| DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION DOCUMENT | Aug. 01, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2019 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 1, 2019 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO INC | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | IN | |
| Entity File Number | 0-362 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 35-0827455 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 9255 Coverdale Road | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Fort Wayne, | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IN | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 46809 | |
| City Area Code | 260 | |
| Local Phone Number | 824-2900 | |
| Entity Information, Former Legal or Registered Name | Not Applicable | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.10 par value | |
| Trading Symbol | FELE | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000038725 | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2019 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
