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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 25, 2010
Dec. 26, 2009
Principles of consolidation [Abstract]      
Non-controlling ownership interest of Mueller-Xingrong (in hundredths) 49.50%    
Cash equivalents [Abstract]      
Temporary investments $ 322.1 $ 315.9  
Restricted cash 13.0 9.2  
Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]      
Fair value of the Company's debt instruments 197.0 189.9  
Foreign currency translation [Abstract]      
Foreign currency transaction losses $ 0.7 $ 2.2 $ 0.2
Stock Options [Member]
     
Earnings per share [Abstract]      
Stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)   1.3 1.2
Buildings [Member]
     
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and equipment estimated useful lives, minimum (in years) 20    
Property, Plant and equipment estimated useful lives, maximum (in years) 40    
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
     
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and equipment estimated useful lives, minimum (in years) 5    
Property, Plant and equipment estimated useful lives, maximum (in years) 20