Mueller Industries (MLI) 10-K 24 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Feb. 19, 2016	Jun. 27, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MUELLER INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	89,439
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-26
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,997,772,278
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		57,158,608
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 26, 2015

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,100,002	$ 2,364,227	$ 2,158,541
Cost of goods sold	1,809,702	2,043,719	1,862,089
Depreciation and amortization	34,608	33,735	32,394
Selling, general, and administrative expense	130,358	131,740	134,914
Insurance settlements	0	0	(106,332)
Gain on sale of assets	(15,376)	(6,259)	(39,765)
Impairment charges	0	0	4,304
Severance	3,442	7,296	0
Operating income	137,268	153,996	270,937
Interest expense	(7,667)	(5,740)	(3,990)
Other income (expense), net	2,188	(243)	4,451
Income before income taxes	131,789	148,013	271,398
Income tax expense	(43,382)	(45,479)	(98,109)
Consolidated net income	88,407	102,534	173,289
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(543)	(974)	(689)
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 87,864	$ 101,560	$ 172,600
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	56,316	56,042	55,742
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards (in shares)	652	726	742
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	56,968	56,768	56,484
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.56	$ 1.81	$ 3.10
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	1.54	1.79	3.06
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.25

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Consolidated net income		$ 88,407	$ 102,534	$ 173,289
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation		(19,108)	(6,766)	3,285
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities	[1]	(1,056)	(2,499)	1,713
Net actuarial gain (loss) on pension and postretirement obligations	[2]	6,735	(23,006)	27,369
Other, net		(49)	15	151
Total other comprehensive (loss) income		(13,478)	(32,256)	32,518
Comprehensive income		74,929	70,278	205,807
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		867	(822)	(1,404)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.		$ 75,796	$ 69,456	$ 204,403
[1]	Net of taxes of $575 in 2015, $1,362 in 2014, and $(962) in 2013
[2]	Net of taxes of $(3,221) in 2015, $10,180 in 2014, and $(15,015) in 2013

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, tax	$ 575	$ 1,362	$ (962)
Net actuarial (loss) gain on pension and postretirement obligations, tax	$ (3,221)	$ 10,180	$ (15,015)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 274,844	$ 352,134
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $623 in 2015 and $666 in 2014	251,571	275,065
Inventories	239,378	256,585
Other current assets	34,608	57,429
Total current assets	800,401	941,213
Property, plant, and equipment, net	280,224	245,910
Goodwill, net	120,252	102,909
Intangible assets	40,636	18,464
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	65,900	0
Other assets	31,388	19,600
Total Assets	1,338,801	1,328,096
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	11,760	36,194
Accounts payable	88,051	100,735
Accrued wages and other employee costs	35,636	41,595
Other current liabilities	73,982	59,545
Total current liabilities	209,429	238,069
Long-term debt, less current portion	204,250	205,250
Pension liabilities	17,449	20,070
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	17,427	21,486
Environmental reserves	20,943	21,842
Deferred income taxes	7,161	24,556
Other noncurrent liabilities	2,440	1,389
Total liabilities	479,099	532,662
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 57,158,608 in 2015 and 56,901,445 in 2014	802	802
Additional paid-in capital	271,158	268,575
Retained earnings	1,063,543	992,798
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(54,990)	(42,923)
Treasury common stock, at cost	(453,228)	(457,102)
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity	827,285	762,150
Noncontrolling interest	32,417	33,284
Total equity	$ 859,702	$ 795,434
Commitments and contingencies
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,338,801	$ 1,328,096

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Current assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 623	$ 666
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)	57,158,608	56,901,445

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Operating activities:
Consolidated net income	$ 88,407	$ 102,534	$ 173,289
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	30,556	30,205	30,946
Amortization of intangibles	4,052	3,530	1,448
Amortization of debt issuance costs	432	341	299
Stock-based compensation expense	6,244	6,265	5,704
Insurance settlements	0	0	(106,332)
Gain on disposal of assets	(14,815)	(5,405)	(42,300)
Insurance proceeds - noncapital related	0	0	32,395
Impairment charges	0	0	4,304
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(972)	(837)	(719)
Deferred income taxes	(15,818)	(6,495)	19,213
Recovery of doubtful accounts receivable	(130)	(500)	(273)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired and sold:
Receivables	51,660	(21,432)	19,383
Inventories	41,086	1,381	5,963
Other assets	12,449	(23,652)	562
Current liabilities	(45,585)	5,849	(14,139)
Other liabilities	436	(2,223)	(1,935)
Other, net	1,607	1,044	705
Net cash provided by operating activities	159,609	90,605	128,513
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash transferred	5,538	33,788	65,147
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(105,944)	(30,137)	(55,276)
Capital expenditures	(28,834)	(39,173)	(41,349)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	(65,900)	0	0
Insurance proceeds	0	0	29,910
Net withdrawals from (deposits into) restricted cash balances	4,333	(2,902)	(1,417)
Net cash used in investing activities	(190,807)	(38,424)	(2,985)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.	(16,903)	(16,819)	(13,941)
Repayments of long-term debt	(1,000)	(1,050)	(1,000)
(Repayment) issuance of debt by joint venture, net	(23,567)	7,258	857
Net cash used to settle stock-based awards	(760)	(777)	(228)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options	972	837	719
Debt issuance costs	0	0	(50)
Net cash used in financing activities	(41,258)	(10,551)	(13,643)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(4,834)	(1,296)	981
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(77,290)	40,334	112,866
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year	352,134	311,800	198,934
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year	$ 274,844	$ 352,134	$ 311,800

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	$ 401	$ 267,826	$ 749,777	$ (42,623)	$ (468,473)	$ 31,058
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2012	80,183				23,984
Common stock:
Issuance of shares under two-for-one stock split	$ 0	0
Additional paid-in capital:
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans		(1,205)			$ 4,716
Stock-based compensation expense		5,704
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options		719
Issuance of restricted stock		(5,902)			$ 5,902
Retained earnings:
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.			172,600				$ 172,600
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.			(14,103)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.				31,804
Treasury stock:
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans (in shares)					(244)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans		(1,205)			$ 4,716
Repurchase of common stock					$ (3,738)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					140
Issuance of restricted stock		(5,902)			$ 5,902
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)					(302)
Noncontrolling interest:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest						689	689
Foreign currency translation						715	3,285
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	$ 401	267,142	908,274	(10,819)	$ (461,593)	32,462
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2013	80,183				23,578
Common stock:
Issuance of shares under two-for-one stock split	$ 401	(401)
Additional paid-in capital:
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans		(1,646)			$ 4,504
Stock-based compensation expense		6,265
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options		837
Issuance of restricted stock		(3,622)			$ 3,819
Retained earnings:
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.			101,560				101,560
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.			(17,036)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.				(32,104)
Treasury stock:
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans (in shares)					(208)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans		(1,646)			$ 4,504
Repurchase of common stock					$ (3,832)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					107
Issuance of restricted stock		(3,622)			$ 3,819
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)					(195)
Noncontrolling interest:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest						974	974
Foreign currency translation						(152)	(6,766)
Balance at Dec. 27, 2014	$ 802	268,575	992,798	(42,923)	$ (457,102)	33,284	795,434
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2014	80,183				23,282
Common stock:
Issuance of shares under two-for-one stock split	$ 0	0
Additional paid-in capital:
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans		(1,074)			$ 2,930
Stock-based compensation expense		6,244
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options		972
Issuance of restricted stock		(3,559)			$ 3,784
Retained earnings:
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.			87,864				87,864
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.			(17,119)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.				(12,067)
Treasury stock:
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans (in shares)					(149)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans		(1,074)			$ 2,930
Repurchase of common stock					$ (2,840)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					84
Issuance of restricted stock		(3,559)			$ 3,784
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)					(193)
Noncontrolling interest:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest						543	543
Foreign currency translation						(1,410)	(19,108)
Balance at Dec. 26, 2015	$ 802	$ 271,158	$ 1,063,543	$ (54,990)	$ (453,228)	$ 32,417	$ 859,702
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 26, 2015	80,183				23,024

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Common stock:
Conversion ratio for stock split	2
Common Stock [Member]
Common stock:
Conversion ratio for stock split	2
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Common stock:
Conversion ratio for stock split	2

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations The principal business of Mueller Industries, Inc. is the manufacture and sale of copper tube and fittings; line sets; brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; plastic fittings and valves; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular products; and steel nipples. The Company also resells imported brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products. The Company markets its products to the HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, hardware, and other industries. Mueller's operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, and China. Fiscal Years The Company's fiscal year consists of 52 weeks ending on the last Saturday of December. These dates were December 26, 2015, December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to the current year's presentation. Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Mueller Industries, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries. The noncontrolling interest represents a separate private ownership of 49.5 percent of Jiangsu Mueller-Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong), which manufactures and sells copper tube and fittings in China. The Consolidated Financial Statements also include the Company's investment in MA Industrial JV LLC, the joint venture (Joint Venture) that acquired Tecumseh Products Company (Tecumseh), which manufactures compressors and related products globally. This investment is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Common Stock Split On February 21, 2014, the Company 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 Consolidated Financial Statements and this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the stock split. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, provided collection is determined to be probable and no significant obligations remain for the Company. Estimates for future rebates on certain product lines and product returns are recognized in the period in which the revenue is recorded. The cost of shipping product to customers is expensed as incurred as a component of cost of goods sold. Acquisitions Accounting for acquisitions requires the Company to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the purchase price over the net amount allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. While management uses its best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. The operating results generated by the acquired businesses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from their respective dates of acquisition. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred. See "Note 2 – Acquisitions and Dispositions" for additional information. Cash Equivalents Temporary investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. These investments are stated at cost. At December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, temporary investments consisted of money market mutual funds, commercial paper, bank repurchase agreements, and U.S. and foreign government securities totaling $106.4 million and $144.9 million, respectively. Included in other current assets is restricted cash of $3.7 million and $8.1 million at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively. These amounts represent required deposits into brokerage accounts that facilitate the Company's hedging activities and deposits that secure certain short-term notes issued under Mueller-Xingrong's credit facility. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company provides an allowance for receivables that may not be fully collected. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a customer's inability to meet their financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings or substantial credit rating downgrades), it records an allowance for doubtful accounts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount it believes most likely will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its historical collection experience. If circumstances change (e.g., greater than expected defaults or an unexpected material change in a major customer's ability to meet their financial obligations), the Company could change its estimate of the recoverability of amounts due by a material amount. Inventories The Company's inventories are valued at the lower-of-cost-or-market. The material component of its U.S. copper tube and copper fittings inventories is valued on a LIFO basis. Other manufactured inventories, including the non-material components of U.S. copper tube and copper fittings, are valued on a FIFO basis. Certain inventories purchased for resale are valued on an average cost basis. Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, maintenance, production wages, and transportation costs. The market price of copper cathode and scrap is subject to volatility. During periods when open market prices decline below net book value, the Company may need to provide an allowance to reduce the carrying value of its inventory. In addition, certain items in inventory may be considered obsolete and, as such, the Company may establish an allowance to reduce the carrying value of those items to their net realizable value. Changes in these estimates related to the value of inventory, if any, may result in a materially adverse impact on the Company's reported financial position or results of operations. The Company recognizes the impact of any changes in estimates, assumptions, and judgments in income in the period in which it is determined. See "Note 3 – Inventories" for additional information. Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized, while minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation of buildings, machinery, and equipment is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ranging from 20 to 40 years for buildings and five to 20 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful life or the remaining lease term. The Company continually evaluates these assets to determine whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that may warrant revision of the estimated useful life or whether the remaining balance should be evaluated for possible impairment. See "Note 5 – Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net" for additional information. Goodwill Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets of businesses acquired. Several factors give rise to goodwill in business acquisitions, such as the expected benefit from synergies of the combination and the existing workforce of the acquired business. Goodwill is evaluated annually for possible impairment as of the first day of the fourth quarter unless circumstances indicate the need to accelerate the timing of the evaluation. In the evaluation of goodwill impairment, management performs a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, management proceeds to a two-step process to test goodwill for impairment, including comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value (including attributable goodwill). If this process indicates that the fair value is less than the carrying value, a second step of impairment testing is performed to measure the potential amount of goodwill impairment loss. Fair value for the Company's reporting units is determined using a combination of the income and market approaches (Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy), incorporating market participant considerations and management's assumptions on revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates and expected capital expenditures. The market approach measures the fair value of a business through the analysis of publicly traded companies or recent sales of similar businesses. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of reporting units based on expected cash flows (adjusted for capital investment required to support operations) and a terminal value. This cash flow stream is discounted to its present value to arrive at a fair value for each reporting unit. Future earnings are estimated using the Company's most recent annual projections, applying a growth rate to future periods. Those projections are directly impacted by the condition of the markets in which the Company's businesses participate. The discount rate selected for the reporting units is generally based on rates of return available for comparable companies at the date of valuation. Fair value determinations may include both internal and third-party valuations. See "Note 6 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for additional information. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate The Company owns a 50 percent interest in the Joint Venture, an unconsolidated affiliate that acquired Tecumseh. This investment is accounted for using the equity method of accounting as the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control the Joint Venture. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and our proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions. The Company records its proportionate share of the investee's net income one quarter in arrears as equity in earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Due to the timing of the investment in 2015, there was no amount recorded during the year ended December 26, 2015. The Company's proportionate share of the investee's other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In general, the equity investment in the unconsolidated affiliate is equal to the current equity investment plus that entity's undistributed earnings. The investment in the unconsolidated affiliate is assessed periodically for impairment and is written down when the carrying amount is not considered fully recoverable. See "Note 7 - Equity Method Investment" for additional information. Self-Insurance Accruals The Company is primarily self-insured for workers' compensation claims and benefits paid under certain employee health care programs. Accruals are primarily based on estimated undiscounted cost of claims, which includes incurred but not reported claims, and are classified as accrued wages and other employee costs. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit plans in the U.S. and certain foreign locations. The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of the plans as an asset or liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet with changes in the funded status recorded through comprehensive income in the year in which those changes occur. The obligations for these plans are actuarially determined and affected by assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term return on plan assets for defined benefit pension plans, and certain employee-related factors, such as retirement age and mortality. The Company evaluates its assumptions periodically and makes adjustments as necessary. The expected return on plan assets is determined using the market value of plan assets. Differences between assumed and actual returns are amortized to the market value of assets on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the plan participants using the corridor approach. The corridor approach defers all actuarial gains and losses resulting from variances between actual results and actuarial assumptions. These unrecognized gains and losses are amortized when the net gains and losses exceed 10 percent of the greater of the market value of the plan assets or the projected benefit obligation. The amount in excess of the corridor is amortized over the average remaining service period of the plan participants. For 2015, the average remaining service period for the pension plans was nine years. See "Note 14 –Benefit Plans" for additional information. Environmental Reserves and Environmental Expenses The Company recognizes an environmental liability when it is probable the liability exists and the amount is reasonably estimable. The Company estimates the duration and extent of its remediation obligations based upon reports of outside consultants; internal analyses of cleanup costs and ongoing monitoring costs; communications with regulatory agencies; and changes in environmental law. If the Company were to determine that its estimates of the duration or extent of its environmental obligations were no longer accurate, it would adjust environmental liabilities accordingly in the period that such determination is made. Estimated future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value. Accrued environmental liabilities are not reduced by potential insurance reimbursements. Environmental expenses that relate to ongoing operations are included as a component of cost of goods sold. Environmental expenses related to non-operating properties are included in other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. See "Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies" for additional information. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the increase in weighted average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards calculated using the treasury stock method. Approximately 427 thousand and 180 thousand stock-based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively, because they were antidilutive. Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized when differences arise between the treatment of certain items for financial statement and tax purposes. Realization of certain components of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the occurrence of future events. The Company records valuation allowances to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount it believes is more likely than not to be realized. These valuation allowances can be impacted by changes in tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and future taxable income levels and are based on the Company's judgment, estimates, and assumptions regarding those future events. In the event the Company was to determine that it would not be able to realize all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets in the future, it would increase the valuation allowance through a charge to income tax expense in the period that such determination is made. Conversely, if it were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future, in excess of the net carrying amounts, the Company would decrease the recorded valuation allowance through a decrease to income tax expense in the period that such determination is made. The Company provides for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties, if any, based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. Tax benefits for uncertain tax positions that are recognized in the financial statements are measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an uncertain tax position is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Company's effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected. These estimates are highly subjective and could be affected by changes in business conditions and other factors. Changes in any of these factors could have a material impact on future income tax expense. See "Note 10 – Income Taxes" for additional information. Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue producing transaction between the Company and its customers, primarily value added taxes in foreign jurisdictions, are accounted for on a net (excluded from revenues and costs) basis. Stock-Based Compensation The Company has in effect stock incentive plans under which stock-based awards have been granted to certain employees and members of its Board of Directors. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of selling, general, and administrative expense based on the grant date fair value of the awards. See "Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation" for additional information. Concentrations of Credit and Market Risk Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base, and their dispersion across different geographic areas and different industries, including HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, hardware, automotive, OEMs, and others. The Company minimizes its exposure to base metal price fluctuations through various strategies. Generally, it prices an equivalent amount of copper raw material, under flexible pricing arrangements it maintains with its suppliers, at the time it determines the selling price of finished products to its customers. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company's 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 in the 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 in the 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. The Company primarily executes derivative contracts with major financial institutions. These counterparties expose the Company to credit risk in the event of non-performance. The amount of such exposure is limited to the fair value of the contract plus the unpaid portion of amounts due to the Company pursuant to terms of the derivative instruments, if any. If a downgrade in the credit rating of these counterparties occurs, management believes that this exposure is mitigated by provisions in the derivative arrangements which allow for the legal right of offset of any amounts due to the Company from the counterparties with any amounts payable to the counterparties by the Company. As a result, management considers the risk of loss from counterparty default to be minimal. See "Note 15 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" for additional information. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt at December 26, 2015 approximates the carrying value on that date. Outstanding borrowings have variable interest rates that re-price frequently at current market rates. Foreign Currency Translation For foreign subsidiaries in which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, balance sheet accounts are translated at exchange rates in effect at the end of the year and income statement accounts are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Translation gains and losses are included in equity as a component of AOCI. Included in the Consolidated Statements of Income were transaction losses of $1.7 million in 2015, gains of $0.1 million in 2014, and losses of $0.1 million in 2013. Use of and Changes in Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management makes its best estimate of the ultimate outcome for these items based on historical trends and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available to management. Areas where the nature of the estimate makes it reasonably possible that actual results could materially differ from amounts estimated include but are not limited to: pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations, tax liabilities, loss contingencies, litigation claims, environmental reserves, and impairment assessments on long-lived assets (including goodwill). Change in Segment Reporting Beginning in fiscal year 2016, the Company will change its operating segments and report future results as three separate segments: Piping Systems, Industrial Metals, and Cold Climate. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Topic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issue Costs (ASU 2015-03). The ASU simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability rather than as a separate asset. I The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employers' Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	Note 2 – Acquisitions and Dispositions 2015 Acquisitions Great Lakes Copper On July 31, 2015, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Great Lakes Copper, Inc. providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of Great Lakes Copper Ltd. (Great Lakes) for $70.0 million in cash, including a $1.5 million post-closing working capital adjustment. Great Lakes manufactures copper tube products in Canada. This acquisition complements the Company's existing copper tube businesses in the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment. Sherwood Valve Products On June 18, 2015, the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Sherwood Valve Products, LLC (Sherwood) providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding equity interests of Sherwood for $21.8 million in cash, net of a post-closing working capital adjustment. Sherwood manufactures valves and fluid control solutions for the HVAC, refrigeration, and compressed gas markets. The acquisition of Sherwood complements the Company's existing refrigeration business, a component of the OEM segment. Turbotec Products, Inc. On March 30, 2015, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Turbotec Products, Inc. (Turbotec) providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding capital stock of Turbotec for approximately $14.1 million in cash, net of a post-closing working capital adjustment. Turbotec manufactures coaxial heat exchangers and twisted tubes for the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), geothermal, refrigeration, swimming pool heat pump, marine, ice machine, commercial boiler, and heat reclamation markets. The acquisition of Turbotec complements the Company's existing refrigeration business, a component of the OEM segment. 2014 Acquisition Yorkshire Copper Tube On February 28, 2014, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with KME Yorkshire Limited to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of its copper tube business. Yorkshire Copper Tube (Yorkshire) produces European standard copper distribution tubes. 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 & Refrigeration segment. The Company recognized approximately $3.4 million of severance costs related to the reorganization of Yorkshire during 2015, compared to $7.3 million in 2014. The Company does not expect to incur further severance costs for the rationalization of the business 2013 Acquisition Howell Metals Company 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 & Refrigeration segment. These acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting whereby the total purchase price was allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on respective fair values. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to acquire these businesses, which was financed by available cash balances, as well as the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the respective acquisition dates. For the Great Lakes, Sherwood, and Turbotec acquisitions, the purchase price allocations are provisional as of December 26, 2015 and subject to change upon completion of the final valuation of the long-lived assets during their respective measurement periods. (in thousands) Great Lakes Sherwood Turbotec Yorkshire Howell Total consideration $ 70,011 $ 21,795 $ 14,138 $ 30,137 $ 55,276 Allocated to: Accounts receivable 26,079 6,490 1,936 — 14,564 Inventories 15,233 11,892 3,247 17,579 27,615 Other current assets 22 260 72 1,034 571 Property, plant, and equipment 22,771 10,327 9,080 2,103 20,293 Goodwill (1) 19,087 (1) — 2,088 8,075 (1) 1,358 (1) Intangible assets 27,468 (38 ) 880 16,937 2,320 Other assets 1,413 — 59 — — Total assets acquired 112,073 28,931 17,362 45,728 66,721 Accounts payable 36,026 6,022 1,603 10,188 9,208 Accrued wages & other employee costs — 471 356 1,167 703 Other current liabilities 381 487 51 4,236 1,534 Postretirement benefits other than pensions 5,655 — — — — Other noncurrent liabilities — 156 1,214 — — Total liabilities assumed 42,062 7,136 3,224 15,591 11,445 Net assets acquired $ 70,011 $ 21,795 $ 14,138 $ 30,137 $ 55,276 (1) The following details the total intangible assets identified in the allocation of the purchase price at the respective acquisition dates: (in thousands) Estimated Useful Life Great Lakes Turbotec Yorkshire Howell Intangible asset type: Customer relationships 20 years $ 20,273 $ 350 $ 10,699 $ 1,910 Non-compete agreements 3-5 years 2,269 90 4,504 — Patents and technology 10-15 years 3,104 220 — — Trade names and licenses 5-10 years 2,453 220 1,055 410 Other 2-5 years (631 ) — 679 — Total intangible assets $ 27,468 $ 880 $ 16,937 $ 2,320 The results of operations of the acquired businesses were included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements from their respective acquisition dates. 2015 Disposition On June 1, 2015, the Company sold certain assets. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a lease agreement with the purchaser of the assets for their continued use for a period of approximately 22 months (Lease Period). The total sales price was $20.2 million, of which $5.0 million was received on June 1, 2015; the Company will receive $5.0 million on December 30, 2016 and the remaining $10.2 million will be received at the end of the Lease Period. This transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $15.4 million in the second quarter of 2015, or 17 cents per diluted share after tax. This gain was recognized in the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment. The net book value of the assets disposed was $2.3 million. For goodwill testing purposes, these assets were part of the SPD reporting unit, which is a component of the Company's Plumbing & Refrigeration segment. Because these assets met the definition of a business, $2.4 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 that was disposed and the portion of the SPD reporting unit that was retained. 2014 Dispositions On November 21, 2014, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Travis Perkins PLC to sell all of the outstanding capital stock of Mueller Primaflow Limited (Primaflow), the Company's United Kingdom based plumbing and heating systems import distribution business, for approximately $24.9 million. Primaflow, which serves markets in the United Kingdom and Ireland, was included in the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment and reported net sales of $57.5 million and after-tax net income of $4.4 million for the 2014 fiscal year. The carrying value of the assets disposed totaled $25.3 million, consisting primarily of accounts receivable and inventories. The carrying value of the liabilities disposed totaled $7.1 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable and other current liabilities. In addition, the Company recognized a cumulative translation loss of $6.0 million. During November 2014, the Company sold its ABS plastic pipe manufacturing assets. These assets had a carrying value of approximately $1.9 million and were part of the SPD reporting unit, which is a component of the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment. The sales price was $6.0 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $4.1 million. 2013 Disposition 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 sale 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 41 cents per diluted share after tax. The net book value of the plastic fittings manufacturing assets disposed 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 segment. Because these assets met the definition of a business, $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 that was disposed and the portion of the SPD reporting unit that was retained. The Company has continued to manufacture and supply plastic drain, waste, and vent (DWV) fittings, and extended its third party supply agreement to complement its product offering with purchased products it does not manufacture with the 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. 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 values 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 values 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 within the fair value hierarchy). During March 2014, the land and building in Portage were sold for $4.7 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $1.4 million.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 3 – Inventories (In thousands) 2015 2014 Raw materials and supplies $ 58,987 $ 53,586 Work-in-process 25,161 39,707 Finished goods 161,410 168,481 Valuation reserves (6,180 ) (5,189 ) Inventories $ 239,378 $ 256,585 Inventories valued using the LIFO method totaled $27.6 million at December 26, 2015 and $25.9 million at December 27, 2014. At December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, the approximate FIFO cost of such inventories was $80.7 million and $104.8 million, respectively. Additionally, the Company values certain inventories purchased for resale on an average cost basis. The value of those inventories was $48.8 million at December 26, 2015 and $47.7 million at December 27, 2014. At the end of 2015 and 2014, the FIFO value of inventory consigned to others was $3.7 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

Consolidated Financial Statemen

Consolidated Financial Statement Details	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Consolidated Financial Statement Details [Abstract]
Consolidated Financial Statement Details	Note 4 – Consolidated Financial Statement Details Other Current Liabilities Included in other current liabilities were accrued discounts and allowances of $46.6 million at December 26, 2015 and $45.3 million at December 27, 2014 and taxes payable of $10.3 million at December 26, 2015 and $0.9 million at December 27, 2014. Other (Expense) Income, Net (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Gain on the sale of non-operating property $ — $ — $ 3,000 Interest income 1,029 573 906 Environmental expense, non-operating properties (46 ) (822 ) (823 ) Other 1,205 6 1,368 Other (expense) income, net $ 2,188 $ (243 ) $ 4,451

Property, Plant, and Equipment,

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	Note 5 – Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net (In thousands) 2015 2014 Land and land improvements $ 13,046 $ 12,198 Buildings 128,322 120,035 Machinery and equipment 597,209 561,093 Construction in progress 47,746 44,787 786,323 738,113 Less accumulated depreciation (506,099 ) (492,203 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 280,224 $ 245,910

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Note 6 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows: (In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment OEM Segment Total Goodwill $ 131,462 12,300 143,762 Accumulated impairment charges (39,434 ) (9,971 ) (49,405 ) Balance at December 28, 2013: 92,028 2,329 94,357 Additions (1) 9,123 — 9,123 Currency translation (571 ) — (571 ) Balance at December 27, 2014: 100,580 2,329 102,909 Additions 19,087 2,088 21,175 Disposition (2,418 ) — (2,418 ) Currency translation (1,414 ) — (1,414 ) Balance at December 26, 2015: Goodwill 155,269 14,388 169,657 Accumulated impairment charges (39,434 ) (9,971 ) (49,405 ) Goodwill, net $ 115,835 $ 4,417 $ 120,252 ( 1) Includes finalization of the purchase price allocation adjustment for Howell of $1.0 million Reporting units with recorded goodwill include SPD, Great Lakes, European Operations, Westermeyer (reported in the EPD operating segment), and Turbotec (reported in the EPD operating segment). Several factors give rise to goodwill in the Company's acquisitions, such as the expected benefit from synergies of the combination and the existing workforce of the acquired businesses. There were no impairment charges resulting from the 2015, 2014, or 2013 annual impairment tests as the estimated fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded its carrying value. Other Intangible Assets The gross and net book value of other intangible assets included in other assets at December 26, 2015 was as follows: (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 30,882 $ (1,488 ) $ 29,394 Non-compete agreements 6,534 (2,838 ) 3,696 Patents and technology 9,798 (5,323 ) 4,475 Trade names and licenses 4,160 (574 ) 3,586 Other 213 (728 ) (515 ) Other intangible assets $ 51,587 $ (10,951 ) $ 40,636 The carrying amount of intangible assets at December 27, 2014 was as follows: (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 11,852 $ (526 ) $ 11,326 Non-compete agreements 4,495 (1,307 ) 3,188 Patents and technology 6,852 (4,744 ) 2,108 Trade names and licenses 1,670 (252 ) 1,418 Other 877 (453 ) 424 Other intangible assets $ 25,746 $ (7,282 ) $ 18,464 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $4.1 million in 2015, $3.5 million in 2014, and $1.4 million in 2013. Future amortization expense is estimated as follows: (In thousands) Amount 2016 $ 4,296 2017 3,014 2018 2,709 2019 2,647 2020 2,480 Thereafter 25,490 Expected amortization expense $ 40,636

Equity Method Investment

Equity Method Investment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Equity Method Investment [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment [Text Block]	Note 7 – Equity Method Investment During the third quarter of 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with affiliates of Atlas Holdings LLC to form the Joint Venture, which simultaneously entered into a definitive merger agreement with MA Industrial Sub, Inc. and Tecumseh to commence a cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Tecumseh. On September 21, 2015, the tender offer and back-end merger was completed and Mueller contributed $65.9 million for a 50 percent ownership interest in the Joint Venture. Tecumseh is a global manufacturer of hermetically sealed compressors for residential and specialty air conditioning, household refrigerators and freezers, and commercial refrigeration applications, including air conditioning and refrigeration compressors, as well as condensing units, heat pumps, and complete refrigeration systems. The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting, and the total investment, including net tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets, and goodwill, is classified as the investment in unconsolidated affiliate on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following tables present summarized financial information derived from the Company's equity method investee's consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company records its proportionate share of the investee's net income one quarter in arrears as equity in earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As such, the balances shown below are as of September 30, 2015. The allocation of the Joint Venture's purchase price is provisional as of December 26, 2015 and therefore subject to change upon final valuation of assets and review of working capital. Changes to the final purchase price allocation could impact the Company's accounting for its equity method investment in the Joint Venture. (In thousands) 2015 Balance sheet data: Current assets $ 251,389 Noncurrent assets 112,156 Current liabilities 178,784 Noncurrent liabilities 63,643

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	Note 8 – Debt (In thousands) 2015 2014 Term Loan Facility with interest at 2.66%, due 2017 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 Mueller-Xingrong credit facility with interest at 5.60%, due 2016 5,275 29,968 2001 Series IRB's with interest at 1.23%, due through 2021 5,250 6,250 Other 5,485 5,226 216,010 241,444 Less current portion of debt (11,760 ) (36,194 ) Long-term debt $ 204,250 $ 205,250 The Company's credit agreement provides for an unsecured $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) and a $200.0 million term loan facility, both maturing December 11, 2017. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company's option, at LIBOR or Base Rate as defined by the Credit Agreement, plus a variable premium. LIBOR advances may be based upon the one, three, or six-month LIBOR. The variable premium is based upon the Company's debt to total capitalization ratio, and can range from 112.5 to 162.5 basis points for LIBOR-based loans and 12.5 to 62.5 basis points for Base Rate loans. At December 26, 2015, the premium was 137.5 basis points for LIBOR-based loans and 37.5 basis points for Base Rate loans. Additionally, a facility fee is payable quarterly on the total commitment and varies from 25.0 to 37.5 basis points based upon the Company's debt to total capitalization ratio. Availability of funds under the Revolving Credit Facility is reduced by the amount of certain outstanding letters of credit, which are used to secure the Company's payment of insurance deductibles and certain retiree health benefits, totaling approximately $8.8 million at December 26, 2015. Terms of the letters of credit are generally one year but are renewable annually. There were no borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility at the end of 2015. On February 2, 2015, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a secured revolving credit agreement with a total borrowing capacity of RMB 230 million (or approximately $36.0 million). In addition, Mueller-Xingrong occasionally finances working capital through various accounts receivable and bank draft discount arrangements. Total borrowings at Mueller-Xingrong were $10.8 million at December 26, 2015. Covenants contained in the Company's financing obligations require, among other things, the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth and the satisfaction of certain minimum financial ratios. At December 26, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. Aggregate annual maturities of the Company's debt are as follows: (In thousands) Amount 2016 $ 11,760 2017 201,000 2018 1,000 2019 1,000 2020 1,000 Thereafter 250 Long-term debt $ 216,010 Net interest expense consisted of the following: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Interest expense $ 8,335 $ 6,393 $ 5,147 Capitalized interest (668 ) (653 ) (1,157 ) $ 7,667 $ 5,740 $ 3,990 Interest paid in 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $8.1 million, $5.7 million, and $4.9 million, respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies Environmental The Company is subject to federal, state, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations. For all properties, the Company has provided and charged to expense $0.1 million in 2015, $1.2 million in 2014, and $1.0 million in 2013 for pending environmental matters. Environmental reserves totaled $21.7 million at December 26, 2015 and $22.7 million at December 27, 2014. As of December 26, 2015, the Company expects to spend $0.6 million in 2016, $0.6 million in 2017, $0.6 million in 2018, $0.7 million in 2019, $0.7 million in 2020, and $18.5 million thereafter for ongoing projects. Non-operating Properties Southeast Kansas Sites The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has contacted the Company regarding environmental contamination at three former smelter sites in Kansas (Altoona, East La Harpe, and Lanyon). The Company is not a successor to the companies that operated these smelter sites, but is exploring possible settlement with KDHE and other potentially responsible parties (PRP) in order to avoid litigation. Another PRP conducted a site investigation of the Altoona site under a consent decree with KDHE and submitted a removal site evaluation report recommending a remedy. The remedial plan, which covers both on-site and certain off-site cleanup costs, was approved by the agency in 2015. At the East La Harpe site, the Company and two other PRPs conducted a site study evaluation under KDHE supervision, prepared a site cleanup plan approved by KDHE in 2015, and are discussing sharing the costs of a possible cleanup. Additionally, during 2015 the Company, with the assistance of an independent environmental consultant, estimated on-site cleanup costs for the Lanyon Site. As a result, the Company updated its estimate and decreased its reserve for its proportionate share of the remediation of the Southeast Kansas Sites from $9.5 million to $5.6 million in 2015, or four cents per diluted share after tax. Shasta Area Mine Sites Mining Remedial Recovery Company (MRRC), a wholly owned subsidiary, owns certain inactive mines in Shasta County, California. MRRC has continued a program, begun in the late 1980s, of sealing mine portals with concrete plugs in mine adits, which were discharging water. The sealing program achieved significant reductions in the metal load in discharges from these adits; however, additional reductions are required pursuant to an order issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (QCB). In response to a 1996 QCB Order, MRRC completed a feasibility study in 1997 describing measures designed to mitigate the effects of acid rock drainage. In December 1998, the QCB modified the 1996 order extending MRRC's time to comply with water quality standards. In September 2002, the QCB adopted a new order requiring MRRC to adopt Best Management Practices (BMP) to control discharges of acid mine drainage, and again extended the time to comply with water quality standards until September 2007. During that time, implementation of BMP further reduced impacts of acid rock drainage; however, full compliance has not been achieved. The QCB is presently renewing MRRC's discharge permit and will concurrently issue a new order. It is expected that the new ten-year permit will include an order requiring continued implementation of BMP through 2025 to address residual discharges of acid rock drainage. During 2015, the Company revised its future cost estimate for the remediation of this site from 20 to 30 years in order to correspond with similar studies for other sites. As a result of this change, the Company increased its reserve for the remediation of the Shasta Area Mine Sites from $10.5 million to $13.3 million in 2015, or three cents per diluted share after tax. At this site, MRRC spent approximately $1.3 million from 2013 through 2015 and currently estimates that it will spend between approximately $13.3 million and $20.1 million over the next 30 years. Lead Refinery Site U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of MRRC, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery's East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act since December 1996. Although the Site Activities have been substantially concluded, Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance-related 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 $0.2 million in 2015 and $0.1 million annually in 2014 and 2013 with respect to this site. Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated at between $2.1 million and $5.8 million over the next 21 years. On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site and surrounding properties to the National Priorities List. On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA indicating that it may be a PRP under CERCLA due to 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 matter. In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy for the surrounding properties and 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 and perform certain remedial action tasks. In 2015, the EPA conducted a review of the Company's records for the purpose of identifying parties to pay for the investigation and cleanup of properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site in connection with the November 2012 remedy. The EPA has not contacted Lead Refinery regarding settlement of the agency's potential claims related to the properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site, proposed remedies for the Lead Refinery site, or informed Lead Refinery that it is a PRP at 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. Operating Properties Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. In 1999, Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. (MCTP), a wholly owned subsidiary, commenced a cleanup and remediation of soil and groundwater at its Wynne, Arkansas plant to remove trichloroethylene, a cleaning solvent formerly used by MCTP. On August 30, 2000, MCTP received approval of its Final Comprehensive Investigation Report and Storm Water Drainage Investigation Report addressing the treatment of soils and groundwater from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The Company established a reserve for this project in connection with the acquisition of MCTP in 1998. Effective November 17, 2008, MCTP entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order by Consent to submit a Supplemental Investigation Work Plan (SIWP) and subsequent Final Remediation Work Plan (RWP) for the site. By letter dated January 20, 2010, ADEQ approved the SIWP as submitted, with changes acceptable to the Company. On December 16, 2011, MCTP entered into an amended Administrative Order by Consent to prepare and implement a revised RWP regarding final remediation for the Site. The remediation system was activated in February 2014. Costs to implement the work plans, including associated general and administrative costs, are approximately $0.7 million to $1.1 million over the next nine years. United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review On December 24, 2008, the Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 period of review. The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review. On April 19, 2010, the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 48.33 percent. On May 25, 2010, the Company appealed the final results to the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT). On December 16, 2011, the CIT issued a decision remanding the Department's final results. While the matter was still pending, the Company and the United States reached an agreement to settle the appeal. Subject to the conditions of the agreement, the Company anticipated that certain of its subsidiaries will incur antidumping duties on subject imports made during the period of review and, as such, established a reserve for this matter. After the lapse of the statutory period of time during which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was required, but failed, to liquidate the entries at the settled rate, the Company released the reserve. Between October 30, 2015 and November 27, 2015, CBP sent a series of invoices to Southland Pipe Nipples Co., Inc. (Southland), requesting payment of $3.0 million in duties and interest in connection with 795 import entries made during the November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 period. On January 26, 2016 and January 27, 2016, Southland filed protests with CBP in connection with these bills, noting that CBP's asserted claims were not made in accordance with applicable law, including statutory provisions governing deemed liquidation. The Company believes in the merits of the legal objections raised in Southland's protests, and CBP's response to Southland's protests is currently pending. Given the procedural posture of and issued raised by this legal dispute, the Company cannot estimate the amount of potential duty liability, if any, that may result from CBP's asserted claims. On December 23, 2009, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2008 through October 31, 2009 period of review. The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review. On June 21, 2011, the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 19.8 percent. On August 22, 2011, the Company appealed the final results to the CIT. On December 21, 2012, the CIT issued a decision upholding the Department's final results in part. The CIT issued its final judgment on May 2, 2013. On May 6, 2013, the Company appealed the CIT decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit). On May 29, 2014, the Federal Circuit issued its decision vacating the CIT's decision and remanding the case back to DOC to reconsider the Company's rate. The Company and the United States reached an agreement to settle the appeal. Subject to the conditions of the agreement, the Company anticipated that certain of its subsidiaries will incur antidumping duties on subject imports made during the period of review and, as such, established a reserve of approximately $1.1 million for this matter. The Company has paid all requested bills covering the 2008-2009 period where it appears that CBP acted in a timely manner under the antidumping statute. In connection with certain entries that the Company believes CBP failed to liquidate in a timely manner, the Company has protested the liquidations and requested that they be cancelled along with the related bills for increased duties. Subsequent to October 31, 2009, Mueller Comercial did not ship subject merchandise to the United States. Therefore, there is zero anticipated antidumping duty liability with respect to the subject merchandise for periods of review after October 31, 2009. Leases The Company leases certain facilities, vehicles, and equipment under operating leases expiring on various dates through 2028. The lease payments under these agreements aggregate to approximately $7.8 million in 2016, $5.7 million in 2017, $4.7 million in 2018, $2.2 million in 2019, $1.6 million in 2020, and $6.9 million thereafter. Total lease expense amounted to $9.7 million in 2015, $9.8 million in 2014, and $9.1 million in 2013. Consulting Agreement During 2004, the Company entered into a consulting and non-compete agreement (the Consulting Agreement) with Mr. Harvey L. Karp, at that time Chairman of the Board. The Consulting Agreement provides for post-employment services to be provided by Mr. Karp for a six-year period. During the first four years of the Consulting Agreement, an annual fee equal to two-thirds of the executive's Final Base Compensation (as defined in the Consulting Agreement) is payable. During the final two years, the annual fee is set at one-third of the executive's Final Base Compensation. During the term of the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Karp agrees not to engage in Competitive Activity (as defined in the Consulting Agreement) and is entitled to receive certain other benefits from the Company. On November 3, 2011, Mr. Karp notified the Company that he would resign as Chairman of the Company and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of December 31, 2011. Following his resignation, on January 1, 2012, the Consulting Agreement commenced. Based upon the value of the non-compete provisions of the Consulting Agreement, the Company expenses the value of the Consulting Agreement over its term. The maximum amount payable under the remaining term of the Consulting Agreement is $1.3 million. Other 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 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 2013, or $1.17 per diluted share after tax. The Company received proceeds of $62.3 million and $55.0 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Additionally, 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. It may also realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 10 – Income Taxes The components of income before income taxes were taxed under the following jurisdictions: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 121,614 $ 135,445 $ 262,220 Foreign 10,175 12,568 9,178 Income before income taxes $ 131,789 $ 148,013 $ 271,398 Income tax expense consists of the following: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Current tax expense: Federal $ 50,272 $ 45,723 $ 69,565 Foreign 4,042 2,346 2,608 State and local 4,886 3,905 6,723 Current tax expense 59,200 51,974 78,896 Deferred tax (benefit) expense: Federal (13,739 ) (2,469 ) 17,694 Foreign (1,180 ) 890 (376 ) State and local (899 ) (4,916 ) 1,895 Deferred tax (benefit) expense (15,818 ) (6,495 ) 19,213 Income tax expense $ 43,382 $ 45,479 $ 98,109 No provision is made for U.S. income taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. It is not practicable to compute the potential deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed foreign earnings. The Company has approximately $81.0 million of undistributed foreign earnings for which it has not recorded deferred tax liabilities. The difference between the reported income tax expense and a tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes is reconciled as follows: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Expected income tax expense $ 46,126 $ 51,805 $ 94,989 State and local income tax, net of federal benefit 2,673 3,355 6,405 Effect of foreign statutory rate different from U.S. and other foreign adjustments (654 ) (1,094 ) (1,026 ) Valuation allowance changes — (5,732 ) — U.S. production activities deduction (3,500 ) (4,025 ) (4,445 ) Goodwill disposition 646 — 1,790 Tax contingency changes — — (140 ) Permanent adjustment to deferred tax liabilities (4,218 ) — — Other, net 2,309 1,170 536 Income tax expense $ 43,382 $ 45,479 $ 98,109 During 2015, the Company had an adjustment to a deferred tax liability of $4.2 million, or seven cents per diluted share, resulting from the acquisition of a foreign subsidiary. During 2014, the Company released a valuation allowance of $5.7 million, or ten cents per diluted share, related to certain state income tax credits. As a result of legislative changes enacted in 2014, the Company now expects to be able to use such credits within the foreseeable future. The Company includes interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. The net reduction to income tax expense related to penalties and interest was immaterial in 2015, 2014, and 2013. The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing the Company's 2013 tax return and completed its audit of the Company's 2012 tax return during 2014, the result of which was immaterial to the consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently under audit in various other jurisdictions. The statute of limitations is still open for the Company's federal tax return and most state income tax returns for 2012 and all subsequent years. The statutes of limitations for certain state and foreign returns are also open for some earlier tax years due to differing statute periods. While the Company believes that it is adequately reserved for possible audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined with certainty and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: (In thousands) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Inventories $ 14,802 $ 12,815 Other postretirement benefits and accrued items 15,294 14,550 Pension 2,349 4,792 Other reserves 9,823 10,262 Federal and foreign tax attributes 7,403 6,451 State tax attributes, net of federal benefit 21,716 22,928 Share-based compensation 3,397 3,016 Total deferred tax assets 74,784 74,814 Less valuation allowance (17,650 ) (17,119 ) Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 57,134 57,695 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant, and equipment 43,592 57,089 Other 1,546 1,721 Total deferred tax liabilities 45,138 58,810 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ 11,996 $ (1,115 ) As of December 26, 2015, after consideration of the federal impact, the Company had state income tax credit carryforwards of $3.3 million, all of which expire by 2018, and other state income tax credit carryforwards of $10.1 million with unlimited lives. The Company had state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards with potential tax benefits of $8.4 million expiring between 2017 and 2030. The state tax credit and NOL carryforwards are offset by valuation allowances totaling $11.6 million. As of December 26, 2015, the Company had foreign tax attributes with potential tax benefits of $7.3 million which have an unlimited life. These attributes were offset by valuation allowances of $3.7 million. Income taxes paid were approximately $49.9 million in 2015, $47.3 million in 2014, and $80.1 million in 2013.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Note 11 – Equity The Company's Board of Directors has extended, until October 2016, its authorization to repurchase up to 20 million shares of the Company's common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company has no obligation to purchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the purchase of shares at any time. Any purchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations. The Company may hold any shares purchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for its stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes. From its initial authorization in 1999 through December 26, 2015, the Company has repurchased approximately 4.7 million shares under this authorization.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation The Company has in effect stock incentive plans under which stock-based awards have been granted to certain employees and members of its Board of Directors. Under these existing plans, the Company may grant options to purchase shares of common stock at prices not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant, as well as restricted stock awards. Generally, the awards vest annually over a five-year period beginning one year from the date of grant. Any unexercised options expire after not more than ten years. In May 2014, the Company's stockholders approved the 2014 Incentive Plan (2014 Plan). The 2014 Plan authorizes the award of stock-based incentives to employees and non-employee directors. Awards include options to purchase stock at specified prices during specified time periods, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and performance awards, including cash awards. The 2014 Plan reserved 1.5 million shares of common stock which may be issued or transferred upon the exercise of options. During the years ended December 26, 2015, December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, the Company recognized stock-based compensation, as a component of selling, general, and administrative expense, in its Consolidated Statements of Income of $6.2 million, $6.3 million, and $5.7 million, respectively. The tax benefit from the exercise of share-based awards was $1.0 million in 2015, $0.8 million in 2014, and $0.7 million in 2013. Stock Options The fair value of each option is estimated as a single award and amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line or accrual basis over its vesting period based on its vesting schedule. The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $7.58, $9.00, and $8.77, respectively. The Company estimates the fair value of all stock option awards as of the grant date by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The use of this valuation model in the determination of compensation expense involves certain assumptions that are judgmental and/or highly sensitive including the expected life of the option, stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield. Additionally, forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. The forfeiture rate, which is adjusted periodically based on actual forfeitures, was 16.1 percent in 2015 and 16.4 percent in 2014. Due to the nature of the awards granted in 2013, a forfeiture rate was not considered necessary. The weighted average of key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted and a discussion of the methodology used to develop each assumption are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Expected term 5.5 years 5.6 years 5.9 years Expected price volatility 26.2% 34.3% 39.7% Risk-free interest rate 1.7% 1.7% 0.7% Dividend yield 0.9% 1.0% 0.9% Expected term Expected price volatility Risk-free interest rate Dividend yield The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $3.1 million, $3.5 million, and $2.9 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested was $0.8 million, $1.0 million, and $1.1 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. At December 26, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding options was $10.1 million with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 5.3 years. Of the outstanding options, 789 thousand are currently exercisable with an aggregate intrinsic value of $9.9 million, a weighted average exercise price of $15.82, and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 3.7 years. The total compensation expense not yet recognized related to unvested options at December 26, 2015 was $1.9 million with an average expense recognition period of 3.1 years. Restricted Stock Awards The fair value of each restricted stock award equals the fair value of the Company's stock on the grant date and is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line or accrual basis over its vesting period based on its vesting schedule. The weighted average grant-date fair value of awards granted during 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $32.54, $28.80, and $28.32, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and unvested awards was $19.9 million at December 26, 2015. Total compensation expense for restricted stock awards not yet recognized was $14.4 million with an average expense recognition period of 3.3 years. The total fair value of awards that vested was $4.8 million, $4.2 million, and $1.8 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The Company generally issues treasury shares when options are exercised or restricted stock awards are granted. A summary of the activity and related information follows: Stock Options Restricted Stock Awards (Shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 27, 2014 1,127 $ 17.38 727 $ 25.21 Granted 223 32.59 193 32.54 Exercised (149 ) 13.95 (214 ) 22.49 Forfeited (3 ) 30.61 (1 ) 28.28 Outstanding at December 26, 2015 1,198 20.59 705 28.08 Approximately 1.1 million shares were available for future stock incentive awards at December 26, 2015.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 13 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI includes certain foreign currency translation adjustments from those subsidiaries not using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, net deferred gains and losses on certain derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, adjustments to pension and OPEB liabilities, and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale. The following table provides changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI): (In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment Unrealized (Losses)/ Gains on Derivatives Minimum Pension/ OPEB Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments Total Balance at December 28, 2013 $ (462 ) $ 1,546 $ (12,158 ) $ 255 $ (10,819 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (12,613 ) (2,766 ) (23,475 ) 15 (38,839 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 5,999 267 469 — 6,735 Balance at December 27, 2014 (7,076 ) (953 ) (35,164 ) 270 (42,923 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (17,697 ) (4,604 ) 4,766 (49 ) (17,584 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 3,548 1,969 — 5,517 Balance at December 26, 2015 $ (24,773 ) $ (2,009 ) $ (28,429 ) $ 221 $ (54,990 ) Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Affected Line Item Unrealized losses on derivatives: Commodity contracts $ 4,486 $ 328 $ 5,618 Cost of goods sold Foreign currency contracts — — 54 Depreciation expense Interest rate swap 372 — — Interest expense (1,310 ) (61 ) (1,857 ) Income tax expense 3,548 267 3,815 Net of tax — — — Noncontrolling interest $ 3,548 $ 267 $ 3,815 Net of tax and noncontrolling interest Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans $ 2,688 $ 541 $ 3,844 Selling, general, and administrative expense (719 ) (72 ) (1,326 ) Income tax expense 1,969 469 2,518 Net of tax — — — Noncontrolling interest $ 1,969 $ 469 $ 2,518 Net of tax and noncontrolling interest Loss recognized upon sale of business $ — $ 5,999 $ — Gain on sale of assets — — — Income tax benefit — 5,999 — Net of tax — — — Noncontrolling interest $ — $ 5,999 $ — Net of tax and noncontrolling interest

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Note 14 – Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Plans The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain employees. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans' benefit obligations and the fair value of the plans' assets for 2015 and 2014, and a statement of the plans' aggregate funded status: Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 207,738 $ 184,058 $ 19,307 $ 15,381 Service cost 803 973 363 348 Interest cost 8,032 8,590 1,005 685 Actuarial (gain) loss (9,163 ) 30,138 270 4,272 Plan amendments — — (9,094 ) — Business acquisitions — — 5,655 — Benefit payments (10,795 ) (11,064 ) (1,037 ) (1,142 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment (3,854 ) (4,957 ) (626 ) (237 ) Obligation at end of year 192,761 207,738 15,843 19,307 Change in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 190,016 188,870 — — Actual return on plan assets (1,682 ) 12,716 — — Employer contributions 1,513 3,275 1,037 1,142 Benefit payments (10,795 ) (11,064 ) (1,037 ) (1,142 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment (2,975 ) (3,781 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 176,077 190,016 — — Underfunded status at end of year $ (16,684 ) $ (17,722 ) $ (15,843 ) $ (19,307 ) During 2015 the Company amended one of its postretirement benefit plans to remove certain benefits, resulting in a $9.1 million reduction in the obligation. The following represents amounts recognized in AOCI (before the effect of income taxes): Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Unrecognized net actuarial loss $ 48,681 $ 49,830 $ 767 $ 473 Unrecognized prior service (credit) cost — — (9,087 ) 14 The Company sponsors one pension plan in the U.K. which comprised 41 and 40 percent of the above benefit obligation at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively, and 35 and 34 percent of the above plan assets at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively. As of December 26, 2015, $3.1 million of the actuarial net loss and $0.9 million of the prior service credit will, through amortization, be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2016. The aggregate status of all overfunded plans is recognized as an asset and the aggregate status of all underfunded plans is recognized as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amounts recognized as a liability are classified as current or long-term on a plan-by-plan basis. Liabilities are classified as current to the extent the actuarial present value of benefits payable within the next 12 months exceeds the fair value of plan assets, with all remaining amounts being classified as long-term. As of December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, the total funded status of the plans recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Long-term asset $ 765 $ 2,348 $ — $ — Current liability — — (1,221 ) (1,251 ) Long-term liability (17,449 ) (20,070 ) (14,622 ) (18,056 ) Total underfunded status $ (16,684 ) $ (17,722 ) $ (15,843 ) $ (19,307 ) The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Pension benefits: Service cost $ 803 $ 973 $ 948 Interest cost 8,032 8,590 7,774 Expected return on plan assets (10,289 ) (13,669 ) (11,059 ) Amortization of prior service cost — 1 1 Amortization of net loss 2,710 752 4,005 Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 1,256 $ (3,353 ) $ 1,669 Other benefits: Service cost $ 363 $ 348 $ 413 Interest cost 1,005 685 647 Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 6 6 (2 ) Amortization of net gain (28 ) (218 ) (160 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,346 $ 821 $ 898 The weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of the Company's benefit obligations are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.02 % 4.03 % 4.25 % 4.33 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 5.59 % 5.58 % N/A N/A Rate of compensation increases N/A N/A 5.00 % 5.00 % Rate of inflation 3.20 % 3.10 % N/A N/A The weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of the Company's net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.03 % 4.82 % 4.13 % 4.33 % 4.89 % 4.06 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 5.58 % 7.40 % 7.15 % N/A N/A N/A Rate of compensation increases N/A N/A N/A 5.00 % 5.50 % 5.04 % Rate of inflation 3.10 % 3.40 % 2.70 % N/A N/A N/A The Company's Mexican postretirement plans use the rate of compensation increase in the benefit formulas. Past service in the U.K. pension plan will be adjusted for the effects of inflation. All other pension and postretirement plans use benefit formulas based on length of service. The annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) is assumed to range from 6.8 to 9.0 percent for 2016, gradually decrease to 3.0 percent through 2036, and remain at that level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption does not have a significant effect on the amounts reported. Pension Assets The weighted average asset allocation of the Company's pension fund assets are as follows: Pension Plan Assets Asset category 2015 2014 Equity securities (includes equity mutual funds) 51 % 49 % Fixed income securities (includes fixed income mutual funds) 37 4 Cash and equivalents (includes money market funds) 9 44 Alternative investments 3 3 Total 100 % 100 % At December 26, 2015, the long-term target allocation, by asset category, of assets of its defined benefit pension plans was: (i) fixed income securities – at least 60 percent; (ii) equity securities, including equity index funds – not more than 30 percent; and (iii) alternative investments – not more than 5 percent. The pension plan obligations are long-term and, accordingly, the plan assets are invested for the long-term. Plan assets are monitored periodically. Based upon results, investment managers and/or asset classes are redeployed when considered necessary. None of the plans' assets are expected to be returned to the Company during the next fiscal year. The assets of the plans do not include investments in securities issued by the Company. The estimated rates of return on plan assets are the expected future long-term rates of earnings on plan assets and are forward-looking assumptions that materially affect pension cost. Establishing the expected future rates of return on pension assets is a judgmental matter. The Company reviews the expected long-term rates of return on an annual basis and revises as appropriate. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 5.59 percent for 2015 and 5.58 percent in 2014. The Company's investments for its pension plans are reported at fair value. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the Company's plan asset investments: Cash and money market funds – approximates fair value. Common stock – Mutual funds Limited partnerships – The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the assets of the plans at fair value: Fair Value Measurements at December 26, 2015 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash and money market funds $ 16,632 $ — $ — $ 16,632 Common stock (1) 25,229 — — 25,229 Mutual funds (2) 9,666 119,960 — 129,626 Limited partnerships — — 4,590 4,590 Total $ 51,527 $ 119,960 $ 4,590 $ 176,077 Fair Value Measurements at December 27, 2014 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash and money market funds $ 84,377 $ — $ — $ 84,377 Common stock (3) 26,105 — — 26,105 Mutual funds (4) 11,397 63,067 — 74,464 Limited partnerships — — 5,070 5,070 Total $ 121,879 $ 63,067 $ 5,070 $ 190,016 (1) Approximately 50 percent of common stock represents investments in U.S. companies primarily in the health care, utilities, financials, consumer staples, industrials, and information technology sectors. All investments in common stock are listed on U.S. stock exchanges. (2) Approximately 67 percent of mutual funds are actively managed funds and approximately 33 percent of mutual funds are index funds. Additionally, 12 percent of the mutual funds' assets are invested in U.S. equities, 38 percent in non-U.S. equities, 46 percent in U.S. fixed income securities, and 4 percent in non-U.S. fixed income securities. (3) Approximately 51 percent of common stock represents investments in U.S. companies primarily in the health care, utilities, financials, consumer staples, industrials, and information technology sectors. All investments in common stock are listed on U.S. stock exchanges. (4) Approximately 40 percent of mutual funds are actively managed funds and approximately 60 percent of mutual funds are index funds. Additionally, 23 percent of the mutual funds' assets are invested in U.S. equities, 67 percent in non-U.S. equities, and 10 percent in non-U.S. fixed income securities. The table below reflects the changes in the assets of the plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 of fair value hierarchy) during the year ended December 26, 2015: (In thousands) Limited Partnerships Balance, December 27, 2014 $ 5,070 Redemptions (697 ) Subscriptions 250 Net depreciation in fair value (33 ) Balance, December 26, 2015 $ 4,590 Contributions and Benefit Payments The Company expects to contribute approximately $1.5 million to its pension plans and $1.2 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2016. The Company expects future benefits to be paid from the plans as follows: (In thousands) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 $ 10,832 $ 1,221 2017 10,856 1,112 2018 10,910 1,147 2019 10,994 1,111 2020 11,033 1,356 2021-2025 60,251 5,973 Total $ 114,876 $ 11,920 Multiemployer Plan The Company contributes to the IAM National Pension Fund, National Pension Plan (IAM Plan), a multiemployer defined benefit plan. Participation in the IAM Plan was negotiated under the terms of two collective bargaining agreements in Port Huron, Michigan, the Local 218 IAM and Local 44 UAW that expire on May 1, 2016 and July 20, 2016, respectively. The Employer Identification Number for this plan is 51-6031295. The risks of participating in multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: (i) Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (ii) if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the underfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers; (iii) if the Company chooses to stop participating in the plan, the Company may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability. The Company makes contributions to the IAM Plan trusts that cover certain union employees; contributions by employees are not permitted. Contributions to the IAM Plan were $1.1 million in 2015, $1.0 million in 2014, and $0.9 million in 2013. The Company's contributions are less than five percent of total employer contributions made to the IAM Plan indicated in the most recently filed Form 5500. Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the IAM Plan's actuary must certify the plan's zone status annually. Plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded. If a plan is determined to be in endangered status, red zone or yellow zone, the plan's trustees must develop a formal plan of corrective action, a Financial Improvement Plan and/or a Rehabilitation Plan. For 2015 and 2014 the IAM Plan was determined to have green zone status; therefore, no formal plan of corrective action is either pending or has been implemented. 401(k) Plans The Company sponsors voluntary employee savings plans that qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Compensation expense for the Company's matching contribution to the 401(k) plans was $4.2 million in 2015, $4.1 million in 2014, and $3.2 million in 2013. The Company match is a cash contribution. Participants direct the investment of their account balances by allocating among a range of asset classes including mutual funds (equity, fixed income, and balanced funds), and money market funds. The plans do not allow direct investment in securities issued by the Company. UMWA Benefit Plans In October 1992, the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992 (the Act) was enacted. The Act mandates a method of providing for postretirement benefits to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) current and retired employees, including some retirees who were never employed by the Company. In October 1993, beneficiaries were assigned to the Company and the Company began its mandated contributions to the UMWA Combined Benefit Fund, a multiemployer trust. Beginning in 1994, the Company was required to make contributions for assigned beneficiaries under an additional multiemployer trust created by the Act, the UMWA 1992 Benefit Plan. The ultimate amount of the Company's liability under the Act will vary due to factors which include, among other things, the validity, interpretation, and regulation of the Act, its joint and several obligation, the number of valid beneficiaries assigned, and the extent to which funding for this obligation will be satisfied by transfers of excess assets from the 1950 UMWA pension plan and transfers from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. Contributions to the plan were $214 thousand, $249 thousand, and $290 thousand for the years ended 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Note 15 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company's 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. 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 December 26, 2015, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $33.9 million of copper over the next 12 months related to fixed price sales orders. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.5 million loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy). In the next twelve months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges. At December 26, 2015, this amount was approximately $1.0 million of deferred net losses, net of tax. The Company may also enter into futures contracts to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations. At December 26, 2015, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $13.6 million of copper over the next three months related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $30 thousand loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy). 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 within the fair value hierarchy). Interest payable and receivable under the swap agreement is accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. The fair value of the interest rate swap was a $1.7 million loss position recorded in other liabilities at December 26, 2015, and there was $1.1 million of deferred net losses, net of tax, included in AOCI that is expected to be reclassified into interest expense over the term of the hedged item. The Company presents its derivative assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a net basis by counterparty. The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the derivative instruments and disaggregates the 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 2015 2014 Balance Sheet Location 2015 2014 Hedging instrument: Commodity contracts - gains Other current assets $ 60 $ 99 Other current liabilities $ 238 $ 15 Commodity contracts - losses Other current assets — (4 ) Other current liabilities (1,864 ) (832 ) Foreign currency contracts - gains Other current assets — — Other current liabilities 34 — Foreign currency contracts - losses Other current assets — — Other current liabilities (75 ) (81 ) Interest rate swap Other assets — — Other liabilities (1,692 ) (927 ) Total derivatives (1) $ 60 $ 95 $ (3,359 ) $ (1,825 ) (1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral provided to counterparties The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income: (In thousands) Location 2015 2014 Fair value hedges: Gain on commodity contracts (qualifying) Cost of goods sold $ 3,374 $ 6,783 Loss on hedged item - Inventory Cost of goods sold (3,665 ) (5,958 ) Undesignated derivatives: Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying) Cost of goods sold $ 3,474 $ 1,466 The following tables summarize amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI during the period: Year Ended December 26, 2015 (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 $ (3,817 ) Cost of goods sold $ 3,310 Foreign currency contracts (39 ) Depreciation expense — Interest rate swap (727 ) Interest expense 238 Other (21 ) Other — Year Ended December 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 $ (1,088 ) Cost of goods sold $ 267 Foreign currency contracts (275 ) Depreciation expense — Interest rate swap (1,435 ) Interest expense — Other 32 Other — 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 December 26, 2015 was not material to the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company primarily enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association 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 the 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 December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $2.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.

Industry Segments

Industry Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Industry Segments [Abstract]
Industry Segments	Note 16 – Industry Segments The Company's reportable segments are Plumbing & Refrigeration and OEM. For disclosure purposes, certain operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments. The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of Standard Products (SPD), Great Lakes, European Operations, and Mexican Operations. The OEM segment is composed of Industrial Products (IPD), Engineered Products (EPD), and Mueller-Xingrong. These segments are classified primarily by the markets for their products. Performance of segments is generally evaluated by their operating income. SPD manufactures and sells copper tube, copper and plastic fittings, line sets, and valves and . These products are manufactured in the U.S. Outside the U.S., Great Lakes manufactures copper tube and line sets in Canada and sells its products primarily in the U.S. and Canada. European Operations manufacture copper tube in the United Kingdom, which is sold throughout Europe. Mexican Operations consist of pipe nipple manufacturing and import distribution businesses including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties. The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesales, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, and building material retailers. IPD manufactures brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings as well as a variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, valves, and fittings. EPD manufactures and fabricates valves and assemblies for the refrigeration, air-conditioning, gas appliance, and barbecue grill markets and specialty copper, copper-alloy, and aluminum tube. Mueller-Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications. These products are sold primarily to OEM customers. Summarized product line, geographic, and segment information is shown in the following tables. Geographic sales data indicates the location from which products are shipped. Unallocated expenses include general corporate expenses, plus certain charges or credits not included in segment activity. During 2015, 2014, and 2013, no single customer exceeded 10 percent of worldwide sales. Net Sales by Major Product Line: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Tube and fittings $ 1,053,761 $ 1,143,164 $ 972,107 Brass rod and forgings 436,456 556,985 553,896 OEM components, tube & assemblies 342,651 345,991 337,772 Valves and plumbing specialties 198,012 262,504 239,822 Other 69,122 55,583 54,944 $ 2,100,002 $ 2,364,227 $ 2,158,541 Geographic Information: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Net sales: United States $ 1,519,456 $ 1,752,548 $ 1,651,138 United Kingdom 240,823 326,832 229,659 Canada 97,967 9,807 13,666 Other 241,756 275,040 264,078 $ 2,100,002 $ 2,364,227 $ 2,158,541 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Long-lived assets: United States $ 223,398 $ 203,522 $ 198,837 United Kingdom 15,248 19,007 21,220 Canada 20,460 — — Other 21,118 23,381 24,400 $ 280,224 $ 245,910 $ 244,457 Segment Information: For the Year Ended December 26, 2015 (In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment OEM Segment Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,260,273 $ 849,538 $ (9,809 ) $ 2,100,002 Cost of goods sold 1,082,493 736,878 (9,669 ) 1,809,702 Depreciation and amortization 19,237 13,535 1,836 34,608 Selling, general, and administrative expense 80,405 26,477 23,476 130,358 Gain on sale of assets (15,376 ) — — (15,376 ) Severance 3,442 — — 3,442 Operating income 90,072 72,648 (25,452 ) 137,268 Interest expense (7,667 ) Other income, net 2,188 Income before income taxes $ 131,789 For the Year Ended December 27, 2014 (In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment OEM Segment Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,416,701 $ 959,914 $ (12,388 ) $ 2,364,227 Cost of goods sold 1,215,282 840,823 (12,386 ) 2,043,719 Depreciation and amortization 19,613 11,919 2,203 33,735 Selling, general, and administrative expense 87,539 21,458 22,743 131,740 Gain on sale of assets (6,259 ) — — (6,259 ) Severance 7,296 — — 7,296 Operating income 93,230 85,714 (24,948 ) 153,996 Interest expense (5,740 ) Other expense, net (243 ) Income before income taxes $ 148,013 For the Year Ended December 28, 2013 (In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment OEM Segment Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,225,306 $ 947,784 $ (14,549 ) $ 2,158,541 Cost of goods sold 1,043,059 833,518 (14,488 ) 1,862,089 Depreciation and amortization 17,117 13,025 2,252 32,394 Selling, general, and administrative expense 85,471 24,479 24,964 134,914 Insurance settlement (103,895 ) — (2,437 ) (106,332 ) Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets (39,765 ) — — (39,765 ) Impairment charges 4,173 131 — 4,304 Operating income 219,146 76,631 (24,840 ) 270,937 Interest expense (3,990 ) Other income, net 4,451 Income before income taxes $ 271,398 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Expenditures for long-lived assets (including business acquisitions): Plumbing & Refrigeration $ 41,456 $ 30,087 $ 43,543 OEM 29,420 10,788 14,845 General corporate 136 401 3,254 $ 71,012 $ 41,276 $ 61,642 Segment assets: Plumbing & Refrigeration $ 709,447 $ 664,784 $ 625,371 OEM 302,875 313,245 305,052 General corporate 326,479 350,067 317,344 $ 1,338,801 $ 1,328,096 $ 1,247,767

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Note 17 – Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (7) First Second Third Fourth ( In thousands, except per share data) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2015 Net sales $ 537,242 $ 555,593 $ 535,184 $ 471,983 Gross profit (1) 76,408 85,228 68,017 60,647 Consolidated net income (2) 22,340 33,862 (3 ) 18,095 (4 ) 14,110 Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. 21,978 33,651 17,800 14,435 Basic earnings per share 0.39 0.60 0.32 0.26 Diluted earnings per share 0.39 0.59 0.31 0.25 Dividends per share 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 2014 Net sales $ 574,374 $ 649,691 $ 602,820 $ 537,342 Gross profit (1) 78,597 91,916 81,542 68,453 Consolidated net income (5) 24,954 35,209 24,322 18,049 (6 ) 24,706 35,045 23,823 17,987 Basic earnings per share 0.44 0.63 0.42 0.32 Diluted earnings per share 0.44 0.62 0.42 0.32 Dividends per share 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 (1) Gross profit is net sales less cost of goods sold, which excludes depreciation and amortization. (2) Includes income earned by Turbotec, acquired during Q2 2015, Sherwood, acquired during Q2 2015, and Great Lakes, acquired during Q3 2015. (3) Includes $15.4 million pre-tax gain on sale of assets and $3.4 million of pre-tax charges related to severance. (4) During Q3 2015, the Company recorded a permanent adjustment to a deferred tax liability of $4.2 million. (5) Includes losses incurred by Yorkshire, acquired during Q1 2014. (6) Includes $4.8 million pre-tax gain on sale of assets and $4.2 million of pre-tax charges related to severance. (7) The sum of quarterly amounts may not equal the annual amounts reported due to rounding. In addition, the earnings per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter, while the full year is based on the weighted average shares outstanding.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 18 – Subsequent Events On December 30, 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Cayan Ventures and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company to build a copper tube mill in Bahrain. The business will operate and brand its products under the Mueller Industries family of brands. Under the agreement, the Company will invest approximately $5.5 million of cash and will be the technical and marketing lead in return for 40 percent ownership in the joint venture. In February 2016, the Company entered into an

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALI

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Years Ended December 26, 2015, December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013 Additions Balance at Charged to Balance beginning costs and Other at end (In thousands) of year expenses additions Deductions of year 2015 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 666 $ (130 ) $ 201 (1 ) $ 114 $ 623 Environmental reserves $ 22,661 $ 76 $ — $ 1,070 $ 21,667 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets $ 17,119 $ (5 ) $ 536 $ — $ 17,650 2014 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,391 $ (500 ) $ 18 (1 ) $ 1,243 $ 666 Environmental reserves $ 23,637 $ 1,187 $ — $ 2,163 $ 22,661 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets $ 22,544 $ (5,630 ) $ 2,282 $ 2,077 $ 17,119 2013 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,644 $ 273 $ 812 (1 ) $ 338 $ 2,391 Environmental reserves $ 24,635 $ 986 $ — $ 1,984 $ 23,637 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets $ 30,394 $ 332 $ — $ 8,182 $ 22,544 (1) Other consists primarily of bad debt recoveries as well as the effect of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates in all years presented.

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations The principal business of Mueller Industries, Inc. is the manufacture and sale of copper tube and fittings; line sets; brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; plastic fittings and valves; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular products; and steel nipples. The Company also resells imported brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products. The Company markets its products to the HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, hardware, and other industries. Mueller's operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, and China.
Fiscal Years	Fiscal Years The Company's fiscal year consists of 52 weeks ending on the last Saturday of December. These dates were December 26, 2015, December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to the current year's presentation.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Mueller Industries, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries. The noncontrolling interest represents a separate private ownership of 49.5 percent of Jiangsu Mueller-Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong), which manufactures and sells copper tube and fittings in China. The Consolidated Financial Statements also include the Company's investment in MA Industrial JV LLC, the joint venture (Joint Venture) that acquired Tecumseh Products Company (Tecumseh), which manufactures compressors and related products globally. This investment is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Common Stock Split	Common Stock Split On February 21, 2014, the Company 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 Consolidated Financial Statements and this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the stock split.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, provided collection is determined to be probable and no significant obligations remain for the Company. Estimates for future rebates on certain product lines and product returns are recognized in the period in which the revenue is recorded. The cost of shipping product to customers is expensed as incurred as a component of cost of goods sold.
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Accounting for acquisitions requires the Company to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the purchase price over the net amount allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. While management uses its best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. The operating results generated by the acquired businesses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from their respective dates of acquisition. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred. See "Note 2 – Acquisitions and Dispositions" for additional information.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents Temporary investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. These investments are stated at cost. At December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, temporary investments consisted of money market mutual funds, commercial paper, bank repurchase agreements, and U.S. and foreign government securities totaling $106.4 million and $144.9 million, respectively. Included in other current assets is restricted cash of $3.7 million and $8.1 million at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively. These amounts represent required deposits into brokerage accounts that facilitate the Company's hedging activities and deposits that secure certain short-term notes issued under Mueller-Xingrong's credit facility.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company provides an allowance for receivables that may not be fully collected. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a customer's inability to meet their financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings or substantial credit rating downgrades), it records an allowance for doubtful accounts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount it believes most likely will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its historical collection experience. If circumstances change (e.g., greater than expected defaults or an unexpected material change in a major customer's ability to meet their financial obligations), the Company could change its estimate of the recoverability of amounts due by a material amount.
Inventories	Inventories The Company's inventories are valued at the lower-of-cost-or-market. The material component of its U.S. copper tube and copper fittings inventories is valued on a LIFO basis. Other manufactured inventories, including the non-material components of U.S. copper tube and copper fittings, are valued on a FIFO basis. Certain inventories purchased for resale are valued on an average cost basis. Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, maintenance, production wages, and transportation costs. The market price of copper cathode and scrap is subject to volatility. During periods when open market prices decline below net book value, the Company may need to provide an allowance to reduce the carrying value of its inventory. In addition, certain items in inventory may be considered obsolete and, as such, the Company may establish an allowance to reduce the carrying value of those items to their net realizable value. Changes in these estimates related to the value of inventory, if any, may result in a materially adverse impact on the Company's reported financial position or results of operations. The Company recognizes the impact of any changes in estimates, assumptions, and judgments in income in the period in which it is determined. See "Note 3 – Inventories" for additional information.
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized, while minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation of buildings, machinery, and equipment is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ranging from 20 to 40 years for buildings and five to 20 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful life or the remaining lease term. The Company continually evaluates these assets to determine whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that may warrant revision of the estimated useful life or whether the remaining balance should be evaluated for possible impairment. See "Note 5 – Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net" for additional information.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets of businesses acquired. Several factors give rise to goodwill in business acquisitions, such as the expected benefit from synergies of the combination and the existing workforce of the acquired business. Goodwill is evaluated annually for possible impairment as of the first day of the fourth quarter unless circumstances indicate the need to accelerate the timing of the evaluation. In the evaluation of goodwill impairment, management performs a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, management proceeds to a two-step process to test goodwill for impairment, including comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value (including attributable goodwill). If this process indicates that the fair value is less than the carrying value, a second step of impairment testing is performed to measure the potential amount of goodwill impairment loss. Fair value for the Company's reporting units is determined using a combination of the income and market approaches (Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy), incorporating market participant considerations and management's assumptions on revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates and expected capital expenditures. The market approach measures the fair value of a business through the analysis of publicly traded companies or recent sales of similar businesses. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of reporting units based on expected cash flows (adjusted for capital investment required to support operations) and a terminal value. This cash flow stream is discounted to its present value to arrive at a fair value for each reporting unit. Future earnings are estimated using the Company's most recent annual projections, applying a growth rate to future periods. Those projections are directly impacted by the condition of the markets in which the Company's businesses participate. The discount rate selected for the reporting units is generally based on rates of return available for comparable companies at the date of valuation. Fair value determinations may include both internal and third-party valuations. See "Note 6 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for additional information.
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate	Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate The Company owns a 50 percent interest in the Joint Venture, an unconsolidated affiliate that acquired Tecumseh. This investment is accounted for using the equity method of accounting as the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control the Joint Venture. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and our proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions. The Company records its proportionate share of the investee's net income one quarter in arrears as equity in earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Due to the timing of the investment in 2015, there was no amount recorded during the year ended December 26, 2015. The Company's proportionate share of the investee's other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In general, the equity investment in the unconsolidated affiliate is equal to the current equity investment plus that entity's undistributed earnings. The investment in the unconsolidated affiliate is assessed periodically for impairment and is written down when the carrying amount is not considered fully recoverable. See "Note 7 - Equity Method Investment" for additional information.
Self-Insurance Accruals	Self-Insurance Accruals The Company is primarily self-insured for workers' compensation claims and benefits paid under certain employee health care programs. Accruals are primarily based on estimated undiscounted cost of claims, which includes incurred but not reported claims, and are classified as accrued wages and other employee costs.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit plans in the U.S. and certain foreign locations. The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of the plans as an asset or liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet with changes in the funded status recorded through comprehensive income in the year in which those changes occur. The obligations for these plans are actuarially determined and affected by assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term return on plan assets for defined benefit pension plans, and certain employee-related factors, such as retirement age and mortality. The Company evaluates its assumptions periodically and makes adjustments as necessary. The expected return on plan assets is determined using the market value of plan assets. Differences between assumed and actual returns are amortized to the market value of assets on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the plan participants using the corridor approach. The corridor approach defers all actuarial gains and losses resulting from variances between actual results and actuarial assumptions. These unrecognized gains and losses are amortized when the net gains and losses exceed 10 percent of the greater of the market value of the plan assets or the projected benefit obligation. The amount in excess of the corridor is amortized over the average remaining service period of the plan participants. For 2015, the average remaining service period for the pension plans was nine years. See "Note 14 –Benefit Plans" for additional information.
Environmental Reserves and Environmental Expenses	Environmental Reserves and Environmental Expenses The Company recognizes an environmental liability when it is probable the liability exists and the amount is reasonably estimable. The Company estimates the duration and extent of its remediation obligations based upon reports of outside consultants; internal analyses of cleanup costs and ongoing monitoring costs; communications with regulatory agencies; and changes in environmental law. If the Company were to determine that its estimates of the duration or extent of its environmental obligations were no longer accurate, it would adjust environmental liabilities accordingly in the period that such determination is made. Estimated future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value. Accrued environmental liabilities are not reduced by potential insurance reimbursements. Environmental expenses that relate to ongoing operations are included as a component of cost of goods sold. Environmental expenses related to non-operating properties are included in other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. See "Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies" for additional information.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the increase in weighted average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards calculated using the treasury stock method. Approximately 427 thousand and 180 thousand stock-based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively, because they were antidilutive.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized when differences arise between the treatment of certain items for financial statement and tax purposes. Realization of certain components of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the occurrence of future events. The Company records valuation allowances to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount it believes is more likely than not to be realized. These valuation allowances can be impacted by changes in tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and future taxable income levels and are based on the Company's judgment, estimates, and assumptions regarding those future events. In the event the Company was to determine that it would not be able to realize all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets in the future, it would increase the valuation allowance through a charge to income tax expense in the period that such determination is made. Conversely, if it were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future, in excess of the net carrying amounts, the Company would decrease the recorded valuation allowance through a decrease to income tax expense in the period that such determination is made. The Company provides for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties, if any, based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. Tax benefits for uncertain tax positions that are recognized in the financial statements are measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an uncertain tax position is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Company's effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected. These estimates are highly subjective and could be affected by changes in business conditions and other factors. Changes in any of these factors could have a material impact on future income tax expense. See "Note 10 – Income Taxes" for additional information.
Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities	Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue producing transaction between the Company and its customers, primarily value added taxes in foreign jurisdictions, are accounted for on a net (excluded from revenues and costs) basis.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company has in effect stock incentive plans under which stock-based awards have been granted to certain employees and members of its Board of Directors. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of selling, general, and administrative expense based on the grant date fair value of the awards. See "Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation" for additional information.
Concentrations of Credit and Market Risk	Concentrations of Credit and Market Risk Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base, and their dispersion across different geographic areas and different industries, including HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, hardware, automotive, OEMs, and others. The Company minimizes its exposure to base metal price fluctuations through various strategies. Generally, it prices an equivalent amount of copper raw material, under flexible pricing arrangements it maintains with its suppliers, at the time it determines the selling price of finished products to its customers.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company's 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 in the 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 in the 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. The Company primarily executes derivative contracts with major financial institutions. These counterparties expose the Company to credit risk in the event of non-performance. The amount of such exposure is limited to the fair value of the contract plus the unpaid portion of amounts due to the Company pursuant to terms of the derivative instruments, if any. If a downgrade in the credit rating of these counterparties occurs, management believes that this exposure is mitigated by provisions in the derivative arrangements which allow for the legal right of offset of any amounts due to the Company from the counterparties with any amounts payable to the counterparties by the Company. As a result, management considers the risk of loss from counterparty default to be minimal. See "Note 15 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" for additional information.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt at December 26, 2015 approximates the carrying value on that date. Outstanding borrowings have variable interest rates that re-price frequently at current market rates.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation For foreign subsidiaries in which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, balance sheet accounts are translated at exchange rates in effect at the end of the year and income statement accounts are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Translation gains and losses are included in equity as a component of AOCI. Included in the Consolidated Statements of Income were transaction losses of $1.7 million in 2015, gains of $0.1 million in 2014, and losses of $0.1 million in 2013.
Use of and Changes in Estimates	Use of and Changes in Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management makes its best estimate of the ultimate outcome for these items based on historical trends and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available to management. Areas where the nature of the estimate makes it reasonably possible that actual results could materially differ from amounts estimated include but are not limited to: pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations, tax liabilities, loss contingencies, litigation claims, environmental reserves, and impairment assessments on long-lived assets (including goodwill).
Change in Segment Reporting	Change in Segment Reporting Beginning in fiscal year 2016, the Company will change its operating segments and report future results as three separate segments: Piping Systems, Industrial Metals, and Cold Climate.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Topic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issue Costs (ASU 2015-03). The ASU simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability rather than as a separate asset. I The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employers' Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

Acquisitions and Dispositions (

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]
Schedule of final valuation of the long-lived assets	The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to acquire these businesses, which was financed by available cash balances, as well as the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the respective acquisition dates. For the Great Lakes, Sherwood, and Turbotec acquisitions, the purchase price allocations are provisional as of December 26, 2015 and subject to change upon completion of the final valuation of the long-lived assets during their respective measurement periods. (in thousands) Great Lakes Sherwood Turbotec Yorkshire Howell Total consideration $ 70,011 $ 21,795 $ 14,138 $ 30,137 $ 55,276 Allocated to: Accounts receivable 26,079 6,490 1,936 — 14,564 Inventories 15,233 11,892 3,247 17,579 27,615 Other current assets 22 260 72 1,034 571 Property, plant, and equipment 22,771 10,327 9,080 2,103 20,293 Goodwill (1) 19,087 (1) — 2,088 8,075 (1) 1,358 (1) Intangible assets 27,468 (38 ) 880 16,937 2,320 Other assets 1,413 — 59 — — Total assets acquired 112,073 28,931 17,362 45,728 66,721 Accounts payable 36,026 6,022 1,603 10,188 9,208 Accrued wages & other employee costs — 471 356 1,167 703 Other current liabilities 381 487 51 4,236 1,534 Postretirement benefits other than pensions 5,655 — — — — Other noncurrent liabilities — 156 1,214 — — Total liabilities assumed 42,062 7,136 3,224 15,591 11,445 Net assets acquired $ 70,011 $ 21,795 $ 14,138 $ 30,137 $ 55,276 (1)
Intangible assets identified in the allocation of the purchase price	The gross and net book value of other intangible assets included in other assets at December 26, 2015 was as follows: (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 30,882 $ (1,488 ) $ 29,394 Non-compete agreements 6,534 (2,838 ) 3,696 Patents and technology 9,798 (5,323 ) 4,475 Trade names and licenses 4,160 (574 ) 3,586 Other 213 (728 ) (515 ) Other intangible assets $ 51,587 $ (10,951 ) $ 40,636 The carrying amount of intangible assets at December 27, 2014 was as follows: (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 11,852 $ (526 ) $ 11,326 Non-compete agreements 4,495 (1,307 ) 3,188 Patents and technology 6,852 (4,744 ) 2,108 Trade names and licenses 1,670 (252 ) 1,418 Other 877 (453 ) 424 Other intangible assets $ 25,746 $ (7,282 ) $ 18,464

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	(In thousands) 2015 2014 Raw materials and supplies $ 58,987 $ 53,586 Work-in-process 25,161 39,707 Finished goods 161,410 168,481 Valuation reserves (6,180 ) (5,189 ) Inventories $ 239,378 $ 256,585

Consolidated Financial Statem32

Consolidated Financial Statement Details (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Consolidated Financial Statement Details [Abstract]
Other (expense) income, net	Other (Expense) Income, Net (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Gain on the sale of non-operating property $ — $ — $ 3,000 Interest income 1,029 573 906 Environmental expense, non-operating properties (46 ) (822 ) (823 ) Other 1,205 6 1,368 Other (expense) income, net $ 2,188 $ (243 ) $ 4,451

Property, Plant, and Equipmen33

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, plant, and equipment, net	(In thousands) 2015 2014 Land and land improvements $ 13,046 $ 12,198 Buildings 128,322 120,035 Machinery and equipment 597,209 561,093 Construction in progress 47,746 44,787 786,323 738,113 Less accumulated depreciation (506,099 ) (492,203 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 280,224 $ 245,910

Goodwill and Other Intangible34

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows: (In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment OEM Segment Total Goodwill $ 131,462 12,300 143,762 Accumulated impairment charges (39,434 ) (9,971 ) (49,405 ) Balance at December 28, 2013: 92,028 2,329 94,357 Additions (1) 9,123 — 9,123 Currency translation (571 ) — (571 ) Balance at December 27, 2014: 100,580 2,329 102,909 Additions 19,087 2,088 21,175 Disposition (2,418 ) — (2,418 ) Currency translation (1,414 ) — (1,414 ) Balance at December 26, 2015: Goodwill 155,269 14,388 169,657 Accumulated impairment charges (39,434 ) (9,971 ) (49,405 ) Goodwill, net $ 115,835 $ 4,417 $ 120,252 ( 1) Includes finalization of the purchase price allocation adjustment for Howell of $1.0 million
Carrying amount of intangible assets	The gross and net book value of other intangible assets included in other assets at December 26, 2015 was as follows: (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 30,882 $ (1,488 ) $ 29,394 Non-compete agreements 6,534 (2,838 ) 3,696 Patents and technology 9,798 (5,323 ) 4,475 Trade names and licenses 4,160 (574 ) 3,586 Other 213 (728 ) (515 ) Other intangible assets $ 51,587 $ (10,951 ) $ 40,636 The carrying amount of intangible assets at December 27, 2014 was as follows: (In thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 11,852 $ (526 ) $ 11,326 Non-compete agreements 4,495 (1,307 ) 3,188 Patents and technology 6,852 (4,744 ) 2,108 Trade names and licenses 1,670 (252 ) 1,418 Other 877 (453 ) 424 Other intangible assets $ 25,746 $ (7,282 ) $ 18,464
Amortization expense for intangible assets	Future amortization expense is estimated as follows: (In thousands) Amount 2016 $ 4,296 2017 3,014 2018 2,709 2019 2,647 2020 2,480 Thereafter 25,490 Expected amortization expense $ 40,636

Equity Method Investment (Table

Equity Method Investment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Equity Method Investment [Abstract]
Summarized financial information derived from the Company's equity method investee's consolidated financial statements	The following tables present summarized financial information derived from the Company's equity method investee's consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company records its proportionate share of the investee's net income one quarter in arrears as equity in earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As such, the balances shown below are as of September 30, 2015. The allocation of the Joint Venture's purchase price is provisional as of December 26, 2015 and therefore subject to change upon final valuation of assets and review of working capital. Changes to the final purchase price allocation could impact the Company's accounting for its equity method investment in the Joint Venture. (In thousands) 2015 Balance sheet data: Current assets $ 251,389 Noncurrent assets 112,156 Current liabilities 178,784 Noncurrent liabilities 63,643

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	(In thousands) 2015 2014 Term Loan Facility with interest at 2.66%, due 2017 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 Mueller-Xingrong credit facility with interest at 5.60%, due 2016 5,275 29,968 2001 Series IRB's with interest at 1.23%, due through 2021 5,250 6,250 Other 5,485 5,226 216,010 241,444 Less current portion of debt (11,760 ) (36,194 ) Long-term debt $ 204,250 $ 205,250
Aggregate annual maturities of debt	Aggregate annual maturities of the Company's debt are as follows: (In thousands) Amount 2016 $ 11,760 2017 201,000 2018 1,000 2019 1,000 2020 1,000 Thereafter 250 Long-term debt $ 216,010
Net interest expense	Net interest expense consisted of the following: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Interest expense $ 8,335 $ 6,393 $ 5,147 Capitalized interest (668 ) (653 ) (1,157 ) $ 7,667 $ 5,740 $ 3,990

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Components of income before income taxes	The components of income before income taxes were taxed under the following jurisdictions: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 121,614 $ 135,445 $ 262,220 Foreign 10,175 12,568 9,178 Income before income taxes $ 131,789 $ 148,013 $ 271,398
Components of income tax expense	Income tax expense consists of the following: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Current tax expense: Federal $ 50,272 $ 45,723 $ 69,565 Foreign 4,042 2,346 2,608 State and local 4,886 3,905 6,723 Current tax expense 59,200 51,974 78,896 Deferred tax (benefit) expense: Federal (13,739 ) (2,469 ) 17,694 Foreign (1,180 ) 890 (376 ) State and local (899 ) (4,916 ) 1,895 Deferred tax (benefit) expense (15,818 ) (6,495 ) 19,213 Income tax expense $ 43,382 $ 45,479 $ 98,109
Income tax reconciliation	The difference between the reported income tax expense and a tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes is reconciled as follows: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Expected income tax expense $ 46,126 $ 51,805 $ 94,989 State and local income tax, net of federal benefit 2,673 3,355 6,405 Effect of foreign statutory rate different from U.S. and other foreign adjustments (654 ) (1,094 ) (1,026 ) Valuation allowance changes — (5,732 ) — U.S. production activities deduction (3,500 ) (4,025 ) (4,445 ) Goodwill disposition 646 — 1,790 Tax contingency changes — — (140 ) Permanent adjustment to deferred tax liabilities (4,218 ) — — Other, net 2,309 1,170 536 Income tax expense $ 43,382 $ 45,479 $ 98,109
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: (In thousands) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Inventories $ 14,802 $ 12,815 Other postretirement benefits and accrued items 15,294 14,550 Pension 2,349 4,792 Other reserves 9,823 10,262 Federal and foreign tax attributes 7,403 6,451 State tax attributes, net of federal benefit 21,716 22,928 Share-based compensation 3,397 3,016 Total deferred tax assets 74,784 74,814 Less valuation allowance (17,650 ) (17,119 ) Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 57,134 57,695 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant, and equipment 43,592 57,089 Other 1,546 1,721 Total deferred tax liabilities 45,138 58,810 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ 11,996 $ (1,115 )

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Weighted average assumptions used in calculating fair value of stock options	The weighted average of key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted and a discussion of the methodology used to develop each assumption are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Expected term 5.5 years 5.6 years 5.9 years Expected price volatility 26.2% 34.3% 39.7% Risk-free interest rate 1.7% 1.7% 0.7% Dividend yield 0.9% 1.0% 0.9%
Summary of the stock option activity	A summary of the activity and related information follows: Stock Options Restricted Stock Awards (Shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 27, 2014 1,127 $ 17.38 727 $ 25.21 Granted 223 32.59 193 32.54 Exercised (149 ) 13.95 (214 ) 22.49 Forfeited (3 ) 30.61 (1 ) 28.28 Outstanding at December 26, 2015 1,198 20.59 705 28.08

Accumulated Other Comprehensi39

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Changes in accumulated OCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest	The following table provides changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI): (In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment Unrealized (Losses)/ Gains on Derivatives Minimum Pension/ OPEB Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments Total Balance at December 28, 2013 $ (462 ) $ 1,546 $ (12,158 ) $ 255 $ (10,819 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (12,613 ) (2,766 ) (23,475 ) 15 (38,839 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 5,999 267 469 — 6,735 Balance at December 27, 2014 (7,076 ) (953 ) (35,164 ) 270 (42,923 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (17,697 ) (4,604 ) 4,766 (49 ) (17,584 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 3,548 1,969 — 5,517 Balance at December 26, 2015 $ (24,773 ) $ (2,009 ) $ (28,429 ) $ 221 $ (54,990 )
Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated OCI	Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Affected Line Item Unrealized losses on derivatives: Commodity contracts $ 4,486 $ 328 $ 5,618 Cost of goods sold Foreign currency contracts — — 54 Depreciation expense Interest rate swap 372 — — Interest expense (1,310 ) (61 ) (1,857 ) Income tax expense 3,548 267 3,815 Net of tax — — — Noncontrolling interest $ 3,548 $ 267 $ 3,815 Net of tax and noncontrolling interest Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans $ 2,688 $ 541 $ 3,844 Selling, general, and administrative expense (719 ) (72 ) (1,326 ) Income tax expense 1,969 469 2,518 Net of tax — — — Noncontrolling interest $ 1,969 $ 469 $ 2,518 Net of tax and noncontrolling interest Loss recognized upon sale of business $ — $ 5,999 $ — Gain on sale of assets — — — Income tax benefit — 5,999 — Net of tax — — — Noncontrolling interest $ — $ 5,999 $ — Net of tax and noncontrolling interest

Benefit Plans (Tables)

Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the changes in the plans' benefit obligations and the fair value of the plans assets	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans' benefit obligations and the fair value of the plans' assets for 2015 and 2014, and a statement of the plans' aggregate funded status: Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 207,738 $ 184,058 $ 19,307 $ 15,381 Service cost 803 973 363 348 Interest cost 8,032 8,590 1,005 685 Actuarial (gain) loss (9,163 ) 30,138 270 4,272 Plan amendments — — (9,094 ) — Business acquisitions — — 5,655 — Benefit payments (10,795 ) (11,064 ) (1,037 ) (1,142 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment (3,854 ) (4,957 ) (626 ) (237 ) Obligation at end of year 192,761 207,738 15,843 19,307 Change in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 190,016 188,870 — — Actual return on plan assets (1,682 ) 12,716 — — Employer contributions 1,513 3,275 1,037 1,142 Benefit payments (10,795 ) (11,064 ) (1,037 ) (1,142 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment (2,975 ) (3,781 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 176,077 190,016 — — Underfunded status at end of year $ (16,684 ) $ (17,722 ) $ (15,843 ) $ (19,307 )
Amounts recognized in accumulated OCI (before the effect of income taxes)	The following represents amounts recognized in AOCI (before the effect of income taxes): Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Unrecognized net actuarial loss $ 48,681 $ 49,830 $ 767 $ 473 Unrecognized prior service (credit) cost — — (9,087 ) 14
Funded status of the plans recognized	As of December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, the total funded status of the plans recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Long-term asset $ 765 $ 2,348 $ — $ — Current liability — — (1,221 ) (1,251 ) Long-term liability (17,449 ) (20,070 ) (14,622 ) (18,056 ) Total underfunded status $ (16,684 ) $ (17,722 ) $ (15,843 ) $ (19,307 )
Components of net periodic benefit costs	The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Pension benefits: Service cost $ 803 $ 973 $ 948 Interest cost 8,032 8,590 7,774 Expected return on plan assets (10,289 ) (13,669 ) (11,059 ) Amortization of prior service cost — 1 1 Amortization of net loss 2,710 752 4,005 Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 1,256 $ (3,353 ) $ 1,669 Other benefits: Service cost $ 363 $ 348 $ 413 Interest cost 1,005 685 647 Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 6 6 (2 ) Amortization of net gain (28 ) (218 ) (160 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,346 $ 821 $ 898
Weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of the Company's benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost are as follows	The weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of the Company's benefit obligations are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.02 % 4.03 % 4.25 % 4.33 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 5.59 % 5.58 % N/A N/A Rate of compensation increases N/A N/A 5.00 % 5.00 % Rate of inflation 3.20 % 3.10 % N/A N/A The weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of the Company's net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.03 % 4.82 % 4.13 % 4.33 % 4.89 % 4.06 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 5.58 % 7.40 % 7.15 % N/A N/A N/A Rate of compensation increases N/A N/A N/A 5.00 % 5.50 % 5.04 % Rate of inflation 3.10 % 3.40 % 2.70 % N/A N/A N/A
Weighted average asset allocation of pension fund assets	The weighted average asset allocation of the Company's pension fund assets are as follows: Pension Plan Assets Asset category 2015 2014 Equity securities (includes equity mutual funds) 51 % 49 % Fixed income securities (includes fixed income mutual funds) 37 4 Cash and equivalents (includes money market funds) 9 44 Alternative investments 3 3 Total 100 % 100 %
Plan assets at fair value within the fair value hierarchy, by level	The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the assets of the plans at fair value: Fair Value Measurements at December 26, 2015 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash and money market funds $ 16,632 $ — $ — $ 16,632 Common stock (1) 25,229 — — 25,229 Mutual funds (2) 9,666 119,960 — 129,626 Limited partnerships — — 4,590 4,590 Total $ 51,527 $ 119,960 $ 4,590 $ 176,077 Fair Value Measurements at December 27, 2014 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash and money market funds $ 84,377 $ — $ — $ 84,377 Common stock (3) 26,105 — — 26,105 Mutual funds (4) 11,397 63,067 — 74,464 Limited partnerships — — 5,070 5,070 Total $ 121,879 $ 63,067 $ 5,070 $ 190,016 (1) Approximately 50 percent of common stock represents investments in U.S. companies primarily in the health care, utilities, financials, consumer staples, industrials, and information technology sectors. All investments in common stock are listed on U.S. stock exchanges. (2) Approximately 67 percent of mutual funds are actively managed funds and approximately 33 percent of mutual funds are index funds. Additionally, 12 percent of the mutual funds' assets are invested in U.S. equities, 38 percent in non-U.S. equities, 46 percent in U.S. fixed income securities, and 4 percent in non-U.S. fixed income securities. (3) Approximately 51 percent of common stock represents investments in U.S. companies primarily in the health care, utilities, financials, consumer staples, industrials, and information technology sectors. All investments in common stock are listed on U.S. stock exchanges. (4) Approximately 40 percent of mutual funds are actively managed funds and approximately 60 percent of mutual funds are index funds. Additionally, 23 percent of the mutual funds' assets are invested in U.S. equities, 67 percent in non-U.S. equities, and 10 percent in non-U.S. fixed income securities.
Plan assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs	The table below reflects the changes in the assets of the plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 of fair value hierarchy) during the year ended December 26, 2015: (In thousands) Limited Partnerships Balance, December 27, 2014 $ 5,070 Redemptions (697 ) Subscriptions 250 Net depreciation in fair value (33 ) Balance, December 26, 2015 $ 4,590
Future benefit plans payments	The Company expects future benefits to be paid from the plans as follows: (In thousands) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 $ 10,832 $ 1,221 2017 10,856 1,112 2018 10,910 1,147 2019 10,994 1,111 2020 11,033 1,356 2021-2025 60,251 5,973 Total $ 114,876 $ 11,920

Derivative Instruments and He41

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
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 the 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 2015 2014 Balance Sheet Location 2015 2014 Hedging instrument: Commodity contracts - gains Other current assets $ 60 $ 99 Other current liabilities $ 238 $ 15 Commodity contracts - losses Other current assets — (4 ) Other current liabilities (1,864 ) (832 ) Foreign currency contracts - gains Other current assets — — Other current liabilities 34 — Foreign currency contracts - losses Other current assets — — Other current liabilities (75 ) (81 ) Interest rate swap Other assets — — Other liabilities (1,692 ) (927 ) Total derivatives (1) $ 60 $ 95 $ (3,359 ) $ (1,825 ) (1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral provided to counterparties
Schedule of fair value hedges	The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income: (In thousands) Location 2015 2014 Fair value hedges: Gain on commodity contracts (qualifying) Cost of goods sold $ 3,374 $ 6,783 Loss on hedged item - Inventory Cost of goods sold (3,665 ) (5,958 ) Undesignated derivatives: Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying) Cost of goods sold $ 3,474 $ 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: Year Ended December 26, 2015 (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 $ (3,817 ) Cost of goods sold $ 3,310 Foreign currency contracts (39 ) Depreciation expense — Interest rate swap (727 ) Interest expense 238 Other (21 ) Other — Year Ended December 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 $ (1,088 ) Cost of goods sold $ 267 Foreign currency contracts (275 ) Depreciation expense — Interest rate swap (1,435 ) Interest expense — Other 32 Other —

Industry Segments (Tables)

Industry Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Industry Segments [Abstract]
Net sales by major product line	Net Sales by Major Product Line: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Tube and fittings $ 1,053,761 $ 1,143,164 $ 972,107 Brass rod and forgings 436,456 556,985 553,896 OEM components, tube & assemblies 342,651 345,991 337,772 Valves and plumbing specialties 198,012 262,504 239,822 Other 69,122 55,583 54,944 $ 2,100,002 $ 2,364,227 $ 2,158,541
Geographic information	Geographic Information: (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Net sales: United States $ 1,519,456 $ 1,752,548 $ 1,651,138 United Kingdom 240,823 326,832 229,659 Canada 97,967 9,807 13,666 Other 241,756 275,040 264,078 $ 2,100,002 $ 2,364,227 $ 2,158,541 (In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Long-lived assets: United States $ 223,398 $ 203,522 $ 198,837 United Kingdom 15,248 19,007 21,220 Canada 20,460 — — Other 21,118 23,381 24,400 $ 280,224 $ 245,910 $ 244,457
Summary of segment information	Segment Information: For the Year Ended December 26, 2015 (In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment OEM Segment Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,260,273 $ 849,538 $ (9,809 ) $ 2,100,002 Cost of goods sold 1,082,493 736,878 (9,669 ) 1,809,702 Depreciation and amortization 19,237 13,535 1,836 34,608 Selling, general, and administrative expense 80,405 26,477 23,476 130,358 Gain on sale of assets (15,376 ) — — (15,376 ) Severance 3,442 — — 3,442 Operating income 90,072 72,648 (25,452 ) 137,268 Interest expense (7,667 ) Other income, net 2,188 Income before income taxes $ 131,789 For the Year Ended December 27, 2014 (In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment OEM Segment Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,416,701 $ 959,914 $ (12,388 ) $ 2,364,227 Cost of goods sold 1,215,282 840,823 (12,386 ) 2,043,719 Depreciation and amortization 19,613 11,919 2,203 33,735 Selling, general, and administrative expense 87,539 21,458 22,743 131,740 Gain on sale of assets (6,259 ) — — (6,259 ) Severance 7,296 — — 7,296 Operating income 93,230 85,714 (24,948 ) 153,996 Interest expense (5,740 ) Other expense, net (243 ) Income before income taxes $ 148,013 For the Year Ended December 28, 2013 (In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment OEM Segment Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,225,306 $ 947,784 $ (14,549 ) $ 2,158,541 Cost of goods sold 1,043,059 833,518 (14,488 ) 1,862,089 Depreciation and amortization 17,117 13,025 2,252 32,394 Selling, general, and administrative expense 85,471 24,479 24,964 134,914 Insurance settlement (103,895 ) — (2,437 ) (106,332 ) Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets (39,765 ) — — (39,765 ) Impairment charges 4,173 131 — 4,304 Operating income 219,146 76,631 (24,840 ) 270,937 Interest expense (3,990 ) Other income, net 4,451 Income before income taxes $ 271,398
Segment information by assets	(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Expenditures for long-lived assets (including business acquisitions): Plumbing & Refrigeration $ 41,456 $ 30,087 $ 43,543 OEM 29,420 10,788 14,845 General corporate 136 401 3,254 $ 71,012 $ 41,276 $ 61,642 Segment assets: Plumbing & Refrigeration $ 709,447 $ 664,784 $ 625,371 OEM 302,875 313,245 305,052 General corporate 326,479 350,067 317,344 $ 1,338,801 $ 1,328,096 $ 1,247,767

Quarterly Financial Informati43

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information (Unaudited)	First Second Third Fourth ( In thousands, except per share data) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2015 Net sales $ 537,242 $ 555,593 $ 535,184 $ 471,983 Gross profit (1) 76,408 85,228 68,017 60,647 Consolidated net income (2) 22,340 33,862 (3 ) 18,095 (4 ) 14,110 Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. 21,978 33,651 17,800 14,435 Basic earnings per share 0.39 0.60 0.32 0.26 Diluted earnings per share 0.39 0.59 0.31 0.25 Dividends per share 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 2014 Net sales $ 574,374 $ 649,691 $ 602,820 $ 537,342 Gross profit (1) 78,597 91,916 81,542 68,453 Consolidated net income (5) 24,954 35,209 24,322 18,049 (6 ) 24,706 35,045 23,823 17,987 Basic earnings per share 0.44 0.63 0.42 0.32 Diluted earnings per share 0.44 0.62 0.42 0.32 Dividends per share 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 (1) Gross profit is net sales less cost of goods sold, which excludes depreciation and amortization. (2) Includes income earned by Turbotec, acquired during Q2 2015, Sherwood, acquired during Q2 2015, and Great Lakes, acquired during Q3 2015. (3) Includes $15.4 million pre-tax gain on sale of assets and $3.4 million of pre-tax charges related to severance. (4) During Q3 2015, the Company recorded a permanent adjustment to a deferred tax liability of $4.2 million. (5) Includes losses incurred by Yorkshire, acquired during Q1 2014. (6) Includes $4.8 million pre-tax gain on sale of assets and $4.2 million of pre-tax charges related to severance. (7) The sum of quarterly amounts may not equal the annual amounts reported due to rounding. In addition, the earnings per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter, while the full year is based on the weighted average shares outstanding.

Summary of Significant Accoun44

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)Segmentshares	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Non-controlling ownership interest of Mueller-Xingrong	49.50%
Common Stock Split [Abstract]
Conversion ratio for stock split	2
Number of shares given as stock dividend for each outstanding share (in shares) | shares	1
Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Temporary investments	$ 106.4	$ 144.9
Restricted cash	$ 3.7	$ 8.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate [Abstract]
Interest in the Joint Venture	50.00%
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Specified percentage over which unrecognized gains and losses are amortized	10.00%
Average remaining service period for the pension plans	9 years
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock-based awards excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) | shares	427,000	180,000
Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains	$ (1.7)	$ 0.1	$ (0.1)
Change in Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	3
Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets reclassified as non current asset	$ 24.6
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	20 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	20 years

Acquisitions and Dispositions45

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Jul. 31, 2015

Jun. 18, 2015

Jun. 01, 2015

Mar. 30, 2015

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 21, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Oct. 17, 2013

Aug. 09, 2013

Jun. 27, 2015

Dec. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 26, 2015

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Allocated to [Abstract]

Goodwill

$ 102,909

$ 120,252

$ 102,909

$ 94,357

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Severance

$ 3,400

4,200

3,442

7,296

0

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Cash proceeds from sale of property

$ 5,000

5,538

33,788

65,147

Pre-tax gain on sale of property

15,400

$ 4,800

$ 15,376

6,259

$ 39,765

Minimum [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Lease-back term

8 months

Maximum [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Lease-back term

14 months

Customer Relationships [Member]

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life

20 years

Non-compete Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life

3 years

Non-compete Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life

5 years

Patents and Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life

10 years

Patents and Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life

15 years

Trade Names and Licenses [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life

5 years

Trade Names and Licenses [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life

10 years

Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life

2 years

Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life

5 years

Land and Building Assets [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Cash proceeds from sale of property

$ 4,700

Pre-tax gain on sale of property

$ 1,400

Impairment charge recognized on fair value of disposed assets

$ 3,200

Manufacturing Assets [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Carrying value of assets disposed

$ 15,900

Cash proceeds from sale of property

61,200

Pre-tax gain on sale of property

$ 39,800

Total sales price of property

66,200

Amount of diluted share after tax

$ 0.41

Goodwill allocated to disposal group

$ 10,500

Mueller Primaflow Limited [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Proceeds from sale of outstanding capital stock of Primaflow

$ 24,900

Net sales

57,500

After-tax net income

4,400

Carrying value of the liabilities disposed

7,100

Cumulative translation loss

(6,000)

Carrying value of assets disposed

$ 25,300

ABS [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Carrying value of assets disposed

$ 1,900

Cash proceeds from sale of property

6,000

Pre-tax gain on sale of property

$ 4,100

DWV Ontario Manufacturing Assets [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Carrying value of assets disposed

$ 2,300

Cash proceeds from sale of property

$ 5,000

Deferred revenue - current

$ 5,000

Deferred revenue - noncurrent

10,200

Pre-tax gain on sale of property

$ 15,400

Lease-back term

22 months

Total sales price of property

$ 20,200

Amount of diluted share after tax

$ 0.17

Goodwill allocated to disposal group

$ 2,400

Great Lakes Copper, Inc [Member]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]

Total consideration

$ 70,011

Allocated to [Abstract]

Accounts receivable

26,079

Inventories

15,233

Other current assets

22

Property, plant, and equipment

22,771

Goodwill

[1]

19,087

Intangible assets

27,468

Other assets

1,413

Total assets acquired

112,073

Accounts payable

36,026

Accrued wages & other employee costs

0

Other current liabilities

381

Postretirement benefits other than pensions

5,655

Other noncurrent liabilities

0

Total liabilities assumed

42,062

Net assets acquired

70,011

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Cost of acquisition, post-closing working capital adjustment

1,500

Great Lakes Copper, Inc [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

20,273

Great Lakes Copper, Inc [Member] | Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

2,269

Great Lakes Copper, Inc [Member] | Patents and Technology [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

3,104

Great Lakes Copper, Inc [Member] | Trade Names and Licenses [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

2,453

Great Lakes Copper, Inc [Member] | Other [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

$ (631)

Sherwood Valve Products, LLC [Member]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]

Total consideration

$ 21,795

Allocated to [Abstract]

Accounts receivable

6,490

Inventories

11,892

Other current assets

260

Property, plant, and equipment

10,327

Goodwill

0

Intangible assets

(38)

Other assets

0

Total assets acquired

28,931

Accounts payable

6,022

Accrued wages & other employee costs

471

Other current liabilities

487

Postretirement benefits other than pensions

0

Other noncurrent liabilities

156

Total liabilities assumed

7,136

Net assets acquired

$ 21,795

Turbotec Products, Inc. [Member]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]

Total consideration

$ 14,138

Allocated to [Abstract]

Accounts receivable

1,936

Inventories

3,247

Other current assets

72

Property, plant, and equipment

9,080

Goodwill

2,088

Intangible assets

880

Other assets

59

Total assets acquired

17,362

Accounts payable

1,603

Accrued wages & other employee costs

356

Other current liabilities

51

Postretirement benefits other than pensions

0

Other noncurrent liabilities

1,214

Total liabilities assumed

3,224

Net assets acquired

14,138

Turbotec Products, Inc. [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

350

Turbotec Products, Inc. [Member] | Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

90

Turbotec Products, Inc. [Member] | Patents and Technology [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

220

Turbotec Products, Inc. [Member] | Trade Names and Licenses [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

220

Turbotec Products, Inc. [Member] | Other [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

$ 0

KME Yorkshire Limited [Member]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]

Total consideration

$ 30,137

Allocated to [Abstract]

Accounts receivable

0

Inventories

17,579

Other current assets

1,034

Property, plant, and equipment

2,103

Goodwill

[1]

8,075

Intangible assets

16,937

Other assets

0

Total assets acquired

45,728

Accounts payable

10,188

Accrued wages & other employee costs

1,167

Other current liabilities

4,236

Postretirement benefits other than pensions

0

Other noncurrent liabilities

0

Total liabilities assumed

15,591

Net assets acquired

30,137

Intangible asset type [Abstract]

Severance

$ 3,400

$ 7,300

KME Yorkshire Limited [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

10,699

KME Yorkshire Limited [Member] | Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

4,504

KME Yorkshire Limited [Member] | Patents and Technology [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

0

KME Yorkshire Limited [Member] | Trade Names and Licenses [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

1,055

KME Yorkshire Limited [Member] | Other [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

$ 679

Howell Metal Company [Member]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]

Total consideration

$ 55,276

Allocated to [Abstract]

Accounts receivable

14,564

Inventories

27,615

Other current assets

571

Property, plant, and equipment

20,293

Goodwill

[1]

1,358

Intangible assets

2,320

Other assets

0

Total assets acquired

66,721

Accounts payable

9,208

Accrued wages & other employee costs

703

Other current liabilities

1,534

Postretirement benefits other than pensions

0

Other noncurrent liabilities

0

Total liabilities assumed

11,445

Net assets acquired

55,276

Howell Metal Company [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

1,910

Howell Metal Company [Member] | Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

0

Howell Metal Company [Member] | Patents and Technology [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

0

Howell Metal Company [Member] | Trade Names and Licenses [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

410

Howell Metal Company [Member] | Other [Member]

Allocated to [Abstract]

Intangible assets

$ 0

[1]

Tax-deductible goodwill

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$ 58,987	$ 53,586
Work-in-process	25,161	39,707
Finished goods	161,410	168,481
Valuation reserves	(6,180)	(5,189)
Inventories	239,378	256,585
Inventories valued using the LIFO method	27,600	25,900
FIFO cost of inventories	80,700	104,800
Average cost basis inventories	48,800	47,700
FIFO value of inventory consigned to others	$ 3,700	$ 4,300

Consolidated Financial Statem47

Consolidated Financial Statement Details (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued discounts and allowances	$ 46,600	$ 45,300
Taxes payable, current	10,300	900
Other (Expense) Income, Net [Abstract]
Gain on the sale of non-operating property	0	0	$ 3,000
Interest income	1,029	573	906
Environmental expense, non-operating properties	(46)	(822)	(823)
Other	1,205	6	1,368
Other (expense) income, net	$ 2,188	$ (243)	$ 4,451

Property, Plant, and Equipmen48

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 786,323	$ 738,113
Less accumulated depreciation	(506,099)	(492,203)
Property, plant and equipment, net	280,224	245,910
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,046	12,198
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	128,322	120,035
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	597,209	561,093
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 47,746	$ 44,787

Goodwill and Other Intangible49

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		$ 143,762
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning balance		(49,405)
Goodwill, net, Beginning Balance	$ 102,909	94,357
Additions	21,175	9,123	[1]
Disposition	(2,418)
Currency translation	(1,414)	(571)
Goodwill	169,657			$ 143,762
Accumulated impairment changes, ending balance	(49,405)			(49,405)
Goodwill, net, Ending Balance	120,252	102,909		94,357
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase price allocation adjustments	1,000
Amortization expenses	4,100	3,500		1,400
Amortization expense for intangible assets
2,016	4,296
2,017	3,014
2,018	2,709
2,019	2,647
2,020	2,480
Thereafter	25,490
Net Carrying Amount	40,636
Carrying amount of intangible assets [Abstract]
Net Carrying Amount	40,636
Customer Relationships [Member]
Amortization expense for intangible assets
Net Carrying Amount	29,394	11,326
Carrying amount of intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	30,882	11,852
Accumulated Amortization	(1,488)	(526)
Net Carrying Amount	29,394	11,326
Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Amortization expense for intangible assets
Net Carrying Amount	3,696	3,188
Carrying amount of intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,534	4,495
Accumulated Amortization	(2,838)	(1,307)
Net Carrying Amount	3,696	3,188
Patents and Technology [Member]
Amortization expense for intangible assets
Net Carrying Amount	4,475	2,108
Carrying amount of intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	9,798	6,852
Accumulated Amortization	(5,323)	(4,744)
Net Carrying Amount	4,475	2,108
Trade Names and Licenses [Member]
Amortization expense for intangible assets
Net Carrying Amount	3,586	1,418
Carrying amount of intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	4,160	1,670
Accumulated Amortization	(574)	(252)
Net Carrying Amount	3,586	1,418
Other [Member]
Amortization expense for intangible assets
Net Carrying Amount	(515)	424
Carrying amount of intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	213	877
Accumulated Amortization	(728)	(453)
Net Carrying Amount	(515)	424
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Amortization expense for intangible assets
Net Carrying Amount	40,636	18,464
Carrying amount of intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	51,587	25,746
Accumulated Amortization	(10,951)	(7,282)
Net Carrying Amount	40,636	18,464
Plumbing and Refrigeration Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		131,462
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning balance		(39,434)
Goodwill, net, Beginning Balance	100,580	92,028
Additions	19,087	9,123	[1]
Disposition	(2,418)
Currency translation	(1,414)	(571)
Goodwill	155,269			131,462
Accumulated impairment changes, ending balance	(39,434)			(39,434)
Goodwill, net, Ending Balance	115,835	100,580		92,028
OEM Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill		12,300
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning balance		(9,971)
Goodwill, net, Beginning Balance	2,329	2,329
Additions	2,088	0	[1]
Disposition	0
Currency translation	0	0
Goodwill	14,388			12,300
Accumulated impairment changes, ending balance	(9,971)			(9,971)
Goodwill, net, Ending Balance	$ 4,417	$ 2,329		$ 2,329
[1]	Includes finalization of the purchase price allocation adjustment for Howell of $1.0 million

Equity Method Investment (Detai

Equity Method Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 21, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%
Balance sheet data [Abstract]:
Current assets	$ 251,389
Noncurrent assets	112,156
Current liabilities	178,784
Noncurrent liabilities	$ 63,643
Atlas Holdings LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, aggregate cost		$ 65,900
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		50.00%

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) $ in Thousands, ¥ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015CNY (¥)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 216,010	$ 241,444
Less current portion of debt	(11,760)	(36,194)
Long-term debt	204,250	205,250
Aggregate annual maturities of debt [Abstract]
2,016	11,760
2,017	201,000
2,018	1,000
2,019	1,000
2,020	1,000
Thereafter	250
Long-term debt	216,010	241,444
Net interest expense [Abstract]
Interest expense	8,335	6,393	$ 5,147
Capitalized interest	(668)	(653)	(1,157)
Net interest expense	7,667	5,740	3,990
Interest Paid	8,100	5,700	$ 4,900
Term Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 200,000	200,000
Debt, stated interest rate	2.66%			2.66%
Debt instrument maturity date	Dec. 11, 2017
Aggregate annual maturities of debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt	$ 200,000	200,000
Mueller Xingrong Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 5,275	29,968
Debt, stated interest rate	5.60%			5.60%
Debt instrument maturity date	Dec. 31, 2016
Aggregate annual maturities of debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt	$ 5,275	29,968
2001 Series IRB [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 5,250	6,250
Debt, stated interest rate	1.23%			1.23%
Debt instrument maturity date	Dec. 31, 2021
Aggregate annual maturities of debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt	$ 5,250	6,250
Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	5,485	5,226
Aggregate annual maturities of debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt	5,485	$ 5,226
Mueller Xingrong Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity	$ 36,000			¥ 230
Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument variable rate basis	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at LIBOR or Base Rate as defined by the Credit Agreement, plus a variable premium. LIBOR advances may be based upon the one, three, or six-month LIBOR.
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 8,800
Terms of the letters of credit	1 year
Credit Agreement [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.375%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.375%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility commitment fee	0.25%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.125%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.125%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility commitment fee	0.375%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.625%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.625%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 0
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	200,000
Mueller Xingrong [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total borrowings	$ 10,800

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended				24 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)PartyPropertyImportEntry	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)Party	Jun. 21, 2011	Apr. 19, 2010	Dec. 27, 2008USD ($)
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental expense	$ 100,000	$ 1,200,000	$ 1,000,000
Environmental reserves	21,700,000	22,700,000			$ 21,700,000
Expected environmental expenditures for 2016	600,000				600,000
Expected environmental expenditures for 2017	600,000				600,000
Expected environmental expenditures for 2018	600,000				600,000
Expected environmental expenditures for 2019	700,000				700,000
Expected environmental expenditures for 2020	700,000				700,000
Expected environmental expenditures after 2020	18,500,000				18,500,000
Facilities Vehicles and Equipment [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease payments scheduled for 2016	7,800,000				7,800,000
Lease payments scheduled for 2017	5,700,000				5,700,000
Lease payments scheduled for 2018	4,700,000				4,700,000
Lease payments scheduled for 2019	2,200,000				2,200,000
Lease payments scheduled for 2020	1,600,000				1,600,000
Lease expense	9,700,000	9,800,000	9,100,000
United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Assignment of antidumping duty rate on U.S. imports by Company subsidiaries						19.80%	48.33%
Payment request for interest and duties	$ 3,000,000
Number of import entries | ImportEntry	795
Reserve established	$ 1,100,000				1,100,000
Anticipated antidumping duty liability with respect to the subject merchandise	0
Operating Properties [Member] | Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Mitigation estimates minimum	700,000
Mitigation estimates maximum	$ 1,100,000
Estimated number of years until mitigation resolution	9 years
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | Southeast Kansas Sites [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental reserves	$ 5,600,000				$ 5,600,000			$ 9,500,000
Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations | Party	2				2
Lead Refinery Site [Abstract]
Estimated cost of site remediation, percentage of per diluted share after tax	$ 0.04
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | Shasta Area Mine Sites [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental spending					$ 1,300,000
Period of permit, implementation of Best Management Practices	10 years
Mitigation estimates minimum	$ 13,300,000	$ 10,500,000
Mitigation estimates maximum	$ 20,100,000
Estimated number of years until mitigation resolution	30 years	20 years
Lead Refinery Site [Abstract]
Estimated cost of site remediation, percentage of per diluted share after tax	$ 0.03
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | Lead Refinery Site [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental expense	$ 200,000	$ 100,000	100,000
Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations | Party	3				3
Mitigation estimates minimum	$ 2,100,000
Mitigation estimates maximum	$ 5,800,000
Estimated number of years until mitigation resolution	21 years
Lead Refinery Site [Abstract]
EPA's estimated cost of site remediation	$ 26,000,000
Number of surrounding properties | Property	300
Insurance Settlement [Member] | Wynne, Arkansas [Member]
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance settlement proceeds			127,300,000
Insurance claim deductible amount			500,000
Pre-tax gain from settlement			$ 106,300,000
After tax gain from settlement (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 1.17
Proceeds from insurance company received			$ 62,300,000	$ 55,000,000
Consulting Agreement [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Consulting agreement term	6 years
Initial period of the consulting agreement	4 years
Initial period rate of pay based on final base compensation	two-thirds
Final period of the consulting agreement	2 years
Final period rate of pay of based on final base compensation	one-third
Remaining amount payable under the Consulting agreement	$ 1,300,000				$ 1,300,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 121,614	$ 135,445	$ 262,220
Foreign	10,175	12,568	9,178
Income before income taxes	131,789	148,013	271,398
Current tax expense [Abstract]
Federal	50,272	45,723	69,565
Foreign	4,042	2,346	2,608
State and local	4,886	3,905	6,723
Current tax expense	59,200	51,974	78,896
Deferred tax (benefit) expense [Abstract]
Federal	(13,739)	(2,469)	17,694
Foreign	(1,180)	890	(376)
State and local	(899)	(4,916)	1,895
Deferred tax (benefit) expense	(15,818)	(6,495)	19,213
Income tax expense	43,382	45,479	98,109
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	81,000
Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
Expected income tax expense	46,126	51,805	94,989
State and local income tax, net of federal benefit	2,673	3,355	6,405
Effect of foreign statutory rate different from U.S. and other foreign adjustments	(654)	(1,094)	(1,026)
Valuation allowance changes	0	(5,732)	0
U.S. production activities deduction	(3,500)	(4,025)	(4,445)
Goodwill disposition	646	0	1,790
Tax contingency changes	0	0	(140)
Permanent adjustment to deferred tax liabilities	(4,218)	0	0
Other, net	2,309	1,170	536
Income tax expense	43,382	45,479	98,109
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	0	0	0
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Inventories	14,802	12,815
Other postretirement benefits and accrued items	15,294	14,550
Pension	2,349	4,792
Other reserves	9,823	10,262
Federal and foreign tax attributes	7,403	6,451
State tax attributes, net of federal benefit	21,716	22,928
Share-based compensation	3,397	3,016
Total deferred tax assets	74,784	74,814
Less valuation allowance	(17,650)	(17,119)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	57,134	57,695
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Property, plant, and equipment	43,592	57,089
Other	1,546	1,721
Total deferred tax liabilities	45,138	58,810
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	11,996	$ (1,115)
State income tax credit carryforwards with expiration	3,300
Other state income tax credit carryforwards with unlimited life	10,100
State net operating loss carryforwards with potential tax benefits	8,400
Valuation allowances	11,600
Federal and foreign tax attributes with potential tax benefits	7,300
Valuation allowances	$ 3,700
Permanent adjustment to deferred tax liabilities (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07
Additional valuation allowance per diluted share, State tax attributes (in dollars per share)		$ 0.10
Income taxes paid	$ 49,900	$ 47,300	$ 80,100

Equity (Details)

Equity (Details) shares in Millions	Dec. 26, 2015shares
Equity [Abstract]
Authorization to repurchase shares of common stock (in shares)	20
Shares repurchased (in shares)	4.7

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 6.2	$ 6.3	$ 5.7
Related tax benefit to stock based compensation	$ 1	$ 0.8	$ 0.7
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options vesting period	5 years
Shares available for future issuance (in shares)	1,100
Weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 7.58	$ 9	$ 8.77
Estimated forfeiture rate	16.10%	16.40%
Weighted average key assumptions [Abstract]
Expected term	5 years 6 months	5 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 10 months 24 days
Expected price volatility	26.20%	34.30%	39.70%
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%	1.70%	0.70%
Dividend yield	0.90%	1.00%	0.90%
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 3.1	$ 3.5	$ 2.9
Fair value of options vested	0.8	$ 1	1.1
Aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding options	$ 10.1
Weighted average remaining contractual term of all outstanding options	5 years 3 months 18 days
Outstanding options, exercisable (in shares)	789
Aggregate intrinsic value of current exercisable shares	$ 9.9
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.82
Weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years 8 months 12 days
Compensation for stock awards not yet recognized	$ 1.9
Compensation recognition period	3 years 1 month 6 days
Options outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	1,127
Granted (in shares)	223
Exercised (in shares)	(149)
Forfeited (in shares)	(3)
Ending balance (in shares)	1,198	1,127
Weighted average exercise price [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 17.38
Granted (in dollars per share)	32.59
Exercised (in dollars per share)	13.95
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	30.61
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 20.59	$ 17.38
Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options vesting period	1 year
Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options expiration period	10 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 19.9
Weighted average key assumptions [Abstract]
Fair value of options vested	4.8	$ 4.2	$ 1.8
Compensation for stock awards not yet recognized	$ 14.4
Compensation recognition period	3 years 3 months 18 days
Restricted stock [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	727
Granted (in shares)	193
Exercised (in shares)	(214)
Forfeited (in shares)	(1)
Ending balance (in shares)	705	727
Weighted average grant date fair value [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 25.21
Granted (in dollars per share)	32.54	$ 28.80	$ 28.32
Exercised (in dollars per share)	22.49
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	28.28
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 28.08	$ 25.21
2014 Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future issuance (in shares)	1,500

Accumulated Other Comprehensi56

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ (42,923)	$ (10,819)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(17,584)	(38,839)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		5,517	6,735
Ending balance		(54,990)	(42,923)	$ (10,819)
Reclassification Adjustments out of AOCI [Abstract]
Cost of goods sold		(1,809,702)	(2,043,719)	(1,862,089)
Depreciation expense		(30,556)	(30,205)	(30,946)
Interest expense		(7,667)	(5,740)	(3,990)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest	[1]	(1,056)	(2,499)	1,713
Selling, general, and administrative expense		(130,358)	(131,740)	(134,914)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(7,076)	(462)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(17,697)	(12,613)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		0	5,999
Ending balance		(24,773)	(7,076)	(462)
Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(953)	1,546
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(4,604)	(2,766)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		3,548	267
Ending balance		(2,009)	(953)	1,546
Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives [Member] | Amount Reclassified from AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustments out of AOCI [Abstract]
Cost of goods sold		4,486	328	5,618
Depreciation expense		0	0	54
Interest expense		372	0	0
Income tax expense		(1,310)	(61)	(1,857)
Net of tax		3,548	267	3,815
Noncontrolling interest		0	0	0
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest		3,548	267	3,815
Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(35,164)	(12,158)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		4,766	(23,475)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		1,969	469
Ending balance		(28,429)	(35,164)	(12,158)
Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment [Member] | Amount Reclassified from AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustments out of AOCI [Abstract]
Selling, general, and administrative expense		2,688	541	3,844
Income tax expense		(719)	(72)	(1,326)
Net of tax		1,969	469	2,518
Noncontrolling interest		0	0	0
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest		1,969	469	2,518
Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		270	255
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(49)	15
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		0	0
Ending balance		221	270	255
Loss Recognized Upon Sale of Business [Member] | Amount Reclassified from AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustments out of AOCI [Abstract]
Gain on sale of assets		0	5,999	0
Income tax benefit		0	0	0
Net of tax		0	5,999	0
Noncontrolling interest		0	0	0
Net of tax and noncontrolling interest		$ 0	$ 5,999	$ 0
[1]	Net of taxes of $575 in 2015, $1,362 in 2014, and $(962) in 2013

Benefit Plans (Details)

Benefit Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)Agreement		Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)		Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Actuarial net loss to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2016	$ (3,100)
Defined benefit plan, amortization of prior service credit	$ (900)
Payable maximum period to be considered current	12 months
Funded status of the plans recognized [Abstract]
Long-term liability	$ (17,449)		$ (20,070)
Weighted average assumptions in net periodic benefit calculations [Abstract]
Minimum annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits	6.80%
Maximum annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits	9.00%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	$ 176,077		$ 190,016
Approximate percentage of common stock invested in major industry	50.00%		51.00%
Approximate percentage of mutual funds actively managed	67.00%		40.00%
Approximate percentage of indexed mutual funds	33.00%		60.00%
Percentage of mutual funds' assets that are invested in U.S equities	12.00%		23.00%
Percent of mutual funds' assets that are invested in non-U.S. equities	38.00%		67.00%
Percent of mutual funds assets invested in US fixed income securities	46.00%
Percent of mutual funds' assets that are invested in non-U.S. fixed income securities	4.00%		10.00%
I.A.M Plan Trusts [Abstract]
Number of collective bargaining agreements | Agreement	2
Pension contributions under the I.A.M. pension plan trusts	$ 1,100		$ 1,000		$ 900
Minimum percentage of employer contributions	5.00%
Maximum percentage funded in the red zone, under the Pension Protection act of 2006	65.00%
Maximum percentage funded in the yellow zone, under the Pension Protection act of 2006	80.00%
Minimum percentage funded in the green zone, under the Pension Protection act of 2006	80.00%
401 (k) Plan [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the Company's matching contribution	$ 4,200		4,100		3,200
Contributions to UMWA 1992 Benefit Plan	214		249		290
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	51,527		121,879
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	119,960		63,067
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	4,590		5,070
Cash and Money Market Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	16,632		84,377
Cash and Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	16,632		84,377
Cash and Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0		0
Cash and Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0		0
Common Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	25,229	[1]	26,105	[2]
Common Stock [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	25,229	[1]	26,105	[2]
Common Stock [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0	[1]	0	[2]
Common Stock [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0	[1]	0	[2]
Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	129,626	[3]	74,464	[4]
Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	9,666	[3]	11,397	[4]
Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	119,960	[3]	63,067	[4]
Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0	[3]	0	[4]
Limited Partnerships [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	4,590		5,070
Limited Partnerships [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0		0
Limited Partnerships [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0		0
Limited Partnerships [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	4,590		5,070
Limited Partnerships [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	5,070
Redemptions	(697)
Subscriptions	250
Net depreciation in fair value	(33)
Ending balance	4,590		5,070
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Obligation at beginning of year	207,738		184,058
Service cost	803		973		948
Interest cost	8,032		8,590		7,774
Actuarial (gain) loss	(9,163)		30,138
Plan amendments	0		0
Business acquisitions	0		0
Benefit payments	(10,795)		(11,064)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(3,854)		(4,957)
Obligation at end of year	192,761		207,738		184,058
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	190,016		188,870
Actual return on plan assets	(1,682)		12,716
Employer contributions	1,513		3,275
Benefit payments	(10,795)		(11,064)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,975)		(3,781)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	176,077		190,016		188,870
Underfunded funded status at end of year	(16,684)		(17,722)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	48,681		49,830
Unrecognized prior service (credit) cost	0		0
Funded status of the plans recognized [Abstract]
Long-term asset	765		2,348
Current liability	0		0
Long-term liability	(17,449)		(20,070)
Total underfunded status	(16,684)		(17,722)
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	803		973		948
Interest cost	8,032		8,590		7,774
Expected return on plan assets	(10,289)		(13,669)		(11,059)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0		1		1
Amortization of net (gain) loss	2,710		752		4,005
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ 1,256		$ (3,353)		$ 1,669
Weighted average assumptions in benefit obligations calculations [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.02%		4.03%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	5.59%		5.58%
Rate of inflation	3.20%		3.10%
Weighted average assumptions in net periodic benefit calculations [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.03%		4.82%		4.13%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	5.58%		7.40%		7.15%
Rate of inflation	3.10%		3.40%		2.70%
Asset category [Abstract]
Total plan assets	100.00%		100.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	5.59%		5.58%
Future expected benefit payments [Abstract]
2,016	$ 10,832
2,017	10,856
2,018	10,910
2,019	10,994
2,020	11,033
2021-2025	60,251
Total	114,876
Company's expected contribution to benefit plans in next fiscal year	$ 1,500
Pension Benefits [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Asset category [Abstract]
Total plan assets	51.00%		49.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Asset category [Abstract]
Total plan assets	30.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Asset category [Abstract]
Total plan assets	37.00%		4.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Asset category [Abstract]
Total plan assets	60.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Cash and Money Market Funds [Member]
Asset category [Abstract]
Total plan assets	9.00%		44.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]
Asset category [Abstract]
Total plan assets	3.00%		3.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Asset category [Abstract]
Total plan assets	5.00%
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Obligation at beginning of year	$ 19,307		$ 15,381
Service cost	363		348		$ 413
Interest cost	1,005		685		647
Actuarial (gain) loss	270		4,272
Plan amendments	(9,094)		0
Business acquisitions	5,655		0
Benefit payments	(1,037)		(1,142)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(626)		(237)
Obligation at end of year	15,843		19,307		15,381
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0		0
Actual return on plan assets	0		0
Employer contributions	1,037		1,142
Benefit payments	(1,037)		(1,142)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0		0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0		0		0
Underfunded funded status at end of year	(15,843)		(19,307)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	767		473
Unrecognized prior service (credit) cost	(9,087)		14
Funded status of the plans recognized [Abstract]
Long-term asset	0		0
Current liability	(1,221)		(1,251)
Long-term liability	(14,622)		(18,056)
Total underfunded status	(15,843)		(19,307)
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	363		348		413
Interest cost	1,005		685		647
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	6		6		(2)
Amortization of net (gain) loss	(28)		(218)		(160)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ 1,346		$ 821		$ 898
Weighted average assumptions in benefit obligations calculations [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.25%		4.33%
Rate of compensation increases	5.00%		5.00%
Weighted average assumptions in net periodic benefit calculations [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.33%		4.89%		4.06%
Rate of compensation increases	5.00%		5.50%		5.04%
Future expected benefit payments [Abstract]
2,016	$ 1,221
2,017	1,112
2,018	1,147
2,019	1,111
2,020	1,356
2021-2025	5,973
Total	11,920
Company's expected contribution to benefit plans in next fiscal year	$ 1,200
U.K Plan [Member]
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Percent of above benefit obligation on company sponsored UK pension plan	41.00%		40.00%
Percent above plan assets on company sponsored UK pension plan	35.00%		34.00%
[1]	Approximately 50 percent of common stock represents investments in U.S. companies primarily in the health care, utilities, financials, consumer staples, industrials, and information technology sectors. All investments in common stock are listed on U.S. stock exchanges.
[2]	Approximately 51 percent of common stock represents investments in U.S. companies primarily in the health care, utilities, financials, consumer staples, industrials, and information technology sectors. All investments in common stock are listed on U.S. stock exchanges.
[3]	Approximately 67 percent of mutual funds are actively managed funds and approximately 33 percent of mutual funds are index funds. Additionally, 12 percent of the mutual funds' assets are invested in U.S. equities, 38 percent in non-U.S. equities, and 46 percent in U.S. fixed income securities, and 4 percent in non-U.S. fixed income securities.
[4]	Approximately 40 percent of mutual funds are actively managed funds and approximately 60 percent of mutual funds are index funds. Additionally, 23 percent of the mutual funds' assets are invested in U.S. equities, 67 percent in non-U.S. equities, and 10 percent in non-U.S. fixed income securities.

Derivative Instruments and He58

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets fair value	[1]	$ 60	$ 95
Liabilities fair value	[1]	(3,359)	(1,825)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Open future contracts to purchase copper		$ 33,900
Time period for open copper future contract purchases		12 months
Fair value of future contracts with gain (loss) position		$ (1,500)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Open future contracts to sell copper		$ 13,600
Time period for open copper future contract sales		3 months
Fair value of future contracts with gain (loss) position		$ (30)
Other Current Asset [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other current assets: Gain positions		60	99
Other current assets: Loss positions		0	(4)
Other Current Asset [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other current assets: Gain positions		0	0
Other current assets: Loss positions		0	0
Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other assets: Gain positions		0	0
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other current liability: Gain positions		238	15
Other current liability: Loss positions		(1,864)	(832)
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other current liability: Gain positions		34	0
Other current liability: Loss positions		(75)	(81)
Other Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other liabilities: Loss positions		$ (1,692)	$ (927)
[1]	Does not include the impact of cash collateral provided to counterparties.

Derivative Instruments and He59

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Part 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 20, 2013	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Restricted cash in other current assets as collateral related to open derivative contracts		$ 2,600	$ 500
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Deferred net gains (losses), net of tax, included in AOCI		(1,000)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain on commodity contracts (non-qualifying)		3,474	1,466
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax		(3,817)	(1,088)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax		3,310	267
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges		3,374	6,783
Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax		(39)	(275)
Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Depreciation Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax		0	0
Inventory [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges		$ (3,665)	(5,958)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Period of interest rate swap	2 years
Notional amount	$ 200,000
Interest rate swap, fixed interest rate	1.40%
Term loan facility, all-in fixed interest rate	2.70%
Interest rate swap maturity date		Dec. 11, 2017
Deferred net gains (losses), net of tax, included in AOCI		$ (1,100)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax		(727)	(1,435)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax		238	0
Other [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax		(21)	32
Other [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax		$ 0	$ 0

Industry Segments (Details)

Industry Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of net consolidated sales threshold constituting a major customer			10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Long-lived assets		$ 245,910	$ 280,224	$ 245,910	$ 244,457
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			2,100,002	2,364,227	2,158,541
Cost of goods sold			1,809,702	2,043,719	1,862,089
Depreciation and amortization			34,608	33,735	32,394
Selling, general, and administrative expense			130,358	131,740	134,914
Insurance settlement			0	0	(106,332)
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets	$ (15,400)	(4,800)	(15,376)	(6,259)	(39,765)
Impairment charges			0	0	4,304
Severance	$ 3,400	4,200	3,442	7,296	0
Operating income			137,268	153,996	270,937
Interest expense			(7,667)	(5,740)	(3,990)
Other income (expense), net			2,188	(243)	4,451
Income before income taxes			131,789	148,013	271,398
Expenditures for long-lived assets			71,012	41,276	61,642
Segment assets		1,328,096	1,338,801	1,328,096	1,247,767
Corporate and Eliminations [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			(9,809)	(12,388)	(14,549)
Cost of goods sold			(9,669)	(12,386)	(14,488)
Depreciation and amortization			1,836	2,203	2,252
Selling, general, and administrative expense			23,476	22,743	24,964
Insurance settlement					(2,437)
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets			0	0	0
Impairment charges					0
Severance			0	0
Operating income			(25,452)	(24,948)	(24,840)
United States [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets		203,522	223,398	203,522	198,837
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			1,519,456	1,752,548	1,651,138
United Kingdom [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets		19,007	15,248	19,007	21,220
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			240,823	326,832	229,659
Canada [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets		0	20,460	0	0
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			97,967	9,807	13,666
Other [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets		23,381	21,118	23,381	24,400
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			241,756	275,040	264,078
Tube and Fittings [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			1,053,761	1,143,164	972,107
Brass Rod and Forgings [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			436,456	556,985	553,896
OEM Components, Tube & Assemblies [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			342,651	345,991	337,772
Valves and Plumbing Specialties [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			198,012	262,504	239,822
Other [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			69,122	55,583	54,944
Plumbing and Refrigeration [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			1,260,273	1,416,701	1,225,306
Cost of goods sold			1,082,493	1,215,282	1,043,059
Depreciation and amortization			19,237	19,613	17,117
Selling, general, and administrative expense			80,405	87,539	85,471
Insurance settlement					(103,895)
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets			(15,376)	(6,259)	(39,765)
Impairment charges					4,173
Severance			3,442	7,296
Operating income			90,072	93,230	219,146
Expenditures for long-lived assets			41,456	30,087	43,543
Segment assets		664,784	709,447	664,784	625,371
OEM [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales			849,538	959,914	947,784
Cost of goods sold			736,878	840,823	833,518
Depreciation and amortization			13,535	11,919	13,025
Selling, general, and administrative expense			26,477	21,458	24,479
Insurance settlement					0
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets			0	0	0
Impairment charges					131
Severance			0	0
Operating income			72,648	85,714	76,631
Expenditures for long-lived assets			29,420	10,788	14,845
Segment assets		313,245	302,875	313,245	305,052
General Corporate [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Expenditures for long-lived assets			136	401	3,254
Segment assets		$ 350,067	$ 326,479	$ 350,067	$ 317,344

Quarterly Financial Informati61

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Dec. 26, 2015		Sep. 26, 2015		Jun. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2015		Dec. 27, 2014		Sep. 27, 2014		Jun. 28, 2014		Mar. 29, 2014		Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	[1]	$ 471,983		$ 535,184		$ 555,593		$ 537,242		$ 537,342		$ 602,820		$ 649,691		$ 574,374
Gross profit	[1],[2]	60,647		68,017		85,228		76,408		68,453		81,542		91,916		78,597
Consolidated net income		14,110	[3]	18,095	[1],[3],[4]	33,862	[1],[3],[5]	22,340	[1],[3]	18,049	[1],[6],[7]	24,322	[1],[7]	35,209	[1],[7]	24,954	[1],[7]	$ 88,407	$ 102,534	$ 173,289
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.		$ 14,435	[1]	$ 17,800	[1]	$ 33,651	[1]	$ 21,978	[1]	$ 17,987	[1]	$ 23,823	[1]	$ 35,045	[1]	$ 24,706	[1]	$ 87,864	$ 101,560	$ 172,600
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.26	[1]	$ 0.32	[1]	$ 0.60	[1]	$ 0.39	[1]	$ 0.32	[1]	$ 0.42	[1]	$ 0.63	[1]	$ 0.44	[1]	$ 1.56	$ 1.81	$ 3.10
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)		0.25	[1]	0.31	[1]	0.59	[1]	0.39	[1]	0.32	[1]	0.42	[1]	0.62	[1]	0.44	[1]	1.54	1.79	3.06
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.075	[1]	$ 0.075	[1]	$ 0.075	[1]	$ 0.075	[1]	$ 0.075	[1]	$ 0.075	[1]	$ 0.075	[1]	$ 0.075	[1]	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.25
Gain on sale of assets						$ 15,400				$ 4,800								$ 15,376	$ 6,259	$ 39,765
Pre-tax charges related to severance						$ 3,400				$ 4,200								$ 3,442	$ 7,296	$ 0
[1]	The sum of quarterly amounts may not equal the annual amounts reported due to rounding. In addition, the earnings per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter, while the full year is based on the weighted average shares outstanding.
[2]	Gross profit is net sales less cost of goods sold, which excludes depreciation and amortization.
[3]	Includes income earned by Turbotec, acquired during Q2 2015, Sherwood, acquired during Q2 2015, and Great Lakes, acquired during Q3 2015.
[4]	During Q3 2015, the Company recorded a permanent adjustment to a deferred tax liability of $4.2 million.
[5]	Includes $15.4 million pre-tax gain on sale of assets and $3.4 million of pre-tax charges related to severance.
[6]	Includes $4.8 million pre-tax gain on sale of assets and $4.2 million of pre-tax charges related to severance.
[7]	Includes losses incurred by Yorkshire, acquired during Q1 2014.

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 30, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage			50.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Cayan Ventures and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Investments in joint venture	$ 5.5
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	40.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Jungwoo Metal Ind. Co., LTD [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Investments in joint venture		$ 21
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		60.00%

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUA63

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year		$ 666	$ 2,391	$ 1,644
Charged to costs and expenses		(130)	(500)	273
Other additions	[1]	201	18	812
Deductions		114	1,243	338
Balance at end of year		623	666	2,391
Environmental Reserves [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year		22,661	23,637	24,635
Charged to costs and expenses		76	1,187	986
Other additions		0	0	0
Deductions		1,070	2,163	1,984
Balance at end of year		21,667	22,661	23,637
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year		17,119	22,544	30,394
Charged to costs and expenses		(5)	(5,630)	332
Other additions		536	2,282	0
Deductions		0	2,077	8,182
Balance at end of year		$ 17,650	$ 17,119	$ 22,544
[1]	Other consists primarily of bad debt recoveries as well as the effect of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates in all years presented.