CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 26, 2020	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 26, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 172,256	$ 43,957	$ 348,426	$ 106,395
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(8,569)	9,320	(667)	(11,514)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(610), $(43), $204, and $(53)	2,122	151	(722)	192
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $(137), $92, $(80), and $224	493	(170)	476	(715)
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $(284), $(99), $(642), and $163	977	339	2,211	(564)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net	(4,977)	9,640	1,298	(12,601)
Consolidated comprehensive income	167,279	53,597	349,724	93,794
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(192)	(2,207)	(4,077)	(3,062)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 167,087	$ 51,390	$ 345,647	$ 90,732