CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 17,139	$ 24,344
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	6,057	4,977
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(343) and $279	1,257	(1,062)
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $107 and $180	(246)	(451)
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $(13) and $116	47	(401)
Total other comprehensive income, net	7,115	3,063
Consolidated comprehensive income	24,254	27,407
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,620)	(393)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 22,634	$ 27,014