CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 95,999	$ 105,517	$ 78,593
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,659)	(34,723)	17,937
Employee benefit plan activity:
Net loss arising during period	(5,006)	(2,241)	(274)
Amortization arising during period	2,913	3,327	3,012
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(7,752)	(33,637)	20,675
Income tax (expense)/benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	589	(307)	(534)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	(7,163)	(33,944)	20,141
Comprehensive income	88,836	71,573	98,734
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	544	(332)	(251)
Comprehensive income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$ 88,292	$ 71,905	$ 98,985