CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014		Jun. 29, 2013		Jun. 28, 2014		Jun. 29, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 35,209		$ 91,842		$ 60,163		$ 118,276
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	1,795		(644)		2,962		(5,968)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	(360)	[1]	2,198	[2]	(1,476)	[3]	474	[4]
Net actuarial (gain) loss on pension and postretirement obligations	(159)	[5]	622	[6]	(156)	[7]	2,161	[8]
Other, net	24		42		9		83
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,300		2,218		1,339		(3,250)
Consolidated comprehensive income	36,509		94,060		61,502		115,026
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	594		(1,228)		341		(1,427)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 37,103		$ 92,832		$ 61,843		$ 113,599

[1] Net of tax of $275

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

[3] Net of tax of $865

[4] Net of tax of $(328)

[5] Net of tax of $94

[6] Net of tax of $(308)

[7] Net of tax of $123

[8] Net of tax of $(960)