CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2021	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 26, 2021	Jun. 27, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 110,932	$ 28,487	$ 176,170	$ 62,438
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	3,515	421	7,902	(20,834)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $961, $(970), $814, and $(10)	(3,337)	3,398	(2,844)	41
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $1, $375, $57, and $132	74	(1,284)	(17)	(545)
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $219, $810, $(358), and $262	(753)	(2,790)	1,234	(903)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net	(501)	(255)	6,275	(22,241)
Consolidated comprehensive income	110,431	28,232	182,445	40,197
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,333)	90	(3,885)	(855)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 109,098	$ 28,322	$ 178,560	$ 39,342