CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 29,932	$ 24,548	$ 81,186	$ 70,726
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,738)	6,372	(36,479)	20,876
Employee benefit plan activity	774	829	2,326	2,319
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(9,964)	7,201	(34,153)	23,195
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(176)	(281)	(529)	(785)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	(10,140)	6,920	(34,682)	22,410
Comprehensive income	19,792	31,468	46,504	93,136
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(18)	96	(394)	(57)
Comprehensive income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$ 19,810	$ 31,372	$ 46,898	$ 93,193