CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2016		Sep. 26, 2015		Oct. 01, 2016		Sep. 26, 2015
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 26,062		$ 18,095		$ 82,986		$ 74,297
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(4,304)		(12,153)		(15,601)		(13,501)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	(139)	[1]	(915)	[2]	1,155	[3]	(2,016)	[4]
Net decrease in minimum pension and postretirement obligation adjustments	743	[5]	1,231	[6]	3,445	[7]	2,000	[8]
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates	5,112	[9]	0		6,550	[10]	0
Other, net	54		(53)		77		(46)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,466		(11,890)		(4,374)		(13,563)
Consolidated comprehensive income	27,528		6,205		78,612		60,734
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(480)		709		382		534
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 27,048		$ 6,914		$ 78,994		$ 61,268

[1] Net of tax of $(119)

[2] Net of tax of $575

[3] Net of tax of $(606)

[4] Net of tax of $1,014

[5] Net of tax of $(255)

[6] Net of tax of $(429)

[7] Net of tax of $(1,175)

[8] Net of tax of $(715)

[9] Net of tax of $(2,888)

[10] Net of tax of $(3,700)