CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 30,039	$ 30,244	$ 51,254	$ 46,178
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(32,736)	6,101	(25,741)	14,504
Employee benefit plan activity	774	747	1,552	1,490
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(31,962)	6,848	(24,189)	15,994
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(176)	(252)	(353)	(504)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	(32,138)	6,596	(24,542)	15,490
Comprehensive income/(loss)	(2,099)	36,840	26,712	61,668
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(469)	(364)	(376)	(153)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$ (1,630)	$ 37,204	$ 27,088	$ 61,821