CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 87,011	$ 99,754	$ 88,407
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	13,174	(27,767)	(19,108)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(541), $(917), and $575	1,147	1,709	(1,056)
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $(1,071), $(2,606), and $(3,221)	2,436	5,383	6,735
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $(505) and $(3,375)	895	5,975	0
Other, net	(380)	159	(49)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	17,272	(14,541)	(13,478)
Consolidated comprehensive income	104,283	85,213	74,929
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,785)	2,548	867
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 101,498	$ 87,761	$ 75,796