CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 02, 2011
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 32,817	$ 40,542
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	6,744	6,992
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(581) in 2012 and $409 in 2011	967	(777)
Other, net	260	37
Total other comprehensive income	7,971	6,252
Comprehensive income	40,788	46,794
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(579)	(215)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 40,209	$ 46,579

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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Net of tax effect change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, that is attributable to the parent entity. The change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses.

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