CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 33,951	$ 17,139
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(21,255)	6,057
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $960 and $(343)	(3,357)	1,257
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $(243) and $107	739	(246)
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $(548) and $(13)	1,887	47
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net	(21,986)	7,115
Consolidated comprehensive income	11,965	24,254
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(945)	(1,620)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 11,020	$ 22,634