Mueller Industries (MLI) 10-Q 24 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 22, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MUELLER INDUSTRIES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000089439	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-27	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'No	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	56,890,102
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	27-Sep-14	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	$602,820		$528,854		$1,826,885		$1,670,826
Cost of goods sold	521,278		456,302		1,574,830		1,440,277
Depreciation and amortization	8,952		7,882		25,651		24,364
Selling, general, and administrative expense	34,864		32,921		102,167		99,078
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets	0		-39,765		0		-39,765
Impairment charges	0		4,304		0		4,304
Insurance settlements	0		0		0		-106,332
Operating income	37,726		67,210		124,237		248,900
Interest expense	-1,430		-1,243		-3,913		-2,940
Other income, net	225		842		440		4,324
Income before income taxes	36,521		66,809		120,764		250,284
Income tax expense	-12,199		-26,816		-36,279		-92,015
Consolidated net income	24,322		39,993		84,485		158,269
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-499		-129		-911		-1,053
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$23,823		$39,864		$83,574		$157,216
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	56,107	[1]	55,787	[1]	55,999	[1]	55,704	[1]
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards (in shares)	637	[1]	723	[1]	746	[1]	737	[1]
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	56,744	[1]	56,510	[1]	56,745	[1]	56,441	[1]
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.42	[1]	$0.71	[1]	$1.49	[1]	$2.82	[1]
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.42	[1]	$0.71	[1]	$1.47	[1]	$2.79	[1]
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.08	[1]	$0.06	[1]	$0.23	[1]	$0.19	[1]
[1]	Adjusted retroactively to reflect the two-for-one stock split that occurred on March 14, 2014.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Consolidated net income	$24,322		$39,993		$84,485		$158,269
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation	-6,661		6,738		-3,698		770
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	-174	[1]	531	[2]	-1,650	[3]	1,005	[4]
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations	646	[5]	-186	[6]	490	[7]	1,975	[8]
Other, net	-1		22		7		105
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-6,190		7,105		-4,851		3,855
Consolidated comprehensive income	18,132		47,098		79,634		162,124
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-889		-186		-548		-1,613
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$17,243		$46,912		$79,086		$160,511
[1]	Net of tax of $42
[2]	Net of tax of $(280)
[3]	Net of tax of $907
[4]	Net of tax of $(607)
[5]	Net of tax of $(232)
[6]	Net of tax of $(3)
[7]	Net of tax of $(109)
[8]	Net of tax of $(963)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, tax	$42	($280)	$907	($607)
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations, tax	($232)	($3)	($109)	($963)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$259,858	$311,800
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $981 in 2014 and $2,391 in 2013	332,508	271,847
Inventories	282,493	251,716
Current deferred income taxes	8,963	8,106
Other current assets	40,356	31,248
Total current assets	924,178	874,717
Property, plant, and equipment, net	246,169	244,457
Goodwill	103,242	94,357
Other assets	54,147	34,236
Total assets	1,327,736	1,247,767
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of debt	37,207	29,083
Accounts payable	92,342	80,897
Accrued wages and other employee costs	34,577	37,109
Other current liabilities	69,197	72,167
Total current liabilities	233,323	219,256
Long-term debt, less current portion	205,500	206,250
Pension liabilities	9,299	10,645
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	16,561	16,781
Environmental reserves	21,557	22,144
Deferred income taxes	33,342	35,975
Other noncurrent liabilities	581	849
Total liabilities	520,163	511,900
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 80,183,004; outstanding 56,885,661 in 2014 and 56,604,674(10) in 2013	802	401
Additional paid-in capital	267,361	267,142
Retained earnings	979,079	908,274
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-15,309	-10,819
Treasury common stock, at cost	-457,371	-461,593
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity	774,562	703,405
Noncontrolling interest	33,011	32,462
Total equity	807,573	735,867
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	$1,327,736	$1,247,767

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$981	$2,391
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	80,183,004	80,183,004
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	56,885,661	56,604,674	[1]
[1]	Adjusted retroactively to reflect the two-for-one stock split that occurred on March 14, 2014.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Consolidated net income	$84,485	$158,269
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	25,888	24,583
Stock-based compensation expense	4,957	4,560
Insurance settlements	0	-106,332
Insurance proceeds - noncapital related	0	32,395
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets	0	-39,765
Gain on disposal of properties	-1,146	-3,316
Impairment charges	0	4,304
Deferred income taxes	-6,908	14,152
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	-829	-670
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquired:	'	'
Receivables	-62,854	-38,370
Inventories	-14,868	-4,566
Other assets	-15,272	4,886
Current liabilities	-8,675	19,649
Other liabilities	-797	-297
Other, net	223	508
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,204	69,990
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-28,406	-33,402
Acquisition of business	-30,137	0
Insurance proceeds for property and equipment	0	29,910
Net withdrawals from (deposits into) restricted cash balances	2,507	-2,473
Proceeds from sales of assets	4,920	64,966
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-51,116	59,001
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.	-12,606	-10,449
Debt issuance cost	0	-50
Issuance of long-term debt, net	12,008	0
(Repayment) issuance of debt by joint venture, net	-3,170	4,940
Net cash used to settle stock-based awards	-887	-337
Repurchase of common stock	-58	0
Repayments of long-term debt	-800	-750
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	829	670
Net cash used in financing activities	-4,684	-5,976
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-346	228
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-51,942	123,243
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	311,800	198,934
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$259,858	$322,177

Earnings_per_Common_Share

Earnings per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Common Share	'
	Note 1 – Earnings per Common Share
	Basic per share amounts have been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts reflect the increase in average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, computed using the treasury stock method.  Approximately 180 thousand stock based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 27, 2014 because they were antidilutive.
	On February 21, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors announced a two-for-one stock split of its common stock effected in the form of a stock dividend of one share for each outstanding share.  The record date for the stock split was March 14, 2014, and the additional shares were distributed on March 28, 2014.  Accordingly, all references to share and per share amounts presented in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the stock split.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 2 – Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  The Company may also realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	U.K. Actions Relating to the European Commission’s 2004 Copper Tube Decision and 2006 Copper Fittings Decision
	In the Competition Appeal Tribunal (the CAT) in the United Kingdom, IMI plc and IMI Kynoch Limited (IMI) and Boliden AB (Boliden) were served with claims by 21 claimants, all companies within the Travis Perkins Group (TP and the TP Claimants) regarding copper tube. The TP Claimants sought follow-on damages arising out of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 3, 2004, decision regarding copper tube.  The claims purported to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision (Copper Tube Decision).  IMI and Boliden commenced legal proceedings against Mueller Industries, Inc., WTC Holding Company, Inc., DENO Holding Company, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and DENO Acquisition EURL (the five Mueller entities), and in those proceedings claimed  a contribution for any follow-on damages.
	In the High Court in the United Kingdom, IMI was also served with claims by 21 TP Claimants regarding copper fittings.  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 20, 2006, decision regarding copper fittings.  The claims similarly purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.  IMI commenced legal proceedings against Mueller Industries, Inc., Mueller Europe Limited, and WTC Holding Company, Inc. (the three Mueller entities), and in those proceedings claimed a contribution for any follow-on damages.
	As to the claims arising from the Copper Tube Decision brought in the CAT, following the CAT’s grant of approval, the case was transferred to the High Court. Mueller’s defense in response to the contribution claims brought by IMI and Boliden was served on March 15, 2013.  During the second quarter of 2014, a settlement was reached in respect of the claims against Mueller and the High Court has dismissed the claims against Mueller. The total payment made by Mueller pursuant to the settlement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	As to the claims arising from the Copper Fittings Decision, Mueller's defense in response to the contribution claims brought by IMI was served on May 30, 2014.  During the third quarter of 2014, a settlement was reached in respect of the claims against Mueller and the High Court has dismissed the claims against Mueller.  The total payment made by Mueller pursuant to the settlement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Environmental
	Lead Refinery Site
	U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of Mining Remedial Recovery Company, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities and studies (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  Site Activities, which began in December 1996, have been substantially concluded.  Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance activities with respect to Site Activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013.  Lead Refinery spent approximately $0.1 million annually in 2013, 2012 and 2011 with respect to this site.  Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are between $2.1 million and $3.9 million over the next 20 years.
	On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site, and properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site, to the National Priorities List (NPL).  The NPL is a list of priority sites where the EPA has determined that there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous substances that warrant investigation and, if appropriate, remedial action.  The NPL does not assign liability to any party including the owner or operator of a property placed on the NPL.  The placement of a site on the NPL does not necessarily mean that remedial action must be taken.  On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA that the agency is of the view that Lead Refinery may be a potentially responsible party (PRP) under CERCLA in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has identified two other PRPs in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site. PRPs under CERCLA include current and former owners and operators of a site, persons who arranged for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at a site, or persons who accepted hazardous substances for transport to a site.  In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy in connection with properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has estimated that the cost to implement the November 2012 remedy will be $30.0 million.  In September 2014, the EPA announced that it had entered into a settlement with the two other PRPs whereby they will pay approximately $26.0 million to fund the cleanup of approximately 300 properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.
	The Company monitors EPA press releases and periodically communicates with the EPA to inquire of the status of the investigation and cleanup of the Lead Refinery site.  As of September 27, 2014, the EPA has not conducted an investigation of the Lead Refinery site pursuant to CERCLA, proposed remedies for the Lead Refinery site, or informed Lead Refinery that it is a PRP at the Lead Refinery site.  Until the extent of any remedial action is determined for the Lead Refinery site, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to placement of the Lead Refinery site and adjacent properties on the NPL.  Lead Refinery lacks the financial resources needed to undertake any investigations or remedial action that may be required by the EPA pursuant to CERCLA.
	Other
	Guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, are issued by the Company generally to assure the payment of insurance deductibles and certain retiree health benefits.  The terms of the Company’s guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required.  These letters are primarily backed by the Company’s revolving credit facility.  The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at September 27, 2014, were $10.6 million.

Insurance_Claims

Insurance Claims	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Insurance Claims [Abstract]	'
Insurance Claims	'
	Note 3 – Insurance Claims
	In September 2011, a portion of the Company’s Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation was damaged by fire.  Certain inventories, production equipment, and building structures were extensively damaged.  During the second quarter of 2013, the Company settled the claim with its insurer for total proceeds of $127.3 million, net of the deductible of $0.5 million.  As a result of the settlement with its insurer, all proceeds received and all costs previously deferred (which were recorded as other current liabilities in prior periods) were recognized, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $106.3 million in the second quarter of 2013, or $1.17 per diluted share after tax.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 4 – Inventories
	(In thousands)	27-Sep-14			28-Dec-13
	Raw materials and supplies	$	63,438		$	54,613
	Work-in-process		44,232			43,796
	Finished goods		180,377			159,422
	Valuation reserves		(5,554	)		(6,115	)
	Inventories	$	282,493		$	251,716

Industry_Segments

Industry Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Industry Segments [Abstract]	'
Industry Segments	'
	Note 5 – Industry Segments
	The Company’s reportable segments are Plumbing & Refrigeration and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).  For disclosure purposes, as permitted under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment Reporting, certain operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of Standard Products (SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations.  The OEM segment is composed of Industrial Products (IPD), Engineered Products (EPD), and Jiangsu Mueller–Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong).  These segments are classified primarily by the markets for their products.  Performance of segments is generally evaluated by their operating income.  Intersegment transactions are generally conducted on an arms-length basis.
	SPD manufactures copper tube and fittings, plastic fittings, plastic pipe, and line sets.  These products are manufactured in the U.S.  Outside the U.S., the Company’s European Operations manufacture copper tube, which is sold primarily in Europe.  SPD also imports and resells brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products.  Mexican Operations consist of pipe nipple manufacturing and import distribution businesses including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties.  The European Operations also includes the import distribution of fittings, valves, and plumbing specialties primarily in the U.K. and Ireland.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment’s products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, and building product retailers.  For the nine months ended September 27, 2014, cost of goods sold included a decrease in accruals related to import duties of $3.1 million.
	IPD manufactures brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings which are used in a wide variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, valves, and fittings.  EPD manufactures and fabricates valves and assemblies primarily for the refrigeration, air-conditioning, and gas appliance markets and specialty copper, copper-alloy, and aluminum tubing.  Mueller-Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications.  These products are sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers.
	Summarized segment information is as follows:
		For the Quarter Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
					Segment
	Net sales	$	357,843		$	247,883	$	(2,906	)	$	602,820
	Cost of goods sold		308,927			215,225		(2,874	)		521,278
	Depreciation and amortization		5,287			3,148		517			8,952
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		23,473			5,533		5,858			34,864
	Operating income	$	20,156		$	23,977	$	(6,407	)		37,726
	Interest expense										(1,430	)
	Other income, net										225
	Income before income taxes									$	36,521
		For the Quarter Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
					Segment
	Net sales	$	301,622		$	230,396	$	(3,164	)	$	528,854
	Cost of goods sold		258,035			201,399		(3,132	)		456,302
	Depreciation and amortization		4,172			3,150		560			7,882
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		20,736			5,779		6,406			32,921
	Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
	Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
	Operating income	$	54,271		$	19,937	$	(6,998	)		67,210
	Interest expense										(1,243	)
	Other income, net										842
	Income before income taxes									$	66,809
		For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
					Segment
	Net sales	$	1,093,060		$	743,322	$	(9,497	)	$	1,826,885
	Cost of goods sold		934,208			650,020		(9,398	)		1,574,830
	Depreciation and amortization		14,803			9,123		1,725			25,651
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		67,678			15,700		18,789			102,167
	Operating income	$	76,371		$	68,479	$	(20,613	)		124,237
	Interest expense										(3,913	)
	Other income, net										440
	Income before income taxes									$	120,764
		For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
					Segment
	Net sales	$	942,109		$	741,227	$	(12,510	)	$	1,670,826
	Cost of goods sold		800,782			651,875		(12,380	)		1,440,277
	Depreciation and amortization		12,861			9,854		1,649			24,364
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		61,245			18,168		19,665			99,078
	Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
	Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
	Insurance settlement		(103,895	)		—		(2,437	)		(106,332	)
	Operating income	$	206,708		$	61,199	$	(19,007	)		248,900
	Interest expense										(2,940	)
	Other income, net										4,324
	Income before income taxes									$	250,284

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Note 6 – Debt
	Effective May 29, 2014, the Company amended its credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) entered into on March 7, 2011 to reduce the unsecured $350.0 million revolving credit facility to $200.0 million.  The Credit Agreement also provides for a $200.0 million Term Loan Facility, which, together with the Revolving Loan Facility, mature on December 11, 2017.
	On March 21, 2014, Mueller Europe, Limited (MEL) entered into a credit agreement (the Invoice Facility) establishing a total borrowing capacity of £40.0 million, or approximately $65.9 million.  The Invoice Facility has an initial term of two years.  Borrowings outstanding under the Invoice Facility are secured by MEL’s trade account receivables denominated in British pounds.  Borrowings were approximately $11.7 million at September 27, 2014, and bear interest at the latest base-lending rate published by HSBC plus 155 basis points, which was approximately 2.05 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2014.
	On September 23, 2013, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of four banks established a secured revolving credit facility (the JV Credit Agreement), which matured on September 24, 2014.  At the maturity date, individual draws on the JV Credit Agreement had maturity dates ranging up to nine months.  Mueller-Xingrong is in process of negotiating a new credit agreement.  Management believes that cash generated by Mueller-Xingrong’s operations and cash currently on hand will be sufficient to fund its operations in the near term.  Borrowings under the JV Credit Agreement were approximately $24.5 million and bear an interst rate at the latest base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China, which was 5.6 percent at September 27, 2014.

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Employee Benefits [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefits	'
	Note 7 – Employee Benefits
	The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees.  The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
		For the Quarter Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
	Pension benefits:
	Service cost	$	199		$	350		$	596		$	1,051
	Interest cost		2,064			2,023			6,191			6,070
	Expected return on plan assets		(3,202	)		(2,845	)		(9,604	)		(8,535	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		1			1			1			1
	Amortization of net loss		188			984			565			2,954
	Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$	(750	)	$	513		$	(2,251	)	$	1,541
	Other benefits:
	Service cost	$	88		$	69		$	264		$	207
	Interest cost		181			155			544			467
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		—			2			(1	)		5
	Amortization of net gain		(55	)		(41	)		(164	)		(125	)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	214		$	185		$	643		$	554

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 8 – Income Taxes
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2014 was 33 percent.  The difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the third quarter of 2014 was primarily related to the reduction for the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.0 million, which was partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $0.3 million.
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 was 40 percent.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 were increases related to: (i) the impairment of goodwill of $1.8 million; (ii) increases in the valuation allowance of $1.0 million; (iii) the provision for state income taxes, net of federal benefit of $1.2 million; and (iv) the effect of foreign adjustments of $0.4 million.  These items were partially offset by the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.0 million.
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2014 was 30 percent.  The difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was attributable to reductions for: (i) the U.S. production activities deduction of $3.5 million; (ii) decreases in valuation allowances of $5.7 million; and (iii) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $0.5 million. These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $2.8 million.
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2013 was 37 percent.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first nine months were increases related to: (i) goodwill impairment of $1.8 million and (ii) the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $7.4 million.  These items were partially offset by reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $1.1 million; (ii) decreases in valuation allowances of $0.4 million; and (iii) the U.S. production activities deduction of $3.9 million.
	The Company released a valuation allowance of $4.8 million, or eight cents per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2014 related to certain state income tax credits.  As a result of legislative changes enacted in the second quarter, the Company now expects to be able to use such credits within the foreseeable future.
	Total unrecognized tax benefits, including derecognized deferred tax assets, as of September 27, 2014 were $2.8 million.  It is reasonably possible that this amount may decrease by the full amount over the next twelve months, none of which will impact the effective tax rate.
	The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and numerous consolidated and separate-company income tax returns in many state, local, and foreign jurisdictions.  The statute of limitations is open for the Company’s federal tax return and most state income tax returns for 2011 and all subsequent years and is open for certain state and foreign returns for earlier tax years due to ongoing audits and differing statute periods.  The Internal Revenue Service has audited the 2012 federal income tax return, the results of which were immaterial to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  While the Company believes that it is adequately reserved for possible future audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined with certainty and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Note 9 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates. The Company uses derivative instruments such as commodity futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, and interest rate swaps to manage these exposures.
	All derivatives are recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, it is designated as (i) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be paid (cash flow hedge), or (ii) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge). Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), to the extent effective, until they are reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged recognized asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current earnings.  Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivative instruments and the ineffective portion of designated derivative instruments are reported in current earnings.
	The Company documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow.
	The Company also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the designated derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flow or fair values of hedged items.  When a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, in accordance with the derecognition criteria for hedge accounting.
	Commodity Futures Contracts
	Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production.  The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond the Company’s control.  The Company occasionally enters into forward fixed-price arrangements with certain customers; the risk of these arrangements is generally managed with commodity futures contracts.   These futures contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.
	At September 27, 2014, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $18.0 million of copper over the next 15 months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $99 thousand loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820)). In the next twelve months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses of cash flow hedges. At September 27, 2014, this amount was approximately $55 thousand of deferred net losses, net of tax.
	The Company may also enter into futures contracts to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations.   These futures contracts have been designated as fair value hedges.
	At September 27, 2014, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $11.4 million of copper over the next six months related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $445 thousand gain position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).  During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company dedesignated previous hedges on its inventory because the hedging relationship was no longer deemed to be highly effective.  These contracts no longer qualified as hedging instruments as of December 28, 2013.
	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	During 2012 and 2013, the Company entered into certain contracts to purchase heavy machinery and equipment denominated in euros. In anticipation of entering into these contracts, the Company entered into forward contracts to purchase euros to protect itself against adverse foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
	At September 27, 2014, the Company held open forward contracts to purchase approximately 3.0 million euros over the next six months.  The fair value of these contracts, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820), was a $68 thousand loss position recorded in other current liabilities at September 27, 2014, and an $836 thousand gain position recorded in other current assets at December 28, 2013. At September 27, 2014, there was $15 thousand of deferred losses, net of tax, included in AOCI that is expected to be reclassified into property, plant, and equipment, net, when the hedged transactions occur.
	Interest Rate Swap
	On February 20, 2013, the Company entered into a two-year forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with an effective date of January 12, 2015, and an underlying notional amount of $200.0 million, pursuant to which the Company receives variable interest payments based on one-month LIBOR and pays fixed interest at a rate of 1.4 percent.  Based on the Company’s current variable premium pricing on its Term Loan Facility, the all-in fixed rate on the effective date is 2.7 percent.  The interest rate swap will mature on December 11, 2017, and is structured to offset the interest rate risk associated with the Company’s floating-rate, LIBOR-based Term Loan Facility Agreement.  The swap was designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge from inception.
	The fair value of the interest rate swap is estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rate and the expected cash flows at the current market interest rate using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).  Interest payable and receivable under the swap agreement will be accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.  The fair value of the interest rate swap was an $8 thousand gain position and was recorded in other assets at September 27, 2014.  At September 27, 2014, there was $5 thousand of deferred net gains, net of tax, included in AOCI that is expected to be reclassified into interest expense over the term of the hedged item.
	We present our derivative assets and liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets on a net basis by counterparty. The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the derivative instruments and disaggregates our net derivative assets and liabilities into gross components on a contract-by-contract basis:
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
				Fair Value									Fair Value
	(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location		Sept. 27, 2014				Dec. 28, 2013			Balance Sheet Location		Sept. 27, 2014				Dec. 28, 2013
	Hedging instrument:
	Commodity contracts - gains	Other current assets		$	526			$	448		Other current liabilities		$	10			$	340
	Commodity contracts - losses	Other current assets			(76	)			(10	)	Other current liabilities			(115	)			(2,107	)
	Foreign currency contracts	Other current assets			—				836		Other current liabilities			(68	)			—
	Interest rate swap	Other assets			8				1,324		Other liabilities			—				—
	Total derivatives (1)			$	458			$	2,598				$	(173	)		$	(1,767	)
	(1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral received from or provided to counterparties.
	The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
				Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	Location		Sept. 27, 2014				Sept. 28, 2013				Sept. 27, 2014				Sept. 28, 2013
	Fair value hedges:
	Gain (loss) on commodity contracts (qualifying)	Cost of goods sold		$	1,100			$	(846	)		$	7,371			$	4,344
	(Loss) gain on hedged item - Inventory	Cost of goods sold			(922	)			1,042				(6,702	)			(3,770	)
				Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	Location		Sept. 27, 2014				Sept. 28, 2013				Sept. 27, 2014				Sept. 28, 2013
	Undesignated derivatives:
	Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying)	Cost of goods sold		$	—			$	—			$	1,466			$	—
	The following tables summarize amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI during the period:
			Three Months Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)		(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	Cash flow hedges:
	Commodity contracts		$	(202	)	Cost of goods sold	$	(174	)
	Foreign currency contracts			(181	)	Property, plant, and   equipment, net		(46	)
	Interest rate swap			430		Interest expense		—
			Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)		Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	Cash flow hedges:
	Commodity contracts		$	474		Cost of goods sold	$	788
	Foreign currency contracts			372		Property, plant, and  equipment, net		—
	Interest rate swap			(747	)	Interest expense		—
			Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)		(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	Cash flow hedges:
	Commodity contracts		$	(634	)	Cost of goods sold	$	285
	Foreign currency contracts			(184	)	Property, plant, and  equipment, net		(283	)
	Interest rate swap			(837	)	Interest expense		—
			Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)		(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	Cash flow hedges:
	Commodity contracts		$	(3,056	)	Cost of goods sold	$	3,309
	Foreign currency contracts			352		Property, plant, and  equipment, net		—
	Interest rate swap			649		Interest expense		—
	The Company enters into futures and forward contracts that closely match the terms of the underlying transactions.  As a result, the ineffective portion of the open hedge contracts through September 27, 2014 was not material to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company primarily enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master netting agreements with major financial institutions that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under their respective derivative contracts. Under these master netting agreements, net settlement generally permits the Company or the counterparty to determine the net amount payable for contracts due on the same date and in the same currency for similar types of derivative transactions. The master netting agreements generally also provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with a counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event.  The Company does not offset fair value amounts for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral.  At September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $0.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Note 10 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest, were as follows:
		For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)		Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives				Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments		Total
	Beginning balance		$	(462	)	$	1,546			$	(12,158	)	$	255	$	(10,819	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(3,337	)		(1,652	)			143			7		(4,839	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI			—			2				347			—		349
	Net current-period other comprehensive income			(3,337	)		(1,650	)			490			7		(4,490	)
	Ending balance		$	(3,799	)	$	(104	)		$	(11,668	)	$	262	$	(15,309	)
		For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)		Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives				Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments		Total
	Beginning balance		$	(3,033	)	$	(166	)		$	(39,527	)	$	103	$	(42,623	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			211			4,314				79			105		4,709
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI			—			(3,309	)			1,896			—		(1,413	)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income			211			1,005				1,975			105		3,296
	Ending balance		$	(2,822	)	$	839			$	(37,552	)	$	208	$	(39,327	)
	Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows:
			Amount reclassified from AOCI
			For the Quarter Ended
	(In thousands)		Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013			Affected line item
	Unrealized losses/(gains) on derivatives:
	Commodity contracts		$	(214	)	$	1,046		Cost of goods sold
	Foreign currency contracts			(71	)		—		Property, plant, and equipment, net
				65			(258	)	Income tax benefit (expense)
				(220	)		788		Net of tax
				—			—		Noncontrolling interest
			$	(220	)	$	788		Net of tax and noncontrolling  interest
	Amortization of employee benefit items:
	Amortization of net loss and prior service cost		$	134		$	946		Selling, general, and administrative  expense
				(19	)		(318	)	Income tax expense
				115			628		Net of tax
				—			—		Noncontrolling interest
			$	115		$	628		Net of tax and noncontrolling  interest
			Amount reclassified from AOCI
			For the Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)		Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013			Affected line item
	Unrealized losses/(gains) on derivatives:
	Commodity contracts		$	351		$	4,922		Cost of goods sold
	Foreign currency contracts			(446	)		—		Property, plant, and equipment, net
				97			(1,613	)	Income tax benefit (expense)
				2			3,309		Net of tax
				—			—		Noncontrolling interest
			$	2		$	3,309		Net of tax and noncontrolling  interest
	Amortization of employee benefit items:
	Amortization of net loss and prior service cost		$	401		$	2,835		Selling, general, and administrative expense
				(54	)		(939	)	Income tax expense
				347			1,896		Net of tax
				—			—		Noncontrolling interest
			$	347		$	1,896		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions and Dispositions	'
	Note 11 – Acquisitions and Dispositions
	On October 18, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with KME Yorkshire Limited (Yorkshire) to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of Yorkshire for purposes of acquiring its copper tube business.  Yorkshire produces European standard copper distribution tubes.  This transaction received regulatory approval in the United Kingdom on February 11, 2014 and closed on February 28, 2014.  The purchase price was approximately $30.1 million, paid in cash.  The acquisition of Yorkshire complements the Company’s existing copper tube businesses in the Plumbing and Refrigeration segment.  In 2012, Yorkshire had annual revenue of approximately $196.1 million.  During the third quarter of 2014, the purchase price allocation, including all fair value measurements, was finalized.  The fair value of the assets acquired totaled $20.7 million, consisting primarily of inventories of $17.6 million, property, plant, and equipment of $2.1 million, and other current assets of $1.0 million.  The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $15.6 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable and accrued expenses of $15.2 million and other current liabilities of $0.4 million.  Of the remaining purchase price, $8.1 million was allocated to tax-deductible goodwill and $16.9 million was allocated to other intangible assets such as customer lists of $11.3 million that will be amortized over approximately 19 years, non-compete agreements of $4.5 million that will be amortized over approximately three years, and trade names and licenses of $1.1 million that will be amortized over approximately ten years.  The results of operations for Yorkshire have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date.
	On October 17, 2013, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Commercial Metals Company and Howell Metal Company (Howell) providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding capital stock of Howell for approximately $55.3 million in cash, net of working capital adjustments.  Howell manufactures copper tube and line sets for U.S. distribution.  The acquisition of Howell complements the Company’s copper tube and line sets businesses, both components of the Plumbing and Refrigeration segment.   For the twelve months ended August 31, 2013, Howell’s net sales for copper tube and line sets totaled $156.3 million.  During the first quarter of 2014, the purchase price allocation, including all fair value measurements, was finalized.  The fair value of the assets acquired totaled $63.0 million, consisting primarily of receivables of $14.6 million, inventories of $27.6 million, property, plant, and equipment of $20.3 million, and other current assets of $0.5 million.  The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $11.4 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable and accrued expenses of $9.9 million and other current liabilities of $1.5 million.  Of the remaining purchase price, $2.3 million was allocated to other intangible assets and $1.4 million to tax-deductible goodwill.  The results of operations for Howell have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date of October 17, 2013.
	On August 9, 2013, the Company sold certain of its plastic fittings manufacturing assets located in Portage, Michigan and Ft. Pierce, Florida.  Simultaneously, the Company entered into a lease agreement with the purchaser of the assets to continue to manufacture and distribute Schedule 40 plastic fittings utilizing the Ft. Pierce assets for a period of approximately eight to 14 months (Transition Period).  The total sales price was $66.2 million, of which $61.2 million was received on August 9, 2013; the remaining $5.0 million was received during the second quarter of 2014.  This transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million in the third quarter of 2013, or 81 cents per diluted share after tax.
	The net book value of assets disposed in the aforementioned plastic sale transaction was $15.9 million.  For goodwill testing purposes, these assets were part of the SPD reporting unit which is a component of the Company’s Plumbing & Refrigeration operating segment.  Because these assets met the definition of a business in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations, $10.5 million of the SPD reporting unit’s goodwill balance was allocated to the disposal group.  The amount of goodwill allocated was based on the relative fair values of the asset group which was disposed and the portion of the SPD reporting unit which was retained.
	The Company will continue to manufacture and supply plastic drain, waste, and vent (DWV) fittings.  The Company extended its third party supply agreement to complement its product offering with purchased products the Company does not competitively manufacture with its remaining assets.  This supply agreement was originally entered into after the majority of the Company’s plastic manufacturing assets were destroyed in the 2011 fire at its Wynne, Arkansas facility.  The extended supply agreement has an initial five-year term.
	With the decision to cease the Company’s manufacturing operations in Portage, there was an evaluation of the remaining long-lived assets for impairment, and it was determined that the carrying value of the land and building were no longer recoverable.  An impairment charge of $3.2 million was recognized during the third quarter of 2013 to adjust the carrying value of the land and building to their estimated fair value.  The fair value estimate was determined by obtaining and evaluating recent sales data for similar assets (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Note 12 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210) (ASU 2011-11). The amendments in this ASU require improved disclosure information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement.  Subsequently in January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (ASU 2013-01), which clarifies the types of instruments and transactions that are subject to the offsetting disclosure requirements established by ASU 2011-11. These ASUs should be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. The requirements of these ASUs were adopted during the first quarter of 2014 and did not have a significant impact on our disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09).  The ASU will supersede virtually all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP and will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The fundamental principles of the new guidance are that companies should recognize revenue in a manner that reflects the timing of the transfer of services to customers and the amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that a company expects to receive for the goods and services provided.  The new guidance establishes a five-step approach for the recognition of revenue.  Based on our preliminary assessment, we do not anticipate that the new guidance will fundamentally change our revenue recognition policies, practices, or systems.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	(In thousands)	27-Sep-14			28-Dec-13
	Raw materials and supplies	$	63,438		$	54,613
	Work-in-process		44,232			43,796
	Finished goods		180,377			159,422
	Valuation reserves		(5,554	)		(6,115	)
	Inventories	$	282,493		$	251,716

Industry_Segments_Tables

Industry Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Industry Segments [Abstract]	'
Summary of segment information	'
	Summarized segment information is as follows:
		For the Quarter Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
					Segment
	Net sales	$	357,843		$	247,883	$	(2,906	)	$	602,820
	Cost of goods sold		308,927			215,225		(2,874	)		521,278
	Depreciation and amortization		5,287			3,148		517			8,952
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		23,473			5,533		5,858			34,864
	Operating income	$	20,156		$	23,977	$	(6,407	)		37,726
	Interest expense										(1,430	)
	Other income, net										225
	Income before income taxes									$	36,521
		For the Quarter Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
					Segment
	Net sales	$	301,622		$	230,396	$	(3,164	)	$	528,854
	Cost of goods sold		258,035			201,399		(3,132	)		456,302
	Depreciation and amortization		4,172			3,150		560			7,882
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		20,736			5,779		6,406			32,921
	Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
	Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
	Operating income	$	54,271		$	19,937	$	(6,998	)		67,210
	Interest expense										(1,243	)
	Other income, net										842
	Income before income taxes									$	66,809
		For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
					Segment
	Net sales	$	1,093,060		$	743,322	$	(9,497	)	$	1,826,885
	Cost of goods sold		934,208			650,020		(9,398	)		1,574,830
	Depreciation and amortization		14,803			9,123		1,725			25,651
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		67,678			15,700		18,789			102,167
	Operating income	$	76,371		$	68,479	$	(20,613	)		124,237
	Interest expense										(3,913	)
	Other income, net										440
	Income before income taxes									$	120,764
		For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
					Segment
	Net sales	$	942,109		$	741,227	$	(12,510	)	$	1,670,826
	Cost of goods sold		800,782			651,875		(12,380	)		1,440,277
	Depreciation and amortization		12,861			9,854		1,649			24,364
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		61,245			18,168		19,665			99,078
	Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets		(39,765	)		—		—			(39,765	)
	Impairment charges		4,173			131		—			4,304
	Insurance settlement		(103,895	)		—		(2,437	)		(106,332	)
	Operating income	$	206,708		$	61,199	$	(19,007	)		248,900
	Interest expense										(2,940	)
	Other income, net										4,324
	Income before income taxes									$	250,284

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Employee Benefits [Abstract]	'
Components of net periodic benefit costs	'
	The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees.  The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
		For the Quarter Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
	Pension benefits:
	Service cost	$	199		$	350		$	596		$	1,051
	Interest cost		2,064			2,023			6,191			6,070
	Expected return on plan assets		(3,202	)		(2,845	)		(9,604	)		(8,535	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		1			1			1			1
	Amortization of net loss		188			984			565			2,954
	Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$	(750	)	$	513		$	(2,251	)	$	1,541
	Other benefits:
	Service cost	$	88		$	69		$	264		$	207
	Interest cost		181			155			544			467
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		—			2			(1	)		5
	Amortization of net gain		(55	)		(41	)		(164	)		(125	)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	214		$	185		$	643		$	554

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges reflected in the financial statements	'
	The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the derivative instruments and disaggregates our net derivative assets and liabilities into gross components on a contract-by-contract basis:
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
				Fair Value									Fair Value
	(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location		Sept. 27, 2014				Dec. 28, 2013			Balance Sheet Location		Sept. 27, 2014				Dec. 28, 2013
	Hedging instrument:
	Commodity contracts - gains	Other current assets		$	526			$	448		Other current liabilities		$	10			$	340
	Commodity contracts - losses	Other current assets			(76	)			(10	)	Other current liabilities			(115	)			(2,107	)
	Foreign currency contracts	Other current assets			—				836		Other current liabilities			(68	)			—
	Interest rate swap	Other assets			8				1,324		Other liabilities			—				—
	Total derivatives (1)			$	458			$	2,598				$	(173	)		$	(1,767	)
	(1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral received from or provided to counterparties.
Schedule of fair value hedges	'
	The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
				Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	Location		Sept. 27, 2014				Sept. 28, 2013				Sept. 27, 2014				Sept. 28, 2013
	Fair value hedges:
	Gain (loss) on commodity contracts (qualifying)	Cost of goods sold		$	1,100			$	(846	)		$	7,371			$	4,344
	(Loss) gain on hedged item - Inventory	Cost of goods sold			(922	)			1,042				(6,702	)			(3,770	)
				Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	Location		Sept. 27, 2014				Sept. 28, 2013				Sept. 27, 2014				Sept. 28, 2013
	Undesignated derivatives:
	Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying)	Cost of goods sold		$	—			$	—			$	1,466			$	—
Summary of activities related to derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges	'
	The following tables summarize amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI during the period:
			Three Months Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)		(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	Cash flow hedges:
	Commodity contracts		$	(202	)	Cost of goods sold	$	(174	)
	Foreign currency contracts			(181	)	Property, plant, and   equipment, net		(46	)
	Interest rate swap			430		Interest expense		—
			Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)		Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	Cash flow hedges:
	Commodity contracts		$	474		Cost of goods sold	$	788
	Foreign currency contracts			372		Property, plant, and  equipment, net		—
	Interest rate swap			(747	)	Interest expense		—
			Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)		(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	Cash flow hedges:
	Commodity contracts		$	(634	)	Cost of goods sold	$	285
	Foreign currency contracts			(184	)	Property, plant, and  equipment, net		(283	)
	Interest rate swap			(837	)	Interest expense		—
			Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)		(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	Cash flow hedges:
	Commodity contracts		$	(3,056	)	Cost of goods sold	$	3,309
	Foreign currency contracts			352		Property, plant, and  equipment, net		—
	Interest rate swap			649		Interest expense		—

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Changes in accumulated OCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest	'
	Changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest, were as follows:
		For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014
	(In thousands)		Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives				Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments		Total
	Beginning balance		$	(462	)	$	1,546			$	(12,158	)	$	255	$	(10,819	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(3,337	)		(1,652	)			143			7		(4,839	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI			—			2				347			—		349
	Net current-period other comprehensive income			(3,337	)		(1,650	)			490			7		(4,490	)
	Ending balance		$	(3,799	)	$	(104	)		$	(11,668	)	$	262	$	(15,309	)
		For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
	(In thousands)		Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives				Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments		Total
	Beginning balance		$	(3,033	)	$	(166	)		$	(39,527	)	$	103	$	(42,623	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			211			4,314				79			105		4,709
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI			—			(3,309	)			1,896			—		(1,413	)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income			211			1,005				1,975			105		3,296
	Ending balance		$	(2,822	)	$	839			$	(37,552	)	$	208	$	(39,327	)
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated OCI	'
	Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows:
			Amount reclassified from AOCI
			For the Quarter Ended
	(In thousands)		Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013			Affected line item
	Unrealized losses/(gains) on derivatives:
	Commodity contracts		$	(214	)	$	1,046		Cost of goods sold
	Foreign currency contracts			(71	)		—		Property, plant, and equipment, net
				65			(258	)	Income tax benefit (expense)
				(220	)		788		Net of tax
				—			—		Noncontrolling interest
			$	(220	)	$	788		Net of tax and noncontrolling  interest
	Amortization of employee benefit items:
	Amortization of net loss and prior service cost		$	134		$	946		Selling, general, and administrative  expense
				(19	)		(318	)	Income tax expense
				115			628		Net of tax
				—			—		Noncontrolling interest
			$	115		$	628		Net of tax and noncontrolling  interest
			Amount reclassified from AOCI
			For the Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)		Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013			Affected line item
	Unrealized losses/(gains) on derivatives:
	Commodity contracts		$	351		$	4,922		Cost of goods sold
	Foreign currency contracts			(446	)		—		Property, plant, and equipment, net
				97			(1,613	)	Income tax benefit (expense)
				2			3,309		Net of tax
				—			—		Noncontrolling interest
			$	2		$	3,309		Net of tax and noncontrolling  interest
	Amortization of employee benefit items:
	Amortization of net loss and prior service cost		$	401		$	2,835		Selling, general, and administrative expense
				(54	)		(939	)	Income tax expense
				347			1,896		Net of tax
				—			—		Noncontrolling interest
			$	347		$	1,896		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest

Earnings_per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings per Common Share (Details)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014
		Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	'	180
Stock split, Conversion ratio	'two-for-one	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Property
	Party
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of entities that received letters from counsel regarding copper tube	5	'	'	'
Number of claimants for copper tube	21	'	'	'
Number of entities that received letters from counsel regarding copper fittings	3	'	'	'
Number of claimants for copper fittings	21	'	'	'
Other [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Term of guarantees	'1 year	'	'	'
Payments required to be made under guarantees, maximum	$10.60	'	'	'
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | Lead Refinery Site [Member]	'	'	'	'
Site Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Environmental expense	'	0.1	0.1	0.1
Mitigation estimates minimum	2.1	'	'	'
Mitigation estimates maximum	3.9	'	'	'
Estimated number of years until mitigation resolution	'20 years	'	'	'
Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations	2	'	'	'
Lead Refinery Site [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
EPA's estimated cost of site remediation	'	'	30	'
EPA's settlement with other PRPs for the site remediation	$26	'	'	'
Number of properties to be cleanup by settlement	300	'	'	'

Insurance_Claims_Details

Insurance Claims (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013
					Wynne Arkansas Manufacturing Operation [Member]
Business Interruption Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from settlement of insurance claim	'	'	'	'	$127,300,000
Deductible for insurance claim	'	'	'	'	500,000
Pre-tax gain on insurance settlement	$0	$0	$0	$106,332,000	$106,300,000
Gain per diluted share, after tax (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$1.17

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials and supplies	$63,438	$54,613
Work-in-process	44,232	43,796
Finished goods	180,377	159,422
Valuation reserves	-5,554	-6,115
Inventories	$282,493	$251,716

Industry_Segments_Details

Industry Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Industry Segments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Decrease in accruals related to import duties included in cost of goods sold	'	'	$3,100,000	'
Summary of segment information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	602,820,000	528,854,000	1,826,885,000	1,670,826,000
Cost of goods sold	521,278,000	456,302,000	1,574,830,000	1,440,277,000
Depreciation and amortization	8,952,000	7,882,000	25,651,000	24,364,000
Selling, general, and administrative expense	34,864,000	32,921,000	102,167,000	99,078,000
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets	0	-39,765,000	0	-39,765,000
Impairment charges	0	4,304,000	0	4,304,000
Insurance settlement	0	0	0	-106,332,000
Operating income	37,726,000	67,210,000	124,237,000	248,900,000
Interest expense	-1,430,000	-1,243,000	-3,913,000	-2,940,000
Other income, net	225,000	842,000	440,000	4,324,000
Income before income taxes	36,521,000	66,809,000	120,764,000	250,284,000
Corporate and Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	-2,906,000	-3,164,000	-9,497,000	-12,510,000
Cost of goods sold	-2,874,000	-3,132,000	-9,398,000	-12,380,000
Depreciation and amortization	517,000	560,000	1,725,000	1,649,000
Selling, general, and administrative expense	5,858,000	6,406,000	18,789,000	19,665,000
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets	'	0	'	0
Impairment charges	'	0	'	0
Insurance settlement	'	'	'	-2,437,000
Operating income	-6,407,000	-6,998,000	-20,613,000	-19,007,000
Plumbing and Refrigeration Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	357,843,000	301,622,000	1,093,060,000	942,109,000
Cost of goods sold	308,927,000	258,035,000	934,208,000	800,782,000
Depreciation and amortization	5,287,000	4,172,000	14,803,000	12,861,000
Selling, general, and administrative expense	23,473,000	20,736,000	67,678,000	61,245,000
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets	'	-39,765,000	'	-39,765,000
Impairment charges	'	4,173,000	'	4,173,000
Insurance settlement	'	'	'	-103,895,000
Operating income	20,156,000	54,271,000	76,371,000	206,708,000
OEM Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	247,883,000	230,396,000	743,322,000	741,227,000
Cost of goods sold	215,225,000	201,399,000	650,020,000	651,875,000
Depreciation and amortization	3,148,000	3,150,000	9,123,000	9,854,000
Selling, general, and administrative expense	5,533,000	5,779,000	15,700,000	18,168,000
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets	'	0	'	0
Impairment charges	'	131,000	'	131,000
Insurance settlement	'	'	'	0
Operating income	$23,977,000	$19,937,000	$68,479,000	$61,199,000

Debt_Details

Debt (Details)	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 21, 2014	Mar. 21, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 23, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 23, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	29-May-14	Mar. 29, 2014	29-May-14
	Mueller Europe Limited [Member]	Mueller Europe Limited [Member]	Mueller Europe Limited [Member]	Mueller Xingrong Line of Credit [Member]	Mueller Xingrong Line of Credit [Member]	Mueller Xingrong Line of Credit [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Term Loan [Member]
	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)	Bank	USD ($)	Maximum [Member]		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maturity Date	'	'	'	24-Sep-14	'	'	11-Dec-17	'	'	'
Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity	$65.90	£ 40	'	'	'	'	'	$200	$350	$200
Initial term of the Invoice Facility	'2 years	'2 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowings outstanding	'	'	$11.70	'	$24.50	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument variable rate basis	'	'	'bear interest at the latest base-lending rate published by HSBC plus 155 basis points	'	'bear an interst rate at the latest base-lending rate published by the Peoplebs Bank of China	'	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	'	'	1.55%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt, stated interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	2.05%	'	5.60%	'	'	'	'	'
Number of banks in the credit agreement syndicate	'	'	'	4	'	'	'	'	'	'
Range of period at maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	'9 months	'	'	'	'

Employee_Benefits_Details

Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$199	$350	$596	$1,051
Interest cost	2,064	2,023	6,191	6,070
Expected return on plan assets	-3,202	-2,845	-9,604	-8,535
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	1	1	1	1
Amortization of net (gain) loss	188	984	565	2,954
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	-750	513	-2,251	1,541
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	88	69	264	207
Interest cost	181	155	544	467
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	2	-1	5
Amortization of net (gain) loss	-55	-41	-164	-125
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$214	$185	$643	$554

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	33.00%	'	40.00%	30.00%	37.00%
Reduction for U.S. production activities	($1)	'	'	($3.50)	($3.90)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowances	'	-4.8	1	-5.7	-0.4
Provision for state income taxes, net of federal benefit	0.3	'	1.2	2.8	7.4
Effect of foreign adjustments	'	'	0.4	-0.5	-1.1
Valuation allowance release effect on diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	'	$0.08	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	2.8	'	'	2.8	'
Impairment of goodwill	'	'	$1.80	'	$1.80

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Other Current Asset [Member]

Other Current Asset [Member]

Other Current Asset [Member]

Other Current Asset [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other Liabilities [Member]

Other Liabilities [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Long [Member]

Short [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Open future contracts to purchase copper

'

'

$18,000,000

$11,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Time period for open copper future contract purchases

'

'

'15 months

'6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of future contracts with gain (loss) position

'

'

-99,000

445,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other assets: Gain positions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000

1,324,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current assets: Gain positions

'

'

'

'

526,000

448,000

0

836,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current assets: Loss positions

'

'

'

'

-76,000

-10,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current liability: Gain positions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000

340,000

'

0

'

'

Other current liability: Loss positions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-115,000

-2,107,000

-68,000

'

'

'

Other liabilities: Loss positions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Assets fair value

458,000

[1]

2,598,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities fair value

($173,000)

[1]

($1,767,000)

[1]

'

'

'

'

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[1]

Does not include the impact of cash collateral received from or provided to counterparties.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Part 2 (Details)

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Feb. 20, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Commodity Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]

Inventory [Member]

Inventory [Member]

Inventory [Member]

Inventory [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

USD ($)

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Property, plant, and equipment, net [Member]

Property, plant, and equipment, net [Member]

Property, plant, and equipment, net [Member]

Property, plant, and equipment, net [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

Cost of Goods Sold [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

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(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($202,000)

$474,000

($634,000)

($3,056,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($181,000)

$372,000

($184,000)

$352,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$430,000

($747,000)

($837,000)

$649,000

'

'

'

'

(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-174,000

788,000

285,000

3,309,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-46,000

0

-283,000

0

'

'

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'

'

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0

0

0

0

Gain (loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges

'

'

'

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1,100,000

-846,000

7,371,000

4,344,000

'

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-922,000

1,042,000

-6,702,000

-3,770,000

'

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Gain (loss) on undesignated derivatives

'

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0

0

1,466,000

0

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Notional amount

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3,000,000

'

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200,000,000

'

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Time period for open forward contracts to purchase

'

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'6 months

'6 months

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Period of interest rate swap

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'2 years

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Interest rate swap, fixed interest rate (in hundredths)

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1.40%

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Term loan facility, all-in fixed interest rate (in hundredths)

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2.70%

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Interest rate swap maturity date

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11-Dec-17

'

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'

'

Deferred net gains (losses), net of tax, included in AOCI

'

'

-55,000

'

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-15,000

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5,000

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Offsetting Assets [Line Items]

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Restricted cash in other current assets as collateral related to open derivative contracts

$500,000

$2,100,000

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Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		'		($10,819)		($42,623)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		'		-4,839		4,709
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'		'		349		-1,413
Net current-period other comprehensive income	'		'		-4,490		3,296
Ending balance	-15,309		-39,327		-15,309		-39,327
Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Cost of goods sold	-521,278		-456,302		-1,574,830		-1,440,277
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest	-174	[1]	531	[2]	-1,650	[3]	1,005	[4]
Selling, general, and administrative expense	-34,864		-32,921		-102,167		-99,078
Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member]	'		'		'		'
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		'		-462		-3,033
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		'		-3,337		211
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'		'		0		0
Net current-period other comprehensive income	'		'		-3,337		211
Ending balance	-3,799		-2,822		-3,799		-2,822
Unrealized Losses/(Gains) on Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'		'
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		'		1,546		-166
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		'		-1,652		4,314
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'		'		2		-3,309
Net current-period other comprehensive income	'		'		-1,650		1,005
Ending balance	-104		839		-104		839
Unrealized Losses/(Gains) on Derivatives [Member] | Amount Reclassified from AOCI [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Cost of goods sold	-214		1,046		351		4,922
Property, plant and equipment, net	-71		0		-446		0
Income tax benefit (expense)	65		-258		97		-1,613
Net of tax	-220		788		2		3,309
Noncontrolling interest	0		0		0		0
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest	-220		788		2		3,309
Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment [Member]	'		'		'		'
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		'		-12,158		-39,527
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		'		143		79
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'		'		347		1,896
Net current-period other comprehensive income	'		'		490		1,975
Ending balance	-11,668		-37,552		-11,668		-37,552
Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment [Member] | Amount Reclassified from AOCI [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Selling, general, and administrative expense	134		946		401		2,835
Income tax expense	-19		-318		-54		-939
Net of tax	115		628		347		1,896
Noncontrolling interest	0		0		0		0
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest	115		628		347		1,896
Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		'		255		103
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		'		7		105
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'		'		0		0
Net current-period other comprehensive income	'		'		7		105
Ending balance	$262		$208		$262		$208
[1]	Net of tax of $42
[2]	Net of tax of $(280)
[3]	Net of tax of $907
[4]	Net of tax of $(607)

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Oct. 17, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
					KME Yorkshire Limited [Member]	KME Yorkshire Limited [Member]	KME Yorkshire Limited [Member]	KME Yorkshire Limited [Member]	KME Yorkshire Limited [Member]	Howell Metal Company [Member]	Howell Metal Company [Member]
							Customer Lists [Member]	Non-compete agreement [Member]	Trade names and licenses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost of acquisition	'	'	'	'	$30,100,000	'	'	'	'	$55,300,000	'
Pro forma net sales	'	'	'	'	'	196,100,000	'	'	'	'	156,300,000
Fair value of assets acquired	'	'	'	'	20,700,000	'	'	'	'	63,000,000	'
Fair value of assets acquired - receivables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,600,000	'
Fair value of assets acquired - inventories	'	'	'	'	17,600,000	'	'	'	'	27,600,000	'
Fair value of assets acquired - property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	2,100,000	'	'	'	'	20,300,000	'
Fair value of assets acquired - other current assets	'	'	'	'	1,000,000	'	'	'	'	500,000	'
Fair value of liabilities assumed	'	'	'	'	15,600,000	'	'	'	'	11,400,000	'
Fair value of liabilities assumed - accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	'	'	'	15,200,000	'	'	'	'	9,900,000	'
Fair value of liabilities assumed - other current liabilities	'	'	'	'	400,000	'	'	'	'	1,500,000	'
Remaining purchase price allocated to other intangible assets	'	'	'	'	16,900,000	'	11,300,000	4,500,000	1,100,000	2,300,000	'
Intangible assets useful life	'	'	'	'	'	'	'19 years	'3 years	'10 years	'	'
Remaining purchase price allocated to goodwill	'	'	'	'	8,100,000	'	'	'	'	1,400,000	'
Total sales price of property	'	'	'	66,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash proceeds from sale of property	'	'	'	61,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount receivable due to sale of property	'	'	'	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax gain on sale of property	0	39,765,000	0	39,765,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of pre-diluted share after tax (in dollars per share)	'	$0.81	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Extended supply agreement term	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net book value of assets disposed	'	15,900,000	'	15,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill allocated to disposal group	'	10,500,000	'	10,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charge recognized on fair value of disposed assets	'	$3,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'