CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 26, 2015		Sep. 27, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 18,095		$ 24,322		$ 74,297		$ 84,485
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(12,153)		(6,661)		(13,501)		(3,698)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	(915)	[1]	(174)	[2]	(2,016)	[3]	(1,650)	[4]
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations	1,231	[5]	646	[6]	2,000	[7]	490	[8]
Other, net	(53)		(1)		(46)		7
Total other comprehensive loss	(11,890)		(6,190)		(13,563)		(4,851)
Consolidated comprehensive income	6,205		18,132		60,734		79,634
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	709		(889)		534		(548)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 6,914		$ 17,243		$ 61,268		$ 79,086

[1] Net of tax of $575

[2] Net of tax of $42

[3] Net of tax of $1014

[4] Net of tax of $907

[5] Net of tax of $(429)

[6] Net of tax of $(232)

[7] Net of tax of $(715)

[8] Net of tax of $(109)