CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jul. 02, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jul. 02, 2011
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 18,540		$ 22,731		$ 51,357		$ 63,273
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(4,545)		1,256		2,199		8,248
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net	(658)	[1]	544	[2]	309	[3]	(233)	[4]
Other, net	880		395		1,140		432
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,323)		2,195		3,648		8,447
Consolidated comprehensive income	14,217		24,926		55,005		71,720
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(451)		(755)		(1,030)		(970)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 13,766		$ 24,171		$ 53,975		$ 70,750

[1] Net of tax of $415

[2] Net of tax of $(268)

[3] Net of tax of $(166)

[4] Net of tax of $141