CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 28,676	$ 33,882	$ 45,815	$ 58,226
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(2,977)	(11,622)	3,080	(6,645)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $253, $(3), $(90), and $276	(929)		328
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $253, $(3), $(90), and $276		35		(1,027)
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $(198), $(322), $(91), and $(142)	676	950	430	499
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $(68), $(35), $(81), and $81	234	121	281	(280)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net	(2,996)	(10,516)	4,119	(7,453)
Consolidated comprehensive income	25,680	23,366	49,934	50,773
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	433	(670)	(1,187)	(1,063)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 26,113	$ 22,696	$ 48,747	$ 49,710