CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2015		Jun. 28, 2014		Jun. 27, 2015		Jun. 28, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 33,862		$ 35,209		$ 56,202		$ 60,163
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	7,056		1,795		(1,348)		2,962
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	(903)	[1]	(360)	[2]	(1,101)	[3]	(1,476)	[4]
Net actuarial (gain) loss on pension and postretirement obligations	(647)	[5]	(159)	[6]	769	[7]	(156)	[8]
Other, net	34		24		7		9
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5,540		1,300		(1,673)		1,339
Consolidated comprehensive income	39,402		36,509		54,529		61,502
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	520		594		175		341
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 39,922		$ 37,103		$ 54,704		$ 61,843

[1] Net of tax of $166

[2] Net of tax of $275

[3] Net of tax of $440

[4] Net of tax of $865

[5] Net of tax of $216

[6] Net of tax of $94

[7] Net of tax of $(286)

[8] Net of tax of $123