CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 29, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 91,842		$ 18,540		$ 118,276		$ 51,357
Other comprehensive income, (loss) , net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(644)		(4,545)		(5,968)		2,199
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	2,198	[1]	(658)	[2]	474	[3]	309	[4]
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations	622	[5]	915	[6]	2,161	[7]	1,136	[8]
Other, net	42		(35)		83		4
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	2,218		(4,323)		(3,250)		3,648
Comprehensive income	94,060		14,217		115,026		55,005
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,228)		(451)		(1,427)		(1,030)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 92,832		$ 13,766		$ 113,599		$ 53,975

[1] Net of tax of $(1,308)

[2] Net of tax of $415

[3] Net of tax of $(328)

[4] Net of tax of $(166)

[5] Net of tax of $(308)

[6] Net of tax of $(433)

[7] Net of tax of $(960)

[8] Net of tax of $(599)