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)