| Cover page Cover page | Feb. 19, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 19, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | John Bean Technologies Corporation |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34036 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 91-1650317 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chicago |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60602 |
| City Area Code | 312 |
| Local Phone Number | 861-5900 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | JBT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001433660 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
