CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 15,570	$ 10,741	$ 66,927	$ 74,014
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	4,973	(6,389)	7,172	1,859
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net	648	(3,176)	957	(3,409)
Other, net	268	535	1,408	967
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	5,889	(9,030)	9,537	(583)
Consolidated comprehensive income	21,459	1,711	76,464	73,431
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(40)	(737)	990	(1,706)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 21,419	$ 974	$ 77,454	$ 71,725

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 and reclassification adjustments amount of the change in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, which is attributable to the parent entity. Also includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss).

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Net of tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to both parent entity and noncontrolling interest.

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