CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 28,487	$ 28,676	$ 62,438	$ 45,815
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	421	(2,977)	(20,834)	3,080
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(970), $253, $(10), and $(90)	3,398	(929)	41	328
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $375, $(198), $132, and $(91)	(1,284)	676	(545)	430
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $810, $(68), $262, and $(81)	(2,790)	234	(903)	281
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net	(255)	(2,996)	(22,241)	4,119
Consolidated comprehensive income	28,232	25,680	40,197	49,934
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	90	433	(855)	(1,187)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 28,322	$ 26,113	$ 39,342	$ 48,747