CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 25, 2010
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 83,673		$ 87,086		$ 87,535
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	8,070		232		(215)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net	255	[1]	(988)	[1]	376	[1]
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations, net	(847)	[2]	(10,378)	[2]	(402)	[2]
Other, net	14		(81)		61
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	7,492		(11,215)		(180)
Comprehensive income	91,165		75,871		87,355
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,984)		(1,913)		(2,127)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 89,181		$ 73,958		$ 85,228

[1] Net of taxes of $(162) in 2012, $559 in 2011, and $(191) in 2010.

[2] Net of taxes of $94 in 2012, $4,786 in 2011, and $1,631 in 2010