CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 22,754	$ 26,062	$ 81,042	$ 82,986
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	7,154	(4,304)	15,270	(15,601)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $23, $(119), $(162), $(606)	(132)	(139)	185	1,155
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $102, $(255), $285, $(1,175)	(207)	743	(572)	3,445
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $415, $(2,888), $614, $(3,700)	(735)	5,112	(1,086)	6,550
Other, net	0	54	(380)	77
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	6,080	1,466	13,417	(4,374)
Consolidated comprehensive income	28,834	27,528	94,459	78,612
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(499)	(480)	(2,002)	382
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 28,335	$ 27,048	$ 92,457	$ 78,994