CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 34,075	$ 29,932	$ 76,014	$ 81,186
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,659)	(10,738)	(15,107)	(36,479)
Employee benefit plan activity	606	774	1,905	2,326
Other comprehensive (loss)	(13,053)	(9,964)	(13,202)	(34,153)
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive (loss)	(131)	(176)	(413)	(529)
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax	(13,184)	(10,140)	(13,615)	(34,682)
Comprehensive income	20,891	19,792	62,399	46,504
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	131	(18)	289	(394)
Comprehensive income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$ 20,760	$ 19,810	$ 62,110	$ 46,898