CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 24,322		$ 39,993		$ 84,485		$ 158,269
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(6,661)		6,738		(3,698)		770
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	(174)	[1]	531	[2]	(1,650)	[3]	1,005	[4]
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations	646	[5]	(186)	[6]	490	[7]	1,975	[8]
Other, net	(1)		22		7		105
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(6,190)		7,105		(4,851)		3,855
Consolidated comprehensive income	18,132		47,098		79,634		162,124
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(889)		(186)		(548)		(1,613)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 17,243		$ 46,912		$ 79,086		$ 160,511

[1] Net of tax of $42

[2] Net of tax of $(280)

[3] Net of tax of $907

[4] Net of tax of $(607)

[5] Net of tax of $(232)

[6] Net of tax of $(3)

[7] Net of tax of $(109)

[8] Net of tax of $(963)