Document And Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 23, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011
Entity Registrant Name	MUELLER INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000089439
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-29
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,417,562,617
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,247,828
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012