CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013		Dec. 29, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 173,289		$ 83,673		$ 87,086
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	3,285		8,070		232
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	1,713	[1]	255	[1]	(988)	[1]
Net actuarial gain (loss) on pension and postretirement obligations	27,369	[2]	(847)	[2]	(10,378)	[2]
Other, net	151		14		(81)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	32,518		7,492		(11,215)
Comprehensive income	205,807		91,165		75,871
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,404)		(1,984)		(1,913)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 204,403		$ 89,181		$ 73,958

[1] Net of taxes of $(962) in 2013, $(162) in 2012, and $559 in 2011

[2] Net of taxes of $(15,015) in 2013, $94 in 2012, and $4,786 in 2011