OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010	Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010
Net income	$ 19,297,000	$ 12,585,000	$ 52,211,000	$ 31,590,000
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(26,800,000)	16,800,000	(12,600,000)	200,000
Pension liability adjustment	500,000	500,000	1,600,000	1,500,000
Total other comprehensive income	(7,000,000)	29,900,000	41,200,000	33,300,000
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,000,000	(1,000,000)	(400,000)	(300,000)
Comprehensive income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$ (6,000,000)	$ 28,900,000	$ 40,800,000	$ 33,000,000