CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 10,792	$ 9,127
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(37,722)	(2,810)
Employee benefit plan activity	901	650
Other comprehensive (loss)	(36,821)	(2,160)
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive (loss)	(185)	(141)
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax	(37,006)	(2,301)
Comprehensive income/(loss)	(26,214)	6,826
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	154	32
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.	$ (26,368)	$ 6,794