Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 03, 2021	Aug. 06, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jul. 03, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-9973
Entity Registrant Name	THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000769520
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-01
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	36-3352497
Entity Address, Address Line One	1400 Toastmaster Drive,
Entity Address, City or Town	Elgin,
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60120
City Area Code	(847)
Local Phone Number	741-3300
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	MIDD
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		55,626,393
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false