CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 30,455	$ 28,665
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	7,210	(1,111)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(96) in 2017 and $(221) in 2016	56	594
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $11 in 2017 and $(398) in 2016	40	1,172
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $903 in 2017	(1,598)	0
Other, net	(144)	14
Total other comprehensive income, net	5,564	669
Consolidated comprehensive income	36,019	29,334
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,117)	739
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 34,902	$ 30,073