CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2021	Mar. 28, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 65,238	$ 33,951
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	4,387	(21,255)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(147) and $960	493	(3,357)
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $56 and $(243)	(91)	739
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $(577) and $(548)	1,987	1,887
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	6,776	(21,986)
Consolidated comprehensive income	72,014	11,965
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,552)	(945)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 69,462	$ 11,020