	($0.92)	($0.32)	($0.46)	$0.35	$0.49	($0.37)		$0.08		$1.02
[1]	Numerator
[2]	Under the two class method, Earnings per share — basic reflects undistributed earnings per share for both common stock and unvested share-based payment awards (restricted stock).

Supplemental_Guarantor_Condens2

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash dividend paid	$26,700,000	'	'
5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'	'	'
Interest rate on senior convertible notes	5.75%	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Cash dividend paid	0	0	0
North America [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | 5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt principal amount	600,000,000	'	'
Debt maturity date	'2022	'	'
North America [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Senior Floating Notes Due In 2015 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt principal amount	$125,000,000	'	'
Debt maturity date	'2015	'	'

Supplemental_Guarantor_Condens3

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information (Condensed Statements Of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Statements Of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$6,421.20	$6,059.50	$5,808.20
Intercompany	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Net sales, Total	1,661.30	1,557.10	1,659.10	1,543.70	1,622.20	1,512.60	1,475.20	1,449.50	6,421.20	6,059.50	5,808.20
Cost of sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,717.50	5,434.60	5,213.90
Gross profit	193.8	160.2	192.8	156.9	136.7	165.4	173.7	149.1	703.7	624.9	594.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	492	425.5	379.7
Operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	211.7	199.4	214.6
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-66.7	-2.9	-31.7
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-124.9	-106.8	-99.2
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6.9	6.5	7.7
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-9.3	0
Interest income (expense), total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-118	-109.6	-91.5
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27	86.9	91.4
Income tax (provision) benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-38.8	-78.6	-38.6
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.7	1.7	2.9
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10.1	10	55.7
Less: preferred stock dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.3	0.3	0.3
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7.7	5.7	0.9
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	13.8	5.7	8.2	-45.8	-15.7	-22.9	17.7	24.9	-18.1	4	54.5
Comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10.1	10	55.7
Currency translation gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-46.9	9.9	-60.6
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	32	-21.3	-18
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.3	6	-37.6
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24.7	4.6	-60.5
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.6	7.5	-5.1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-25.3	-2.9	-55.4
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Statements Of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Intercompany	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56	54.4	55.9
Net sales, Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56	54.4	55.9
Cost of sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56	54.4	55.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43.4	41.5	44.6
Operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12.6	12.9	11.3
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	-0.1
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-86.9	-70.6	-63
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	105.1	91.6	88.6
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9.3	'
Interest income (expense), total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18.2	11.7	25.6
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30.8	24.6	36.8
Income tax (provision) benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-11.5	-10.9	-15.8
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-37.1	-9.4	33.8
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-17.8	4.3	54.8
Less: preferred stock dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.3	0.3	0.3
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-18.1	4	54.5
Comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-17.8	4.3	54.8
Currency translation gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-39.2	8.4	-57.1
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31.8	-21.4	-15.6
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-0.1	5.8	-37.5
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-25.3	-2.9	-55.4
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-25.3	-2.9	-55.4
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Statements Of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,233	2,015.80	1,857
Intercompany	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	292	150.3	116.4
Net sales, Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,525	2,166.10	1,973.40
Cost of sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,244.50	1,903.60	1,742.50
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	280.5	262.5	230.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	188.7	150.6	130.7
Operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	91.8	111.9	100.2
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6.2	0	-0.2
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-110.7	-96.1	-91.6
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15.2	15.5	15
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Interest income (expense), total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-95.5	-80.6	-76.6
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9.9	31.3	23.4
Income tax (provision) benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13.8	-11	2.6
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-41	-29.7	7.8
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-37.1	-9.4	33.8
Less: preferred stock dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-37.1	-9.4	33.8
Comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-37.1	-9.4	33.8
Currency translation gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-39.2	7.6	-56.6
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31.8	-21.4	-15.6
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-0.1	5.8	-37.5
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-44.6	-17.4	-75.9
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-44.6	-17.4	-75.9
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Statements Of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,188.20	4,043.70	3,951.20
Intercompany	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	281.4	320.6	204.9
Net sales, Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,469.60	4,364.30	4,156.10
Cost of sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,046.40	4,001.90	3,792.70
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	423.2	362.4	363.4
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	315.9	287.8	260.3
Operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	107.3	74.6	103.1
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-60.5	-2.9	-31.4
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-48.1	-48	-48.9
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7.4	7.3	8.4
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Interest income (expense), total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-40.7	-40.7	-40.5
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6.1	31	31.2
Income tax (provision) benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-41.1	-56.7	-25.4
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.8	1.2	2.6
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-34.2	-24.5	8.4
Less: preferred stock dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7.7	5.7	0.9
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-41.9	-30.2	7.5
Comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-34.2	-24.5	8.4
Currency translation gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-55.8	5.1	-51.8
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12.3	-20	-3
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.3	2.8	-33.8
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-77.4	-36.6	-80.2
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.6	7.5	-5.1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-78	-44.1	-75.1
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Statements Of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Intercompany	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-629.4	-525.3	-377.2
Net sales, Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-629.4	-525.3	-377.2
Cost of sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-573.4	-470.9	-321.3
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-56	-54.4	-55.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-56	-54.4	-55.9
Operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	120.8	107.9	104.3
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-120.8	-107.9	-104.3
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Interest income (expense), total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Income tax (provision) benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	79	39.6	-41.3
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	79	39.6	-41.3
Less: preferred stock dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	79	39.6	-41.3
Comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	79	39.6	-41.3
Currency translation gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	87.3	-11.2	104.9
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-43.9	41.5	16.2
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.2	-8.4	71.2
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	122.6	61.5	151
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company common shareholders interest, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$122.60	$61.50	$151

Supplemental_Guarantor_Condens4

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Financial Position [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	$418.80	$622.30	$434.10	$458.70
Receivables, net of allowances	1,171.70	1,182.10	'	'
Inventories, net	1,239.60	1,273.60	'	'
Deferred income taxes	50.2	39.5	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other	126.2	133	'	'
Total current assets	3,006.50	3,250.50	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,092	1,193.90	'	'
Deferred income taxes	15.8	12.8	'	'
Intercompany accounts	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	184.6	187.6	171.4	'
Intangible assets, net	182.9	202.9	'	'
Unconsolidated affiliated companies	19	18.9	'	'
Other non-current assets	78.1	66	'	'
Total assets	4,578.90	4,932.60	'	'
Accounts payable	870.6	1,003	'	'
Accrued liabilities	434.9	496.1	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	250.3	511.2	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,555.80	2,010.30	'	'
Long-term debt	1,136.60	938.9	'	'
Deferred income taxes	233.8	223.9	'	'
Intercompany accounts	0	0	'	'
Other liabilities	255.9	292.7	'	'
Total liabilities	3,182.10	3,465.80	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	17	18.6	'	'
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,280.20	1,331.70	'	'
Non-controlling interest	99.6	116.5	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	4,578.90	4,932.60	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Financial Position [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	0.2	65.3	0.1	29
Receivables, net of allowances	0	0	'	'
Inventories, net	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other	1.9	2.3	'	'
Total current assets	2.1	67.6	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	0.6	0.4	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Intercompany accounts	1,305.50	1,566.70	1,210.40	1,169.70
Investment in subsidiaries	1,050.40	1,086.90	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Intangible assets, net	0	0	'	'
Unconsolidated affiliated companies	0	0	'	'
Other non-current assets	13.7	15.3	'	'
Total assets	2,372.30	2,736.90	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Accrued liabilities	13.8	12.1	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	334.6	'	'
Total current liabilities	13.8	346.7	'	'
Long-term debt	902	900.5	'	'
Deferred income taxes	175.2	156.9	'	'
Intercompany accounts	0	0	'	'
Other liabilities	1.1	1.1	'	'
Total liabilities	1,092.10	1,405.20	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	'	'
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,280.20	1,331.70	'	'
Non-controlling interest	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	2,372.30	2,736.90	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Financial Position [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	2.2	44.2	8.5	2.9
Receivables, net of allowances	258.5	277.6	'	'
Inventories, net	438	460	'	'
Deferred income taxes	23.3	24.4	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other	32.7	20.9	'	'
Total current assets	754.7	827.1	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	231.9	238.2	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Intercompany accounts	507.7	491	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	1,332.30	1,367.40	'	'
Goodwill	13.7	15	'	'
Intangible assets, net	15.5	17.7	'	'
Unconsolidated affiliated companies	8	7.3	'	'
Other non-current assets	33.8	26.4	'	'
Total assets	2,897.60	2,990.10	'	'
Accounts payable	118.5	103.8	'	'
Accrued liabilities	103.9	109.1	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	222.4	212.9	'	'
Long-term debt	225	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-19.4	-18.2	'	'
Intercompany accounts	1,339.70	1,606.90	'	'
Other liabilities	79.5	101.6	'	'
Total liabilities	1,847.20	1,903.20	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	'	'
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,050.40	1,086.90	'	'
Non-controlling interest	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	2,897.60	2,990.10	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Financial Position [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	416.4	512.8	425.5	426.8
Receivables, net of allowances	913.2	904.5	'	'
Inventories, net	801.6	813.6	'	'
Deferred income taxes	26.9	15.1	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other	91.6	109.8	'	'
Total current assets	2,249.70	2,355.80	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	859.5	955.3	'	'
Deferred income taxes	15.8	12.8	'	'
Intercompany accounts	35.8	40.2	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	170.9	172.6	'	'
Intangible assets, net	167.4	185.2	'	'
Unconsolidated affiliated companies	11	11.6	'	'
Other non-current assets	30.6	24.3	'	'
Total assets	3,540.70	3,757.80	'	'
Accounts payable	752.1	899.2	'	'
Accrued liabilities	317.2	374.9	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	250.3	176.6	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,319.60	1,450.70	'	'
Long-term debt	9.6	38.4	'	'
Deferred income taxes	78	85.2	'	'
Intercompany accounts	509.3	491	'	'
Other liabilities	175.3	190	'	'
Total liabilities	2,091.80	2,255.30	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	17	18.6	'	'
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,332.30	1,367.40	'	'
Non-controlling interest	99.6	116.5	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	3,540.70	3,757.80	'	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Financial Position [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net of allowances	0	0	'	'
Inventories, net	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other	0	0	'	'
Total current assets	0	0	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Intercompany accounts	-1,849	-2,097.90	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-2,382.70	-2,454.30	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Intangible assets, net	0	0	'	'
Unconsolidated affiliated companies	0	0	'	'
Other non-current assets	0	0	'	'
Total assets	-4,231.70	-4,552.20	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Accrued liabilities	0	0	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	0	0	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Intercompany accounts	-1,849	-2,097.90	'	'
Other liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	-1,849	-2,097.90	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	'	'
Total Company shareholders' equity	-2,382.70	-2,454.30	'	'
Non-controlling interest	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	($4,231.70)	($4,552.20)	'	'

Supplemental_Guarantor_Condens5

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information (Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net cash flows of operating activities	$38.20	$272.60	$97.80
Capital expenditures	-89.1	-108.6	-121.5
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-6.9	-286.5	0
Return of investment intercompany dividends	'	0	'
Proceeds from properties sold	0.4	4.5	6.5
Other, net	1	0.3	0.3
Net cash flows of investing activities	-94.6	-390.3	-114.7
Preferred stock dividends paid	-27	-0.3	-0.3
Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation	0	-0.6	1
Intercompany accounts	0	0	0
Proceeds from other debt	1,645.30	1,473.60	1,891.40
Repayments of other debt	-1,357.60	-1,560.80	-1,835.80
Issuance of long term debt	0	600	0
Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	-355	-217.7	0
Purchase of non-controlling interest	-4	0	0
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	-5.3	-3.5	-3.8
Repurchase of common shares	-19.5	-1.2	-62.5
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0.7	0.1	1.5
Net cash flows of financing activities	-122.4	289.6	-8.5
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-24.7	16.3	0.8
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-203.5	188.2	-24.6
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	622.3	434.1	458.7
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	418.8	622.3	434.1
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net cash flows of operating activities	56	55.6	53.3
Capital expenditures	-0.3	-0.2	-0.2
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Return of investment intercompany dividends	'	0	'
Proceeds from properties sold	0	0	0
Other, net	0	-29.2	0
Net cash flows of investing activities	-0.3	-29.4	-0.2
Preferred stock dividends paid	-27	-0.3	-0.3
Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation	'	-0.6	1
Intercompany accounts	280	-342.1	-21
Proceeds from other debt	0	0	0
Repayments of other debt	0	0	0
Issuance of long term debt	'	600	'
Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	-355	-217.7	'
Purchase of non-controlling interest	0	'	'
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	0	0	0
Repurchase of common shares	-19.5	-1.2	-62.5
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0.7	0.1	1.5
Net cash flows of financing activities	-120.8	38.2	-81.3
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0.8	-0.7
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-65.1	65.2	-28.9
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	65.3	0.1	29
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	0.2	65.3	0.1
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net cash flows of operating activities	102.4	60.6	52.1
Capital expenditures	-29.1	-25.1	-20.6
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-2.3	-175.3	0
Return of investment intercompany dividends	'	90.8	'
Proceeds from properties sold	0.3	0.1	0
Other, net	-43.7	-129	-58.1
Net cash flows of investing activities	-74.8	-238.5	-78.7
Preferred stock dividends paid	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation	'	0	0
Intercompany accounts	-308.3	241.5	3.6
Proceeds from other debt	420	692.5	940
Repayments of other debt	-194.9	-727.3	-905.2
Issuance of long term debt	'	0	'
Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	0	0	'
Purchase of non-controlling interest	8.2	'	'
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	0	0	0
Repurchase of common shares	0	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Net cash flows of financing activities	-75	206.7	38.4
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	5.4	6.9	-6.2
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-42	35.7	5.6
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	44.2	8.5	2.9
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	2.2	44.2	8.5
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net cash flows of operating activities	-120.2	156.4	-7.6
Capital expenditures	-59.7	-83.3	-100.7
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-4.6	-111.2	0
Return of investment intercompany dividends	'	-90.8	'
Proceeds from properties sold	0.1	4.4	6.5
Other, net	44.7	158.5	58.4
Net cash flows of investing activities	-19.5	-122.4	-35.8
Preferred stock dividends paid	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation	'	0	0
Intercompany accounts	28.3	100.6	17.4
Proceeds from other debt	1,225.30	781.1	951.4
Repayments of other debt	-1,162.70	-833.5	-930.6
Issuance of long term debt	'	0	'
Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	0	0	'
Purchase of non-controlling interest	-12.2	'	'
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	-5.3	-3.5	-3.8
Repurchase of common shares	0	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Net cash flows of financing activities	73.4	44.7	34.4
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-30.1	8.6	7.7
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-96.4	87.3	-1.3
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	512.8	425.5	426.8
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	416.4	512.8	425.5
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Cash Flows [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net cash flows of operating activities	0	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Return of investment intercompany dividends	'	0	'
Proceeds from properties sold	0	0	0
Other, net	0	0	0
Net cash flows of investing activities	0	0	0
Preferred stock dividends paid	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation	'	0	0
Intercompany accounts	0	0	0
Proceeds from other debt	0	0	0
Repayments of other debt	0	0	0
Issuance of long term debt	'	0	'
Settlement of long term debt including fees and expenses	0	0	'
Purchase of non-controlling interest	0	'	'
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	0	0	0
Repurchase of common shares	0	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Net cash flows of financing activities	0	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	$0	$0	$0

Supplemental_Guarantor_Condens6

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information (Intercompany Cash And Non-Cash Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$0	'	'
Cash transactions	0	0	0
Ending Balance	0	0	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	1,566.70	1,210.40	1,169.70
Convertible notes and other debt	0	0	0
Deferred tax	7.1	5.9	8
Equity based awards	11.7	11.7	12.7
Foreign currency and other	0	-3.4	-1
Cash transactions	-280	342.1	21
Ending Balance	$1,305.50	$1,566.70	$1,210.40

Supplemental_Guarantor_Condens7

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company Long-Term Financing Arrangements) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 15, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

Subordinated Convertible Notes Due 2029 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

0.875% Convertible Notes Due 2013 [Member]

Senior Floating Rate Notes [Member]

Senior Floating Rate Notes [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Face value

'

'

'

'

$902

$1,235.10

$600

$600

$600

$600

$429.50

$429.50

$162.90

$429.50

$429.50

$0

$355

$230.90

$0

$355

$125

$125

$9

$9

$9

$9

Debt discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-261.5

-263

-266.6

-261.5

-263

0

-20.4

-124.1

0

-20.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current portion of long-term debt

250.3

511.2

0

334.6

0

334.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

1,136.60

938.9

902

900.5

902

900.5

'

'

'

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Long-term Debt of Registrant, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]

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Debt maturities 2014

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0

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Debt maturities 2015

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125

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Debt maturities 2016

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0

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Debt maturities 2017

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0

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Debt maturities 2018

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$0

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Subsequent_Event_Subsequent_Ev1

Subsequent Event Subsequent Event (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 14, 2013	Feb. 13, 2013	Jan. 24, 2014
				Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Exchange rate, currency translation	6.3	6.3	4.3	6.3

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$38.30	$21.20	$25.10
Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes	-1.9	0.3	-0.2
Provision	9.4	21.9	4.4
Write-offs	6.6	5.1	8.1
Ending balance	39.2	38.3	21.2
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	77.8	40	38.9
Provision	26	31.6	6.5
Changes attributable to acquisitions and dispositions	0	0.4	0
Changes impacting equity and other movements	-8.8	6.2	-4.1
Write-offs	1.2	0.4	1.3
Ending balance	$93.80	$77.80	$40