10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2013 Commission file number 1–6770

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	25-0790410
(State or other jurisdiction	(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

8285 Tournament Drive, Suite 150
Memphis, Tennessee	38125
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(901) 753-3200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes           x  No           o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes x  Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer   x	Accelerated filer   o
Non-accelerated filer   o	Smaller reporting company   o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes           o          No           x

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of October 23, 2013, was 28,274,201.

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 28, 2013

__________________________

As used in this report, the terms “Company,” “Mueller,” and “Registrant” mean Mueller Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole, unless the context indicates otherwise.

__________________________

INDEX

		Page Number
Part I.  Financial Information
	Item 1.   – Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	a.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	3
	b.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	4
	c.)  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	5
	d.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
	e.)  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
	Item 2.   – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
	Item 3.   – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	26
	Item 4.   – Controls and Procedures	28
Part II.  Other Information
	Item 1.   – Legal Proceedings	29
	Item 1A – Risk Factors	31
	Item 2.   – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	32
	Item 6.   – Exhibits	33
Signatures		34

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)	September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012			September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
Net sales	$	528,854		$	514,165		$	1,670,826		$	1,685,932
Cost of goods sold		456,302			449,718			1,440,277			1,465,744
Depreciation and amortization		7,882			7,870			24,364			23,318
Selling, general, and administrative expense		32,921			32,120			99,078			97,209
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—			(39,765	)		—
Impairment charges		4,304			—			4,304			—
Insurance settlements		—			—			(106,332	)		(1,500	)
Operating income		67,210			24,457			248,900			101,161
Interest expense		(1,243	)		(353	)		(2,940	)		(5,711	)
Other income, net		842			219			4,324			963
Income before income taxes		66,809			24,323			250,284			96,413
Income tax expense		(26,816	)		(8,753	)		(92,015	)		(29,486	)
Consolidated net income		39,993			15,570			158,269			66,927
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(129	)		(59	)		(1,053	)		(900	)
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	39,864		$	15,511		$	157,216		$	66,027
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share		27,894			37,505			27,852			37,849
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards		361			452			369			444
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share		28,255			37,957			28,221			38,293
Basic earnings per share	$	1.43		$	0.41		$	5.64		$	1.74
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.41		$	0.41		$	5.57		$	1.72
Dividends per share	$	0.125		$	0.10		$	0.375		$	0.30
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended								For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013				September 29, 2012				September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
Consolidated net income	$	39,993			$	15,570			$	158,269		$	66,927
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation		6,738				4,973				770			7,172
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities		531		(1)		648		(2)		1,005	(3)		957	(4)
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations		(186	)	(5)		252		(6)		1,975	(7)		1,388	(8)
Other, net		22				16				105			20
Total other comprehensive income		7,105				5,889				3,855			9,537
Consolidated comprehensive income		47,098				21,459				162,124			76,464
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(186	)			(40	)			(1,613	)		990
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	46,912			$	21,419			$	160,511		$	77,454
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1 Net of tax of $(280)

2 Net of tax of $(388)

3 Net of tax of $(607)

4 Net of tax of $(554)

5 Net of tax of $(3)

6 Net of tax of $(178)

7 Net of tax of $(963)

8 Net of tax of $(777)

4

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)	September 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	322,177		$	198,934
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,429 in 2013 and $1,644 in 2012		312,919			271,093
Inventories		234,081			229,434
Current deferred income taxes		28,957			26,438
Other current assets		26,209			21,295
Total current assets		924,343			747,194
Property, plant, and equipment, net		222,751			233,263
Goodwill		94,048			104,579
Other assets		19,479			19,119
Total assets	$	1,260,621		$	1,104,155
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	33,036		$	27,570
Accounts payable		76,725			87,574
Accrued wages and other employee costs		33,845			34,378
Other current liabilities		100,566			109,174
Total current liabilities		244,172			258,696
Long-term debt, less current portion		206,550			207,300
Pension liabilities		32,474			35,187
Postretirement benefits other than pensions		19,731			19,832
Environmental reserves		22,435			22,597
Deferred income taxes		39,698			20,910
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,141			1,667
Total liabilities		566,201			566,189
Equity
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding		—			—
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 40,091,502; outstanding 28,272,201 in 2013 and 28,099,635 in 2012		401			401
Additional paid-in capital		266,738			267,826
Retained earnings		896,428			749,777
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(39,327	)		(42,623	)
Treasury common stock, at cost		(462,491	)		(468,473	)
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders’ equity		661,749			506,908
Noncontrolling interest		32,671			31,058
Total equity		694,420			537,966
Commitments and contingencies		—			—
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,260,621		$	1,104,155
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Consolidated net income	$	158,269		$	66,927
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		24,583			23,713
Stock-based compensation expense		4,560			3,042
Insurance settlements		(106,332	)		(1,500	)
Insurance proceeds – noncapital related		32,395			14,250
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—
(Gain) loss on disposal of properties		(3,316	)		175
Impairment charges		4,304			—
Deferred income taxes		14,152			2,319
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options		(670	)		(517	)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquired:
Receivables		(38,370	)		(15,779	)
Inventories		(4,566	)		585
Other assets		4,886			(8,434	)
Current liabilities		19,649			(21,120	)
Other liabilities		(297	)		7,834
Other, net		508			1,271
Net cash provided by operating activities		69,990			72,766
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures		(33,402	)		(43,841	)
Acquisition of business		—			(11,503	)
Insurance proceeds for property and equipment		29,910			42,250
Net (deposits into) withdrawals from restricted cash balances		(2,473	)		6,908
Proceeds from sales of assets		64,966			502
Net provided by (used in) investing activities		59,001			(5,684	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.		(10,449	)		(11,415	)
Debt issuance cost		(50	)		—
Issuance of long-term debt		—			200,000
Issuance (repayment) of debt by joint venture, net		4,940			(28,955	)
Net cash used to settle stock-based awards		(337	)		(740	)
Repurchase of common stock		—			(427,448	)
Repayments of long-term debt		(750	)		(148,926	)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options		670			517
Net cash used in financing activities		(5,976	)		(416,967	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		228			1,478
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		123,243			(348,407	)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period		198,934			514,162
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$	322,177		$	165,755
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

General

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted.  Results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.  This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the annual financial statements incorporated therein.

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.

Note 1 – Earnings per Common Share

Basic per share amounts have been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts reflect the increase in average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, computed using the treasury stock method.  Approximately 136 thousand stock based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 28, 2013 because they were antidilutive.

Note 2 – Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  The Company may also realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

U.K. Actions Relating to the European Commission’s 2004 Copper Tube Decision and 2006 Copper Fittings Decision

Mueller Industries, Inc., WTC Holding Company, Inc., DENO Holding Company, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and DENO Acquisition EURL (the Mueller entities) have received letters from counsel for IMI plc and IMI Kynoch Limited (IMI) and from counsel for Boliden AB (Boliden) concerning contribution proceedings by IMI and Boliden against the Mueller entities regarding copper tube.  In the Competition Appeal Tribunal (the CAT) in the United Kingdom, IMI and Boliden have been served with claims by 21 claimants, all companies within the Travis Perkins Group (TP and the TP Claimants).  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 3, 2004, decision regarding copper tube.  The claims purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

Mueller Industries, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and WTC Holding Company, Inc. also have received a letter from counsel for IMI concerning contribution proceedings by IMI against those three Mueller entities regarding copper fittings.  In the High Court, IMI has been served with claims by 21 TP Claimants.  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 20, 2006, decision regarding copper fittings.  The claims similarly purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

The letters confirm that IMI and Boliden have commenced legal proceedings against the Mueller entities, and in those proceedings are claiming a contribution for any follow-on damages.  IMI and Boliden have formally served their claims on the Mueller entities.

7

While the TP Claimants have provided their preliminary calculations of aggregate claimed damages for the copper tube claim and the copper fittings claim, Mueller does not believe these matters will have a material affect on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the contribution claims.

As to the claims arising from the Copper Tube Decision brought in the CAT, following the CAT’s grant of approval, the case has now been transferred to the High Court. Mueller’s defenses in response to the contribution claims brought by IMI and Boliden were served on March 15, 2013.  A case management conference is to be held on or about November 28, 2013.

As to the claims arising from the Copper Fittings Decision, these proceedings have been stayed until the next case management conference which is to take place on December 16, 2013.

At this time, the Company does not believe that this matter will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Lead Refinery Site

U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of Mining Remedial Recovery Company, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities and studies (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  Site Activities, which began in December 1996, have been substantially concluded.  Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance activities with respect to Site Activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013.  Lead Refinery spent approximately $0.1 million annually in 2012, 2011 and 2010 with respect to this site.  Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are between $2.4 million and $3.6 million over the next 20 years.

On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site, and properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site, to the National Priorities List (NPL).  The NPL is a list of priority sites where the EPA has determined that there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous substances that warrant investigation and, if appropriate, remedial action.  The NPL does not assign liability to any party including the owner or operator of a property placed on the NPL.  The placement of a site on the NPL does not necessarily mean that remedial action must be taken.  On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA that the agency is of the view that Lead Refinery may be a potentially responsible party (PRP) under CERCLA in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has identified two other PRPs in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site. PRPs under CERCLA include current and former owners and operators of a site, persons who arranged for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at a site, or persons who accepted hazardous substances for transport to a site.  In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy in connection with properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has estimated that the cost to implement the November 2012 remedy will be $29.9 million.

The Company monitors EPA releases and periodically communicates with the EPA to inquire of the status of the investigation and cleanup of the Lead Refinery site.  As of September 28, 2013, the EPA has not conducted an investigation of the Lead Refinery site, proposed remedies for the Lead Refinery site, or informed Lead Refinery that it is a PRP at the Lead Refinery site.  Until the extent of any remedial action is determined for the Lead Refinery site, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to placement of the Lead Refinery site and adjacent properties on the NPL.  Lead Refinery lacks the financial resources needed to undertake any investigations or remedial action that may be required by the EPA pursuant to CERCLA.

8

Other

Guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, are issued by the Company generally to assure the payment of insurance deductibles and certain retiree health benefits.  The terms of the Company’s guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required.  These letters are primarily backed by the Company’s revolving credit facility.  The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at September 28, 2013, were $10.0 million.

Note 3 – Insurance Claims

Wynne, Arkansas Manufacturing Operation

In September 2011, a portion of the Company’s Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation was damaged by fire.  Certain inventories, production equipment, and building structures were extensively damaged.  During the second quarter of 2013, the Company settled the claim with its insurer for total proceeds of $127.3 million, net of the deductible of $0.5 million.  As a result of the settlement with its insurer, all proceeds received and all costs previously deferred (which were recorded as other current liabilities in prior periods) were recognized, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $106.3 million in the second quarter of 2013, or $2.33 per diluted share after tax.

Fulton, Mississippi Copper Tube Facility

In July 2009, there was an explosion at the Company’s copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi resulting in damage to certain production equipment.  In the first quarter of 2012, the Company settled the business interruption portion of this claim and recognized a $1.5 million gain.

Note 4 – Inventories

(In thousands)	September 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
Raw materials and supplies	$	49,705		$	46,114
Work-in-process		48,075			40,951
Finished goods		142,710			148,014
Valuation reserves		(6,409	)		(5,645	)
Inventories	$	234,081		$	229,434

During 2011, inventory quantities valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method declined which resulted in liquidation of LIFO inventory layers.  This liquidation resulted from intercompany sales; therefore, the gain from the LIFO liquidation of approximately $8.0 million was deferred.  During the first quarter of 2012, the Company sold this inventory to third parties and recognized the gain.  This recognition resulted in a reduction of approximately $8.0 million to cost of sales, or $0.13 per diluted share after tax.

9

Note 5 – Industry Segments

The Company’s reportable segments are Plumbing & Refrigeration and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).  For disclosure purposes, as permitted under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment Reporting, certain operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of Standard Products (SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations.  The OEM segment is composed of Industrial Products (IPD), Engineered Products (EPD), and Jiangsu Mueller–Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong).  These segments are classified primarily by the markets for their products.  Performance of segments is generally evaluated by their operating income.  Intersegment transactions are generally conducted on an arms-length basis.

SPD manufactures copper tube and fittings, plastic fittings, plastic pipe, and line sets.  These products are manufactured in the U.S.  Outside the U.S., the Company’s European Operations manufacture copper tube, which is sold in Europe and the Middle East.  SPD also imports and resells brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products.  Mexican Operations consist of pipe nipple manufacturing and import distribution businesses including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties.  The European Operations consist of copper tube manufacturing and the import distribution of fittings, valves, and plumbing specialties primarily in the U.K. and Ireland.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment’s products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, and building product retailers.

IPD manufactures brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings which are used in a wide variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, valves, and fittings.  EPD manufactures and fabricates valves and assemblies primarily for the refrigeration, air-conditioning, and gas appliance markets and specialty copper, copper-alloy, and aluminum tubing.  Mueller-Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications.  These products are sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers.

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	301,622		$	230,396	$	(3,164	)	$	528,854
Cost of goods sold		258,035			201,399		(3,132	)		456,302
Depreciation and amortization		4,172			3,150		560			7,882
Selling, general, and administrative expense		20,736			5,779		6,406			32,921
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
Operating income	$	54,271		$	19,937	$	(6,998	)		67,210
Interest expense										(1,243	)
Other income, net										842
Income before income taxes									$	66,809

10

Segment information (continued):

	For the Quarter Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment		OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	297,913	$	221,468	$	(5,216	)	$	514,165
Cost of goods sold		257,978		196,789		(5,049	)		449,718
Depreciation and amortization		4,044		3,437		389			7,870
Selling, general, and administrative expense		18,298		6,821		7,001			32,120
Operating income	$	17,593	$	14,421	$	(7,557	)		24,457
Interest expense									(353	)
Other income, net									219
Income before income taxes								$	24,323

	For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	942,109		$	741,227	$	(12,510	)	$	1,670,826
Cost of goods sold		800,782			651,875		(12,380	)		1,440,277
Depreciation and amortization		12,861			9,854		1,649			24,364
Selling, general, and administrative expense		61,245			18,168		19,665			99,078
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
Insurance settlement		(103,895	)		—		(2,437	)		(106,332	)
Operating income	$	206,708		$	61,199	$	(19,007	)		248,900
Interest expense										(2,940	)
Other income, net										4,324
Income before income taxes									$	250,284

11

Segment information (continued):

	For the Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	944,955		$	760,995	$	(20,018	)	$	1,685,932
Cost of goods sold		808,631			676,635		(19,522	)		1,465,744
Depreciation and amortization		12,340			9,908		1,070			23,318
Selling, general, and administrative expense		57,028			20,249		19,932			97,209
Insurance settlement		(1,500	)		—		—			(1,500	)
Operating income	$	68,456		$	54,203	$	(21,498	)		101,161
Interest expense										(5,711	)
Other expense, net										963
Income before income taxes									$	96,413

Note 6 – Debt

On September 24, 2013, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a credit agreement (the JV Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of four banks establishing a secured RMB 450 million, or approximately $74.0 million, revolving credit facility with a maturity date of September 24, 2014.  The JV Credit Agreement replaced the previous secured RMB 350 million financing agreement that matured during the quarter.  Borrowings outstanding under the JV Credit Agreement, which were $32.0 million at September 28, 2013, are secured by the real property and equipment of Mueller-Xingrong and bear interest at the latest base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China, which was 5.88 percent at September 28, 2013.  The JV Credit Agreement requires lender consent for the payment of dividends.

12

Note 7 – Employee Benefits

The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees.  The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012			September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
Pension benefits:
Service cost	$	350		$	339		$	1,051		$	1,016
Interest cost		2,023			2,185			6,070			6,556
Expected return on plan assets		(2,845	)		(2,721	)		(8,535	)		(8,165	)
Amortization of prior service cost		1			1			1			1
Amortization of net loss		984			966			2,954			2,900
Net periodic benefit cost	$	513		$	770		$	1,541		$	2,308
Other benefits:
Service cost	$	69		$	67		$	207		$	200
Interest cost		155			278			467			835
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		2			—			5			(1	)
Amortization of net gain		(41	)		(7	)		(125	)		(20	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	185		$	338		$	554		$	1,014

Note 8 – Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 was 40 percent compared with 36 percent for the same period last year.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 were increases related to: (i) the impairment of goodwill of $1.8 million; (ii) increases in the valuation allowance of $1.0 million; (iii) the provision for state income taxes, net of federal benefit of $1.2 million; and (iv) the effect of foreign adjustments of $0.4 million.  These items were partially offset by the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.0 million.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2013 was 37 percent compared with 31 percent for the same period last year.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first nine months were increases related to: (i) goodwill impairment of $1.8 million and (ii) the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $7.4 million.  These items were partially offset by reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $1.1 million; (ii) decreases in valuation allowances of $0.4 million; and (iii) the U.S. production activities deduction of $3.9 million.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2012 was 36 percent and for the first nine months of 2012 was 31 percent.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first nine months of 2012 were reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $3.7 million; (ii) decreases in unrecognized tax benefits of $1.3 million; (iii) decreases in valuation allowances of $0.5 million; and (iv) the U.S. production activities deduction of $2.2 million.  These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $2.7 million.

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Total unrecognized tax benefits, including derecognized deferred tax assets, at the end of the third quarter were $2.8 million, none of which would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and numerous consolidated and separate-company income tax returns in many state, local, and foreign jurisdictions.  The statute of limitations is open for the Company’s federal tax return and most state income tax returns for 2010 and all subsequent years.  The Internal Revenue Service has audited the Company’s 2009 and 2010 consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns, the results of which were immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.  The statutes of limitations for certain state and foreign returns are open for earlier tax years due to ongoing audits and differing statute periods.  While the Company believes that it is adequately reserved for possible future audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined with certainty and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates.

Note 9 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Cash Flow Hedges

Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production.  The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond the Company’s control.  The Company occasionally enters into forward fixed-price arrangements with certain customers; the risk of these arrangements is generally managed with commodity futures contracts.  The Company accounts for these futures contracts in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815).  These futures contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.  The fair value of open futures contracts is recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) until the position is closed, which corresponds to the period when the related hedged transaction is recognized in earnings.  Should these contracts no longer meet hedge criteria in accordance with ASC 815, either through lack of effectiveness or because the hedged transaction is no longer probable of occurring, all deferred gains and losses related to the hedge would be immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings.  In the next 12 months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses on cash flow hedges; at September 28, 2013, the net fair value of these contracts was a $172 thousand loss position.

At September 28, 2013, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $18.5 million of copper over the next 18 months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $140 thousand loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820)).

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as follows:

	September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	222
		Loss positions		(362	)

	December 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	172
		Loss positions		(420	)

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The following tables summarize activities related to the Company’s derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815:

	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012		September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
Commodity contracts	$	474	$	562	$	(3,056	)	$	455

	Loss (Gain) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012			September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012
Commodity contracts:
Cost of goods sold	$	788	$	(2	)	$	3,309	$	428

Fair Value Hedges

The Company enters into futures contracts in order to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations.  These futures contracts have been designated as fair value hedges in accordance with ASC 815.  For fair value hedges, the changes in value of the hedging instrument, as well as the changes in value of the related hedged item, are reflected in current earnings.  Hedge ineffectiveness is reflected in current earnings in the period in which it occurs.

At September 28, 2013, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $61.0 million of copper over the next six months related to inventory.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.2 million loss position and was recorded in other current liabilities.  The fair value was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).

Derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges under ASC 815 are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as follows:

	September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	203
		Loss positions		(1,355	)

	December 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current assets:	Gain positions	$	1,047
		Loss positions		(548	)

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The following tables summarize the gains (losses) on the Company’s fair value hedges:

	(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for the Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(846	)
Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	1,042

	(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for the Three Months Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(2,261	)
Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	2,344

	Gains (Losses) on Fair Value Hedges for the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
Gain on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	4,344
(Loss) on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	(3,770	)

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	(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for the Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(2,261	)
Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	2,344

Foreign Currency Hedges

During 2012 and 2013, the Company entered into contracts to purchase heavy machinery and equipment. These contracts are denominated in euros.  In anticipation of entering into these contracts, the Company has entered into forward contracts to purchase euros to protect itself against adverse exchange rate fluctuations.  At September 28, 2013, the Company held open forward contracts to purchase approximately 13.7 million euros over the next 18 months.  The fair value of these contracts, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820), was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows at September 28, 2013.

Interest Rate Swap

On February 20, 2013, the Company entered into a two-year forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with an effective date of January 12, 2015, and an underlying notional amount of $200.0 million, pursuant to which the Company receives variable interest payments based on one-month LIBOR and pays fixed interest at a rate of 1.4 percent.  Based on the Company’s current variable premium pricing on its Term Loan Facility, the all-in fixed rate on the effective date is 2.7 percent.  The interest rate swap will mature on December 11, 2017, and is structured to fix the interest rate risk associated with the Company’s floating-rate, LIBOR-based Term Loan Facility Agreement.  The swap was designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge from inception.

The fair value of the interest rate swap is estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rate and the expected cash flows at the current market interest rate using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).  The effective portion of the mark-to-market gain or loss is reported as a component of accumulated OCI and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings.  Interest payable and receivable under the swap agreement will be accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.  The fair value of the interest rate swap was a $1.0 million gain position and was recorded in other assets at September 28, 2013.

The following tables summarize the activity related to the interest rate swap:

	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012		September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012
Interest rate swap	$	(747	)	$	—	$	649	$	—

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The Company enters into futures and forward contracts that closely match the terms of the underlying transactions.  As a result, the ineffective portion of the open cash flow and fair value hedge contracts through September 28, 2013 was not material to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company does not offset the fair value of amounts for derivative instruments and the fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral.  At September 28, 2013, the Company had recorded restricted cash of $2.9 million related to open futures contracts.

Note 10 – Acquisition

On August 16, 2012, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Westermeyer Industries, Inc. (Westermeyer) for approximately $11.5 million in cash.  Westermeyer, located in Bluffs, Illinois, designs, manufactures, and distributes high-pressure components and accessories for the air-conditioning and refrigeration markets.  The acquisition of Westermeyer complements the Company’s existing refrigeration business, a component of the OEM segment.  This acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and, as such, the results of operations for Westermeyer have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date.  The fair values of the assets acquired totaled $7.5 million, consisting of receivables of $2.0 million, inventories of $1.9 million, and property, plant, and equipment of $3.6 million.  These assets were partially offset by current liabilities of approximately $1.0 million.  Of the remaining purchase price, $2.4 million was allocated to goodwill and $2.7 million to other intangible assets.

Note 11 – Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

On August 9, 2013, the Company sold certain of its plastic fittings manufacturing assets located in Portage, Michigan and Ft. Pierce, Florida.  Simultaneously, the Company entered into a lease agreement with the purchaser of the assets to continue to manufacture and distribute Schedule 40 plastic fittings utilizing the Ft. Pierce assets for a period of approximately eight to 14 months (Transition Period).  The total sales price was $66.2 million, of which $61.2 million was received on August 9, 2013; the remaining $5.0 million will be received at the end of the Transition Period.  This transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million in the third quarter of 2013, or 81 cents per diluted share after tax.

The net book value of assets disposed was $15.9 million.  For goodwill testing purposes, these assets were part of the SPD reporting unit which is a component of the Company’s Plumbing & Refrigeration operating segment.  Because these assets met the definition of a business in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations, $10.5 million of the SPD reporting unit’s goodwill balance was allocated to the disposal group.  The amount of goodwill allocated was based on the relative fair values of the asset group which was disposed and the portion of the SPD reporting unit which was retained.

The Company will continue to manufacture and supply plastic drain, waste, and vent (“DWV”) fittings.  The Company extended its third party supply agreement to complement its product offering with purchased products the Company does not competitively manufacture with its remaining assets.  This supply agreement was originally entered into after the majority of the Company’s plastic manufacturing assets were destroyed in the 2011 fire at its Wynne, Arkansas facility.  The extended supply agreement has an initial five-year term.

With the decision to cease the Company’s manufacturing operations in Portage, there was an evaluation of the remaining long-lived assets for impairment, and it was determined that the carrying value of the land and building were no longer recoverable.  An impairment charge of $3.2 million was recognized during the third quarter of 2013 to adjust the carrying value of the land and building to their estimated fair value.  The fair value estimate was determined by obtaining and evaluating recent sales data for similar assets (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).

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Note 12 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02). Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income.

Changes in accumulated OCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest, were as follows:

(In thousands)	Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives			Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments		Total
December 29, 2012	$	(3,033	)	$	(166	)	$	(39,527	)	$	103	$	(42,623	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		211			4,314			79			105		4,709
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI		—			(3,309	)		1,896			—		(1,413	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income		211			1,005			1,975			105		3,296
September 28, 2013	$	(2,822	)	$	839		$	(37,552	)	$	208	$	(39,327	)

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Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated OCI were as follows:

	Amount reclassified from Accumulated OCI
(In thousands)	For the Quarter Ended September 28, 2013			For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013			Affected Line Item
Unrealized gains on derivatives:
Closed positions, commodity contracts	$	1,046		$	4,922		Cost of goods sold
		(258	)		(1,613	)	Income tax expense
		788			3,309		Net of tax
		—			—		Noncontrolling interest
	$	788		$	3,309		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest
Amortization of employee benefit items:
Amortization of net loss	$	946		$	2,835		Selling, general, and administrative expense
		(318	)		(939	)	Income tax expense
		628			1,896		Net of tax
		—			—		Noncontrolling interest
	$	628		$	1,896		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

On October 17, 2013, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Commercial Metals Company and Howell Metal Company (“Howell”) providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding capital stock of Howell.  Howell manufactures copper tube and line sets for U.S. distribution.  The purchase price of $58.5 million was funded by cash on-hand.  This is subject to a customary working capital adjustment.  For the twelve months ended August 31, 2013, Howell’s net sales for copper tube and line sets were $156.3 million.

On October 18, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with KME Yorkshire Limited (“Yorkshire”) to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of Yorkshire for purposes of acquiring its copper tube business.  The consummation of the transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approval in the United Kingdom and other customary closing conditions.  Yorkshire produces European standard copper distribution tubes.  The purchase price will be £18.0 million.  In 2012, Yorkshire had annual revenue of £119.0 million.

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Note 14 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amendments to ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  The amendments in this update are designed to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (a) offset in accordance with certain right to set-off conditions prescribed by current accounting guidance or (b) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with current accounting guidance. The amendments to ASU 2011-11 were effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-11 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General Overview

The Company is a leading manufacturer of copper, brass, plastic, and aluminum products.  The range of these products is broad:  copper tube and fittings; brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; plastic pipe, fittings and valves; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular products; and steel nipples.  The Company also resells imported brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets and plumbing specialty products.  Mueller’s operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, and China.

The Company’s businesses are aggregated into two reportable segments: the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) segment.  For disclosure purposes, as permitted under ASC 280, Segment Reporting, certain operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of Standard Products (SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations.  The OEM segment is composed of Industrial Products (IPD), Engineered Products (EPD), and Mueller-Xingrong.  Certain administrative expenses and expenses related primarily to retiree benefits at inactive operations are combined into the Corporate and Eliminations classification.  These reportable segments are described in more detail below.

SPD manufactures and sells copper tube, copper and plastic fittings, line sets, plastic pipe, and valves in North America and sources products for import distribution in North America.  European Operations manufacture copper tube in Europe, which is sold throughout Europe and the Middle East; activities also include import distribution in the U.K. and Ireland.  Mexican Operations consist of pipe nipple manufacturing and import distribution businesses including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment sells products to wholesalers in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and refrigeration markets, to distributors to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, and to building material retailers.

Subsequent to the end of the third quarter of 2013, the Company closed on the acquisition of Howell and entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Yorkshire, subject to regulatory approval in the United Kingdom. Howell manufactures copper tube and line sets for U.S. distribution while Yorkshire produces European standard copper distribution tubes.

The OEM segment manufactures and sells brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular products; and gas valves and assemblies.  Mueller–Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications; these products are sold primarily to OEM’s located in China.  The OEM segment sells its products primarily to original equipment manufacturers, many of which are in the HVAC, plumbing, and refrigeration markets.

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New housing starts and commercial construction are important determinants of the Company’s sales to the HVAC, refrigeration, and plumbing markets because the principal end use of a significant portion of the Company’s products is in the construction of single and multi-family housing and commercial buildings.  Repairs and remodeling projects are also important drivers of underlying demand for these products.

The majority of the Company’s manufacturing facilities operated at below capacity during 2012 and the first nine months of 2013 due to reduced demand for the Company’s products arising from the general economic conditions in the U.S. and foreign markets that the Company serves.  The U.S. housing and residential construction market has not fully recovered from the economic downturn during 2008 and 2009.  The years from 2009 through 2011 had the lowest recorded housing starts since recordkeeping began in 1959.  From 1959 through 2007, annual housing starts averaged over 1.5 million units.  Commercial construction has also declined considerably in recent years.  These conditions have significantly affected the demand for virtually all of the Company’s core products in recent years.

Residential construction activity improved in 2012 and the improvement continued in the first nine months of 2013, but is still at levels below historical averages. Continued recovery in the near-term is expected, but may be tempered by continuing high rates of unemployment, tighter lending standards, and rising mortgage rates.  Per the U.S. Census Bureau, actual housing starts in the U.S. were 616 thousand for the first eight months of 2013, up from 502 thousand for the first eight months of 2012.  The August 2013 seasonally adjusted annual rate of new housing starts was 891 thousand, compared with the August 2012 rate of 749 thousand.  While mortgage rates have risen in the first nine months of 2013, they remain at historically low levels, as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was approximately 3.89 percent for the first nine months of 2013 and 3.66 percent for the 12 months ended December 2012.  

The private non-residential construction sector, which includes offices, industrial and retail projects, began showing modest improvement in 2012 after declining each year from 2009 to 2011.  However, the pace of the improvement appears to have slowed through August 2013.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the seasonally adjusted annual value of private nonresidential construction put in place was $300.3 billion in August 2013 compared to actual private non-residential value of construction put in place of $287.7 billion for 2012.  The Company expects that most of these conditions will gradually improve, but at an irregular pace.

Profitability of certain of the Company’s product lines depends upon the “spreads” between the costs of raw materials and the selling prices of its products.  The open market prices for copper cathode and scrap, for example, influence the selling price of copper tube, a principal product manufactured by the Company.  The Company attempts to minimize the effects on profitability from fluctuations in material costs by passing through these costs to its customers.  The Company’s earnings and cash flow are dependent upon these spreads that fluctuate based upon market conditions.

Earnings and profitability are also impacted by unit volume that is subject to market trends, such as substitute products, imports, technologies, and market share.  In core product lines, the Company intensively manages its pricing structure while attempting to maximize its profitability.  From time-to-time, this practice results in lost sales opportunities and lower volume.  For plumbing systems, plastics are the primary substitute product; these products represent an increasing share of consumption.  U.S. consumption of copper tube is still predominantly supplied by U.S. manufacturers.  For certain air-conditioning and refrigeration applications, aluminum based systems are the primary substitution threat.  The Company cannot predict the acceptance or the rate of switching that may occur.  In recent years, brass rod consumption in the U.S. has declined due to the outsourcing of many manufactured products from offshore regions.

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Results of Operations

Third Quarter 2013 compared with Third Quarter 2012

During the third quarter of 2013, the Company’s net sales were $528.9 million, which compares with net sales of $514.2 million over the same period of 2012.   Of the $14.7 million increase in net sales, approximately $18.6 million was due to higher unit sales volume in the Company’s core product lines, partially offset by an $8.2 million decrease due to lower net selling prices in the Plumbing and Refrigeration segment.  Net selling prices generally fluctuate with changes in raw material costs.  Changes in raw material costs are generally passed through to customers by adjustments to selling prices.  The Comex average copper price in the third quarter of 2013 was approximately $3.23 per pound, or eight percent lower than the 2012 average of $3.53 per pound.

Cost of goods sold was $456.3 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared with $449.7 million in the same period of 2012.  This increase was due primarily to the increase in unit volume, offset by the decrease in the price of copper, the Company’s principal raw material.

Depreciation and amortization and selling, general, and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2013 remained consistent with those recorded in the third quarter of 2012.  During the third quarter of 2013, the Company sold certain of its plastic fittings manufacturing assets and recognized a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million, or 81 cents per diluted share after tax.  The Company also recognized fixed asset impairment charges of $4.3 million primarily related to real property retained that was associated with the aforementioned plastic sale transaction.

 Interest expense increased to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2013 from $0.4 million for the same period in 2012.  The Company redeemed its 6% Subordinated Debentures during June 2012 and did not enter into the Term Loan Facility Credit Agreement until September 2012.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 was 40 percent compared with 36 percent for the same period last year.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 were increases related to: (i) goodwill impairment of $1.8 million; (ii) increases in the valuation allowance of $1.0 million; (iii) the provision for state income taxes, net of federal benefit of $1.2 million; and (iv) the effect of foreign adjustments of $0.4 million.  These items were partially offset by the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.0 million.

Based on the items described above, net income increased to $39.9 million in the third quarter of 2013 from $15.5 million in the third quarter of 2012.

The Company’s earnings per share were favorably affected by the repurchase of 10.4 million shares from Leucadia National Corporation in September of 2012.  After giving effect to this purchase, the outstanding shares were reduced from 38.5 million shares to 28.1 million shares.

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment

Third quarter net sales by the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment increased to $301.6 million in 2013 from $297.9 million in 2012.  Of the $3.7 million increase in net sales, approximately $9.7 million was due to higher unit sales volume in the segment’s core product lines consisting primarily of copper tube, line sets, and fittings, partially offset by a decrease of $8.2 million related to lower net selling prices.  Cost of goods sold and depreciation and amortization expenses for the third quarter of 2013 were consistent with 2012.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased from $18.3 million in the third quarter of 2012 to $20.7 million in the third quarter of 2013.  The $2.4 million increase was primarily due to increased employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $1.3 million, and foreign currency transaction losses of $0.7 million.  During the third quarter of 2013, the segment sold certain of its plastic fittings manufacturing assets and recognized a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million.  It also recognized fixed asset impairment charges of $4.2 million.  Operating income for the segment increased $36.7 million in the third quarter of 2013 over the third quarter of 2012 primarily as a result of these items.

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OEM Segment

The OEM segment’s third quarter net sales were $230.4 million in 2013 compared with $221.5 million in 2012.  The $8.9 million increase in net sales was primarily attributable to higher unit sales volume in the segment’s core product lines of brass rod, forgings, impacts, and commercial tube.  Cost of goods sold increased to $201.4 million in the third quarter of 2013 from $196.8 million in the same period of 2012, which was primarily due to the increase in unit sales volume.  Depreciation and amortization remained relatively consistent for both quarters.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $5.8 million in the third quarter of 2013 and $6.8 million in the third quarter of 2012.  The $1.0 million decrease was primarily due to higher bad debt expense in 2012.  Operating income increased from $14.4 million in the third quarter of 2012 to $19.9 million in the same period of 2013, due primarily to higher unit sales volume for 2013 in core products.

Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013, compared with Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012

During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Company’s net sales were $1.67 billion, which compares with net sales of $1.69 billion over the same period of 2012.   Of the $15.1 million decrease in net sales, approximately $34.7 million was due to lower net selling prices in the Company’s core product lines and approximately $13.1 million was attributable to lower unit sales volume in the OEM segment.  This was partially offset by a $22.8 million increase in unit sales volume in the Plumbing and Refrigeration segment and a $10.7 million increase in the OEM segment related to the sales recorded for Westermeyer, acquired in August of 2012.  The Comex average copper price in the first nine months of 2013 was approximately $3.36 per pound, or seven percent lower than the 2012 average of $3.62 per pound.

Cost of goods sold was $1.44 billion in the first nine months of 2013 compared with $1.47 billion in the same period of 2012.  The year-over-year decrease was due primarily to the decrease in the cost of copper, the Company’s principal raw material.

Depreciation and amortization increased from $23.3 million in the first nine months of 2012 to $24.4 million in 2013.  This is due to an increase in capital spending during 2012 and 2013.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to $99.1 million in the first nine months of 2013 from $97.2 million in 2012; this $1.9 million increase was primarily due to increased employment costs, including incentive compensation, of approximately $3.1 million, partially offset by higher bad debt expense in 2012.

During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Company settled the insurance claim related to the September 2011 fire at its Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation and recognized a $106.3 million gain.  The Company also sold certain of its plastic fittings manufacturing assets and recognized a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million, or 81 cents per diluted share after tax, and recognized fixed asset impairment charges of $4.3 million.

During the nine months ended September 29, 2012, the Company settled the business interruption portion of its insurance claim related to the July 2009 explosion at the copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi, and recognized a $1.5 million gain.

Interest expense decreased to $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, from $5.7 million for the same period in 2012.  This decrease was related to the redemption of the 6% Subordinated Debentures during the second quarter of 2012.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2013 was 37 percent compared with 31 percent for the same period last year.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first nine months were increases related to (i) goodwill impairment of $1.8 million and (ii) the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $7.4 million.  These items were partially offset by reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $1.1 million; (ii) decreases in valuation allowances of $0.4 million; and (iii) the U.S. production activities deduction of $3.9 million.

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The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2012 was 31 percent.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first nine months of 2012 were reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $3.7 million; (ii) decreases in unrecognized tax benefits of $1.3 million; (iii) decreases in valuation allowances of $0.5 million; and (iv) the U.S. production activities deduction of $2.2 million.  These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $2.7 million.

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment

Net sales by the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment in the nine months ended September 28, 2013 were $942.1 million, consistent with net sales of $945.0 million in the same period of 2012.  There was a decrease of $24.1 million due to lower net selling prices, which was partially offset by an increase of $22.8 million attributable to higher unit sales volume in the segment’s core product lines consisting primarily of copper tube, line sets, and fittings.  Cost of goods sold decreased from $808.6 million in the first nine months of 2012 to $800.8 million in the same period of 2013, which was also due to decreasing raw material costs, primarily copper, offset by higher unit sales volume.  Depreciation and amortization remained relatively consistent for both quarters.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $4.2 million primarily due to increased compensation, including incentive compensation, of $4.0 million.  During the first nine months of 2013, the segment recognized a $103.9 million gain related to the settlement of the insurance claim for the September 2011 fire at the Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation. It also sold certain of its plastic fittings manufacturing assets and recognized a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million, and recognized fixed asset impairment charges of $4.2 million. Operating income for the segment increased $138.3 million in the third quarter of 2013 over the third quarter of 2012 primarily as a result of these items.

OEM Segment

The OEM segment’s net sales were $741.2 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared with $761.0 million in 2012.  Of the $19.8 million decrease in net sales, approximately $10.7 million was attributable to lower net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines of brass rod, forgings, impacts, and commercial tube and approximately $13.1 million was due to lower unit volume.  This was partially offset by a $10.7 million increase related to the sales recorded for Westermeyer, acquired in August of 2012.  Cost of goods sold decreased to $651.9 million in the first nine months of 2013 from $676.6 million in the same period of 2012, which was also due to the decrease in average cost of raw materials and decreases in sales volume.  Depreciation and amortization remained relatively consistent for both quarters.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $18.2 million in the first nine months of 2013 compared with $20.2 million in the first nine months of 2012.  The $2.0 million decrease was due primarily to decreased employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $1.3 million and higher bad debt expense in 2012.  Operating income increased from $54.2 million in the first nine months of 2012 to $61.2 million in the same period of 2013 primarily as a result of higher margins.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended September 28, 2013, totaled $70.0 million, which was primarily attributable to consolidated net income of $158.3 million, partially offset by the gain related to the settlement of the insurance claim for the September 2011 fire in Wynne, Arkansas of $106.3 million and the $39.8 million gain on the sale of the plastic fittings manufacturing assets.  There were also increases due to the non-capital related insurance proceeds of $32.4 million, depreciation and amortization of $24.6 million, an increase in other current liabilities of $19.6 million, and deferred income taxes of $14.2 million.  These cash increases were, offset by increased receivables of $38.4 million.

During the first nine months of 2013, cash provided by investing activities totaled $59.0 million.  The major components of net cash provided by investing activities included $65.0 million for proceeds from the sale of assets, including the plastic fittings manufacturing assets, and $29.9 million for insurance proceeds for property and equipment related to the fire at our Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation. These increases were partially offset by $33.4 million used for capital expenditures.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $6.0 million, which consisted primarily of $10.4 million for payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company, partially offset by $4.9 million received from the net issuance of debt by Mueller-Xingrong.

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The Company has significant environmental remediation obligations.  The performance of these obligations is expected to occur over a minimum of 20 years.  Cash used for environmental remediation activities was approximately $0.8 million during the first nine months of 2013.  The Company expects to spend approximately $1.1 million for the remainder of 2013 for ongoing environmental remediation activities.  The timing of a potential payment for a $9.5 million settlement offer has not yet been determined.

The Company’s Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) and a $200.0 million Term Loan Facility, both maturing on December 11, 2017.  The Revolving Credit Facility backed approximately $10.0 million in letters of credit at the end of the quarter.  As of September 28, 2013, the Company’s total debt was $239.6 million or 25.7 percent of its total capitalization.

Covenants contained in the Company’s financing obligations require, among other things, the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth and the satisfaction of certain minimum financial ratios.  As of September 28, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

The Company declared and paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of 12.5 cents per common share in the third quarter of 2013.  Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.  

The Company has initiated capital expenditure programs in its copper tube and brass rod mills to upgrade equipment and implement new manufacturing technologies with the primary objective of reducing costs.  These programs will be completed in phases over several years.  In 2013, the Company expects capital expenditures to total approximately $40.0 million, which will be funded by existing cash and cash from operations.  

Management believes that the Credit Agreement, cash generated by operations, and currently available cash of $322.2 million will be adequate to meet the Company’s normal future capital expenditures and operational needs.  The Company’s current ratio was 3.8 to 1 at September 28, 2013.

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2014, its authorization to repurchase up to ten million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions.  The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time.  Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations.  The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for employee benefit plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through September 28, 2013, the Company had repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares under this authorization.  

On October 17, 2013, the Company announced the acquisition of Howell. The purchase price of $58.5 million was funded by cash on-hand.  In addition, the Company expects to fund the £18.0 million acquisition of Yorkshire with cash on-hand.

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s contractual cash obligations reported at December 29, 2012.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in raw material and energy costs, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates.  To reduce such risks, the Company may periodically use financial instruments.  All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to policies and procedures.  Further, the Company does not buy or sell financial instruments for trading purposes.

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Cost and Availability of Raw Materials and Energy

Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production.  The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond the Company’s control.  Significant increases in the cost of metal, to the extent not reflected in prices for the Company’s finished products, or the lack of availability could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.

The Company occasionally enters into future fixed-price arrangements with certain customers.  The Company may utilize futures contracts to hedge risks associated with these fixed-price arrangements.  The Company may also utilize futures contracts to manage price risk associated with inventory.  Depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the futures contracts will either be offset against the change in fair value of the inventory through earnings or recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflected in earnings upon the sale of inventory.  Periodic value fluctuations of the contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying fixed-price transactions or inventory.  At September 28, 2013, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $18.5 million of copper through March 2015 related to fixed-price sales orders and open futures contracts to sell approximately $61.0 million of copper through March 2014 to manage the price risk associated with inventory on-hand.

The Company may enter into futures contracts or forward fixed-price arrangements with certain vendors to manage price risk associated with natural gas purchases.  The effective portion of gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflected in earnings upon consumption of natural gas.  Periodic value fluctuations of the contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying natural gas prices.  At September 28, 2013, the Company held no open futures contracts to purchase natural gas.

Interest Rates

At September 28, 2013, the Company had variable-rate debt outstanding of $239.6 million.  At this borrowing level, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on the Company’s pretax earnings and cash flows.  The primary interest rate exposures on floating-rate debt are based on LIBOR and on the base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China.  There was no fixed rate debt outstanding as of September 28, 2013.

The Company has reduced its exposure to increases in LIBOR by entering into interest rate swap contracts. These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.  The fair value of these contracts has been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the related gains and losses on the contracts are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income.  Deferred gains or losses on the contracts will be recognized in interest expense in the period in which the related interest payment being hedged is expensed.  The interest rate swap agreement has an effective date of January 12, 2015.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Foreign currency exposures arising from transactions include firm commitments and anticipated transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency.  The Company and its subsidiaries generally enter into transactions denominated in their respective functional currencies.  The Company may utilize certain futures or forward contracts with financial institutions to hedge foreign currency transactional exposures.  Gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflected in earnings upon collection of receivables or payment of commitments.  At September 28, 2013, the Company had open forward contracts with a financial institution to sell approximately $2.3 million Canadian dollars and 0.9 million euros through December 2013.  It also held open forward contracts to buy approximately 13.7 million euros through March 2015.

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The Company’s primary foreign currency exposure arises from foreign-denominated revenues and profits and their translation into U.S. dollars.  The primary currencies to which the Company is exposed include the Canadian dollar, the British pound sterling, the euro, the Mexican peso, and the Chinese renminbi.  The Company generally views as long-term its investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.  As a result, the Company generally does not hedge these net investments.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not strictly historical may be “forward-looking” statements, which involve risks and uncertainties.  These include economic and currency conditions, continued availability of raw materials and energy, market demand, pricing, competitive and technological factors, and the availability of financing, among others, as set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The words “pro forma,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  The reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  The Company has no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this report.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of September 28, 2013.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 28, 2013, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s fiscal quarter ending September 28, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

General

The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business.  Additionally, the Company may realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Extruded Metals Class Action

A purported class action was filed in Michigan Circuit Court by Gaylord L. Miller, and all others similarly situated, against Extruded Metals, Inc. (Extruded) in March 2012 under nuisance, negligence, and gross negligence theories.  It is brought on behalf of all persons in the City of Belding, Michigan, whose property rights have allegedly been interfered with by fallout and/or dust and/or noxious odors, allegedly attributable to Extruded’s operations.  Plaintiffs allege that they have suffered interference with the use and enjoyment of their properties.  They seek compensatory and exemplary damages and injunctive relief.  The Company reached a settlement that was approved by the court on September 26, 2013, and the case has been dismissed. The settlement involves class-wide (the settlement class consist of all current and former residents of Belding, Michigan) release of certain property damage claims, certain commitments by Extruded regarding emissions controls, and a payment of certain fees and costs. 

U.K. Actions Relating to the European Commission’s 2004 Copper Tubes Decision and 2006 Copper Fittings Decision

Mueller Industries, Inc., WTC Holding Company, Inc., DENO Holding Company, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and DENO Acquisition EURL (the Mueller entities) have received letters from counsel for IMI plc and IMI Kynoch Limited (IMI) and from counsel for Boliden AB (Boliden) concerning contribution proceedings by IMI and Boliden against the Mueller entities regarding copper tube.  In the Competition Appeal Tribunal (the CAT) in the United Kingdom, IMI and Boliden have been served with claims by 21 claimants, all companies within the Travis Perkins Group (TP and the TP Claimants).  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 3, 2004, decision regarding copper tube.  The claims purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

Mueller Industries, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and WTC Holding Company, Inc. also have received a letter from counsel for IMI concerning contribution proceedings by IMI against those three Mueller entities regarding copper fittings.  In the High Court, IMI has been served with claims by 21 TP Claimants.  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 20, 2006, decision regarding copper fittings.  The claims similarly purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

The letters confirm that IMI and Boliden have commenced legal proceedings against the Mueller entities, and in those proceedings are claiming a contribution for any follow-on damages.  IMI and Boliden have formally served their claims on the Mueller entities.

While the TP Claimants have provided their preliminary calculations of aggregate claimed damages for the copper tube claim and the copper fittings claim, Mueller does not believe these matters will have a material affect on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the contribution claims.

As to the claims arising from the Copper Tube Decision brought in the CAT, following the CAT’s grant of approval, the case has now been transferred to the High Court. Mueller’s defenses in response to the contribution claims brought by IMI and Boliden were served on March 15, 2013.  A case management conference is to be held on or about November 28, 2013.

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As to the claims arising from the Copper Fittings Decision, these proceedings have been stayed until the next case management conference which is to take place on December 16, 2013.

At this time, the Company does not believe that this matter will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review

On December 23, 2009, the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2008  through October 31, 2009 period of review.  The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review.  On June 21, 2011, the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 19.8 percent.  On August 22, 2011, the Company appealed the final results to the CIT.  On December 21, 2012, the CIT issued a decision upholding the Department’s final results in part.  The CIT issued its final judgment on May 2, 2013.  On May 6, 2013, the Company appealed the CIT decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Company anticipates that certain of its subsidiaries will incur antidumping duties on subject imports made during the period of review and, as such, established a reserve of approximately $1.1 million for this matter.

Subsequent to October 31, 2009, Mueller Comercial did not ship subject merchandise to the United States.  Therefore there is zero antidumping duty liability for periods of review after October 31, 2009.

United States Department of Commerce and United States International Trade Commission Antidumping Investigations

On September 30, 2009, two subsidiaries of the Company, along with Cerro Flow Products, Inc. and KobeWieland Copper Products LLC (collectively, Petitioners), jointly filed antidumping petitions with the DOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that imports of seamless refined copper pipe and tube from China and Mexico (subject imports) were being sold at less than fair value and were causing material injury (and threatening material injury) to the domestic industry.  On October 1, 2010, the DOC published its final affirmative determinations, finding antidumping rates from 24.89 percent to 27.16 percent for Mexico (as subsequently amended), and from 11.25 percent to 60.85 percent for China.

Since November 22, 2010, as a result of the imposition of the antidumping duty orders on seamless refined copper pipe and tube from Mexico and China, importers have been required to post cash deposits at rates up to 28.16 percent (for Mexico) and up to 60.85 percent (for China). 

Over the last two years, the Department of Commerce (DOC) conducted a “new shipper review” of a new Golden Dragon plant in Mexico, followed by the first administrative reviews of imports from Mexico and China (for the period November 22, 2010 through October 31, 2011).  Although Golden Dragon was found to be dumping in the “new shipper review,” the impact of the more recent administrative reviews is that imports from certain companies (i.e., Golden Dragon in China, and Golden Dragon and Nacobre in Mexico) will not be subject to cash deposits requirements until completion of the ongoing second administrative reviews in 2014.  These decisions are currently on appeal, during which time no importers may receive any duty refunds.  Furthermore, all companies in China and Mexico remain subject to the disciplines of the antidumping duty orders and future administrative reviews, and imports from other companies remain subject to cash deposit requirements, including IUSA (24.89 percent) and Luvata (28.16 percent) in Mexico, as well as Haliang (60.85 percent) and Luvata (36.05 percent) in China.

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Environmental Matters

Non-operating properties:

East Chicago, Indiana USS Lead Superfund site

U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of Mining Remedial Recovery Company, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities and studies (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  Site Activities, which began in December 1996, have been substantially concluded.  Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance activities with respect to Site Activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013.  Lead Refinery spent approximately $0.1 million annually in 2012, 2011 and 2010 with respect to this site.  Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are between $2.4 million and $3.6 million over the next 20 years.

On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site, and properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site, to the National Priorities List (NPL).  The NPL is a list of priority sites where the EPA has determined that there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous substances that warrant investigation and, if appropriate, remedial action.  The NPL does not assign liability to any party including the owner or operator of a property placed on the NPL.  The placement of a site on the NPL does not necessarily mean that remedial action must be taken.  On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA that the agency is of the view that Lead Refinery may be a potentially responsible party (PRP) under CERCLA in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has identified two other PRPs in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site. PRPs under CERCLA include current and former owners and operators of a site, persons who arranged for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at a site, or persons who accepted hazardous substances for transport to a site.  In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy in connection with properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has estimated that the cost to implement the November 2012 remedy will be $29.9 million.

The Company monitors EPA releases and periodically communicates with the EPA to inquire of the status of the investigation and cleanup of the Lead Refinery site.  As of September 28, 2013, the EPA has not conducted an investigation of the Lead Refinery site, proposed remedies for the Lead Refinery site, or informed Lead Refinery that it is a PRP at the Lead Refinery site.  Until the extent of any remedial action is determined for the Lead Refinery site, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to placement of the Lead Refinery site and adjacent properties on the NPL.  Lead Refinery lacks the financial resources needed to undertake any investigations or remedial action that may be required by the EPA pursuant to CERCLA.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The Company is exposed to risk as it operates its businesses.  To provide a framework to understand the operating environment of the Company, we have provided a brief explanation of the more significant risks associated with our businesses in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  There have been no material changes in risk factors that were previously disclosed in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2014, its authorization to repurchase up to ten million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions.  The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time.  Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations.  The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for employee benefit plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through September 28, 2013, the Company had repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares under this authorization.  The Company’s repurchase transaction with Leucadia in September 2012 was completed outside of this authorization. Below is a summary of the Company’s stock repurchases for the period ended September 28, 2013.

	(a)		(b)		(c)	(d)
	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
							7,644,530	(1)
June 30 – July 27, 2013	8,964	(2)	$	56.10	—
July 28  – August 24, 2013	19,285	(2)		55.38	—
August 25 – September 28, 2013	—	(2)		—	—
(1) Shares available to be purchased under the Company’s ten million share repurchase authorization until October 2014. The extension of the authorization was announced on October 28, 2013.
(2) Shares tendered to the Company by holders of stock-based awards in payment of the purchase price and/or withholding taxes upon exercise and/or vesting.

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Item 6.Exhibits

10.1	Asset Purchase Agreement, dated August 9, 2013, by and among Boat Equipment Company, LLC, MCTP, LLC, Mueller Plastics Corporation, Inc. and Mueller Industries, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 9, 2013).
10.2	Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Commercial Metals Company, Howell Metal Company and Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. dated as of October 17, 2013 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 17, 2013).
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

Items 3, 4, and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.

33

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
	/s/ Jeffrey A. Martin
	Jeffrey A. Martin
October 28, 2013	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
	/s/ Richard W. Corman
October 28, 2013	Richard W. Corman
Date	Vice President – Controller

34

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibits	Description
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Gregory L. Christopher, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Industries, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 28, 2013

/s/ Gregory L. Christopher

Gregory L. Christopher

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Jeffrey A. Martin, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Industries, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 28, 2013
	/s/ Jeffrey A. Martin
	Jeffrey A. Martin
	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Mueller Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 28, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Gregory L. Christopher, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Gregory L Christopher

Gregory L. Christopher

Chief Executive Officer

October 28, 2013

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Mueller Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 28, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jeffrey A. Martin, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Jeffrey A. Martin

Jeffrey A. Martin

Chief Financial Officer

October 28, 2013

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Acquisition

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Acquisition [Abstract]

Acquisition

Note 10 – Acquisition

On August 16, 2012, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Westermeyer Industries, Inc. (Westermeyer) for approximately $11.5 million in cash.  Westermeyer, located in Bluffs, Illinois, designs, manufactures, and distributes high-pressure components and accessories for the air-conditioning and refrigeration markets.  The acquisition of Westermeyer complements the Company’s existing refrigeration business, a component of the OEM segment.  This acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and, as such, the results of operations for Westermeyer have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date.  The fair values of the assets acquired totaled $7.5 million, consisting of receivables of $2.0 million, inventories of $1.9 million, and property, plant, and equipment of $3.6 million.  These assets were partially offset by current liabilities of approximately $1.0 million.  Of the remaining purchase price, $2.4 million was allocated to goodwill and $2.7 million to other intangible assets.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, tax	$ (280)	$ (388)	$ (607)	$ (554)
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations, tax	$ (3)	$ (178)	$ (963)	$ (777)

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Insurance Claims

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Insurance Claims [Abstract]

Insurance Claims

Note 3 – Insurance Claims

Wynne, Arkansas Manufacturing Operation

In September 2011, a portion of the Company’s Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation was damaged by fire.  Certain inventories, production equipment, and building structures were extensively damaged.  During the second quarter of 2013, the Company settled the claim with its insurer for total proceeds of $127.3 million, net of the deductible of $0.5 million.  As a result of the settlement with its insurer, all proceeds received and all costs previously deferred (which were recorded as other current liabilities in prior periods) were recognized, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $106.3 million in the second quarter of 2013, or $2.33 per diluted share after tax.

Fulton, Mississippi Copper Tube Facility

In July 2009, there was an explosion at the Company’s copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi resulting in damage to certain production equipment.  In the first quarter of 2012, the Company settled the business interruption portion of this claim and recognized a $1.5 million gain.

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Employee Benefits (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Employee Benefits [Abstract]

Components of net periodic benefit costs

The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees.  The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012			September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
Pension benefits:
Service cost	$	350		$	339		$	1,051		$	1,016
Interest cost		2,023			2,185			6,070			6,556
Expected return on plan assets		(2,845	)		(2,721	)		(8,535	)		(8,165	)
Amortization of prior service cost		1			1			1			1
Amortization of net loss		984			966			2,954			2,900
Net periodic benefit cost	$	513		$	770		$	1,541		$	2,308
Other benefits:
Service cost	$	69		$	67		$	207		$	200
Interest cost		155			278			467			835
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		2			—			5			(1	)
Amortization of net gain		(41	)		(7	)		(125	)		(20	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	185		$	338		$	554		$	1,014

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Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Sale of Property [Abstract]

Sale of Property

Note 11 – Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

On August 9, 2013, the Company sold certain of its plastic fittings manufacturing assets located in Portage, Michigan and Ft. Pierce, Florida.  Simultaneously, the Company entered into a lease agreement with the purchaser of the assets to continue to manufacture and distribute Schedule 40 plastic fittings utilizing the Ft. Pierce assets for a period of approximately eight to 14 months (Transition Period).  The total sales price was $66.2 million, of which $61.2 million was received on August 9, 2013; the remaining $5.0 million will be received at the end of the Transition Period.  This transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million in the third quarter of 2013, or 81 cents per diluted share after tax.

The net book value of assets disposed was $15.9 million.  For goodwill testing purposes, these assets were part of the SPD reporting unit which is a component of the Company’s Plumbing & Refrigeration operating segment.  Because these assets met the definition of a business in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations, $10.5 million of the SPD reporting unit’s goodwill balance was allocated to the disposal group.  The amount of goodwill allocated was based on the relative fair values of the asset group which was disposed and the portion of the SPD reporting unit which was retained.

The Company will continue to manufacture and supply plastic drain, waste, and vent (“DWV”) fittings.  The Company extended its third party supply agreement to complement its product offering with purchased products the Company does not competitively manufacture with its remaining assets.  This supply agreement was originally entered into after the majority of the Company’s plastic manufacturing assets were destroyed in the 2011 fire at its Wynne, Arkansas facility.  The extended supply agreement has an initial five-year term.

With the decision to cease the Company’s manufacturing operations in Portage, there was an evaluation of the remaining long-lived assets for impairment, and it was determined that the carrying value of the land and building were no longer recoverable.  An impairment charge of $3.2 million was recognized during the third quarter of 2013 to adjust the carrying value of the land and building to their estimated fair value.  The fair value estimate was determined by obtaining and evaluating recent sales data for similar assets (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).

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Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
Sale of Property [Abstract]
Total sale price of property		$ 66,200,000
Cash proceeds from the sales of property	61,200,000	61,200,000
Amount receivable due to sale of property		5,000,000
Pre-tax gain from sale of property	39,800,000
Amount of pre-diluted share after tax	0.81
Extended supply agreement term		5 years
Net book value of assets disposed	15,900,000	15,900,000
Goodwill allocated to disposal group.	10,500,000	10,500,000
Impairment charge recognized on fair value of disposed assets.	$ 3,200,000

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Earnings per Common Share (Details) (Stock Based Awards [Member]) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Stock Based Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings (in shares)	136

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI

Changes in accumulated OCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest, were as follows:

(In thousands)	Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives			Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments		Total
December 29, 2012	$	(3,033	)	$	(166	)	$	(39,527	)	$	103	$	(42,623	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		211			4,314			79			105		4,709
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI		—			(3,309	)		1,896			—		(1,413	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income		211			1,005			1,975			105		3,296
September 28, 2013	$	(2,822	)	$	839		$	(37,552	)	$	208	$	(39,327	)

Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated OCI were as follows:

	Amount reclassified from Accumulated OCI
(In thousands)	For the Quarter Ended September 28, 2013			For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013			Affected Line Item
Unrealized gains on derivatives:
Closed positions, commodity contracts	$	1,046		$	4,922		Cost of goods sold
		(258	)		(1,613	)	Income tax expense
		788			3,309		Net of tax
		—			—		Noncontrolling interest
	$	788		$	3,309		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest
Amortization of employee benefit items:
Amortization of net loss	$	946		$	2,835		Selling, general, and administrative expense
		(318	)		(939	)	Income tax expense
		628			1,896		Net of tax
		—			—		Noncontrolling interest
	$	628		$	1,896		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest

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Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	40.00%	36.00%	37.00%	31.00%
Impairment of goodwill	$ 1.8		$ 1.8
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowances	1.0		(0.4)	(0.5)
Provision for state income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.2		7.4	2.7
Effect of foreign adjustments	0.4		1.1	3.7
Deduction due to U.S. production activities	1.0		3.9	2.2
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 2.8	$ 1.3	$ 2.8	$ 1.3

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Subsequent Event (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013 Subsequent Event [Member] Howell Metal Company [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 17, 2013 Subsequent Event [Member] Howell Metal Company [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Subsequent Event [Member] KME Yorkshire Limited [Member] GBP (£)	Oct. 18, 2013 Subsequent Event [Member] KME Yorkshire Limited [Member] GBP (£)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price of Capital Stock						$ 58,500,000
Net sales	528,854,000	514,165,000	1,670,826,000	1,685,932,000	156,300,000		119,000,000
Purchase price								£ 18,000,000

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Industry Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 528,854	$ 514,165	$ 1,670,826	$ 1,685,932
Cost of goods sold	456,302	449,718	1,440,277	1,465,744
Depreciation and amortization	7,882	7,870	24,364	23,318
Selling, general, and administrative expense	32,921	32,120	99,078	97,209
Gain on sale of plastics fittings manufacturing assets	(39,765)	0	(39,765)	0
Impairment charges	4,304	0	4,304	0
Insurance settlement	0	0	(106,332)	(1,500)
Operating income	67,210	24,457	248,900	101,161
Interest expense	(1,243)	(353)	(2,940)	(5,711)
Other income (expense,) net	842	219	4,324	963
Income before income taxes	66,809	24,323	250,284	96,413
Plumbing and Refrigeration Segment [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	301,622	297,913	942,109	944,955
Cost of goods sold	258,035	257,978	800,782	808,631
Depreciation and amortization	4,172	4,044	12,861	12,340
Selling, general, and administrative expense	20,736	18,298	61,245	57,028
Gain on sale of plastics fittings manufacturing assets	(39,765)		(39,765)
Impairment charges	4,173		4,173
Insurance settlement			(103,895)	(1,500)
Operating income	54,271	17,593	206,708	68,456
OEM Segment [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	230,396	221,468	741,227	760,995
Cost of goods sold	201,399	196,789	651,875	676,635
Depreciation and amortization	3,150	3,437	9,854	9,908
Selling, general, and administrative expense	5,779	6,821	18,168	20,249
Gain on sale of plastics fittings manufacturing assets	0		0
Impairment charges	131		131
Insurance settlement			0	0
Operating income	19,937	14,421	61,199	54,203
Corporate and Eliminations [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	(3,164)	(5,216)	(12,510)	(20,018)
Cost of goods sold	(3,132)	(5,049)	(12,380)	(19,522)
Depreciation and amortization	560	389	1,649	1,070
Selling, general, and administrative expense	6,406	7,001	19,665	19,932
Gain on sale of plastics fittings manufacturing assets	0		0
Impairment charges	0		0
Insurance settlement			(2,437)	0
Operating income	$ (6,998)	$ (7,557)	$ (19,007)	$ (21,498)

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and fair value hedges reflected in the financial statements

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as follows:

	September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	222
		Loss positions		(362	)

	December 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	172
		Loss positions		(420	)

Derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges under ASC 815 are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as follows:

	September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	203
		Loss positions		(1,355	)

	December 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current assets:	Gain positions	$	1,047
		Loss positions		(548	)

Summary of activities related to derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges

The following tables summarize activities related to the Company’s derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815:

	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012		September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
Commodity contracts	$	474	$	562	$	(3,056	)	$	455

	Loss (Gain) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012			September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012
Commodity contracts:
Cost of goods sold	$	788	$	(2	)	$	3,309	$	428

The following tables summarize the activity related to the interest rate swap:

	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012		September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012
Interest rate swap	$	(747	)	$	—	$	649	$	—

Schedule of fair value hedges

The following tables summarize the gains (losses) on the Company’s fair value hedges:

	(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for the Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(846	)
Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	1,042

	(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for the Three Months Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(2,261	)
Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	2,344

	Gains (Losses) on Fair Value Hedges for the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
Gain on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	4,344
(Loss) on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	(3,770	)

	(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for the Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(2,261	)
Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	2,344

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,429	$ 1,644
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	40,091,502	40,091,502
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	28,272,201	28,099,635

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Earnings per Common Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Earnings per Common Share [Abstract]

Earnings per Common Share

Note 1 – Earnings per Common Share

Basic per share amounts have been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts reflect the increase in average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, computed using the treasury stock method.  Approximately 136 thousand stock based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 28, 2013 because they were antidilutive.

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Inventories

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

Note 4 – Inventories

(In thousands)	September 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
Raw materials and supplies	$	49,705		$	46,114
Work-in-process		48,075			40,951
Finished goods		142,710			148,014
Valuation reserves		(6,409	)		(5,645	)
Inventories	$	234,081		$	229,434

During 2011, inventory quantities valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method declined which resulted in liquidation of LIFO inventory layers.  This liquidation resulted from intercompany sales; therefore, the gain from the LIFO liquidation of approximately $8.0 million was deferred.  During the first quarter of 2012, the Company sold this inventory to third parties and recognized the gain.  This recognition resulted in a reduction of approximately $8.0 million to cost of sales, or $0.13 per diluted share after tax.

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Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 2 – Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  The Company may also realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

U.K. Actions Relating to the European Commission’s 2004 Copper Tube Decision and 2006 Copper Fittings Decision

Mueller Industries, Inc., WTC Holding Company, Inc., DENO Holding Company, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and DENO Acquisition EURL (the Mueller entities) have received letters from counsel for IMI plc and IMI Kynoch Limited (IMI) and from counsel for Boliden AB (Boliden) concerning contribution proceedings by IMI and Boliden against the Mueller entities regarding copper tube.  In the Competition Appeal Tribunal (the CAT) in the United Kingdom, IMI and Boliden have been served with claims by 21 claimants, all companies within the Travis Perkins Group (TP and the TP Claimants).  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out conduct described in the European Commission’s September 3, 2004, decision regarding copper tube.  The claims purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

Mueller Industries, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and WTC Holding Company, Inc. also have received a letter from counsel for IMI concerning contribution proceedings by IMI against those three Mueller entities regarding copper fittings.  In the High Court, IMI has been served with claims by 21 TP Claimants.  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 20, 2006, decision regarding copper fittings.  The claims similarly purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

The letters confirm that IMI and Boliden have commenced legal proceedings against the Mueller entities, and in those proceedings are claiming a contribution for any follow-on damages.  IMI and Boliden have formally served their claims on the Mueller entities.

While the TP Claimants have provided their preliminary calculations of aggregate claimed damages for the copper tube claim and the copper fittings claim, Mueller does not believe these matters will have a material affect on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the contribution claims.

As to the claims arising from the Copper Tube Decision brought in the CAT, following the CAT’s grant of approval, the case has now been transferred to the High Court. Mueller’s defenses in response to the contribution claims brought by IMI and Boliden were served on March 15, 2013.  A case management conference is to be held on or about November 28, 2013.

As to the claims arising from the Copper Fittings Decision, these proceedings have been stayed until the next case management conference which is to take place on December 16, 2013.

At this time, the Company does not believe that this matter will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Lead Refinery Site

U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of Mining Remedial Recovery Company, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities and studies (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  Site Activities, which began in December 1996, have been substantially concluded.  Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance activities with respect to Site Activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013.  Lead Refinery spent approximately $0.1 million annually in 2012, 2011 and 2010 with respect to this site.  Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are between $2.4 million and $3.6 million over the next 20 years.

On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site, and properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site, to the National Priorities List (NPL).  The NPL is a list of priority sites where the EPA has determined that there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous substances that warrant investigation and, if appropriate, remedial action.  The NPL does not assign liability to any party including the owner or operator of a property placed on the NPL.  The placement of a site on the NPL does not necessarily mean that remedial action must be taken.  On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA that the agency is of the view that Lead Refinery may be a potentially responsible party (PRP) under CERCLA in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has identified two other PRPs in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site. PRPs under CERCLA include current and former owners and operators of a site, persons who arranged for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at a site, or persons who accepted hazardous substances for transport to a site.  In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy in connection with properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has estimated that the cost to implement the November 2012 remedy will be $29.9 million.

The Company monitors EPA releases and periodically communicates with the EPA to inquire of the status of the investigation and cleanup of the Lead Refinery site.  As of September 28, 2013, the EPA has not conducted an investigation of the Lead Refinery site, proposed remedies for the Lead Refinery site, or informed Lead Refinery that it is a PRP at the Lead Refinery site.  Until the extent of any remedial action is determined for the Lead Refinery site, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to placement of the Lead Refinery site and adjacent properties on the NPL.  Lead Refinery lacks the financial resources needed to undertake any investigations or remedial action that may be required by the EPA pursuant to CERCLA.

Other

Guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, are issued by the Company generally to assure the payment of insurance deductibles and certain retiree health benefits.  The terms of the Company’s guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required.  These letters are primarily backed by the Company’s revolving credit facility.  The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at September 28, 2013, were $10.0 million.

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010
Other [Abstract]
Payments required to be made under guarantees, maximum	$ 10.0
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | Lead Refinery Site [Member]
Lead Refinery Site [Abstract]
Environmental spending		0.1	0.1	0.1
Mitigation estimates minimum	2.4
Mitigation estimates maximum	3.6
Estimated number of years until mitigation resolution	20 Years
EPA's estimated cost of site remediation	$ 29.9

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Debt (Details) (Mueller Xingrong Line of Credit [Member]) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013 USD ($) Bank	Sep. 24, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 24, 2013 CNY
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Number of banks in the credit agreement syndicate	4
Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity		$ 74.0	450.0
Maturity date	Sep. 24, 2014
Initial line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity			350
Debt, stated interest rate (in hundredths)	5.88%
Borrowings outstanding	$ 32

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Acquisitions (Details) (Westermeyer Industries, Inc. [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2012
Westermeyer Industries, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Portion of outstanding stock acquired (in hundredths)	100.00%
Cost of acquisition	$ 11.5
Fair value of assets acquired	7.5
Fair value of assets acquired - receivables	2.0
Fair value of assets acquired - inventories	1.9
Fair value of assets acquired - property, plant and equipment	3.6
Fair value of assets acquired - current liabilities	1.0
Remaining purchase price allocated to goodwill	2.4
Remaining purchase price allocated to other intangible assets	$ 2.7

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 39,993		$ 15,570		$ 158,269		$ 66,927
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	6,738		4,973		770		7,172
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	531	[1]	648	[2]	1,005	[3]	957	[4]
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations	(186)	[5]	252	[6]	1,975	[7]	1,388	[8]
Other, net	22		16		105		20
Total other comprehensive income	7,105		5,889		3,855		9,537
Consolidated comprehensive income	47,098		21,459		162,124		76,464
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(186)		(40)		(1,613)		990
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 46,912		$ 21,419		$ 160,511		$ 77,454

[1] Net of tax of $(280)

[2] Net of tax of $(388)

[3] Net of tax of $(607)

[4] Net of tax of $(554)

[5] Net of tax of $(3)

[6] Net of tax of $(178)

[7] Net of tax of $(963)

[8] Net of tax of $(777)

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Employee Benefits

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Employee Benefits [Abstract]

Employee Benefits

Note 7 – Employee Benefits

The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees.  The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012			September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
Pension benefits:
Service cost	$	350		$	339		$	1,051		$	1,016
Interest cost		2,023			2,185			6,070			6,556
Expected return on plan assets		(2,845	)		(2,721	)		(8,535	)		(8,165	)
Amortization of prior service cost		1			1			1			1
Amortization of net loss		984			966			2,954			2,900
Net periodic benefit cost	$	513		$	770		$	1,541		$	2,308
Other benefits:
Service cost	$	69		$	67		$	207		$	200
Interest cost		155			278			467			835
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		2			—			5			(1	)
Amortization of net gain		(41	)		(7	)		(125	)		(20	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	185		$	338		$	554		$	1,014

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 322,177	$ 198,934
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,429 in 2013 and $1,644 in 2012	312,919	271,093
Inventories	234,081	229,434
Current deferred income taxes	28,957	26,438
Other current assets	26,209	21,295
Total current assets	924,343	747,194
Property, plant, and equipment, net	222,751	233,263
Goodwill	94,048	104,579
Other assets	19,479	19,119
Total assets	1,260,621	1,104,155
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	33,036	27,570
Accounts payable	76,725	87,574
Accrued wages and other employee costs	33,845	34,378
Other current liabilities	100,566	109,174
Total current liabilities	244,172	258,696
Long-term debt, less current portion	206,550	207,300
Pension liabilities	32,474	35,187
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	19,731	19,832
Environmental reserves	22,435	22,597
Deferred income taxes	39,698	20,910
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,141	1,667
Total liabilities	566,201	566,189
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 40,091,502; outstanding 28,272,201 in 2013 and 28,099,635 in 2012	401	401
Additional paid-in capital	266,738	267,826
Retained earnings	896,428	749,777
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(39,327)	(42,623)
Treasury common stock, at cost	(462,491)	(468,473)
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity	661,749	506,908
Noncontrolling interest	32,671	31,058
Total equity	694,420	537,966
Commitments and contingencies
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,260,621	$ 1,104,155

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 528,854	$ 514,165	$ 1,670,826	$ 1,685,932
Cost of goods sold	456,302	449,718	1,440,277	1,465,744
Depreciation and amortization	7,882	7,870	24,364	23,318
Selling, general, and administrative expense	32,921	32,120	99,078	97,209
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets	(39,765)	0	(39,765)	0
Impairment charges	4,304	0	4,304	0
Insurance settlement	0	0	(106,332)	(1,500)
Operating income	67,210	24,457	248,900	101,161
Interest expense	(1,243)	(353)	(2,940)	(5,711)
Other income, net	842	219	4,324	963
Income before income taxes	66,809	24,323	250,284	96,413
Income tax expense	(26,816)	(8,753)	(92,015)	(29,486)
Consolidated net income	39,993	15,570	158,269	66,927
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(129)	(59)	(1,053)	(900)
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 39,864	$ 15,511	$ 157,216	$ 66,027
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	27,894	37,505	27,852	37,849
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards (in shares)	361	452	369	444
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	28,255	37,957	28,221	38,293
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.43	$ 0.41	$ 5.64	$ 1.74
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.41	$ 0.41	$ 5.57	$ 1.72
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.125	$ 0.10	$ 0.375	$ 0.30

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Insurance Claims (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013 Wynne Arkansas Manufacturing Operation [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fulton Mississippi Copper Tube Facility [Member]
Business Interruption Loss [Line Items]
Proceeds from settlement of insurance claim					$ 127,300,000
Deductible for insurance claim					500,000
Pre-tax gain on insurance settlement	$ 0	$ 0	$ 106,332,000	$ 1,500,000	$ 106,300,000	$ 1,500,000
Gain per diluted share, after tax (in dollars per share)					$ 2.33

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Industry Segments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Industry Segments [Abstract]

Summary of segment information

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	301,622		$	230,396	$	(3,164	)	$	528,854
Cost of goods sold		258,035			201,399		(3,132	)		456,302
Depreciation and amortization		4,172			3,150		560			7,882
Selling, general, and administrative expense		20,736			5,779		6,406			32,921
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
Operating income	$	54,271		$	19,937	$	(6,998	)		67,210
Interest expense										(1,243	)
Other income, net										842
Income before income taxes									$	66,809

Segment information (continued):

	For the Quarter Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment		OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	297,913	$	221,468	$	(5,216	)	$	514,165
Cost of goods sold		257,978		196,789		(5,049	)		449,718
Depreciation and amortization		4,044		3,437		389			7,870
Selling, general, and administrative expense		18,298		6,821		7,001			32,120
Operating income	$	17,593	$	14,421	$	(7,557	)		24,457
Interest expense									(353	)
Other income, net									219
Income before income taxes								$	24,323

	For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	942,109		$	741,227	$	(12,510	)	$	1,670,826
Cost of goods sold		800,782			651,875		(12,380	)		1,440,277
Depreciation and amortization		12,861			9,854		1,649			24,364
Selling, general, and administrative expense		61,245			18,168		19,665			99,078
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
Insurance settlement		(103,895	)		—		(2,437	)		(106,332	)
Operating income	$	206,708		$	61,199	$	(19,007	)		248,900
Interest expense										(2,940	)
Other income, net										4,324
Income before income taxes									$	250,284

Segment information (continued):

	For the Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	944,955		$	760,995	$	(20,018	)	$	1,685,932
Cost of goods sold		808,631			676,635		(19,522	)		1,465,744
Depreciation and amortization		12,340			9,908		1,070			23,318
Selling, general, and administrative expense		57,028			20,249		19,932			97,209
Insurance settlement		(1,500	)		—		—			(1,500	)
Operating income	$	68,456		$	54,203	$	(21,498	)		101,161
Interest expense										(5,711	)
Other expense, net										963
Income before income taxes									$	96,413

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance					$ (42,623)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications					4,709
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI					(1,413)
Net current-period other comprehensive income					3,296
Ending balance	(39,327)				(39,327)
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated OCI [Abstract]
Cost of goods sold	(456,302)		(449,718)		(1,440,277)		(1,465,744)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest	531	[1]	648	[2]	1,005	[3]	957	[4]
Selling, general, and administrative expense	32,921		32,120		99,078		97,209
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to: [Member]
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated OCI [Abstract]
Cost of goods sold	1,046				4,922
Income tax expense	(258)				(1,613)
Net of tax	788				3,309
Noncontrolling interest	0				0
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest	788				3,309
Selling, general, and administrative expense	946				2,835
Income tax expense (benefit)	(318)				(939)
Net of tax	628				1,896
Noncontrolling interest	0				0
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest	628				1,896
Cumulative translation adjustment [Member]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance					(3,033)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications					211
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI					0
Net current-period other comprehensive income					211
Ending balance	(2,822)				(2,822)
Unrealized (losses)/gains on derivatives [Member]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance					(166)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications					4,314
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI					(3,309)
Net current-period other comprehensive income					1,005
Ending balance	839				839
Minimum pension/OPEB liability adjustment [Member]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance					(39,527)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications					79
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI					1,896
Net current-period other comprehensive income					1,975
Ending balance	(37,552)				(37,552)
Unrealized gains on equity investments [Member]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance					103
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications					105
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI					0
Net current-period other comprehensive income					105
Ending balance	$ 208				$ 208

[1] Net of tax of $(280)

[2] Net of tax of $(388)

[3] Net of tax of $(607)

[4] Net of tax of $(554)

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Dec. 29, 2012 Other Current Asset [Member] Commodity Contracts [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Sep. 28, 2013 Other Current Liabilities [Member] Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Dec. 29, 2012 Other Current Liabilities [Member] Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Sep. 28, 2013 Other Current Liabilities [Member] Commodity Contracts [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Net value in OCI to be reclassified into earnings in next twelve months	$ 172,000
Open future contracts to purchase copper	18,500,000
Time period for open copper future contract purchases	18 months
Fair value of future contracts with loss position	140,000
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other assets: gain positions		1,000,000
Other current assets: gain positions			1,047,000
Other current assets: loss positions			(548,000)
Other current liability: gain positions				222,000	172,000	203,000
Other current liability: loss positions				(362,000)	(420,000)	(1,355,000)
Open future contracts to sell copper	61,000,000
Time period for open future contract sales	6 months
Restricted cash related to open future contracts	$ 2,900,000

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Part 2 (Details)	9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 EUR (€)	Jan. 12, 2015	Sep. 28, 2013 Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Commodity Contracts [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Commodity Contracts [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Commodity Contracts [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Commodity Contracts [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Commodity Contracts [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Inventory [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Inventory [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Inventory [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Inventory [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Feb. 20, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax				$ 474,000	$ 562,000	$ (3,056,000)	$ 455,000															$ (747,000)	$ 0	$ 649,000	$ 0
Loss (Gain) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion), Net of Tax								788,000	(2,000)	3,309,000	428,000
Fair value of futures contracts loss position	1,200,000
Gain (loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges												(846,000)	(2,261,000)	4,344,000	(2,261,000)	1,042,000	2,344,000	(3,770,000)	2,344,000
Open forward contracts to purchase		13,700,000
Time period for open forward contracts to purchase	18 months	18 months
Period of interest rate swap																				2 years
Interest rate swap, notional amount																					$ 200,000,000
Interest rate swap, fixed interest rate (in hundredths)																					1.40%
Term Loan Facility, all-in fixed interest rate (in hundredths)			2.70%
Interest rate swap, maturity date																				Dec. 11, 2017

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Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

Note 6 – Debt

On September 24, 2013, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a credit agreement (the JV Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of four banks establishing a secured RMB 450 million, or approximately $74.0 million, revolving credit facility with a maturity date of September 24, 2014.  The JV Credit Agreement replaced the previous secured RMB 350 million financing agreement that matured during the quarter.  Borrowings outstanding under the JV Credit Agreement, which were $32.0 million at September 28, 2013, are secured by the real property and equipment of Mueller-Xingrong and bear interest at the latest base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China, which was 5.88 percent at September 28, 2013.  The JV Credit Agreement requires lender consent for the payment of dividends.

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Inventories (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies			$ 49,705,000	$ 46,114,000
Work-in-process			48,075,000	40,951,000
Finished goods			142,710,000	148,014,000
Valuation reserves			(6,409,000)	(5,645,000)
Inventories			234,081,000	229,434,000
Deferred LIFO Gain		8,000,000
Effect of liquidation of LIFO layers on cost of sales	$ 8,000,000
Effect of liquidation of LIFO layers per diluted share after tax (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Note 9 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Cash Flow Hedges

Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production.  The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond the Company’s control.  The Company occasionally enters into forward fixed-price arrangements with certain customers; the risk of these arrangements is generally managed with commodity futures contracts.  The Company accounts for these futures contracts in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815).  These futures contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.  The fair value of open futures contracts is recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) until the position is closed, which corresponds to the period when the related hedged transaction is recognized in earnings.  Should these contracts no longer meet hedge criteria in accordance with ASC 815, either through lack of effectiveness or because the hedged transaction is no longer probable of occurring, all deferred gains and losses related to the hedge would be immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings.  In the next 12 months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses on cash flow hedges; at September 28, 2013, the net fair value of these contracts was a $172 thousand loss position.

At September 28, 2013, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $18.5 million of copper over the next 18 months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $140 thousand loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820)).

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as follows:

	September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	222
		Loss positions		(362	)

	December 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	172
		Loss positions		(420	)

The following tables summarize activities related to the Company’s derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815:

	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012		September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
Commodity contracts	$	474	$	562	$	(3,056	)	$	455

	Loss (Gain) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012			September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012
Commodity contracts:
Cost of goods sold	$	788	$	(2	)	$	3,309	$	428

Fair Value Hedges

The Company enters into futures contracts in order to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations.  These futures contracts have been designated as fair value hedges in accordance with ASC 815.  For fair value hedges, the changes in value of the hedging instrument, as well as the changes in value of the related hedged item, are reflected in current earnings.  Hedge ineffectiveness is reflected in current earnings in the period in which it occurs.

At September 28, 2013, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $61.0 million of copper over the next six months related to inventory.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.2 million loss position and was recorded in other current liabilities.  The fair value was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).

Derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges under ASC 815 are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as follows:

	September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	203
		Loss positions		(1,355	)

	December 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location		Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current assets:	Gain positions	$	1,047
		Loss positions		(548	)

The following tables summarize the gains (losses) on the Company’s fair value hedges:

	(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for the Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(846	)
Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	1,042

	(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for the Three Months Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(2,261	)
Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	2,344

	Gains (Losses) on Fair Value Hedges for the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
Gain on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	4,344
(Loss) on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	(3,770	)

	(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for the Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(2,261	)
Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	2,344

Foreign Currency Hedges

During 2012 and 2013, the Company entered into contracts to purchase heavy machinery and equipment. These contracts are denominated in euros.  In anticipation of entering into these contracts, the Company has entered into forward contracts to purchase euros to protect itself against adverse exchange rate fluctuations.  At September 28, 2013, the Company held open forward contracts to purchase approximately 13.7 million euros over the next 18 months.  The fair value of these contracts, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820), was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows at September 28, 2013.

Interest Rate Swap

On February 20, 2013, the Company entered into a two-year forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with an effective date of January 12, 2015, and an underlying notional amount of $200.0 million, pursuant to which the Company receives variable interest payments based on one-month LIBOR and pays fixed interest at a rate of 1.4 percent.  Based on the Company’s current variable premium pricing on its Term Loan Facility, the all-in fixed rate on the effective date is 2.7 percent.  The interest rate swap will mature on December 11, 2017, and is structured to fix the interest rate risk associated with the Company’s floating-rate, LIBOR-based Term Loan Facility Agreement.  The swap was designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge from inception.

The fair value of the interest rate swap is estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rate and the expected cash flows at the current market interest rate using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).  The effective portion of the mark-to-market gain or loss is reported as a component of accumulated OCI and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings.  Interest payable and receivable under the swap agreement will be accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.  The fair value of the interest rate swap was a $1.0 million gain position and was recorded in other assets at September 28, 2013.

The following tables summarize the activity related to the interest rate swap:

	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012		September 28, 2013		September 29, 2012
Interest rate swap	$	(747	)	$	—	$	649	$	—

The Company enters into futures and forward contracts that closely match the terms of the underlying transactions.  As a result, the ineffective portion of the open cash flow and fair value hedge contracts through September 28, 2013 was not material to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company does not offset the fair value of amounts for derivative instruments and the fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral.  At September 28, 2013, the Company had recorded restricted cash of $2.9 million related to open futures contracts.

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Industry Segments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Industry Segments [Abstract]

Industry Segments

Note 5 – Industry Segments

The Company’s reportable segments are Plumbing & Refrigeration and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).  For disclosure purposes, as permitted under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment Reporting, certain operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of Standard Products (SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations.  The OEM segment is composed of Industrial Products (IPD), Engineered Products (EPD), and Jiangsu Mueller–Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong).  These segments are classified primarily by the markets for their products.  Performance of segments is generally evaluated by their operating income.  Intersegment transactions are generally conducted on an arms-length basis.

SPD manufactures copper tube and fittings, plastic fittings, plastic pipe, and line sets.  These products are manufactured in the U.S.  Outside the U.S., the Company’s European Operations manufacture copper tube, which is sold in Europe and the Middle East.  SPD also imports and resells brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products.  Mexican Operations consist of pipe nipple manufacturing and import distribution businesses including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties.  The European Operations consist of copper tube manufacturing and the import distribution of fittings, valves, and plumbing specialties primarily in the U.K. and Ireland.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment’s products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, and building product retailers.

IPD manufactures brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings which are used in a wide variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, valves, and fittings.  EPD manufactures and fabricates valves and assemblies primarily for the refrigeration, air-conditioning, and gas appliance markets and specialty copper, copper-alloy, and aluminum tubing.  Mueller-Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications.  These products are sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers.

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	301,622		$	230,396	$	(3,164	)	$	528,854
Cost of goods sold		258,035			201,399		(3,132	)		456,302
Depreciation and amortization		4,172			3,150		560			7,882
Selling, general, and administrative expense		20,736			5,779		6,406			32,921
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
Operating income	$	54,271		$	19,937	$	(6,998	)		67,210
Interest expense										(1,243	)
Other income, net										842
Income before income taxes									$	66,809

Segment information (continued):

	For the Quarter Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment		OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	297,913	$	221,468	$	(5,216	)	$	514,165
Cost of goods sold		257,978		196,789		(5,049	)		449,718
Depreciation and amortization		4,044		3,437		389			7,870
Selling, general, and administrative expense		18,298		6,821		7,001			32,120
Operating income	$	17,593	$	14,421	$	(7,557	)		24,457
Interest expense									(353	)
Other income, net									219
Income before income taxes								$	24,323

	For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	942,109		$	741,227	$	(12,510	)	$	1,670,826
Cost of goods sold		800,782			651,875		(12,380	)		1,440,277
Depreciation and amortization		12,861			9,854		1,649			24,364
Selling, general, and administrative expense		61,245			18,168		19,665			99,078
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
Insurance settlement		(103,895	)		—		(2,437	)		(106,332	)
Operating income	$	206,708		$	61,199	$	(19,007	)		248,900
Interest expense										(2,940	)
Other income, net										4,324
Income before income taxes									$	250,284

Segment information (continued):

	For the Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	944,955		$	760,995	$	(20,018	)	$	1,685,932
Cost of goods sold		808,631			676,635		(19,522	)		1,465,744
Depreciation and amortization		12,340			9,908		1,070			23,318
Selling, general, and administrative expense		57,028			20,249		19,932			97,209
Insurance settlement		(1,500	)		—		—			(1,500	)
Operating income	$	68,456		$	54,203	$	(21,498	)		101,161
Interest expense										(5,711	)
Other expense, net										963
Income before income taxes									$	96,413

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Consolidated net income	$ 158,269	$ 66,927
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	24,583	23,713
Stock-based compensation expense	4,560	3,042
Insurance settlements	(106,332)	(1,500)
Insurance proceeds - noncapital related	32,395	14,250
Gain on sale of plastics fittings manufacturing assets	(39,765)	0
(Gain) loss on disposal of properties	(3,316)	175
Impairment charge	4,304	0
Deferred income taxes	14,152	2,319
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(670)	(517)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquired:
Receivables	(38,370)	(15,779)
Inventories	(4,566)	585
Other assets	4,886	(8,434)
Current liabilities	19,649	(21,120)
Other liabilities	(297)	7,834
Other, net	508	1,271
Net cash provided by operating activities	69,990	72,766
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(33,402)	(43,841)
Acquisition of business	0	(11,503)
Insurance proceeds for property and equipment	29,910	42,250
Net (deposits into) withdrawals from restricted cash balances	(2,473)	6,908
Proceeds from the sales of assets	64,966	502
Net provided by (used in) investing activities	59,001	(5,684)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.	(10,449)	(11,415)
Debt issuance cost	(50)	0
Issuance of long-term debt	0	200,000
Issuance (repayment) of debt by joint venture, net	4,940	(28,955)
Net cash used to settle stock-based awards	(337)	(740)
Repurchase of common stock	0	(427,448)
Repayments of long-term debt	(750)	(148,926)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	670	517
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,976)	(416,967)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	228	1,478
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	123,243	(348,407)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	198,934	514,162
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$ 322,177	$ 165,755

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Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Pension benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 350	$ 339	$ 1,051	$ 1,016
Interest cost	2,023	2,185	6,070	6,556
Expected return on plan assets	(2,845)	(2,721)	(8,535)	(8,165)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	1	1	1	1
Amortization of net gain (loss)	984	966	2,954	2,900
Net periodic benefit cost	513	770	1,541	2,308
Other benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	69	67	207	200
Interest cost	155	278	467	835
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	2	0	5	(1)
Amortization of net gain (loss)	(41)	(7)	(125)	(20)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 185	$ 338	$ 554	$ 1,014

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Note 12 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02). Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income.

Changes in accumulated OCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest, were as follows:

(In thousands)	Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives			Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments		Total
December 29, 2012	$	(3,033	)	$	(166	)	$	(39,527	)	$	103	$	(42,623	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		211			4,314			79			105		4,709
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI		—			(3,309	)		1,896			—		(1,413	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income		211			1,005			1,975			105		3,296
September 28, 2013	$	(2,822	)	$	839		$	(37,552	)	$	208	$	(39,327	)

Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated OCI were as follows:

	Amount reclassified from Accumulated OCI
(In thousands)	For the Quarter Ended September 28, 2013			For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013			Affected Line Item
Unrealized gains on derivatives:
Closed positions, commodity contracts	$	1,046		$	4,922		Cost of goods sold
		(258	)		(1,613	)	Income tax expense
		788			3,309		Net of tax
		—			—		Noncontrolling interest
	$	788		$	3,309		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest
Amortization of employee benefit items:
Amortization of net loss	$	946		$	2,835		Selling, general, and administrative expense
		(318	)		(939	)	Income tax expense
		628			1,896		Net of tax
		—			—		Noncontrolling interest
	$	628		$	1,896		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 8 – Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 was 40 percent compared with 36 percent for the same period last year.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 were increases related to: (i) the impairment of goodwill of $1.8 million; (ii) increases in the valuation allowance of $1.0 million; (iii) the provision for state income taxes, net of federal benefit of $1.2 million; and (iv) the effect of foreign adjustments of $0.4 million.  These items were partially offset by the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.0 million.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2013 was 37 percent compared with 31 percent for the same period last year.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first nine months were increases related to: (i) goodwill impairment of $1.8 million and (ii) the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $7.4 million.  These items were partially offset by reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $1.1 million; (ii) decreases in valuation allowances of $0.4 million; and (iii) the U.S. production activities deduction of $3.9 million.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2012 was 36 percent and for the first nine months of 2012 was 31 percent.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first nine months of 2012 were reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $3.7 million; (ii) decreases in unrecognized tax benefits of $1.3 million; (iii) decreases in valuation allowances of $0.5 million; and (iv) the U.S. production activities deduction of $2.2 million.  These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $2.7 million.

Total unrecognized tax benefits, including derecognized deferred tax assets, at the end of the third quarter were $2.8 million, none of which would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and numerous consolidated and separate-company income tax returns in many state, local, and foreign jurisdictions.  The statute of limitations is open for the Company’s federal tax return and most state income tax returns for 2010 and all subsequent years.  The Internal Revenue Service has audited the Company’s 2009 and 2010 consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns, the results of which were immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.  The statutes of limitations for certain state and foreign returns are open for earlier tax years due to ongoing audits and differing statute periods.  While the Company believes that it is adequately reserved for possible future audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined with certainty and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates.

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Inventories (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

In thousands)	September 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
Raw materials and supplies	$	49,705		$	46,114
Work-in-process		48,075			40,951
Finished goods		142,710			148,014
Valuation reserves		(6,409	)		(5,645	)
Inventories	$	234,081		$	229,434

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Subsequent Event

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Subsequent Event [Abstract]

Subsequent Event [Text Block]

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

On October 17, 2013, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Commercial Metals Company and Howell Metal Company (“Howell”) providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding capital stock of Howell.  Howell manufactures copper tube and line sets for U.S. distribution.  The purchase price of $58.5 million was funded by cash on-hand.  This is subject to a customary working capital adjustment.  For the twelve months ended August 31, 2013, Howell’s net sales for copper tube and line sets were $156.3 million.

On October 18, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with KME Yorkshire Limited (“Yorkshire”) to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of Yorkshire for purposes of acquiring its copper tube business.  The consummation of the transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approval in the United Kingdom and other customary closing conditions.  Yorkshire produces European standard copper distribution tubes.  The purchase price will be £18.0 million.  In 2012, Yorkshire had annual revenue of £119.0 million.

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Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Oct. 23, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MUELLER INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000089439
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		28,274,201
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 28, 2013

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Recently Issued Accounting Standards

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Note 14 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amendments to ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  The amendments in this update are designed to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (a) offset in accordance with certain right to set-off conditions prescribed by current accounting guidance or (b) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with current accounting guidance. The amendments to ASU 2011-11 were effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-11 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.