CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016		Jun. 27, 2015		Jul. 02, 2016		Jun. 27, 2015
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 28,259		$ 33,862		$ 56,924		$ 56,202
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(10,186)		7,056		(11,297)		(1,348)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	700	[1]	(903)	[2]	1,294	[3]	(1,101)	[4]
Net actuarial (gain) loss on pension and postretirement obligations	1,530	[5]	(647)	[6]	2,702	[7]	769	[8]
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates	1,438	[9]	0		1,438	[9]	0
Other, net	9		34		23		7
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(6,509)		5,540		(5,840)		(1,673)
Consolidated comprehensive income	21,750		39,402		51,084		54,529
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	123		520		862		175
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 21,873		$ 39,922		$ 51,946		$ 54,704

[1] Net of tax of $(266)

[2] Net of tax of $166

[3] Net of tax of $(487)

[4] Net of tax of $440

[5] Net of tax of $(522)

[6] Net of tax of $216

[7] Net of tax of $(920)

[8] Net of tax of $(286)

[9] Net of tax of $(812)