CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Consolidated net income		$ 88,407	$ 102,534	$ 173,289
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation		(19,108)	(6,766)	3,285
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	[1]	(1,056)	(2,499)	1,713
Net actuarial gain (loss) on pension and postretirement obligations	[2]	6,735	(23,006)	27,369
Other, net		(49)	15	151
Total other comprehensive (loss) income		(13,478)	(32,256)	32,518
Comprehensive income		74,929	70,278	205,807
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		867	(822)	(1,404)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.		$ 75,796	$ 69,456	$ 204,403

[1] Net of taxes of $575 in 2015, $1,362 in 2014, and $(962) in 2013

[2] Net of taxes of $(3,221) in 2015, $10,180 in 2014, and $(15,015) in 2013