CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 01, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 23,747	$ 21,026	$ 61,514	$ 57,440
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,837)	(26,305)	12,096	(54,500)
Employee benefit plan activity	742	988	2,227	2,963
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(1,095)	(25,317)	14,323	(51,537)
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income/(loss)	(266)	(333)	(798)	(1,000)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	(1,361)	(25,650)	13,525	(52,537)
Comprehensive income/(loss)	22,386	(4,624)	75,039	4,903
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	47	(47)	409	7
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$ 22,339	$ (4,577)	$ 74,630	$ 4,896