Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Losses on Derivatives [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments [Member] Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Unconsolidated Affiliates [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Unconsolidated Affiliates [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Unconsolidated Affiliates [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss: AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings Balance at end of year Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of cash and cash equivalents Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Schedule of restricted cash Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Site Contingency [Table] Site Contingency [Table] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Non-Operating Properties [Member] Non operating Properties [Member] Non-operating properties. Operating Properties [Member] Operating Properties [Member] Operating Properties [Member] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Southeast Kansas Sites [Member] Southeast Kansas Sites [Member] Smelting sites in Southeast Kansas. Shasta Area Mine Sites [Member] Shasta Area Mine Sites [Member] Shasta Area Mine Sites. Lead Refinery Site [Member] Lead Refinery Site [Member] Lead Refinery Site. Lead Refinery NPL Site [Member] Lead Refinery NPL Site [Member] Lead Refinery NPL Site [Member] Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. [Member] Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. [Member] Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Site Contingency [Line Items] Site Contingency [Line Items] Environmental expense Environmental Remediation Expense Environmental reserves Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Expected environmental expenditures for 2019 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Next Twelve Months Expected environmental expenditures for 2020 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Second Year Expected environmental expenditures for 2021 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Third Year Expected environmental expenditures for 2022 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Fourth Year Expected environmental expenditures for 2023 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Fifth Year Expected environmental expenditures after 2023 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, after Fifth Year Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations Number of Parties involved in settlement negotiations Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations. Period of permit, implementation of Best Management Practices Period of permit, implementation of Best Management Practices The period of permit for the continued implementation of Best Management Practices. Environmental spending Environmental Remediation Expense Spending The amount of spending related to known or estimated future costs arising from requirements to perform environmental remediation activities. Mitigation estimates Environmental Exit Costs, Reasonably Possible Additional Loss Estimated number of years until mitigation resolution Site Contingency, Estimated Time Frame to Resolve Contingency 1 Estimated time frame for resolution of the uncertainty as to the loss for an individual site. Lead Refinery Site [Abstract] Lead Refinery Site [Abstract] EPA's estimated cost of site remediation Site Contingency, Properties Loss Exposure Not Accrued, Best Estimate Best estimate of the properties loss exposure around the refinery site, for reasonably possible environmental contingencies for which no accrual has been recorded. Number of surrounding properties Number of surrounding properties Number of properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site. Site contingency, financial guarantee Site Contingency, Environmental Remedial and Feasibility Study, Financial Guarantee Site Contingency, Environmental Remedial and Feasibility Study, Financial Guarantee Number of UAOs issued Site Contingency, Number Of Unilateral Administrative Orders Site Contingency, Number Of Unilateral Administrative Orders Site contingency, total costs Site Contingency, Total Cost For All Parties, Best Estimate Site Contingency, Total Cost For All Parties, Best Estimate Site contingency, amount agreed upon to pay PRPs for past costs Site Contingency, Reimbursement Costs To Third Parties For Past Costs Site Contingency, Reimbursement Costs To Third Parties For Past Costs Payments for unilateral administrative orders Loss Contingency, Loss in Period Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review [Member] Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Matter [Member] Unlawful Employment Practices [Member] Unlawful Employment Practices [Member] Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Claim [Member] Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Claim [Member] Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Claim [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Assignment of antidumping duty rate on U.S. imports by Company subsidiaries Assignment of antidumping duty rate on U.S. imports by Company subsidiaries Antidumping fees imposed on certain subsidiaries of the entity. Payment request for interest and duties Payment for Interest and Duties Refers to requesting payment for interest and duties related to import entries. Number of import entries Number of Import Entries Refers to import entries made during the period. Term of consent decree Term Of Consent Decree Term Of Consent Decree Monetary relief awarded to individual claims Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Gain award for settlement Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount Gain contingency, payment of legal and advisory fees, percent of total Gain Contingency, Payment Of Legal And Advisory Fees, Percent Of Total Gain Contingency, Payment Of Legal And Advisory Fees, Percent Of Total Increase in tax expense due to one-time transition tax liability Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Increase in income tax expense recorded for its one-time transition tax liability, effect on diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense, Effect Of Change On Earnings Per Share, Diluted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense, Effect Of Change On Earnings Per Share, Diluted Unrecognized tax on undistributed foreign earnings Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Income tax benefit as a result of the remeasurement of deferred tax balance Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit as a result of the remeasurement of deferred tax balance, effect on diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense, Effect Of Change On Earnings Per Share, Diluted Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense, Effect Of Change On Earnings Per Share, Diluted Income tax penalties Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense State income tax credit carryforwards with expiration State income tax credit carryforwards with expiration The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of future tax effects arising from unused state tax credit carryforwards which will decrease future taxable income if applied in future years; a tax credit carryforward is the amount by which tax credits available for utilization exceeded statutory limits on inclusion in historical filings, and which can only be utilized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods and providing tax laws continue to allow such utilization. Other state income tax credit carryforwards with unlimited life Other Tax Carryforward Net Amount The amount of the tax credit carryforward, net of tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws. State net operating loss carryforwards with potential tax benefits Operating Loss Carryforwards Valuation allowances State Tax Credits And Net Operating Carryforwards Offset By Valuation Allowances The portion of the valuation allowance pertaining to the deferred tax asset representing potential future taxable deductions from state tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Federal and foreign tax attributes with potential tax benefits Federal And Foreign Tax Attributes With Potential Tax Benefits Amount of federal and foreign tax attributes with potential tax benefits as of the report date. Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Net interest expense Interest Expense Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of final valuation of the long-lived assets Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Intangible assets identified in the allocation of the purchase price Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Reconciliation of the changes in the plans' benefit obligations and the fair value of the plans assets Schedule Of Changes In Projected Benefit Obligations And Fair Value Of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the change in the benefit obligation of pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans and the fair value of plan assets from the beginning to the end of the period. Amounts recognized in accumulated OCI (before the effect of income taxes) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Funded status of the plans recognized Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Components of net periodic benefit costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of the Company's benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost are as follows Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Weighted average asset allocation of the Company’s pension fund assets are as follows Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Plan assets at fair value within the fair value hierarchy, by level Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Plan assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Future benefit plans payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Subordinated Debt [Member] Subordinated Debt [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Jungwoo Mueller Line of Credit Due 2019 [Member] Jungwoo Mueller Line of Credit Due 2019 [Member] Represents name of lender, which may be a single entity or a group of entities that participate in the line of credit. Jungwoo Mueller Line of Credit Due 2020 [Member] Jungwoo Mueller Line of Credit Due 2020 [Member] Represents name of lender, which may be a single entity or a group of entities that participate in the line of credit. 2001 Series IRB's With Interest at 1.23% Due 2021 [Member] Series IRB [Member] A debt security, in which the authorized issuer owes the holders a debt and is obliged to repay the principal and interest (the coupon) at a later date. Other [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt, gross Long-term Debt including Unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs. Amount, before unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Less debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Net Less current portion of debt Debt, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Debt, stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Other Current Liabilities [Abstract] Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Accrued discounts and allowances Accrued discounts and allowances Liability Current Accrued discounts and allowances included in other current liabilities as of balance sheet date. Taxes payable, current Taxes Payable, Current Accrued interest Deposit Liabilities, Accrued Interest Environmental expense, non operating properties Environmental expense, non operating properties Costs incurred during the reporting period for environmental expenses of non-operating properties. Other (Expense) Income, Net [Abstract] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Net periodic benefit income (cost) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Interest income Interest Income, Other Other Other Nonoperating Income Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Net sales by major product line Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Geographic information Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Summary of segment information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment information by assets Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] ATCO Rubber Product [Member] ATCO Rubber Product [Member] ATCO Rubber Product [Member] Die-Mold [Member] Die-Mold [Member] Die-Mold [Member] Heatlink Group [Member] Heatlink Group [Member] Heatlink Group [Member] Jungwoo-Mueller [Member] Jungwoo-Mueller [Member] The unit classified as Jungwoo-Mueller. Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total consideration paid Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash paid for acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Contingent consideration, range of outcomes, high Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Revenues of acquired company Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period Cash paid for acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Contingent consideration liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Deferred tax liability recognized Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Tube and fittings [Member] Tube and fittings [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Brass rod and forgings [Member] Brass rod and forgings [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. OEM components, tube and assemblies [Member] OEM components, tube and assemblies [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Valves and plumbing specialties [Member] Valves and plumbing specialties [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Other products [Member] Other products [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Piping Systems [Member] Piping Systems [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Industrial Metals [Member] Industrial Metals [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Climate [Member] Climate [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Corporate Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract] Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods and Services Sold Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Selling, general, and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Gain on sale of assets, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets (Gain) loss on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Insurance recovery Severance Costs Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Environmental expense Environmental Remediation Expense, Non-Operating Properties Environmental Remediation Expense, Non-Operating Properties Other income, net Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Expenditures for long-lived assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions Impairment charges Segment assets Assets Expected income tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State and local income tax, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Effect of foreign statutory rates different from U.S. and other foreign adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Changes in valuation allowances Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount U.S. production activities deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Investment in unconsolidated affiliates Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Investment in unconsolidated affiliates Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Investment in unconsolidated affiliates increase (decrease) in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Benefit of stock-based compensation deductions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount Effect of tax on accumulated foreign earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Transition Tax on Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Transition Tax on Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Amount Effect of tax rate change on net deferred tax liability balance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Deferred tax assets [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Inventories Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Other postretirement benefits and accrued items Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Other reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Other Federal and foreign tax attributes Deferred Tax Asset Tax Credit Federal and Foreign The cumulative amount of future tax effects arising from the unused tax credit carryforward that cannot be utilized on the tax return during a year that may be carried forward to reduce taxable income or taxes payable in a future year; a tax credit carryforward is the amount by which tax credits available for utilization exceed statutory limitations. State tax attributes, net of federal benefit Deferred Tax Asset Tax Credit State and Local The cumulative amount of future tax effects arising from the unused tax credit carryforward that cannot be utilized on the tax return during a year that may be carried forward to reduce taxable income or taxes payable in a future year; a tax credit carryforward is the amount by which tax credits available for utilization exceed statutory limitations. Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Basis difference in unconsolidated affiliates Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Basis difference in unconsolidated affiliates Amount, before allocation of valuation allowance, of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from basis difference in unconsolidated affiliates. Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Less valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Property, plant, and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Pension Deferred Tax Liabilities Tax Deferred Expense Compensation And Benefits Pensions Amount of deferred tax consequences attributable to taxable temporary differences derived from pension expenses. Basis difference in unconsolidated affiliates Deferred Tax Liabilities, Basis Difference In Unconsolidated Affiliates Deferred Tax Liabilities, Basis Difference In Unconsolidated Affiliates Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Company's expected contribution to benefit plans in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2024-2028 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Total Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Benefit Payments Total The total amount of benefits expected to be paid ten years after the date of the latest statement of financial position. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Patents and technology [Member] Patents and technology [Member] Exclusive legal right granted by the government to the owner of the patent to exploit an invention or a process for a period of time specified by law and Equipment used in the creation, maintenance and utilization of information systems which include computers and peripherals. Trade names and licenses [Member] Trade Names [Member] Supply Contracts [Member] Supply Contracts [Member] Supply Contracts [Member] Intangible assets, useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Debt instrument redemption Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block] Aggregate annual maturities of debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Net interest expense Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) From Divestiture Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) From Divestiture Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) From Divestiture Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Amount Reclassified from AOCI [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustments out of AOCI [Abstract] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Interest expense Income tax (benefit) expense Other income, net Gain on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Net of tax and noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] United Kingdom [Member] UNITED KINGDOM Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Obligation at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefit payments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Settlement charge Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement Foreign currency translation adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Obligation at end of year Change in fair value of plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Benefit payments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Foreign currency translation adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending balance Underfunded status at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Unrecognized net actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Unrecognized prior service credit Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Percent of above benefit obligation on company sponsored UK pension plan UK benefit obligation percentage The Company sponsors one pension plan in the U.K. Percent above plan assets on company sponsored UK pension plan UK pension plan asset percentage UK pension plan asset percentage. Actuarial net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year Prior service credit Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Next Fiscal Year Payable maximum period to be considered current Payable maximum period to be considered current Number of months payable to be considered current. Funded status of the plans recognized [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Long-term asset Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Current liability Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Long-term liability Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Total underfunded status Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of net loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Amortization of prior service credit Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Settlement charge Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Net periodic benefit (income) cost Weighted average assumptions in benefit obligations calculations [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Expected long-term return on plan assets Expected long term return on plan assets Assumptions used in the calculation of benefit obligations expected long-term return on plan assets. Rate of compensation increases Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of inflation Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation Rate of Inflation Assumed rate of inflation in calculating benefit obligations. Weighted average assumptions in net periodic benefit calculations [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of compensation increases Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of inflation Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Rate Of Inflation Assumed rate of inflation in calculating net periodic benefit cost. Annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Ultimate health care cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Authorization to repurchase shares of common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Shares repurchased (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares IAM Plan Trusts [Abstract] IAM Plan Trusts [Abstract] Number of collective bargaining agreements Number of collective bargaining agreements The number of collective bargaining agreements related to negotiation on participation on defined benefit plan. Pension contributions under the I.A.M. pension plan trusts Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer Maximum percentage of employer contributions (less than) Maximum Percentage of Employer Contributions The maximum percentage of employer contributions related to a defined pension plan or trust during the period. 401 (k) Plan [Abstract] 401 (k) Plan [Abstract] Compensation expense for the Company's matching contribution Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Contributions to UMWA 1992 Benefit Plan Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act Of 1992 Plan Contributions Amount of contributions to the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Plan. Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Consolidated net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $318, $(541), and $(917) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $670, $(1,071), and $(2,606) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $2,522, $(505), and $(3,375) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates net of tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Amount of increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income, after tax, from changes classified as attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. Other, net Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Amount of increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income, after tax, from changes classified as other Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. Consolidated comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock options vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Stock options expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on stock (or unit) option plans. Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Fair value of options vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Weighted average remaining contractual term of all outstanding options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding options, exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Aggregate intrinsic value of current exercisable shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Compensation for stock awards not yet recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Compensation recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Shares available for future issuance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Acquisitions and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] Environmental Reserves [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Environmental Cost [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Charged to costs and expenses SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Other additions SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Other Account Deductions SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Balance at end of year Period increase in valuation allowance SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Period Increase (Decrease) Balance of valuation allowance Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $836 in 2018 and $980 in 2017 Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant, and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill, net Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Investment in unconsolidated affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of debt Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued wages and other employee costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, less current portion Pension liabilities Postretirement benefits other than pensions Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Environmental reserves Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 80,183,004; outstanding 56,702,997 in 2018 and 57,809,509 in 2017 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury common stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] 2018 [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] 2019 [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] 2020 [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] 2021 [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member] 2022 and thereafter [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Six and Thereafter [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Six and Thereafter [Member] Redemption Price Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land and Land Improvements [Member] Land and Land Improvements [Member] Building [Member] Building [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment, net Depreciation Depreciation Total consideration Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Property, plant, and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Goodwill Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Accounts payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Other current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Long-term debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Pension and other postretirement liabilities Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Pension and other postretirement liabilities Pension and other postretirement liabilities expenses in the business combination expenses during the period. Other noncurrent liabilities Total liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Consolidated Financial Statement Details Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] LIFO inventory amount LIFO Inventory Amount FIFO cost of inventories FIFO Inventory Amount Average cost basis inventories Weighted Average Cost Inventory Amount FIFO value of inventory consigned to others FIFO value of inventory consigned to others Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of FIFO value inventory owned by the entity but in the hands of a customer, typically a reseller. Components of income before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Components of income tax expense Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Income tax reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Reportable Geographical Components [Member] Reportable Geographical Components [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Canada [Member] CANADA Asia [Member] Asia [Member] Mexico [Member] MEXICO Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Asset [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Other current assets: Gain positions Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Other current assets: Loss positions Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Assets fair value Derivative Asset Other current liability: Gain positions Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Other current liability: Loss positions Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Liabilities fair value Derivative Liability Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Customer relationships [Member] Non-compete agreements [Member] Patents and technology [Member] Other [Member] Other gross [Member] Other assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Other intangible assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Carrying amount of intangible assets [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Expected amortization expense Quarterly financial information (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Gain on sale of real property Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Gain on sale of manufacturing equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Gain on sale of business Insurance recovery Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges reflected in the financial statements Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value hedges Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Summary of activities related to derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Cost of goods sold Environmental expense Income tax expense (Loss) income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Consolidated net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive stock-based awards (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Weighted average assumptions used in calculating fair value of stock options Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summary of the stock option activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-10 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-10 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-10 [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Operating Income (Loss) [Member] Operating Income (Loss) [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Jungwoo-Mueller [Member] Subsidiaries 1 [Member] Entity owned or controlled by another entity. Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Mueller-Xingrong [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC [Member] Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC [Member] Refers to joint venture entity Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC to accomplish a mutually beneficial venture or project. Second Unconsolidated Affiliate [Member] Second Unconsolidated Affiliate [Member] Refers to joint venture entity to accomplish a mutually beneficial venture or project. Mueller Middle East BSC [Member] Mueller Middle East BSC [Member] Mueller Middle East BSC [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Non-controlling ownership interest Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Temporary investments Temporary investments Temporary investments with original maturities of less than three months. Restricted cash Restricted Cash Property, plant and equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Specified percentage over which unrecognized gains and losses are amortized Specified percentage over which unrecognized gains and losses are amortized Represents the unrecognized gains and losses which are amortized when the net gains and losses exceed specified percent of the greater of the market value of the plan assets or the projected benefit obligation. Average remaining service period for the pension plans Average remaining service period for the pension plans Represents the average remaining service period for the pension plans. Stock-based awards excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Net periodic benefit (income) cost Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Future minimum lease payments under operating lease Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Right-of-Use asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Expected term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Restricted cash included within other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted cash included within other assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Fiscal Years Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Acquisitions Acquisitions [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy accounting for acquisitions requires the company to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Self-Insurance Accruals Self Insurance Accruals [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for Self-Insurance in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Environmental Reserves and Environmental Expenses Asset Retirement Obligation and Environmental Cost [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block] Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities. Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Credit and Market Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of and Changes in Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Commodity Contract [Member] Inventories [Member] Inventories [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Other [Member] Other Contract [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Other [Member] Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Gain (loss) on commodity contracts (nonqualifying) Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Loss Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Long-term debt Long-term Debt Other (expense) income, net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill, net, beginning balance Additions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Goodwill Accumulated impairment loss, end of year Goodwill, net, ending balance Purchase price allocation adjustments Purchase Price Allocation Adjustments A revision in the estimates made in the allocation of the costs of an acquisition to the individual or groups of acquired assets, liabilities, in-process research and development, and goodwill. Impairment charges Goodwill, Impairment Loss Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Labor Claim [Member] Labor Claim [Member] Labor Claim [Member] Cayan Ventures and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company [Member] Cayan Ventures and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company [Member] Cayan Ventures and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Interest in joint venture Net loss Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Loss related to certain labor claim contingencies Gain on settlement Equity Method Investment, Gain (Loss) From Settlement With Tax Authority Equity Method Investment, Gain (Loss) From Settlement With Tax Authority Cash invested in joint venture Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture Current tax expense: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) State and local Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit): Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State and local Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Property, plant, and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Balance sheet data [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Current assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Noncurrent assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Current liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities Income statement data [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Cost of Sales Gross profit Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Mueller-Xingrong [Member] Mueller-Xingrong [Member] Mueller-Xingrong [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Proceeds from sale of interest Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture Net sales of equity method investment Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Carrying value of the liabilities disposed Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Cumulative translation loss Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) Gain on sale of business Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement Cash dividend (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Cash dividend, subordinated debentures (in dollars per share) Cash dividend, subordinated debentures (in dollars per share) Amount of paid and unpaid paid-in-kind dividends (PIK) in debentures. Debt instrument, call feature, period, latest Debt Instrument, Call Feature, Period, Latest Debt Instrument, Call Feature, Period, Latest Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Credit facility commitment fee Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Interest paid Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities Summarized financial information derived from the Company's equity method investee's consolidated financial statements Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year (in shares) Shares, Issued Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Issuance of restricted stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of restricted stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc. Dividends Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Reclassification Of Stranded Effects Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Reclassification Of Stranded Effects Other adjustments Stockholders' Equity, Other Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Repurchase of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Sale of Mueller-Xingrong Sale of Mueller-Xingrong Sale of Mueller-Xingrong Purchase of Jungwoo-Mueller Purchase of Jungwoo-Mueller Refers to Purchase of Jungwoo-Mueller. Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Foreign currency translation Balance at end of year (in shares) Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Limited Partner [Member] Limited Partner [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Redemptions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Decrease for Sale Subscriptions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase for Purchase Net appreciation in fair value Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Carrying amount of intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Amortization expense for intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Amortization of intangibles Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Loss (income) from unconsolidated affiliates Insurance proceeds - noncapital related Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected Insurance recovery Insurance Recoveries Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Gain on disposals of assets Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Recovery of doubtful accounts receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired and sold: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash transferred Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Insurance proceeds - capital related Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Investment in unconsolidated affiliates Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc. Payments of Dividends Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests Issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt (Repayment) issuance of debt by consolidated joint ventures, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Net cash used to settle stock-based awards Payments for Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options The total cash outflow associated with the amount paid to holders to settle the entity's shares under incentive and share award. Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents (Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the year Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the year Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Facilities Vehicles and Equipment [Member] Vehicles [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Lease payments scheduled for 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Lease payments scheduled for 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Lease payments scheduled for 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Lease payments scheduled for 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Lease payments scheduled for 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Lease payments scheduled after 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Lease expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Net sales Gross profit Gross Profit Interest expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Long [Member] Long [Member] Short [Member] Short [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Open future contracts to purchase copper Open Option Contracts Written, at Fair Value Time period for open copper future contract Time period for open copper future contract Period related to fixed price sales orders of open future contract. Fair value of future contracts with gain (loss) position Gain (Loss) on Fair Value of Future Contracts Refers to gain (loss) position on fair value of future contracts. Deferred net gains (losses), net of tax, included in AOCI Deferred net gains (losses), net of tax, included in AOCI Accumulated change, net of tax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. Open future contracts to sell copper Open Option Contracts Put, at Fair Value The fair value of the open option contracts Put for the investment. Time period for open copper future contract sales Time period for open copper future contract sales Period related to fixed price purchase orders of open future contract. Restricted cash in other current assets as collateral related to open derivative contracts Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Valuation reserves Inventory Adjustments Inventories Derivative instruments, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Pension & OPEB obligations, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, tax Amount of tax expense (benefit), after reclassification adjustments, of increase (decrease) in accumulated gain (loss) from changes classified as attributable to unconsolidated affiliates. Net sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Common Stock [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Common Stock [Member] Mutual Funds [Member] Mutual Fund [Member] Limited Partnerships [Member] Private Equity Funds, US [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Long-term asset Approximate percentage of mutual funds actively managed Approximate percentage of mutual funds actively managed Percentage of mutual funds owned that are actively managed funds. Approximate percentage of mutual funds indexed funds Approximate percentage of mutual funds indexed funds Percentage of mutual funds owned that are indexed funds. Percentage of mutual funds' assets invested in U.S equities Percentage of mutual funds' assets invested in U.S equities Percentage of mutual funds' assets that are invested in U.S. equities. Percent of mutual funds assets invested in non US equities Percent of mutual funds assets invested in non US equities Percent of mutual funds' assets that are invested in non-U.S. equities. Percent of mutual funds assets invested in US fixed income securities Percent Of Mutual Funds Assets Invested In US Fixed Income Securities Percent of mutual funds' assets that are invested in U.S. fixed income securities. Percent of mutual funds assets invested in non US fixed income securities Percent of mutual funds assets invested in non US fixed income securities Percent of mutual funds' assets that are invested in non-U.S. fixed income securities. Approximate percentage of common stock invested in major industry Approximate percentage of common stock invested in major industry Common stock represents investments in U.S. companies primarily in the health care, utilities, financials, consumer staples, industrials, information technology, and telecommunications sectors. Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Options outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (in shares) Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares Ending balance (in shares) Weighted average exercise price [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending balance (in dollars per share) Restricted stock [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Exercised (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Exercised In Period The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were exercised during the reporting period. Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Ending balance (in shares) Weighted average grant date fair value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Exercised (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Exercised Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event. Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Ending balance (in dollars per share) Equity Securities [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities [Member] Fixed Income Funds [Member] Fixed Income Securities [Member] Alternative Investments [Member] Alternative Investments [Member] Investment that pools funds from investors to invest in a combination of underlying alternative investments. Asset category [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract] Total plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Percentage Refers to the expected long term return on plan assets.