Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 24, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
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		28,095,245
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 29, 2012