CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 24,548	$ 23,747	$ 70,726	$ 61,514
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6,372	(1,837)	20,876	12,096
Employee benefit plan activity	829	742	2,319	2,227
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	7,201	(1,095)	23,195	14,323
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(281)	(266)	(785)	(798)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	6,920	(1,361)	22,410	13,525
Comprehensive income	31,468	22,386	93,136	75,039
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	96	47	(57)	409
Comprehensive income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$ 31,372	$ 22,339	$ 93,193	$ 74,630