CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 143,649	$ 106,232	$ 106,820
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	10,350	7,409	(16,876)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(146), $(195), and $318	508	690	(1,173)
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $(1,560), $(671), and $670	4,652	3,112	(3,339)
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $38, $244, and $2,522	(132)	(839)	(8,686)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	15,378	10,372	(30,074)
Consolidated comprehensive income	159,027	116,604	76,746
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,647)	(4,610)	(1,579)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 153,380	$ 111,994	$ 75,167