CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Consolidated net income		$ 99,754	$ 88,407	$ 102,534
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation		(27,767)	(19,108)	(6,766)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	[1]	1,709	(1,056)	(2,499)
Net change in minimum pension and postretirement obligation adjustments	[2]	5,383	6,735	(23,006)
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates	[3]	5,975	0	0
Other, net		159	(49)	15
Total other comprehensive loss		(14,541)	(13,478)	(32,256)
Consolidated comprehensive income		85,213	74,929	70,278
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests		2,548	867	(822)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.		$ 87,761	$ 75,796	$ 69,456

[1] Net of taxes of $(917) in 2016, $575 in 2015, and $1,362 in 2014

[2] Net of taxes of $(2,606) in 2016, $(3,221) in 2015, and $10,180 in 2014

[3] Net of taxes of $(3,375) in 2016