Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 25, 2010	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 25, 2010
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 10,741	$ 18,747	$ 74,014	$ 69,583
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation	(6,389)	5,801	1,859	567
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	(3,176)	333	(3,409)	143
Other, net	535	(217)	967	1,545
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(9,030)	5,917	(583)	2,255
Comprehensive income	1,711	24,664	73,431	71,838
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(737)	(34)	(1,706)	(1,309)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 974	$ 24,630	$ 71,725	$ 70,529
British pound sterling [Member]
Cumulative foreign currency translation percentage change [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar, stated as a percentage (in hundredths)	3.10%
Mexican peso [Member]
Cumulative foreign currency translation percentage change [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar, stated as a percentage (in hundredths)	12.90%

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