CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 9,127	$ 21,215
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,810)	6,995
Employee benefit plan activity	650	778
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(2,160)	7,773
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income/(loss)	(141)	(177)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	(2,301)	7,596
Comprehensive income	6,826	28,811
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	32	93
Comprehensive income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$ 6,794	$ 28,718